Han Mo had no doubt that the Qian family, with their accumulated family fortunes over the years, could afford such a vast amount of grain.
However, in this era of extreme scarcity in productivity, even if they could produce so much grain, transporting it all to the three prefectures of Linfu and Feng each year would not be an easy task.
Furthermore, these three prefectures were truly vital to the Zhe family's survival.
While planting cotton could indeed bring them more wealth, cotton, after all, could not be eaten as food. Unless they could directly pre-pay a year's worth of grain, even if Zhe Kucun agreed, Han Mo would not.
"Isn't this asking a bit too much? After all, in these times, no one can predict the harvest..."
When it came to business, Qian Lang became immediately shrewd.
Even facing Han Mo, the foremost scholar of the Great Song, he was unwilling to yield an inch at this moment.
"It's true that harvests are unpredictable, but business inherently involves both gains and losses. Isn't that the case with the trade of raw silk in the southeastern regions?"
With war looming, while making money was important, compared to grain, the importance of copper coins once again took a backseat.
From the moment Han Mo proposed such a demand, he hadn't expected Qian Lang to agree.
"Since that's the case, perhaps this matter should be discussed later. I'd like to know, regarding His Highness Prince Xin..."
Qian Lang smiled slightly at this point and didn't continue further.
"His Highness would certainly be willing to do things that benefit the nation and its people. However, Brother Qionglin, you must also understand that even a clay Buddha in a temple needs three sticks of incense..."
"Hahahaha! Lord Han truly understands the ways of officialdom!"
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Qian Lang burst into laughter.
Although his words carried a hint of sarcasm, Han Mo did not take offense. He simply picked up his teacup, cupped his hands towards Qian Lang, and drank it down in one gulp.
This was, in essence, a process of mutual probing. Qian Lang wanted to know how many trump cards Han Mo held and how much influence he wielded in the imperial court.
Han Mo, in turn, wanted to gauge the Qian family's appetite and the bargaining chips they possessed.
Both Qian Lang and Han Mo understood that Qian Lang alone could not make the final decision on this matter.
Their current interaction was merely to form an initial understanding. As for how far things would progress subsequently, it would depend on the outcome of their ultimate negotiation.
"Brother Qionglin is also well-versed in the ways of commerce. We are equals in this regard!"
Seeing Qian Lang's knowing smile, Han Mo mirrored his approach.
"I need to discuss this matter with my family thoroughly!"
Seeing that he had gained no advantage in their exchange, Qian Lang finally couldn't help but speak again.
"That's perfectly fine, of course. However, Brother Qionglin, you should understand the immense value of this commodity. His Majesty will surely want a share!"
Sensing he had finally gained a slight advantage, Han Mo delivered another heavy blow.
"This..."
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, the smile on Qian Lang's face froze.
The Great Song Dynasty did not engage in competing with its people for profit. As long as a business was lucrative, the Emperor of the Great Song never hesitated to participate.
If it weren't for the sheer scale of the silk industry, the Emperor of the Great Song would have surely nationalized this sector as well.
"His Majesty's involvement is not an issue, but can Lord Han handle the specifics of the operation?"
No matter what the matter, once the Emperor became involved, it invariably became exceptionally complicated.
The Qian family had profound experience with this.
However, imperial power was a double-edged sword; while it brought them countless troubles, it could also bring them boundless benefits.
The crucial question was who ultimately wielded this sword.
"I have drafted a proposal. If you agree, I can certainly find a way to get His Majesty's approval!"
"Lord Han, are you certain about what you're saying?"
Hearing Han Mo's words, Qian Lang's pupils contracted. After all, there were very few people in this world who could make decisions on behalf of the Emperor.
If the current Prime Minister had said something like this, it might have carried some credibility. However, for a mere seventh-rank official like Han Mo to utter such words was rather hard for him to believe.
"You can choose to believe it or not. However, I hope you will also consider this carefully: I am not solely seeking out the Qian family for this business. I believe there are many others who would be willing to help!"
The influence of the Qian family of Wuyue was unparalleled in the southeast.
However, Han Mo knew that if he continuously yielded in such a business, the ultimate result would be to be easily sidelined by them.
Only by relying on imperial authority could he carve out a path for himself amidst the surrounding wolves.
"Is this considered a threat, sir?"
Hearing Han Mo's statement, Qian Lang revealed a smile full of implied meaning.
"You can consider it a friendly reminder!"
Han Mo smiled and continued,
"Lord Han is indeed Lord Han. Very well, I will give you my conclusion in half a month!"
"No, seven days. You only have seven days!"
Han Mo refused him without a second thought. Half a month was far too long, long enough for those Japanese to escape the Great Song.
"Alright, seven days it is!"
Regardless of whether he wished to admit it, Qian Lang had fallen into Han Mo's rhythm. At this moment, he could only agree for now.
"In that case, I shall await Brother Qionglin's good news here!"
"Sir, you have truly given me a difficult task this time!"
"No, no, no, this is a golden opportunity!"
"Hahaha, indeed, I misspoke. Someone, prepare a banquet. I wish to have a good drink with Lord Han today!"
For some reason, hearing Qian Lang say this, Liang Hongyu couldn't help but feel a burst of laughter.
"If that's the case, then I will impose upon Brother Qionglin today. However, my two brothers have rather large appetites, so I ask for your indulgence, Brother Qionglin!"
"It's just food. How much can they possibly eat? You underestimate me, sir. My two brothers can eat to their heart's content today. We have plenty of food here, and my Qian family can afford it!"