With Prince Qi's intervention, news spread even faster, and grain merchants across the land were eager to transport their grain to Yuzhou for sale.
After half a month of speculation, grain prices in Yuzhou soared to "three hundred wen per dou."
The influx of numerous merchants stimulated local consumption to some extent—perhaps a silver lining in the midst of the crisis.
When the time seemed right, Shen Mingyuan stopped purchasing grain at high prices and instead lowered the price to twenty wen per dou.
The wealthy merchants were naturally unwilling to comply. They wondered if Yan Gui truly saw itself as the local power in Yuzhou. Couldn’t they sell the grain themselves instead of relying on Yan Gui? After all, with the famine, there was no shortage of buyers.
However, Shen Mingyuan countered by selling all the stockpiled grain at low prices.
Selling grain to the common people at twenty wen per dou was practically giving it away for free. Naturally, the people flocked to his stores, leaving other grain shops deserted.
At first, others were reluctant to lower their prices, but no one knew exactly how much grain Shen Mingyuan had stockpiled earlier. Day after day, long queues formed outside his shops, as if the supply was endless.
Although purchases were limited, with each household economizing, the grain was enough to sustain them for several days.
This left other merchant guilds restless.
Yan Gui might not be the dominant force in Yuzhou, but it had its roots here. In contrast, these merchants weren’t even locals—how could they afford to wait it out?
Just as they considered resorting to underhanded tactics, Prince Qi stepped in to protect Yan Gui, shielding it completely.
Now, everyone could see their intentions.
It was said that in recent days, the breakage rate of cups, bowls, chopsticks, vases, and other porcelain items in inns had been exceptionally high. Late at night, sudden outbursts of angry shouts could be heard, with four words frequently repeated:
"Collusion between officials and merchants! Collusion between officials and merchants!"
This was the first time merchants had ever complained about "collusion between officials and merchants," clearly indicating that this was no good thing.
However, the common people do not contend with officials, and no matter how wealthy the merchants were, they dared not oppose a prince. On the contrary, they had to take the initiative to visit Prince Qi and apologize, hoping he would forgive their petty schemes against Yan Gui.
In the end, the grain they brought was sold to the imperial court at sixty wen per dou, purchased by Prince Qi using disaster relief funds.
The grain was uniformly delivered to the Yan Gui Merchant Guild, which was tasked with selling it to the people, still at twenty wen per dou.
In the past, even after disaster relief funds were exhausted, little progress was made. Now, with only half the funds spent, the crisis in Yuzhou was no longer a threat.
When news of this spread, the entire nation was astounded.
Not only were court ministers amazed by Prince Qi’s strategy, but even the common people praised him extensively.
Prince Qi had never lacked popular support. The people had long heard of his gentle and benevolent nature, but this time, they witnessed firsthand that his wisdom was no less remarkable than his character.
For a time, the incense offerings at Fahua Temple grew even more abundant.
—To have Prince Qi is a blessing for Da Yin.
The abbot of Fahua Temple had foreseen this early on, proving he truly possessed some remarkable insight!
During this period, Yun Qi was in high spirits, with a steady stream of visitors coming to pay their respects. Even retired old ministers living nearby made special trips, leaning on their canes to visit.
He always enjoyed bringing Shen Mingyuan along, as if it gave him more confidence.
Shen Mingyuan was happy to oblige.
By Yun Qi’s side, he remained composed and dignified, neither subservient nor arrogant. Yun Qi, in turn, treated him with exceptional respect, making many aware that Yun Qi had a highly valued advisor.
However, Yun Qi was after all a prince. He had come on imperial orders to provide disaster relief, and now that the matter had been handled well, it was time for him to return to the capital to report.
At the end of the banquet that day, Yun Qi once again extended an invitation to Shen Mingyuan, hoping he would return to the capital together. Shen Mingyuan still refused.
As expected, Yun Qi did not press the matter, only offering a few more pleasantries before bidding farewell to Shen Mingyuan.
After perfunctorily seeing Yun Qi off, Shen Mingyuan had just returned to his rented house when he saw two people standing in the courtyard like a pair of wooden poles, with Zhang Mingquan watching them impatiently from the side.
The scene felt somewhat familiar, and Shen Mingyuan paused in his steps.
