She mistakenly got into the bridal sedan chair and married a sickly but powerful minister, becoming

Shen Qingtan knew that Boss Qin respected her and also treated her with the care and affection of a junior.

In her past life, apart from her biological family whom she had never met, only the Qin family truly cared about her.

She pondered, "Uncle Qin, how much grain do you have?"

Boss Qin replied: "Last spring, there was continuous rain. You felt that the weather was abnormal compared to the past and that disasters might occur, so you asked me to go and collect the grain."

Our grain shops in various places collected a total of 500,000 shi of grain, and soon after, floods, droughts, and locust plagues occurred.

At that time, the government required merchants to donate grain. We took the lead and donated 50,000 shi (a unit of dry measure). After that, grain was distributed to the people on a regular and ration basis, and there were still 200,000 shi left.

A large portion of this grain was harvested gradually over the past year; otherwise, the granaries would have been empty long ago.

When the disaster was severe, the government requisitioned grain, and all the merchants adopted a wait-and-see attitude.

Later, he received a letter from Shen Qingtan, asking him to take the lead in donating grain. Although this offended other merchants, the official in charge would surely remember his kindness.

If the government uses methods to force them to donate grain, the amount they donate will no longer be up to them.

Just as Shen Qingtan had predicted, after he donated grain, the prefect and the provincial governor treated him very warmly and gave him some conveniences, hoping that other merchants would voluntarily contribute grain.

The other merchants had agreed to donate five thousand bushels of grain each, while harboring resentment towards him and plotting revenge.

The government arrested the man and investigated him thoroughly. The next day, they confiscated his house as a warning to other merchants and made it clear that each of them should donate 100,000 shi of grain.

He later learned by chance that the officials were determined to rob the rich to help the disaster victims, and had already stipulated that each person should receive 100,000 shi of grain.

He took the initiative to donate and set an example, which saved him from disaster.

The grain sold this year has been priced very fairly, without any exorbitant prices, thus earning an excellent reputation.

“You promised Zhao Jue that you would sell him the grain.” Shen Qingtan said calmly, “In the capital, the price of grain is fair, eight qian per shi. You can lie to him that you only have fifty thousand shi left. For the remaining fifty thousand shi, contact a merchant you are working with, and he will be willing to sell it to you. Because you need it urgently, he will take the opportunity to raise the price to one tael and two qian of silver per shi of grain.”

Boss Qin was startled: "This concerns military rations. If I make an exorbitant demand, Third Master Zhao will bring this matter to the emperor's doorstep..."

“Uncle Qin, the imperial court has only approved 50,000 taels of silver. If the old Duke or someone else were to do the work, you would be in trouble for asking for an exorbitant price. As for Zhao Jue... you don’t need to worry about that.”

Shen Qingtan scoffed, "Zhao Jue took on this task specifically to secure the position of heir, hoping to impress the old Duke."

He would never make a fuss about grain prices with the old Duke.

If he can't even handle this small matter, how can he prove his abilities to the old Duke? Do you think the Duke will still request that he be named the heir apparent?

Boss Qin shook his head: "No."

“Zhao Jue would even sell himself out for the title of Duke’s mansion, so why would he care about a little bit of silver?” Shen Qingtan calmly instructed Boss Qin: “No matter what Zhao Jue says, stick to this price. After he agrees, find an excuse to ask for the full payment and then hand over the grain to him.”

Boss Qin was taken aback and hesitated before asking, "Are we going to sell him the grain?"

“Of course I won’t sell. I have other plans.” Shen Qingtan looked at Boss Qin’s puzzled expression and revealed her plan: “In previous years, the Ministry of Revenue summoned merchants to pay grain, issuing documents to local provincial governors, military commanders, salt transport commissioners, and other relevant government offices. They either had to pay silver to buy grain or exchange salt certificates for grain. Before the grain shortage, salt certificates were more valuable than grain. Now that there is a grain shortage, grain is more precious than salt certificates.”

Mr. Qin's heart stirred, and he listened as Shen Qingtan continued.

