A Bushel of Locusts for a Bushel of Rice

Su Ziji frowned deeply. "Prefect Qi's measures had already reduced the locust plague. This sudden outbreak must have something behind it. It's far too strange. Mr. Cen, go back at once and have your friends in the martial world investigate. See whether a monster is behind this."

"And quickly find grain merchants in other commanderies and counties. Coarse grain or fine, it doesn't matter. But don't buy or sell any of it yourselves. Put the officials in touch with them instead. Understood?"

The moment they handled a transaction themselves, they would be stuck with mud in their trousers, unable to explain it away.

"Don't worry, Young Master. I understand." Knowing how urgent both matters were, Cen Rubai set off to find people to carry them out.

It was plain that Qi Hongxin had spared no effort in fighting the locusts.

Unfortunately, for all his ideas, the situation was now beyond saving. Half a day later, Su Ziji watched him shout until his voice went hoarse, rallying the people to kill locusts and leading from the front as though he knew no fatigue. Yet even so, as the locusts gathered in ever greater numbers, the people's initial alarm and anger turned to fear and despair.

"My lord, something's wrong!" After a wandering swordsman whispered in his ear, Su Ziji turned and caught up with Qi Hongxin. Qi Hongxin wiped away his sweat and asked grimly, "Has Lord Su discovered something?"

"Yes. Someone is taking the opportunity to spread rumors through the crowd."

"They're telling the people, 'You still dare kill locusts? Can't you see this plague is the Locust God's revenge?'"

"'You killed so many locusts as the authorities ordered, and what happened? The more you killed, the more came! Keep killing them and plant your crops again, and even if