This time, Zhang Mingquan noticed him first and, as if seeing a savior, hurried forward to greet him. "Young Master."
Only then did Zheng Honglin and You Zhonglun snap out of their daze, awkwardly bowing. "Sir… Sir."
Shen Mingyuan raised an eyebrow, teasing, "What lessons do you two gentlemen wish to impart to this humble man this time?"
Zheng Honglin's face instantly flushed bright red, too ashamed to lift his head, and he bowed hastily. "We were ignorant and wronged you, Sir. We have come specifically to apologize."
After the truth came to light, everyone knew that Yan Gui Chamber of Commerce's initial high-price purchases were also part of the plan.
Far from being parasites sucking the blood of the people, Shen Mingyuan had long devised a strategy to aid the populace, even going so far as to personally involve himself in the scheme.
"Oh?" Shen Mingyuan teased. "Even if you say that, not a single coin of the debt will be forgiven."
"No, no," Zheng Honglin, unaware that their impression on him was already poor, failed to detect the jest and waved his hands in panic. "We will repay the money. We came here only to apologize and dare not have any other ulterior motives."
You Zhonglun was more composed. He bowed and said, "We dare not ask for your forgiveness, Sir. We only beg you to accept our apology as a small gesture of atonement."
Zhang Mingquan had initially intended to scold them, but seeing their sincerity, he felt too embarrassed to say anything.
However, the memory of them berating Shen Mingyuan half a month ago was still vivid, and Zhang Mingquan couldn't help but hold a grudge. He snorted loudly and said, "Finished? Then leave. You're not welcome here."
The two hung their heads, not daring to argue.
You Zhonglun took a pouch from his waist and handed it to Shen Mingyuan. "This is the money we earned from copying books these past days. Please accept it, Sir."
Shen Mingyuan glanced at the bulging pouch.
As a merchant now, he had some understanding of the market prices across various trades. Earning this much from copying books alone was already a testament to their exceptional diligence.
Shen Mingyuan asked, "Do either of you hold any scholarly titles?"
Zheng Honglin answered honestly, "Both Brother You and I are provincial graduates, awaiting the spring examinations next year."
Shen Mingyuan hummed in acknowledgment and used his folding fan to push You Zhonglun's hand, still holding the pouch, back. "Your priority should be your studies. Everything else can wait."
Without giving them a chance to refuse or thank him, he turned to Zhang Mingquan and said with a smile, "I leave Yuzhou City to you. I will set off for Luming tomorrow."
Zhang Mingquan exclaimed, "Ah," reluctant to see him go. "Young Master is leaving so soon?"
With Shen Mingyuan around, he always felt more confident.
Shen Mingyuan shot him a disdainful look and remarked casually, "If I don't return soon, your Magistrate Lu will come personally to drag me back—three letters a day, who could be more annoying than him?"
Zhang Mingquan dared not respond to this remark. He stammered awkwardly, "N-no, it's not my family…"
Luming, Magistrate Lu…
Zheng Honglin was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly looked up, his expression agitated. "Could it be Magistrate Lu Shaozhi?"
Shen Mingyuan glanced at them suspiciously. "Do you know him?"
"Not exactly. It's just that the two of us have long admired Magistrate Lu but have never had the chance to meet him," You Zhonglun replied, unable to contain his joy.
Lu Shaozhi was exceptionally talented in literature. He gained fame early, becoming renowned in his childhood for his essay "Ode to the Autumn Mountains." Nearly every scholar in the Yuzhou region had read his poetry and prose.
Moreover, even if his political achievements were not particularly outstanding before, in the face of the current famine, the rare peace in Luming County was enough to demonstrate his capabilities.
With both literary talent and the ability to benefit the people, it was only natural that he had garnered a group of admirers in Yuzhou.
"So that's how it is," Shen Mingyuan said, a sudden idea flashing in his mind. He broke into a smile. "Would you like to accompany me to Luming? I have some personal connections with Magistrate Lu and can introduce you."
Zheng Honglin was overjoyed. "Is that true?"
He quickly realized his rudeness and hurriedly clasped his hands in apology, ashamed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to doubt you, sir. I was just too excited…"
Shen Mingyuan chuckled softly. "Shall we meet at the city gate at this time tomorrow?"
The two nodded repeatedly.
