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The village head was left dumbfounded by the slap from Wan Feng, staring blankly at Wang Jinhe.
What did this person just say?
This woman, who exuded an air of elegance, turned out to be a princess?
He had actually been hoping to win this woman’s favor.
Realizing this, the village head turned deathly pale. In the capital, there was only one Prince, and this woman must be the Prince’s consort.
The Prince’s consort was also a county princess.
It was she who had cultivated high-yield crops, saving them from starvation.
But why would this princess come here at this time? Has something happened?
“Princess, what business do you have with this humble servant?”
Wang Jinhe glanced coldly and asked, “Did you lead the villagers to sell their grain?”
The village head hesitated for a moment before nodding instinctively, “Yes.”
“This grain belongs to our household, can’t I sell it if I wish to?” the village head questioned with some dissatisfaction.
Not wanting to engage further, Wang Jinhe turned to the onlookers and commanded, “Go and gather the other villagers to the village square. Everyone must be present; those absent will face the consequences.”
The bystanders, aware of Wang Jinhe’s status as a princess, were apprehensive upon hearing her instructions, fearing to provoke her.
About half an hour later, the magistrate arrived, and the villagers were becoming impatient.
Upon seeing Wang Jinhe, the magistrate quickly knelt down and paid his respects, “This Official greets the Princess.”
“You may rise.”
After the magistrate stood up, he looked at the gathered crowd of villagers, hesitating as he asked, “Princess, has someone in this village offended you in any way?”
“Not exactly. The village head led the sale of grain to the people from Lu Empire. As an official, you should understand the implications without needing me to explain,” Wang Jinhe replied.
The magistrate’s face darkened upon hearing her words. The recent news from the border was well known to all.
Lu Empire was vying with Xuan Empire for the cities of Qi Empire.
The village head, upon hearing the magistrate’s words, became somewhat discontented. “Sir, this is our own grain. We should be able to sell it to whomever we choose and at the price we desire. Why should we sell at a lower price if we can fetch a higher one?”
A young man in his twenties nearby frowned but did not speak: “Fool.”
The magistrate, visibly angered, noted even the Princess’s presence, indicating that the grain was sold not to fellow countrymen but to individuals posing a threat to Xuan empire.
“Do you still think you’re in the right? Do you realize who purchased your grain? It was people from Lu Empire. The Prince himself, along with several generals, is currently on the battlefield. Do you understand who instigated this war? It was also people from Lu Empire. The Prince and his soldiers are out there at the border, fighting to protect you. Yet, you willingly sold high-yield grain to the enemies from Lu Empire. If the Princess hadn’t discovered this, do you understand how serious the situation would be?” The magistrate was close to being infuriated by this foolishness.
“Two years ago, when Ling Empire requested a million catties of high-yield grain, it was the Princess and the Prince who faced pressure to protect the grain for your use. Last year, even Qi Empire and several vassal kings wanted the high-yield grain. Despite immense pressure, the Princess and the Prince resisted sharing the grain.”
“With the high-yield grain, the Emperor reduced his own cultivation to provide for you. What did you do? Stab us in the back.”
The magistrate’s words left the villagers who sold the grain visibly pale.
They never anticipated such a situation unfolding.
“Sir, we… we didn’t know…”
Had they been aware, they would never have sold the grain.
“Lu Empire has long desired to attack Xuan Empire. With Qi Empire in between, they couldn’t act directly. Therefore, they instigated Ling Empire and Qi Empire to engage. Currently, the Prince is leading the battle against Lu Empire to seize Qi Empire’s cities. If one of these cities falls, Xuan Empire will be exposed. Without enough food, Lu Empire would have surely turn to Xuan Empire, if they were to attack, it would be a grave matter,” the magistrate explained angrily.
“The village head claims the grain is yours to sell, and we do not oppose you selling it. After all, you need money to live. But at least consider who you are selling to. Xuan Empire’s grain merchants are fair; they buy grain at 12 wen per catty. Isn’t that a fair price for your grain?” The magistrate looked at them with disappointment in his eyes.
The village head appeared flustered and somewhat guilty. Wang Jinhe’s gaze remained fixed on him. “Lou Manqing, have someone investigate the economic status of this village head’s household, especially in recent times. I want to know the specifics.”
“Understood.” Lou Manqing glanced at the village head, instantly grasping Wang Jinhe’s intentions.
As Lou Manqing began the investigation, Wang Jinhe observed the magistrate’s attitude towards her, finding it quite satisfactory.
“The magistrate seems quite decent, sister-in-law.”
Wang Jinhe nodded with a smile, “Indeed. Nan Qiao, who do you think is suitable to be the village head in this village?”
The current village head is no longer suitable and cannot continue to hold the position. Allowing him to remain would only cause unnecessary trouble for others.
“Him.”
Following Nan Qiao’s indication, Wang Jinhe looked towards a young man in his twenties who appeared very competent.
“Why him?”
“When the village head just said they could sell their grain as they wished, he called them fools. It seems he may have guessed who those people were. The fact that half of the village didn’t sell grain might be related to him.”
Understanding, Wang Jinhe nodded in agreement.
“Wan Feng, go and bring the person Nan Qiao pointed out to me. I need to ask him something.”
“Understood.”
Wan Feng walked up to the young man and patted his shoulder.
The young man turned to look at Wan Feng, asking, “What’s up?”
“Our Princess requests your presence.”
The young man nodded and followed Wan Feng towards Wang Jinhe, not far away.
“Greetings, Princess.”
“No need for formalities.”
“What does the Princess require of me?”
Wang Jinhe looked at him and asked, “Are you interested in becoming the village head of this village?”