The daughter of the first wife grew up in the countryside and was extremely powerful

"But right now, food is extremely scarce everywhere. Where can we find extra food and fodder to meet the emergency?"

Apart from the military rations that had already been prepared...

Gu Fanchu felt a chill in his heart. These people were extremely selfish. They would do anything to ensure that their own interests were not harmed at all.

However, at this moment, all this is no longer so important to her. The most important thing is that she must find a way to take the credit for herself.

Gu Fanchu opened her red lips and said slowly:

"In fact, there's food in the capital. The owners of those grain shops and businesses are all very perceptive. They sensed months ago that something unusual might happen this year, so they prepared for it and began stockpiling large quantities of food early on.

But they are not so kind-hearted. How could they willingly give away these life-saving foods without asking for anything in return? "

Although what Gu Fanchu said was not a shocking secret, everyone present knew it.

In today's situation, everyone hopes to gain some benefits from it. If there is no tangible benefit to be gained, who would be willing to do good deeds for no reason?

When the emperor heard this, the relaxed smile on his face disappeared instantly, replaced by a serious expression. He began to look straight at the seemingly weak girl in front of him.

At the same time, the Fifth Prince's face was as gloomy as water, and his eyes were as sharp as torches, shooting straight at Gu Fanchu. No one knew what he was thinking at the moment.

Gu Fanchu's expression was calm, as if she didn't hear the strange looks and voices around her. She raised her head slightly, a smile on her lips, and continued to speak slowly:

"I have just returned to the capital. My family elders have shown me love and care, and have gifted me with several shops. And just last year, Your Majesty was even more gracious and rewarded me.

Therefore, I usually follow my second uncle to learn how to manage business matters."

Having said this, she paused for a moment, then continued in a firm tone:

"It just so happens that I own two shops that deal in grain and rice.

Seeing that Your Majesty is worried about the disaster victims, I am willing to donate all the food and flour in these two shops to relieve Your Majesty's urgent needs!"

After she finished speaking, she knelt down lightly. Her movements were graceful and elegant, as noble and charming as a blooming lotus.

However, at this moment, several ministers from the Fifth Prince's faction could not help but show sarcasm on their faces and laughed out loud:

"Princess Lingyu, do you know how many people have been affected by this disaster? And how much food is needed to overcome this crisis?

"How much food can you possibly store in your two small grain stores? It's simply a drop in the bucket!"

Faced with such sarcasm, Gu Fanchu was not afraid at all.

She slowly turned her head, her beautiful eyes shining brightly like stars as she looked straight at the ministers on the Fifth Prince's side. She opened her red lips and responded calmly and fearlessly:

"So, what do you think we should do? The soldiers on the frontier are our heroes, guarding our territory and safeguarding national security! How can we so arbitrarily embezzle their rations?

If we really do this, who will dare to stand up and defend our country in the future? Are you willing to go?"

The minister had never expected that Gu Fanchu would dare to refute him so rudely. For a moment, he was choked and his face turned red. He stammered:

"you you……"

However, before he could finish his words, Gu Fanchu interrupted him mercilessly and said sternly:

"Me? What's wrong with me? Your Majesty is our supreme monarch. Every inch of land in this world belongs to Your Majesty. As your subjects, we should serve Your Majesty loyally. Isn't this a matter of course?

Although my shop doesn't have enough food in stock, as long as someone takes the lead and sets an example, how can those kind-hearted and simple people be so heartless? They will definitely donate some supplies."

"When that time comes, wouldn't it be possible to properly solve the current problem if we gather every little bit together?

Even ordinary people are so reasonable and open-minded, so how can you, as the local officials, be stingy?

"Your Excellency, I see you are plump and well-fed, and I imagine you must be eating too much meat and fish. Why not take this opportunity to eat more light vegetarian food and improve your health?"

The chubby official's face turned red with anger. He pointed at Gu Fanchu but was so angry that he couldn't speak.

The atmosphere in the hall was so oppressive that it was suffocating, as if time had frozen at this moment.

The Fifth Prince's once handsome face was now distorted by anger. He glared fiercely at the woman in front of him who spoke sharply and refused to back down, and growled in a low voice:

"You are clearly making excuses!"

Gu Fanchu, who was standing aside, raised her head slightly. Her eyes, bright as stars, looked straight at the Fifth Prince, revealing an elusive emotion.

She opened her red lips and said slowly:

"Fifth Prince, why are you so insistent on sending this batch of military rations to the disaster area? Have you never considered the serious consequences of doing so?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the entire hall fell into dead silence.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for the Fifth Prince's response.

However, the Fifth Prince just snorted coldly and continued to argue:

"This prince naturally has a way to solve this problem. We will allocate food and fodder from other places..."

Before he could finish his words, Gu Fanchu interrupted him with a sneer:

"Somewhere else? Where exactly? Why must we wait until later, and not now? Fifth Prince, have you ever thought about those brave soldiers guarding the border?

Winter is approaching, and if this batch of military rations and supplies from the imperial court cannot reach them in time, the consequences will be disastrous!"

At this point, Gu Fanchu couldn't help but raise his voice, and his tone became more excited:

“When the harsh winter arrives, the warriors on the frontier may be starving and lack the strength to even pick up their swords and spears to resist the invasion of foreign enemies.

They could only watch helplessly as the enemy's blades chopped them down mercilessly, unable to fight back. Or, they would shiver with cold or even fall ill with fever due to lack of adequate warm clothing.

However, due to the lack of necessary medical treatment, many people can only die with hatred..."

As Gu Fanchu's description became more vivid and specific, the expressions of the people present became uglier and uglier.

Especially the Fifth Prince, a layer of fine beads of sweat had already appeared on his forehead, and his lips were trembling slightly. He seemed to want to refute something, but in the end he couldn't say it.