umors were spread by Consort Wu"The Third Prince looked innocent: "My son doesn't know, my son only saw Consort Noble stop Miss Cheng from speaking.""...." As expected of my son.Cheng Yeshan looked at...Ducks eating locusts is a workable solution, but it's not the only one.

After settling that matter, Gu Qian remained diligently attending court, but she generally kept silent, as she couldn't understand.

It wasn't long before rumors of the ducks being used to alleviate the famine spread throughout the palace.

Have you heard Tai Nü made those ducks being transported die on the road.

"Heard, heard. So this locust plague is beyond control then"

Isn't that right The court officials are arguing among themselves, and even outside the palace they say that the princess is bringing the country to ruin!

"This… this is so serious"

"Oh, who would have thought that Tai Nu offended so many people lately It's said that no ministers at the court are willing to speak up for her."

"These things have nothing to do with us being slaves, let's just not talk about it."

"As for what Old Master Gui said, have you heard another rumor"

What rumors

“I heard those locusts can cure diseases and even boost potency!”

"...Don't talk about these things that are imaginary, how is that possible."

"Oh, Mr. Gui, I'm telling the truth! I heard many people have already started eating them, and they see results immediately. Some merchants are even starting to sell crickets now."

"Not to mention whether this thing has all the effects you say, just that insect, could you swallow it"

"I don't know about that, after all... we wouldn't use it anyway."

There were quite a few palace maids and eunuchs whispering to each other like the two in this story. In this ancient world, locust plagues were serious disasters, consuming a year's harvest in no time. Even when the imperial court provided relief, the food that reached the common people was often moldy and mixed with sand.

When the common people's lives become difficult, they will naturally rise up in revolt. Large numbers of refugees will flock to other cities. The officials responsible for relief efforts are mostly criticized, and even beheaded to appease the anger of the people.

Gu Qian had long expected that transporting the ducks would not be smooth sailing, but he hadn't anticipated that Wang Xiang and his faction would actually disregard the lives of the common people, sending those ducks to meet their maker prematurely.

Oh my, such a waste of food! Those ducks would make a delicious roast duck. If not, just braise them in a pot; she could eat it for a whole month.

"My Lady, how would you describe this matter"

“My Lady Your Highness!”

Gu Qian was thinking about the one hundred and eight ways to cook duck when a suddenly official behind her pushed her. Gu Qian came back to her senses and realized that all the ministers in the court were looking at her.

"Your Highness, could it be that you've come up with another brilliant solution last night, which is why you seem absent-minded in court today"

"Hmph, Your Highness, this method can only be used once. Last time it was a duck, I wonder what excuse she'll use this time"

"Lady Tai, how unbecoming! It's one thing to daydream in court, but to be so utterly indifferent towards such a crucial matter as disaster relief!"

"Your Majesty has spoiled the prince, hasn't he"

All the court officials were no longer whispering. Even Gu Qian, who was just an ordinary person in terms of hearing, could hear their loud voices.

The Empress coldly stated, "All of you, be quiet! What do you look like"

An official stepped forward and shouted, "Your Majesty, the people in the southwest are suffering, but Her Royal Highness seems to have no remorse. What is the reason for this!"

Then another official stepped forward and said, "The emperor loves the people like his own children. How could he bear to let them suffer such a disaster."

Let me know if you'd like to translate anything else!

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