Only then did they feel embarrassed. You Zhonglun said, "We offended you, sir, yet not only did you not blame us, but you are also willing to introduce us to Magistrate Lu. Such kindness—we don't know how to repay it."
Shen Mingyuan smiled faintly. "From your words and actions, I can see that you both possess remarkable literary talent. I believe you will surely rank high in the imperial examinations next spring. If you enter the court as officials, remember not to act impulsively as you did this time. Keep in mind what I said: the world is vast, and ordinary people, seeing only a glimpse at a time, often struggle to grasp the full picture."
The two bowed respectfully. "We will heed your teachings."
For some reason, Shen Mingyuan's attitude had become much friendlier, like a fox with hidden intentions, smiling slyly, though it was unclear what mischief he was plotting.
He reached out to help them up, speaking gently, "However, the two of you possess a heart to aid the world and save the people, and you are unafraid of the powerful and influential. That is commendable."
Rarely hearing such praise from Shen Mingyuan, the two were instantly thrilled and exclaimed excitedly, "Thank you for your praise, sir."
After seeing them off, Shen Mingyuan suddenly called out leisurely toward the door, "If you don't come in now, I'll close the door."
Zhang Mingquan was taken aback. Could someone have been eavesdropping outside all this time?
However, no one responded.
Zhang Mingquan trusted Shen Mingyuan's judgment. His expression turned serious as he cautiously went to check outside.
After a while, he returned, dragging a child by the hand.
"It's a child. He hid on the neighbor's wall and nearly got away," Zhang Mingquan reported, asking for instructions. "Young master, how should we handle this?"
The child struggled in his grip. "I didn't mean any harm. Let me go, let me go!"
Shen Mingyuan let out a soft exclamation of surprise. "Aren't you the child from that acrobatics troupe?"
He signaled Zhang Mingquan to release the child, then crouched down and asked gently, "Did you come specifically to find me?"
"I…" The child twisted the hem of his clothes, as if trying to tear it apart, clearly conflicted.
Unaware of it himself, his expression shifted repeatedly—one moment scrunched up tightly, the next slightly relaxed—a different kind of "face-changing" act.
Shen Mingyuan found it amusing and couldn't help but laugh.
The child looked bewildered.
But he finally made a decision, mustered his courage, and said, "Sir, I have something very important to tell you."
"Alright, no rush." Shen Mingyuan led him inside, signaling Zhang Mingquan to prepare some snacks and tea.
Shen Mingyuan held a pastry, teasing the child, "What do you want to tell me?"
The child was clearly starving, wolfing down the food so quickly he nearly choked. Yet he showed restraint, perhaps because what he had to say was important enough. After eating two pastries, he forced himself to look away.
The child steeled himself and suddenly knelt down, his knees hitting the ground with a heavy, dull thud.
He seemed not to feel the pain, lowering himself to kowtow.
Shen Mingyuan’s eyelids twitched, and he hurriedly reached out to stop him.
His hand blocked the child’s forehead, gently rubbing his head as he spoke softly, "Say what you need to say standing up. What could possibly be worth kneeling for?"
The child stared blankly at his exceptionally handsome features.
Unable to hold back any longer, he burst into tears, "I beg you, sir, to seek justice for the people of Changning City."
Author's Note:
In the second year of the Huangyou era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1050 AD), a severe famine broke out in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, with Hangzhou being the hardest hit. At the time, the 62-year-old Fan Zhongyan was serving as the prefect of Hangzhou. Faced with the tragic sight of "corpses of the starved lining the roads," he implemented a series of seemingly unconventional yet economically astute relief strategies. The History of Song praised him, stating, "He distributed grain from the state granaries, recruited people to undertake beneficial projects, employing tens of thousands of laborers. Among the two Zhejiang regions, only Hangzhou remained peaceful, with no refugees fleeing."
While other prefectures strictly enforced "prohibitions on hoarding and price controls on grain," the price of rice in Hangzhou once soared to "120 wen per dou." Instead of imposing bans, Fan Zhongyan "publicly posted the rice prices, allowing them to rise freely." Seeing the opportunity for profit, merchants flocked to transport grain from surrounding areas, rapidly increasing market supply. Eventually, competition drove prices down naturally, allowing the people to purchase grain.
This is called "leveraging market forces to regulate supply." Have you learned this lesson, students?