Though he had risen to prominence only recently, the resources Wang Yan could mobilize were already quite considerable.
Saving the grain needed by several hundred households was an exceedingly simple matter for Wang Yan. The only issue was transportation and transfer, especially the considerable losses incurred while escorting the grain. Much of it simply went to waste along the way.
All in all, transporting grain there would be a losing business for Wang Yan.
But profit and loss could not be viewed so simply. He was not short on grain. He could purchase it domestically, and he could ship it by sea from Southern Yue. Even grain for hundreds of thousands of people could be procured.
What he lacked was this kind of righteous, larger-than-life reputation. These were merely common soldiers who had once traveled with him, yet once they came to his door, he was willing to put so much thought into helping them. What, then, would those working for him think?
I'd even give a million to those who betrayed me...
Once word spread in the future, the benefits to him personally would be immeasurable.
Of course, there were hidden dangers as well. Buying people's loyalty was, after all, a grave crime.
Thus, once he had decided to send grain to help them, Wang Yan requested an audience with Yang Jian.
As a founding county marquis, he naturally had the right to meet the Emperor directly. In fact, he was also entitled to attend court, since his rank was rather high. He simply held no official post, so there was no need for him to attend court every day.
Wang Yan submitted his request one day, and the next, he met Yang Jian in the study where the Emperor conducted his affairs.
Yang Jian thought highly of Wang