本章节主要讲述了周、吴、郑、王四大家主与官员的对话，他们得知 county-official’s notice on grain price has set a minimum but no maximum. Their excitement is palpable, as they realize the potential for massive price increases that would greatly benefit the local populace. However, this also raises concerns about the sustainability and fairness of such a policy, especially in challenging times when survival becomes paramount.

四大家主认为，这种价格政策无疑为百姓指明了唯一的出路——Either hard work or harder measures will ensure survival。他们对即将爆发的粮食危机充满信心，认为这是上天赐予他们的恩惠。官员们的反应则透露出某种预谋，尽管具体意图不明，但四大家主对即将到来的变化表示担忧，担心这将影响百姓的生活。

整个章节通过对四大家主与官员内心活动和外在表现的描写，展现了权力斗争背后隐藏的巨大秘密。这一事件不仅揭示了 local 政策的真实含义，也为后续剧情埋下伏笔，暗示了一场更大的阴谋即将展开。