She mistakenly got into the bridal sedan chair and married a sickly but powerful minister, becoming

Chapter 115: Stealing chicken but losing rice

"Trust and honesty are the most important things in a marriage. I lied to you a few days ago, and you forgave me this time after the truth came out. If I knowingly do the same thing again and erode your trust, I'm afraid our relationship won't last long."

After what happened today, how could Zhao Yi dare to make decisions behind Shen Qingtan's back?

He said, "I cherish this marriage very much."

Shen Qingtan smiled knowingly.

Because she and Zhao Yi share the same ideas about how to get along as a couple.

“There’s one more thing you’re wrong about,” Zhao Yi said earnestly. “On our wedding day, you knew it was me, yet you still held my hand and we bowed to heaven and earth together. From the very beginning, it wasn’t me who chose you, but you who chose me.”

Shen Qingtan was stunned for a moment, then instantly understood. He was telling her that their relationship was a mutual choice, so she didn't need to put herself in a lower position in this marriage.

She said those things on purpose to hurt him, but he took them to heart.

Shen Qingtan looked at the man in front of her, whose eyes held a tenderness, and thought about how the attention he paid to these small details could easily move people.

She followed her heart and reached out to hug him.

-

The following morning at court, Emperor Jing'an discussed with his officials how to resettle the refugees at the gates of the imperial city.

The imperial censor said, "Your Majesty, I believe that we should first clear a piece of wasteland on the outskirts of the city and build thatched huts to temporarily provide shelter for the refugees, and then distribute grain and porridge. Once the refugees have survived this month, the disaster will be alleviated after the wheat harvest."

"The war in the north is now critical. The first priority is to ensure sufficient military rations. The grain collected in the granaries must not be touched."

Duke Zhao stepped forward and said, "There aren't many refugees at the city gate. Why don't you all do your part and donate some grain to help them? Let's get through this disaster together."

The crowd's expressions changed, and they looked at each other, none daring to utter a sound.

Marquis Chengen glanced at Duke Zhao, then at Prince Yu, before stepping forward and saying, "Your Majesty, I saw people distributing porridge to relieve refugees at the city gate yesterday."

"The merchant who distributed porridge is surnamed Qin. He is the largest grain merchant in the Great Zhou Dynasty. When there was a grain shortage last year, the price of grain in various places rose several times. It was only because he had a grain supply that the price was brought down."

"When the northern border was short of military rations some time ago, he donated 150,000 shi of grain. In my humble opinion, he should have enough grain since he was distributing porridge at the city gate. Why not have him cooperate with the court to provide relief to the refugees?"

Marquis Chengen knew that Boss Qin was Shen Qingtan's man. Since they couldn't touch Shen Qingtan for the time being, they would start by dealing with Boss Qin.

If Boss Qin had made a mistake and been punished during disaster relief, this trouble might have spread to Shen Qingtan.

Emperor Jing'an had heard of Boss Qin, and looked sharply at Marquis Cheng'en: "As far as I know, the refugees have been gathering at the city gate for some time. You who receive the court's salary and are supposed to make a living for the common people are all turning a deaf ear. On the contrary, it is the merchants who are said to value profit over sentiment who are the first to distribute grain to relieve the refugees."

Upon hearing this, the officials were so frightened that they all knelt down.

Emperor Jing'an said in a deep voice, "Whoever proposed this matter shall carry it out."

The officials who had just spoken were sweating profusely, fearing they would be called out by name.

Especially when Emperor Jing'an's gaze slowly swept over them, their nerves tightened even more.

Marquis Chengen moved behind the minister in front of him, thinking to himself that since he was the last to make a suggestion, it probably wouldn't be him.

The next moment, Emperor Jing'an ordered, "Minister Shen, you are in charge of providing food relief to the refugees."

Marquis Chengen was stunned: "Your Majesty, that Qin..."

Emperor Jing'an interrupted him: "If a merchant is sharing your duties, will your title also be inherited by this merchant?"

The Marquis of Chengen's expression changed abruptly, and he dared not say another word: "Your subject obeys."

After the court session, Marquis Chengen chased after Prince Yu, wanting to ask him for advice on whether he could still harm Boss Qin.