The Moon is Full in the Traveling House

Chapter 128 Negotiation

"Sir Yang, rice is 700 coins per stone, and wheat and millet is 900 coins per stone. Aren't these prices too high?" Inside the Zichen Palace, Emperor Chu stared at Master Chenxuan closely, and spoke solemnly with a hint of dissatisfaction and doubt in his tone.

Master Chen Xuan smiled slightly and responded calmly: "Haha, Your Majesty, the price of food in the disaster-stricken areas of Chu State is more expensive than the price we offer."

In fact, Master Chenxuan already had an idea in mind. He was well aware of the current grain prices in Chu. Su Lun and others had already known the grain prices in Chu very well. In the counties that were most severely affected, the price of rice was as high as 800 coins per stone, and the price of wheat and millet rose to 1,000 coins per stone! Therefore, when Master Chenxuan set this price, he did not feel any psychological pressure.

However, the King of Chu's face suddenly turned gloomy. He narrowed his eyes, and a trace of displeasure flashed in his eyes: "Those unscrupulous merchants took this opportunity to raise prices recklessly. I have ordered severe punishment and hope to solve this problem as soon as possible. I believe that before long, the grain prices in Great Chu will return to normal levels."

Master Chen Xuan raised his lips slightly, revealing a confident smile: "Then I wish His Majesty the King of Chu can get what he wants and restore the stability of grain prices as soon as possible."

Hearing Master Chen Xuan's words, the King of Chu could not help but feel a little heartbroken. Although a group of people had been severely punished, the grain prices in the market of Da Chu were still high and the supply was in short supply. Moreover, Da Chu was not like Shun State, which had a bumper harvest every year, and the treasury was not so full. It was really difficult to return to normal in a short period of time.

The King of Chu took a deep breath, a trace of helplessness and anxiety flashed in his eyes. He looked at Master Chen Xuan and said softly, "Lord Yang, can we discuss the price of grain? The Great Chu is in a difficult period now, and I know that the people have a hard time, but the price is too high, and I have no choice!"

Master Chen Xuan's mouth corners slightly raised, his eyes revealed a hint of firmness and indifference, he responded calmly: "Your Majesty, I am not an unreasonable person, but the price of grain is related to national stability and people's livelihood, and we cannot compromise easily. Moreover, the price I proposed is the result of careful consideration and weighing the interests of all parties."

The King of Chu frowned slightly and sighed inwardly. He knew that what Master Chen Xuan said made sense, but he was unwilling to give up, so he continued to try to persuade him: "Lord Yang, I understand your position, but the situation of Great Chu is indeed special and cannot be compared with Shun State. Our grain production is limited and our inventory is not sufficient. If we buy at the price you proposed, it will probably put a huge pressure on the national finances. I hope you can understand the difficulties of the court and appropriately lower the price."

Master Chen Xuan smiled slightly, with a sly look in his eyes. He deliberately asked, "Then what price do you think is appropriate, Your Majesty?"

The King of Chu pondered for a moment and finally made up his mind. He slowly said, "Rice costs 300 coins per dan, and wheat and millet costs 400 coins per dan."

Master Chen Xuan's smile froze instantly. He stared at the King of Chu with wide eyes in disbelief. After a while, he came back to his senses and said with a bit of surprise and dissatisfaction: "Your Majesty, this is probably not appropriate. As far as I know, the current grain price in Chujing is more than this. If I report this price to your Majesty, I'm afraid I will be accused of treason."

The King of Chu smiled awkwardly: "Master Yang, what are you talking about? It's not that serious."

Young Master Chenxuan slowly stood up and said in a firm tone: "The price your majesty offered is really too low. In this case, let's just pretend that our country has never mentioned this matter. Your majesty is very busy, and I don't want to disturb you too much. I will take my leave first." As he said that, he turned around and left.

Upon seeing this, the King of Chu hurriedly tried to persuade him to stay, saying, "Lord Yang, please stay! We can discuss the price. The alliance between the two countries is a big deal. I hope Lord Yang will be patient."

After hearing this, Master Chen Xuan stopped and slowly sat down. However, he did not take the initiative to speak, but just looked at Emperor Chu calmly, as if waiting for something.

Seeing this, the King of Chu gritted his teeth inwardly. He sighed helplessly, and then said to Master Chen Xuan sincerely: "Lord Yang, how about this? We both make concessions and buy grain according to the price of Chu Jing, how about that?"

Master Chen Xuan did not answer directly, but asked: "Your Majesty, if it were you, would you agree? After all, food is an important strategic material."

The King of Chu frowned and asked in a heavy tone, "Is the price really not negotiable?" Young Master Chen Xuan smiled slightly and said softly, "That depends on how sincere your Majesty is."

The King of Chu sat on the dragon throne, his right hand gently supporting his chin, frowning slightly. After a moment of silence, he said, "This matter is of great importance. I need to discuss it with the ministers. Can Lord Yang wait for two more days?"

Young Master Chenxuan nodded slightly to show his understanding: "Of course. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave first." After that, he turned around and prepared to leave.

However, at this moment, the King of Chu suddenly opened his mouth and raised another topic: "I heard that Ziyuan and Qianying had a very pleasant conversation with you yesterday. Why don't we let them be responsible for receiving you in the next two days? What do you think?"

Hearing this proposal, Master Chenxuan stopped, turned around, and replied with a smile: "Thank you very much for your kindness, Your Majesty. I will then trouble the Second Prince and Princess Qianying." Then he bowed again to express his gratitude.

After Master Chen Xuan stepped out of the Purple Palace, Mo Yan, who had been guarding outside the palace gate, immediately came to greet him. He stood aside respectfully, waiting for Master Chen Xuan's instructions. Master Chen Xuan glanced at Mo Yan, nodded slightly, and then walked forward. Mo Yan followed closely behind, keeping a certain distance, not daring to be negligent in the slightest. The master and servant walked out of the palace one after the other.

However, when they were about to reach the palace gate, they met Princess Qianying who was walking towards them. Princess Qianying seemed to be in a hurry to leave, with a little sweat on her forehead and her eyes seemed a little anxious.

Master Chen Xuan stopped and greeted Princess Qianying with a smile and courtesy: "Princess Qianying, how are you?"

Princess Qianying quickly returned the greeting and said, "Master Yang is well. Father ordered my second brother and Qianying to entertain you, but my second brother still has some important matters to attend to, so you may have to wait a little longer. Master Yang, why don't you go to the Imperial Garden first?"

Young Master Chenxuan smiled slightly, bowed and expressed his gratitude: "Then I'll trouble you, Princess Qianying." After that, he turned around with Princess Qianying and walked towards the direction of the Imperial Garden.

Along the way, Master Chenxuan and Princess Qianying maintained a polite and courteous exchange. They talked about some trivial and interesting things in the palace, and the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant. Master Chenxuan always maintained an elegant demeanor, and his words were gentle and humble, which made Princess Qianying feel more favorable towards him. Princess Qianying also showed her intelligence and lively and lovely side, making the whole conversation full of vitality and energy. Unknowingly, they had arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Garden.