Hu Maoshen was originally quite opposed; since he had come to Jiangnan, he could not stay out of this matter.
Even though the disaster relief effort was now led by Gu Chengyu, if the Emperor were to hold someone accountable, he would have nowhere to escape.
However, upon hearing Gu Chengyu mention a way to return the grain, his curiosity was piqued, and he asked, "So, do you have any good strategies? You know this matter is no triviality. Without a mandate from the court, opening the granary and using grain privately would be something we couldn't bear if the court held us accountable. Even though you are favored by the Emperor, those courtiers would not spare you."
Gu Chengyu naturally understood the severity; he wouldn't have opened his mouth confidently if he had no assurance. He was not foolish.
"Lord Yang, just follow my lead. Should anything arise, I will bear the responsibility."
