It’s hard to break a phoenix’s destiny

Chapter 659: A Way to shirk responsibility

"But, but doesn't he even want to be a general and just want to escape from the world every day?" Jin Xi hesitated.

"It's just an excuse to reassure the emperor." Jin Zhun sneered, "Think about it, the current emperor is a ruthless character. When he killed his brothers, he didn't even blink. Especially when he killed his brother Liu Gong, he kicked through the wall and stabbed him through the heart while he was sleeping... Tsk tsk tsk, how cruel is that. Do you think Liu Yao can show his edge? If he shows the slightest arrogance and pride, I'm afraid he will be killed on the spot."

"...I think they have a pretty good relationship as brothers..." Jin Xi's voice was so low that it was barely audible.

"Do you know the rumors about them? Do you know that Yang Xianrong used her sister to seduce the current emperor? Do you know what happened between them on the banks of the Luo River?" Jin Zhun asked with a sinister tone, "If Liu Yao is allowed to take the throne, you and I will both die. If the emperor dies now, we will all die too. This prince is really too bad to be helped."

"Uncle." Jin Xi called out softly, then covered his mouth tightly.

"Forget it, I won't talk to you so much. Now, don't you want to raise food? I'll analyze it for you and see how to deal with this matter." Jin Zhun saw that his nephew was already sweating coldly, and he also understood that the child had not thought about so many bloody storms in the Han royal family, and thought that everyone was thinking about the emperor.

"The wealthy merchants must have grain, this is beyond doubt. Just like you and I have a lot of grain in our homes, your father, who is a miser, must have more grain." Jin Zhun snorted again. How could he not know his brother? "So, think about it carefully, why are people unwilling to take out the grain? Isn't it because even if the price is ten or twenty times, there are still people who come to buy grain? What does this show? These ordinary people still have money in their hands, or they still have things that can be sold. If you squeeze them, you may get something good."

"This... isn't very kind." Jin Xi felt a little reluctant.

"So what?" Jin Zhun glanced at him, "How can we accumulate wealth? We can quickly accumulate wealth at this time, so that our descendants can have no worries for at least three generations."

Speaking of which, Jin Xi was still young and had never thought about such a question. He could only look at his uncle and said nothing more.

"Let me tell you this. If you bring your men to block the doors of those wealthy merchants, they will open their warehouses and release grain. However, they will only take out old rice, or moldy grains, or even pass off inferior goods as good ones to deceive everyone. In the end, they will still keep most of the grain and continue to sell it at a high price."

"What should I do then?" Jin Xi pursed his lips and had no idea what to do.

"Do you think you can get your father to open a position?" Jin Zhun looked at him sideways.

"That's definitely not possible. He just won't do that." Jin Xi replied immediately.

"That's it. So, do you think those wealthy merchants and gentry will listen to you? Can you defeat them?" Jin Zhun approached him and whispered, "Why don't you let Liu Yao handle the grain collection?"

"Why? Isn't this the business of the prefect of Chang'an?" Jin Xi was confused again, "He is the general who protects the country, he can't do such a thing."

"It's about the food and clothing of the Han soldiers. How can it not be the job of the general who protects the country?" Jin Zhun snorted. "Let him do it and offend all the wealthy merchants. That way, they won't have to flatter him every day. It's annoying to watch them. If the food supply is not enough and the soldiers go hungry, Liu Yao will be the first to be punished!"

"This... my nephew can't do it." Jin Xi lowered his head again. He had understood that his uncle wanted to compete with Liu Yao for the right to speak in the Han Dynasty. The reason why he was pushed to this position was just because he was young and inexperienced, which made it easier for his uncle to control him. In fact, he was just a puppet and could not do anything. Jin Zhun was indeed a man of action. He explained the matter to Emperor Liu Cong in the court the next day, and did not hesitate to belittle his nephew for his poor performance and demoted him and fined his salary. However, he also showed his loyalty and concern for the country and the people. He knelt on the ground and cried bitterly, "This drought is too sudden. If the crops in the fields are not watered, this winter will not only make it through Chang'an City, but also the army of the Han Dynasty will be greatly damaged. If others know about it one day, the imperial power of the Han Dynasty will be in jeopardy!"

"What are you talking about?" Liu Cong slammed the table in anger. "Isn't it just about raising food? Why are you talking about this? You guys should think of a solution!"

"I would like to ask the general to come forward to raise food." Jin Zhun said earnestly, "My nephew does not have the prestige to be supported by everyone, but the general is different. Those wealthy merchants will give the general some face."

"This... isn't the duty and responsibility of the prefect of Chang'an? I can't do it." Liu Yao immediately realized that this was a big trap and refused directly.

Liu Cong also nodded and said, "The general has so many things to deal with, how can he have time to deal with the matter of raising grain. Besides, this is the job of the prefect of Chang'an. If he can't do it, he won't be the prefect anymore."

The words sounded rather harsh, and scared Jin Xi so much that he immediately knelt down.

Jin Zhun also knelt down, with a sincere face, "This matter really needs the general to do it. It's not that I am protecting my nephew, but from the perspective of the Han Dynasty's expedition next year, if the general can build good relations with the wealthy merchants and gentry during this grain collection, there will definitely be a source of grain for next year. With sufficient grain and grass, the soldiers will fight bravely, and the late emperor's wish to unify the country will be fulfilled!"

The higher the level, the more they talked about the late emperor's wish. Liu Cong was speechless and had to look at Liu Yao and throw the difficult question to him, "General, what do you think about this matter?"

Liu Yao was naturally unhappy. How could he not understand the reason behind this? "Your Majesty, this is inappropriate. Let Master Jin handle it. Although he is young, it would be good for him to interact with these wealthy merchants and gentry."

"No, no, no, my ability is limited." Jin Xi had been warned by his uncle. He had to throw this hot potato to Liu Yao no matter what, so he quickly bowed his head to Liu Yao and said, "General, please think of it as helping me. I'm really not very capable. Otherwise, how about this, I'll be your assistant, and I'll do whatever you say, without any ambiguity."

His attitude was extremely humble and he showed great sincerity. Even the other officials in the court were nodding their heads and whispering to Liu Yao, "How can we leave this matter to a young boy? Let the general take charge!"

"It's more important to raise food, don't worry about so many things."

"If the people of Chang'an run out of food, I'm afraid there will be chaos within ten days."

"General, don't hesitate any longer."

As a result, a group of people actually spoke up for Jin Zhun, which made Liu Yao feel very aggrieved.

Liu Cong sat on the dragon throne and looked at everyone, but his fingers were tightly grasping the handles, and his expression did not look very good.

I will update another chapter tomorrow night