"Go find Zhao Yi and ask him to introduce you to the old Duke. Tell the old Duke that you have learned by chance that there is a food shortage in the north."

Because of the soldiers guarding the border, you were able to travel all over the country and accumulate this fortune. Now that the soldiers are starving, as a citizen of the Great Zhou, I am willing to do my part and donate 100,000 shi of grain.

The old Duke is honest and upright, and handles matters impartially; he certainly won't take your grain for nothing. If he wants to help you, you should offer to exchange your grain for salt permits. In short, act according to the circumstances; you might be able to gain the old Duke's protection in the future.

As for Zhao Jue, when he gave you the silver, you complained to him that due to accusations from your peers and slanderous public opinion, you had no choice but to donate the grain, resulting in a loss of over ten thousand taels of silver.

Boss Qin's eyes lit up. Since he donated grain and distributed porridge to refugees, he had earned the title of a great philanthropist. He could use this as an excuse, and Zhao Jue couldn't blame him.

If Zhao Jue holds a grudge and seeks revenge, he can ask the old Duke for help.

"Okay, then I'll do as you say." Boss Qin belatedly realized that Shen Qingtan was trying to pin the credit on Zhao Yi!

"Uncle Qin, there's something else I need you to do." Shen Qingtan took out a dowry list from her sleeve pocket: "Please keep an eye out for pawnshops in the capital. If any of them receive anything from this list, please let me know immediately."

When Boss Qin received the dowry list, she immediately understood the whole story. It must have been Zhao Jue who embezzled her dowry.

Thinking of Shen Qingtan's scheme just now, he couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat for Zhao Jue.

If Zhao Jue pawns Shen Qingtan's dowry, he'll probably be skinned alive.

-

Shen Qingtan returned to the carriage with the snacks. Zhao Yi was reading a book. After she sat down, she saw him put the book aside and tap the carriage wall with his finger to signal the driver to drive. He didn't seem to have anything to ask her.

After spending the past few days together, she had a pretty good idea of ​​Zhao Yi's thoughts.

They married and made a pact to treat each other with the utmost respect.

He will fulfill all his responsibilities. As for her private matters, if she brings them up, he will be happy to listen and even handle them for her, but he will never pry or overstep his boundaries.

Thinking about the tough battle ahead, Shen Qingtan leaned against the car wall, pondering how to deal with it.

After an unknown amount of time, the carriage slowly came to a stop, and the driver reminded them, "Second Master, Second Madam, we have arrived at the Marquis's residence."

Zhao Yi got off the carriage first, stood beside it, and lifted the curtain to wait for Shen Qingtan.

Shen Qingtan stepped out of the carriage and saw Zhao Yi extending his hand to her.

She remembered that Zhao Yi didn't like close contact with people. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw everyone in the mansion standing at the door. Shen Mingzhu helped Wan Dong down the stairs.

Shen Qingtan held a handkerchief in her hand and placed it in Zhao Yi's palm. Their hands clasped together through the handkerchief.

Shen Mingzhu steadied herself and looked up to see Zhao Yi steadily helping Shen Qingtan down from the carriage. She turned to look for Zhao Jue, only to see him dismount and toss the reins to a servant.

As Zhao Jue walked over, she gently tugged at his sleeve, gesturing for him to look over.

Hopefully, Zhao Jue will learn from this and treat her more considerately.

Zhao Jue happened to see Shen Qingtan quickly withdraw her hand, and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Sure enough, she didn't like Zhao Yi.

Shen Mingzhu said softly, "Husband, look..."

"What are you looking at?" Zhao Jue completely failed to grasp Shen Mingzhu's implication. He glanced at the magnificent carriage of the main house and said in a low voice, "Zhao Yi's maternal family is very wealthy. The carriage was built by my aunt with her own private money. My maternal family can't compare and can't give you a luxurious carriage."

Shen Mingzhu was stunned, not understanding what Zhao Jue meant, and subconsciously looked at Shen Qingtan's carriage.

The strings of jewels on the carriage glittered in the sunlight, making her feel even more resentful in comparison to the ordinary red-canopied carriage she was riding in.