The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 464: Losses (6)_1

Chapter 464: Chapter 464: Losses (6)_1

"Your Highness, this official will not let you down," Mei Hanqing repeatedly assured. They’d just arrived from the Capital City and hadn’t yet had a chance to fulfill their duties for Prince Ling, which made them grateful for all the preparations he had already made for them.

"Your Highness, the Imperial Court cut off the supply to the Northern Land. May I ask about your plan with Master Situ?" Mei Hanqing asked, voicing his doubt. They were willing to give up their wealth and honor in Capital City to come to the Northern Land, obviously not for a comfortable life. If the Imperial Court hadn’t replaced military supplies and wages with taxes, they wouldn’t have been in such a hurry to come here.

Even if they had indeed decided to migrate, they should have stayed in the Capital City for a few more years, planning for Chu Suifeng.

Indeed, several officials sent by the Imperial Court were those secretly cultivated by Chu Suifeng. Both the young civil and military scholar-officials, as well as the noble and unworldly Mei Hanqing, were his trusted allies.

"Thank you for your support over the years, sir," Chu Suifeng gratefully thanked Mei Hanqing with sincerity.

"Her Majesty was kind to me and the Mei Family. I once swore to Her Majesty that I would dedicate my life to following the Prince. You don’t need to worry about the matters of Hanlin Academy. Before long, a new batch of young people, who Yanzhao and Liu Feng have repeatedly tested, will come to the Northern Land. And these people, they are all passionate. They will definitely be able to support the county governments in the Northern Land," Mei Hanqing said with respect in his eyes looking at Chu Suifeng.

"Also, I will gradually open some tuition-free academies in the Northern Land where students must study both literature and martial arts," Chu Suifeng promised. "And sir Mei will manage the affairs of the academy."

"Yes, Your Highness," Mei Hanqing answered respectfully.

"You don’t need to worry about the matter of military grain. This year, wheat, corn, and rice have been grown in my estate. Next year, these crops can be promoted throughout the Northern Land, so there will be no shortage of grain," Chu Suifeng added.

"Really, Your Highness?" All those present, including Mei Hanqing, exchanged surprised and joyful glances.

What was the Northern Land most in need of? Of course, it was grains. Since the Prince was not worried, there must be a way to secure grains supply.

They were indeed worrying unnecessarily. Yes, with the Prince and Situ Gong in the Northern Land, how could they be thwarted by the Imperial Court’s conspiracy?

"Speaking of grains, on my way here, I met a group of merchants who seemed to be from the Marquis Residence," Wu Jie revealed his doubts without any hesitation.

Chu Suifeng fell silent for a moment and the room was somewhat suffocating.

Mei Hanqing and the others weren’t embarrassed, knowing that Chu Suifeng was contemplating the grain trading affairs of the Marquis Residence.

In the Northern Land, the only family worth the title of Marquis was the Li Family.

The Li Family wasn’t just simply a Marquis Residence; it also represented Prince Ling’s in-laws, who were supposed to be staunch supporters of the Prince.

However, the Prince’s reaction suggested that he was unaware of the Li Family’s grain trading activities.

"With the loss of support from several major Aristocratic Families, the trade of grain indeed has become urgent. However, Li Family’s involvement is not part of my solutions," Chu Suifeng admitted to those trusted allies without any reservations.

"Judging from the caravan, the Li Family seemed to have a large stock of grain," Yuan Yanzhao explained.

"No matter the quantity, they should have a lawful source. I allow anyone to do business, but I do not tolerate anyone using their status for illegal dealings," Chu Suifeng responded with a murderous tint in his voice.

Mei Hanqing and the others nodded subtly, their faces breaking into smiles. Food sustains the masses, grain was not only the lifeline of the people but also what those in power needed to control the most. The Li Family, as Prince’s in-laws and supporters, were even trafficking grain on such a large scale, they deserved to be punished!