Grain prices in Jiangnan kept rising. The cost of a bushel of rice had gone from 60 coins to 350 coins. Even so, many people still could not afford to buy rice. Grain merchants, meanwhile, watched from the sidelines, waiting for prices to rise further so they could reap a huge profit. They hoarded food, reluctant to sell more.
It was fine for families with grain in reserve, but those without reserves at home and unable to buy rice were forced to flee, seeking a living elsewhere. The once greatly envied Jiangnan had suddenly become a land of frequent floods. People were too busy fleeing to feel any envy.
Upon receiving the disaster report from Jiangnan, the Emperor immediately dispatched officials from the Ministry of Revenue to investigate the disaster situation. Just half a month ago, the officials who had returned from Jiangnan compiled a full report on the disaster conditions there and reported it in detail to the Emperor.
