Chapter 244: Even worse than the natural disasters, grain merchants hoarded goods at a high price
Zhu Biao smiled and nodded, "Father, you are wise, but I have another idea."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, "Oh? What's your idea? Tell me about it."

Zhu Biao then spoke eloquently, "I think we can stipulate that grain merchants must sell grain according to the price set by the court.

You are not allowed to raise prices privately, otherwise you will be severely punished.

At the same time, the imperial court could also set up some reward mechanisms. For example, certain tax incentives or other rewards could be given to grain merchants who actively supplied grain and ensured market stability.

This will encourage them to continue to support the court’s related work.”

After listening to it, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but praise it again and again.

"Okay! Biaoer, your idea is very good and constructive!
This will not only ensure the people's food supply, but also prevent grain merchants from driving up prices, which is really killing two birds with one stone."

Zhu Biao smiled and said, “Yes!
As long as the imperial court can effectively control food prices, the people can have enough food to eat and no longer suffer from hunger.

In addition, this will promote agricultural production and commercial development and enhance the country's economic strength."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said with satisfaction: "Well, not bad, Biaoer, you have considered it very carefully.

Then I'll leave this matter to you. I believe you can do it well."

Zhu Biao bowed and said, "Thank you for your trust, old man. I will definitely live up to your trust."

Zhu Biao took the order and left. He secretly swore in his heart: I must do this job well and live up to my father's expectations.

After all, for feudal dynasties throughout history, especially when a country was founded and everything was in ruins, the most important material wealth was food.

In addition, production conditions were limited in ancient times, and food, as a basic necessity, has always been extremely precious.

The currency of successive feudal dynasties changed again and again. There were iron coins, copper coins, silver coins, and tin coins. In some years, even paper shells and clay shells were used as money.

However, grain has always been a hard currency. Even the salary setting and payment of officials in successive dynasties were often priced and paid in terms of grain.

Just as a classic movie said: "What is the human heart? The human heart is food."

For the Ming Dynasty today, if it wants the country to be stable and prosperous for a long time, the first thing it needs is to have food.

But in times of famine, war, and reconstruction, merchants who hoarded goods were the biggest enemies of agricultural production.

Merchants driven by profit often choose to drive up grain prices and compete with the imperial court for precious grain resources.

Thinking of this, Zhu Biao, who returned to the East Palace, couldn't help but sigh.

"In order to convert the collected grain into taxes and deposit them in the Ming Dynasty Bank, it seems that we need to take some other measures."

Chang Qingyun walked over from not far away and placed a cup of ginseng tea in front of Zhu Biao.

“In the past, when we encountered problems that could not be solved, you and your third brother would discuss it with each other.

It just so happens that tomorrow is the day for court session, so you can just raise this question directly.

I believe that my third brother can come up with a solution that is acceptable to all parties."

Zhu Gang, who had already fallen asleep, never expected that his elder brother would arrange another job for him.

As the morning light began to rise, the bells of the Ming Palace rang melodiously.

It was like a symphony of nature, awakening the sleeping Yingtianfu.

This melodious bell sound also heralds the official start of a new day.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao walked through the palace gates and entered the magnificent court with steady steps.

Their figures appeared particularly tall and straight in the morning light, like two unshakable mountains.

Civil and military officials had already lined up and were waiting, standing in two neat rows.

Everyone had a solemn expression and focused eyes.

When Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao stepped into the court, all the ministers knelt down and saluted, shouting in unison: "Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, and a thousand years live the prince!" The sound was as deafening as thunder, echoing throughout the court.

After all the ministers had completed their formalities, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly spoke.

His voice was majestic and steady, revealing an irresistible power.

"Everyone is safe."

As Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, the ministers stood up.

They stood there respectfully, waiting for instructions from the Hongwu Emperor.

Zhu Yuanzhang turned his gaze to Zhu Gang and said, "Prince Jin has returned to prepare for his wedding, and we shouldn't have allowed you to attend court at this time.

However, the expedition to the Northern Yuan Dynasty is imminent, and even if you cannot lead the expedition this time, you still need to pay more attention to weapons, equipment, food and supplies."

Zhu Gang nodded quickly and said, "A large amount of food and supplies had been transported to Datong Prefecture long before the New Year, enough for 15 people to use for three months.

As for armor and firearms, Gongshuqi has been working hard to produce them.

Whenever a garrison is equipped with weapons and equipment, I will send someone to deliver them to Datong Prefecture urgently to ensure that the opportunity for war is not missed."

Zhu Biao took over the conversation and said, "Father, my third brother has been governing Taiyuan Prefecture for four years and has never made any mistakes.

As for weapons, equipment, food and supplies, they must have been properly prepared and there would definitely be no fraud.

What worries me most right now is that the four prefectures of Suzhou, Songshan, Jiaxing and Huzhou suffered severe floods last year.

There had been no rain in these areas since the eighth year of Hongwu. However, heavy rains continued since April last year, directly causing floods.

Now, not only did the people have problems with food and clothing, but the court could no longer collect rent and taxes.

Although the emperor has exempted the taxes in these four places, the grain prices in Su, Song, Jia and Hu have never dropped. "

As he spoke, Zhu Biao sighed, "At present, it seems that we can only allocate food and grass from other places to transport to the disaster area, but this is not a long-term solution.

Your Majesty, I suggest opening the granaries and releasing grain to help alleviate the urgent needs of the victims.

At the same time, officials need to be dispatched to the disaster areas to calm the people and organize the victims to carry out self-rescue.

In addition, efforts should be made to dredge the river and build dams to prevent similar disasters from happening again.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in agreement.

“Your Highness is right. This matter will be handed over to you with full responsibility. You must ensure that the victims are properly resettled.

In addition, the Ministry of Revenue must also do a good job in allocating disaster relief funds and grain, without any delay."

Zhu Biao replied respectfully: "I obey your order."

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Gang and said in a serious tone: "Third brother, we have high hopes for you in this expedition.

You must remember my instructions and fight bravely to repel the enemy and keep the border of the Ming Dynasty peaceful!"

Zhu Gang clasped his fists and accepted the order, "I will definitely live up to your trust!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in appreciation and said, "War is not just about fighting and killing. Anything that can affect people's survival can become a means of war.

This time, we will let Yingchuan Marquis Fu Youde be your deputy, and Lan Yu will be the vanguard in the campaign against the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

After your wedding with Xu Miaoyun is over, go to Datong Prefecture to meet them. You should ask these two elders for advice then."

Fu Youde and Lan Yu said "I dare not" in succession, and the court was suddenly filled with an atmosphere of humility.

Seeing that the time was almost up, Zhu Yuanzhang turned to look at the eunuch chief Wang Jinghong beside him.

The latter immediately understood what he meant, and then shouted loudly: "If you have the money, please report it early. If you don't, please leave the court!"

(End of this chapter)