"Some sects we used to be close with occasionally came to borrow grain. The ones we were especially close with, I followed your instructions and lent them several dozen jin at a time. The ones we were only moderately close with, I didn't lend any."
Liu Yitian frowned. "Why are people borrowing grain just after winter began? In previous years, didn't we only borrow from each other after the New Year, when the old grain was gone and the new hadn't grown...?"
Several disciples glanced at Liu Yitian. Xu Fang covered her mouth and smiled.
"This year, Qiyuan County's harvest was poor to begin with. Then the Demon Race caused such a ruckus, making it even worse. No one has surplus grain on hand, and on top of that, we've run into a cold winter. Heavy snow has sealed off the roads, making grain transport harder than climbing to heaven. As for grain prices, you know..."
Steward Shi glanced around before continuing in a low voice, "Magistrate Wen's younger brother said he wanted to celebrate his elder brother's birthday, so he went around buying up grain from every grain merchant in the city. Then grain prices across the whole city shot through the roof. The major gangs and wealthy households don't care, but for small gangs and ordinary families, it's fatal."
Wang Shoude lowered his head and gripped the broken fan at his waist tightly.
"Hearsay is not to be trusted," Liu Yitian said.
Xu Fang gave a snort of laughter. "Old man, are you pretending not to know, or do you really not know? Ever since Magistrate Wen came to Qiyuan County, his younger brother has never had a moment's rest. Today he throws a birthday feast for his brother; tomorrow he hosts a banquet for his sister-in-law. People