Chapter 245: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
### Chapter 245: Moldy Grain Buries Hidden Dangers, Nightmares Serve as Warnings (4)
Xin'er nodded, curious, "Yes, Grandpa Li, how did you know?"
Mo Yan noticed his expression and quickly remembered that his son-in-law's family name was Zhang and that they owned a rice shop.
"Grandpa Li, could it be that the Zhang's Rice Shop is related to you…"
Li Zhong nodded bitterly, his teeth clenched in anger. "Yes, it's the same Zhang family that ruined my daughter's life!"
Mo Yan frowned. Given the connection, it wasn't surprising that they would sell moldy rice.
"Grandpa Li, don't be angry. If the authorities confirm that they sold moldy rice, the Zhang family will face consequences."
But Li Zhong shook his head. "I wish they would get their comeuppance, but it's not that simple."
Mo Yan was taken aback. "Why? Can you explain, Grandpa Li?"
Li Zhong nodded solemnly. "This time of year, moldy rice usually appears in the market because new grain is being stored, and the moldy grain is cleared out. Ordinary families wouldn't have so much grain that it would go moldy. This situation generally occurs in large households or government granaries. The Zhang family is likely selling moldy rice from the government granaries."
Mo Yan pondered this and asked, "Isn't eating moldy rice dangerous? Won't the authorities be concerned about selling moldy rice to the public?"
In ancient times, people might not have been aware of the dangers of moldy rice, but in modern times, it's known that moldy rice contains aflatoxin, which is dozens of times more toxic than arsenic. Consuming it in excess can be life-threatening.
Seeing her interest, Li Zhong continued, "The government does have regulations prohibiting the sale of moldy grain. However, the amount of moldy grain cleared from government granaries each year is substantial. Those in charge of the granaries secretly sell it to rice shops at a low price, and these shops then sell it to the public. Over the years, this has rarely caused serious problems, and the practice has become a highly profitable venture involving many, possibly even some high-ranking officials."
His former employer operated several rice shops, and they were once approached to buy moldy grain at a low price. However, the employer was conservative and not overly greedy. After consulting with several managers, including Li Zhong, who opposed the deal, the employer decided not to proceed. Thus, Li Zhong was well-informed about the matter.
"The illegal sale of moldy grain is tacitly accepted. Even if the man who went to file a complaint today has solid evidence, the authorities will likely downplay the issue, perhaps making the Zhang family pay some compensation. The matter will then be quietly settled."
Mo Yan frowned, realizing she had underestimated the complexity of the issue. Since the moldy grain came from government granaries and was sold secretly, as long as no major problems arose, the higher-ups would turn a blind eye.
However, taking such risks with people's lives seemed incredibly reckless. If something went wrong, the consequences would be dire, potentially leading to many deaths.
Mo Yan's mood soured as she considered the avarice and callousness of those involved. Even after returning home, she remained distracted, her mind preoccupied with the issue of moldy grain. When Zhen'er mentioned bringing Yun Zhao and his sister to their home, she absentmindedly agreed.
Zhen'er, thinking she had consented, was thrilled and planned to share the good news with Yun Zhao the next time they were in town.
Perhaps due to her daytime worries, Mo Yan had a nightmare that night.
In her dream, a family of seven or eight sat happily around a table, enjoying a meal. The scene was warm and joyful, with simple dishes and a large bowl of white rice. They ate heartily. A young woman fed her two or three-year-old child tenderly, but as the child ate, he suddenly began to bleed from his orifices and died in her arms.
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