“The magistrate is right, but unfortunately, the surplus grain of the Jin family has already been used for porridge relief. The little grain we painstakingly gathered now is also meant for the refugees outside the city, so we really can’t spare any more. However, the Jin family is willing to donate ten thousand taels of silver to help the Zhenbei Army procure grain and supplies.”

Ten thousand taels of silver—given the current grain prices, that was enough to buy over two thousand shi of grain.

Zhao Zhuo needed grain, but the Jin family was offering silver instead.

Still, since they had indeed been providing porridge relief, he had nothing to say.

Silver was better than nothing.

Since the Jin family had spoken up with such generosity, the Zhou family naturally had to follow suit.

However, ten thousand taels was a significant sum, and Zhou Buren felt the sting of it.

Remembering that his estate had stored several thousand shi of aged rice, he decided to donate grain instead.

“Since Master Jin has set an example, my Zhou family cannot lag behind. My lord, we are willing to contribute three thousand shi of grain to support the Zhenbei Army.”

Three thousand shi sounded like a lot, but it was still a drop in the bucket compared to the fifty thousand shi needed. Zhao Zhuo turned his gaze to the others, prompting them to step forward as well.

“Wu’s Trading House is willing to donate one thousand shi of grain to support the Zhenbei Army.”

“Li’s Grain Firm donates two thousand shi of grain.”

“Wei’s Cloth Shop donates five thousand taels of silver.”

“The Zhao family donates three thousand taels of silver.”

Once the Zhou family started, others followed suit, reporting their contributions of grain and silver.

Since grain was scarce in Suzhou, most opted to donate silver instead.

In the end, only 23,000 shi of grain was raised, but 45,000 taels of silver had been collected.

“I thank you all on behalf of the Zhenbei Army. However, while we now have silver, we are still short on grain. Does anyone still have surplus grain? I can use the collected silver to purchase it.”

At this, everyone fell silent. Even those who had extra grain didn’t dare sell it to the magistrate.

If they sold to others, they could easily get four taels of silver per shi, but selling to the magistrate would likely mean a lower price—far less profitable.

“Master Li, your grain firm should have enough stock, right? Could you sell some to me?”

Zhao Zhuo humbled himself in order to buy grain, but Master Li only chuckled awkwardly and clasped his hands in apology.

“My lord, it’s not that I refuse, but our stock is nearly empty. Half a month ago, a shipment of grain I had transported to Suzhou was robbed by bandits. Our warehouse is nearly bare—we truly have no surplus to sell.”

“What about you, Shopkeeper Wu? Do you have any grain left?” Zhao Zhuo turned to Wu’s Trading House.

Shopkeeper Wu quickly stood and bowed. “My lord, I have no surplus either. The thousand shi we donated today was the last of our stock. My family’s grain stores have already shut down.”

Zhao Zhuo inquired with several grain shops, but all claimed they had no extra stock.

It was then that Zhou Buren suddenly mentioned the Tianxia Grain Store.

That reminded Zhao Zhuo—he had actually forgotten to summon the owner of Tianxia Grain Store today.

“My lord, Tianxia Grain Store has been selling grain at a low price recently. Their lines stretch all the way to the city gates. They must have a large stockpile. Why not check with them? Besides, their grain only costs eight wen per jin—far cheaper than the market rate.”

Zhou Buren wasn’t trying to throw the Tianxia Grain Store under the bus.

It was just that they had been in the spotlight for some time now, and the magistrate had oddly not summoned them today.

That suggested they still had plenty of grain. Otherwise, how could they afford to make such a big scene?

Zhao Zhuo fell silent for a while, realizing that he could squeeze nothing more from the merchants here.

He dismissed them, having his scribe record their promised donations for verification the next day.

After sending them off, Zhao Zhuo ordered someone to summon Shen Qingwan.

Shen Qingwan had been planning to return to the village that day but was surprised when government officials arrived.

Lu Youfu, startled by their presence, worried that she might be in trouble.

“Who among you is the owner of Tianxia Grain Store?”

The official’s tone was fairly polite. Lu Youfu stepped forward, smiling as he asked, “Officer, what business do you have with our master?”

The officer glanced at him. “The magistrate wishes to speak with your master. The details will be explained once we meet him.”

Dressed in an elegant white robe with a bamboo-patterned design, a jade belt at her waist, and a composed expression, Shen Qingwan stepped out of the house. “I am the owner of Tianxia Grain Store. Thank you for leading the way.”

The officer gestured for her to follow.

Meng Hangzhou, worried, took a few steps after her. “Brother Shen, I’ll go with you.”

But Shen Qingwan glanced at him and told him to stay behind to watch the store.

She would return soon.

This was Shen Qingwan’s first time entering the Suzhou magistrate’s office. Compared to Qing’an Prefecture, it was indeed more imposing, but she wasn’t in the mood to admire it.

Her mind was focused on why the magistrate had summoned her.

“My lord, Shen Dongjia has arrived.”

The officer led her to the back hall. A calm, deep voice came from within. “Enter.”

Shen Qingwan stepped inside.

Seated in an official’s robe, Zhao Zhuo was sipping tea.

When he saw her, he finally looked up.

What a strikingly handsome young man.

“Shen Qing, at your service, my lord.”

Shen Qingwan bowed respectfully but did not kneel.

Zhao Zhuo didn’t mind.

He studied her and spoke politely.

“Please, have a seat. I summoned you today regarding the purchase of grain. As you may know, the Zhenbei Army is currently at war with Beirong. However, due to natural disasters, the imperial court’s grain shipments have been delayed. We are forced to procure grain from Suzhou and Yanzhou. Though I have raised some silver, I have been unable to buy enough grain. I heard that you still have surplus stock, so I invited you here.”

Despite his politeness, Zhao Zhuo’s official robes gave him an air of authority.

Shen Qingwan hadn’t realized that the Zhenbei Army was at risk of running out of food.

Though she originally intended to help refugees, the army’s situation was even more urgent.

Soldiers couldn’t fight on empty stomachs—that would be suicide.

“How much grain does my lord need?” she asked, calm and composed.

Zhao Zhuo was impressed by her poise and self-assurance.

He admired young people who remained steady under pressure.

“We need fifty thousand shi in total. So far, we have only gathered twenty-three thousand.” He did not hide the details from her.

After a moment of silence, Shen Qingwan replied, “I can sell two thousand shi at a price of one tael of silver per shi. However, I have a small request. If my lord agrees, I can prepare the grain within three days.”

“Speak freely,” Zhao Zhuo said. “As long as it’s not illegal, I will grant it.”

“My grain store frequently transports grain into the city. Each time, we face tedious inspections and must pay entry fees. It’s quite inconvenient. I wish to request a pass that would allow me to bypass these procedures. Would my lord be willing to grant it?”