The next day, at the Great Qian Imperial Palace.
Inside the Jinluan Hall.
A scout hurriedly burst into the hall.
"Report!"
"The grain price in Clearwater City has dropped to eighty-two wen per dou. Top Scholar Cui claims that it can still drop by another seven wen!"
With the scout's report, all the officials were taken aback and soon began to discuss, their words full of praise.
"Top Scholar Cui's talent is truly admirable. In such a short time, he managed to reduce the grain price in Clearwater City by a full eighteen wen, and it can still go lower. To lower prices from the greedy grain merchants without resorting to harsh measures or losing the court's dignity, he truly deserves the title of Top Scholar!"
"I, Song Li, request Her Majesty to reward Investigating Censor Cui Xinghe!"
Among the officials, Song Li stepped forward, his voice echoing through Jinluan Hall.
In his heart, the outcome of this contest was determined from the start; the rest was to see Cui Xinghe's methods in Clearwater City.
But Cui Xinghe did not disappoint his title as Top Scholar. In less than seven days, he curbed the rising grain prices in Clearwater City and even reduced them by eighteen wen.
Such methods destined his path to greatness!
When he returns to the capital, he will surely become a hot figure throughout Chang'an.
Therefore, Song Li didn't mind doing him a favor. In officialdom, favors go back and forth, deepening relationships.
Not to mention, in his heart, Cui Xinghe was already the ideal son-in-law for the Song Clan!
All the ministers present were shrewd individuals and quickly understood the stakes.
Wang Zhong also stepped forward, saying, "Merchants prioritize profit, and making a fortune during national disasters is common."
"But Top Scholar Cui stabilized the grain price in Clearwater City in just seven days. Such methods are truly admirable. I also request Her Majesty to set Top Scholar Cui as an example for officials everywhere to learn from!"
For a moment, one minister after another stepped forward.
"I concur!"
"I concur!"
On the dragon throne.
Wu Zhao wore a golden dragon robe, exuding an aura of nobility that was impossible to look at directly.
She was also somewhat surprised.
This Cui Xinghe was indeed no ordinary talent. In just seven days, he not only stabilized the rising grain prices but also reduced them by eighteen wen.
This person could indeed be put to great use.
At this moment, Wang Zhong curiously asked, "Clearwater City is only a few dozen li from Linjiang City. With the grain price in Clearwater City at eighty-two wen, what could the grain price in Linjiang City be?"
Chancellor Xu Xuanji said in a deep voice, "The news from Clearwater City has arrived. Presumably, the grain price news from Linjiang City will arrive soon."
Gao Feng's expression was grave.
The seven-day deadline had arrived. If Gao Yang hadn't managed to stabilize the grain price in Linjiang City, today would be dangerous.
Especially since Cui Xinghe had handed in a near-perfect answer sheet.
This pressure was now on Duke Dingguo Manor.
If Gao Yang hadn't done well, it would be hard to account for.
"Report!"
"Latest news from Linjiang City: the grain price has surpassed two hundred wen per dou, and the people are full of complaints. County Magistrate Du Jiang has sent a second urgent report, impeaching Investigating Censor Gao Yang!"
Another scout rushed into Jinluan Hall.
With these words, a storm of shock swept through Jinluan Hall, and everyone looked at the scout in astonishment.
Even Wu Zhao was taken aback.
She couldn't believe it and asked, "The grain price in Linjiang City has already surpassed two hundred wen per dou?"
"Is the news confirmed?"
The scout nodded, his voice sweeping through Jinluan Hall, "Reporting to Her Majesty, the news is absolutely accurate. For the past seven days, the grain price in Linjiang City has been skyrocketing!"
"And this is news from two days ago. The current grain price in Linjiang City might be even higher..."
With these words, Wu Zhao's expression turned even darker.
She clenched her fists, her face filled with anger.
She had trusted Gao Yang so much, even suppressing all court discussions for him and giving him authority.
But Gao Yang had betrayed her trust like this!
A grain price of two hundred wen per dou, and the public resentment in Linjiang City, she could already foresee!
