Fortunately, Song Shicheng was willing to take advice. However, he was extremely anxious after taking on such a difficult task. As a result, he claimed to be unwell and resigned from Xiao Jingheng, then hurriedly returned home to pack his belongings. Accompanied by his disciples, he rushed to Yu Province.
Throughout the conversation between Song Zhao and Song Shicheng today, Xiao Fuzi was present, so he heard everything clearly. He knew that Song Zhao had always resented Song Shicheng's indifference when Bai Shi was beaten to death by Jiang Shi, so he found Song Zhao's support for Song Shicheng's actions this time very unexpected.
With a heavy heart, he pondered over this matter, his face showing deep concern. Song Zhao noticed and asked him, "What are you thinking about? The incense has already burned outside."
Xiao Fuzi snapped out of his thoughts and tidied up the incense powder spilled near the incense burner before replying, "I was thinking, Young Master, you are truly benevolent. Despite how Master and Miss treated you in the past, you are still willing to support them in their time of need."
Upon hearing this, Song Zhao gave a cold smile and said, "Of course, I will do my best to assist them. What use is it to annihilate the entire Ge family now? Even if that useless Ge Zhongqi is dead, Song Yue, that debt-ridden girl, won't die."
She picked up a silver incense stick and casually toyed with the ashes in the incense burner, calmly stating, "Didn't the eldest sister have a close relationship with Ge Zhongqi? They were inseparable. Wouldn't it be improper for her to marry anyone else? As someone from the same family, I must fulfill her wishes. How can an affectionate wife not accompany her husband in death?"
Song Zhao watched as the ashes in the incense burner reignited under her manipulation, then she took a tea cup and poured all the cold tea into it.
'Sizzle~'
The ashes were extinguished, and wisps of thin smoke enveloped Song Zhao's ever-changing face.
Her lips curved into an eerie smile as she said, "A family should always be in perfect harmony."
Xiao Fuzi, witnessing Song Zhao's expression, couldn't help but shiver, feeling a chill run down his spine.
He didn't quite understand Song Zhao's intentions, so he said, "Young Master, I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you mean. The method you told Master about was clearly used during the management of the sparrow disaster in the capital before. Could there be any flaws?"
Song Zhao sneered, "Most of the people in the capital were engaged in commerce, and very few were truly impoverished. Moreover, the sparrow disaster occurred in the early spring when many people had their own work to do. Hardly anyone would catch sparrows for a mere penny. So, at that time, less than ten thousand sparrows were caught, and the sparrow disaster eventually subsided."
She paused for a moment, lifting her bright eyes to look at Xiao Fuzi, and said, "Let me ask you this, how do you think this method would work in Yu Province?"
Xiao Fuzi supported his chin and pondered for a moment before replying, "Most of Yu Province consists of farmers who face the yellow earth every day, focusing mainly on agriculture, with few engaged in commerce. Moreover, they don't have much silver in their hands."
Let them go catch the Reed Sparrows for a mere one wen each, and they will surely flock to it like ducks. Moreover, Reed Sparrows are easy to catch during winter, as one catch can yield an entire nest. Since the farmers don't cultivate during winter, this is a great opportunity to earn money. They will definitely act collectively and catch all the Reed Sparrows in Yu Province."
"Indeed," Song Zhao nodded approvingly, "If Father employs the same method used in the capital in Yu Province, I guarantee that within half a month, all the Reed Sparrows in Yu Province will be caught. Let me ask you this: if the Reed Sparrows are all caught, does that mean there will be nothing left for them to eat, such as rice?"
"Yes..." Xiao Fuzi replied without hesitation, but as he observed the sinister smile on Song Zhao's face, he quickly realized something was amiss and cautiously said:
"Reed Sparrows eat rice, but they are also natural enemies of locusts! If the Reed Sparrows in Yu Province are truly all caught, when summer arrives and the locust plague ensues, it will be far worse than the Reed Sparrows! It's possible that this year Yu Province will have a harvest failure!"
Song Zhao maintained a calm smile and raised an eyebrow at him, saying:
"So, do you still think my idea is a good one?"
Only then did Xiao Fuzi realize the depth of his young master's scheme...
If Song Shicheng truly lets the people of Yu Province catch the Reed Sparrows, there will undoubtedly be a locust plague when summer comes.
If the entire Yu Province has a harvest failure, not to mention the Ge Family, even the Song Family will face extermination!
However, in doing so, although revenge would be obtained, Yu Province possesses one-third of Qi Dynasty's farmland. If Yu Province fails to harvest, Qi Dynasty will undoubtedly experience a famine.
It would result in widespread suffering and starvation, a great calamity!
Xiao Fuzi couldn't blame Song Zhao for anything, so he could only tactfully say, "Young Master, this plan is indeed ingenious! If Yu Province suffers a harvest failure, it will anger the emperor, and the Duke of Protector's Mansion and the Ge Family will have to pay the price. However... it will be a bitter outcome for the common people."
"Rest assured, it won't happen," Song Zhao said confidently, with an air of certainty. "Once the situation escalates, someone will report it to the court. As long as the court deploys troops in advance to catch an appropriate number of Reed Sparrows from other regions and bring them to Yu Province, not only will Yu Province not suffer a harvest failure, but the reduction in Reed Sparrow population will lead to increased grain production, and the people will have more abundant lives."
She looked out of the window at the azure sky and said in a deep voice:
"I only want to ensure that those who have wronged my mother and me receive the retribution they deserve. I hold no grudges against the innocent people in this world. I won't harm a single innocent life for the sake of revenge against evildoers."
Hearing this, Xiao Fuzi finally understood his own narrow-mindedness.
He felt deeply guilty and bowed deeply to Song Zhao, saying,
"Young Master, your planning is impeccable, and your concern extends to the whole world. I admire you!"