That would be an overwhelming anger!
Gao Feng was also shocked, his eyes filled with disbelief.
What was this wretch doing?
Wasn't the fledgling supposed to spread its wings and soar into the sky, bearing the burden of Duke Dingguo Manor?
Good heavens, with the grain price surpassing two hundred wen per dou, did he want to send the entire Duke Dingguo Manor to the guillotine?
Gao Feng's expression changed.
At this moment, the scout continued, "Not only that, but County Magistrate Du also impeached Censor Gao for not lowering the grain price and instead praying daily, taking boat trips!"
"While the people suffer from this disaster, Censor Gao even wants to order the renovation of the county office and hold a grand Dragon Boat Race on the Clearwater River!"
"County Magistrate Du, heartbroken, sent an Eight-Hundred-Li Express to report to Her Majesty!"
With these words, the entire court was stunned.
In the midst of a national disaster, you raised the grain price to astronomical levels, and that's not all.
You even thought of using this opportunity to exploit disaster victims to renovate the office and hold large-scale events?
Yan Zheng, upon hearing this, trembled with anger, his white beard quivering.
"Absurd!"
"I have been in politics for thirty years and have never seen such a ridiculous person. Does he think that during this national disaster, when people can't afford to eat, he can renovate the office at a low cost?"
"Such a treacherous person, how can I tolerate him!"
Yan Zheng was furious.
Song Li and Wang Zhong also didn't expect Gao Yang to be so foolish, not only raising grain prices but also wanting to renovate the office and hold large events during this disaster year!
Song Li shook his head disdainfully.
Song Li stepped forward, saying, "I implore Her Majesty to severely punish the grandson of Duke Dingguo to quell the public anger!"
Wang Zhong immediately followed, righteously, "I second this!"
Yan Zheng: "I second this!"
For a moment, the entire Jinluan Hall echoed with the voices of officials in agreement.
Wu Zhao's beautiful face was covered with coldness, and she remained silent.
She firmly believed in her intuition that Gao Yang could not be so foolish.
These successive actions, even the most spoiled scions in Chang'an, wouldn't be this stupid!
He must have his reasons.
But now, even as the Empress of Great Qian, she felt immense pressure!
Gao Feng's face also darkened.
In a disaster year, exploiting the people to renovate the office and hold large events, this was truly an attempt to take Duke Dingguo's entire family down with him.
This wretch, he must be beaten when he returns!
But now, he still had to step forward.
His own cub, he had to discipline himself; these bastards couldn't be allowed to kick him when he's down.
He didn't know if he could withstand it.
Gao Feng gritted his teeth, just about to step forward.
But outside Jinluan Hall, an elderly figure in mottled armor appeared, exuding an aura of authority without anger.
Swish, swish, swish!
Almost instantly, the eyes of all the civil and military officials fell on the newcomer, and their expressions changed dramatically.
"Duke Dingguo!" someone exclaimed.
Gao Tianlong strode into the hall.
Duke Dingguo had the privilege of entering the palace at any time, without needing to kneel in court!
Gao Tianlong walked to the center of the hall, first bowing slightly to Wu Zhao, "Your subject, Gao Tianlong, pays respects to Her Majesty!"
Wu Zhao suddenly breathed a sigh of relief, "Duke Dingguo, rise."
Gao Tianlong's gaze swept across the entire Jinluan Hall, then he said calmly, "I am here for one purpose only."
"Whether the grain price is soaring or the office is being renovated, these are all news from two days ago from Linjiang City. Why rush?"
"In two or three days, Linjiang City won't fall into chaos. Can we wait two or three more days?"
His calm voice, carrying an undeniable authority, clearly reached the ears of all the ministers present.
As Gao Tianlong's voice fell, the ministers remained silent.
Even Wang Zhong, who had always been at odds with Duke Dingguo Manor, uncharacteristically remained silent.
As long as Duke Dingguo, the head of the six great Dukes of Great Qian, was alive, the entire Great Qian had to give him some respect!