Chapter 50: Fertile Farmland and Restaurant "Okay, the restaurant is yours now, hurry up...
Liu Di went to open the door. She frowned slightly and looked up, only to see Manager Li walking in quickly with a smile on his face and a hint of excitement in his expression.
"Miss Liu!" Manager Li walked up to her with a smile on his face and bowed.
Liu Yeshu was slightly startled, then smiled and replied, "Manager Li, why are you here today? Is there something important?"
Manager Li waved his hand, his face beaming with joy. "I'm not here today on official business, but primarily to congratulate Miss Liu. I heard you've been released from prison, no longer a convict, but a legitimate citizen. This is truly wonderful news!" He then lowered his voice and changed the subject, "Miss Liu, although you've been released from prison, there are still many things to come. Now that you're a legitimate citizen, matters like land allocation and taxation must be handled according to the rules for legitimate citizens."
Liu Yeshu frowned slightly upon hearing this, feeling somewhat puzzled. "Manager Li, I'm not entirely sure about this land issue. According to the rules, how should I allocate the land?"
Steward Li had a smug look on his face, having clearly anticipated her question. He pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Liu Yeshu, "Miss Liu, this isn't difficult. With your current status, you can be allocated a piece of fertile land. I've already found out the specific location and distribution method for you. Take a look! This is a map of the village. Your plot of land is already marked."
Liu Yeshu took the map and looked at it carefully. The distribution of fields in the village was drawn on the paper, and the land belonging to her was clearly marked.
Liu Yeshu took the paper from Li Guanshi and unfolded it carefully. It was a simple village map. Black ink marked the main roads and the distribution of some villagers' houses. The outlines of rivers and fields were also clearly visible. Her eye was caught by a small red circle. It was the land that Guanshi Li had specially marked for her allocation.
"This piece of land is located in the southwest corner of the village. It's about ten acres and is considered excellent farmland." Manager Li pointed to the red circle on the map and explained, "The terrain is flat and close to Qingxi River. There's an abundant water source, making it very suitable for growing crops. The water from Qingxi River flows down from the mountains, and the water is clear and flows year-round. You see, this field is right next to the river, and we can use the stream water directly for irrigation, which is very convenient for spring and summer planting. There aren't many weeds around, so we can start farming with a little tidying."
Liu Yeshu followed Li Guanshi's finger and looked at the location of the land. Sure enough, the Qingxi River meandered along the edge of the village, with the green mountains in the distance as a backdrop. The land was not far from the stream, with a wide and open terrain and plenty of sunlight. Just as Li Guanshi said, it was a piece of high-quality arable land.
"This terrain is really good." Liu Yeshu nodded.
"However, since you've become a good citizen, the use of your land must be taxed according to the normal tax system." Manager Li changed the subject and added with a smile, "This piece of land is of moderate size. According to village rules, you need to pay a certain amount of taxes every year. Of course, if you cultivate it properly, the income should be enough to pay these taxes."
"However," Steward Li changed the subject, his expression becoming more serious. "Getting allocated land isn't just about cultivating it. Land tax is a top priority. Your land is good farmland, and according to court regulations, you must pay a tax in kind and rent and silver every year. Specifically, the tax in kind means you must hand over one-tenth of your harvest during the autumn harvest to the state as grain reserves. In other words, you have to pay a proportional amount of grain according to how much you grow."
Liu Yeshu nodded and listened very carefully.
"Besides the in-kind tax," Steward Li continued, "you also have to pay rent and taxes. This rent and taxes is calculated per acre, roughly five to eight wen per acre, depending on the yield and quality of your land. Your land is ten acres of good farmland, so while the rent and taxes aren't excessive, you still need to prepare sufficient silver each year. Even if the amount isn't large, if the autumn harvest isn't good, it could be a significant expense."
Liu Yeshu seemed to be thinking deeply, and asked, "If the harvest is bad, can the tax be reduced or exempted?"
Steward Li shook his head and sighed, "The court's rules are quite strict. Taxes aren't usually reduced or waived due to poor harvests. Because of this, many villagers manage their fields with extreme caution, fearing that if the harvest is bad, they won't be able to pay their taxes. Not only will they be charged late fees, but in serious cases, they might even be deprived of their land."
Liu Yeshu was secretly shocked when she heard this. She had just become a good citizen and was not yet fully familiar with the obligations of a good citizen. Now that she knew the land tax was so strict, she couldn't help but feel a great sense of responsibility.
Seeing her solemn expression, Steward Li smiled gently and said, "But Miss Liu, don't worry too much. After this year, I see that you have some experience in farming. I think next year's harvest will be good." He glanced at the sky and smiled, "I've said everything I need to say today. I won't bother you any further. If you need anything in the future, Miss Liu, please feel free to come to me."
*
It's not cold when it snows, but it's cold when the snow melts. The cold wind in this frontier seems to have sharp edges, and it feels like being cut by a knife when it blows on your face.
Widow Wang was wearing her neatest cotton-padded jacket, holding a small gift in her hand, and walking with a hurried pace. She had a smile on her face, but her eyes revealed a complex emotion, as if she had a thousand words to say but didn't know how to start.
After knocking on Liu Yeshu's door, Widow Wang forced a smile and said softly, "Miss Liu, I heard that you've been freed from citizenship. This is a great joyous occasion!"
Liu Yeshu was looking through some accounts in the study when she heard a knock on the door. She was slightly startled. Seeing that it was Widow Wang, she quickly stood up and invited her in to sit down: "Sister Wang, please come in."
Widow Wang walked into the house with a slight smile, her movements light and reserved. She handed over the gift in her hand, her voice tinged with congratulations, "I heard you've been released. I'm so happy for you."
Liu Yeshu took the gift with a smile and placed it on the table. She noticed the faint uneasiness in Widow Wang's expression and couldn't help but wonder, "Sister Wang, what's wrong? Is there something wrong with your business?"
Widow Wang sat down and glanced around the room, as if searching for the right opening line. Her fingers twisted the corner of her clothes unconsciously, her eyes flickering, as if she was about to speak, but hesitated. She lowered her head, fiddling with the hem of her clothes, as if to encourage herself. Finally, she raised her head and forced a smile: "Miss Liu, now that you've been freed from your status, I'm really happy for you. But... but I'm a straightforward person, and I don't know if I should say this or not."
Seeing her like this, Liu Yeshu felt something in her heart. She put down the account book in her hand and smiled slightly: "Sister Wang, if you have anything to say, just say it directly. There is no need for us to be so formal."
Hearing this, Widow Wang took a deep breath, as if finally making up her mind. A flicker of unease and inferiority flashed across her eyes, and her tone carried a hint of resignation: "Miss Liu, now that you've escaped slavery, you're a capable person in the General's Mansion, with a promising future. I'm just a humble man. We're doing business together, and although you trust me deeply, I always feel like I can't be of much help to you. You're busy with important matters at the mansion, and I'm afraid you won't need me anymore..."
At this point, Widow Wang's voice was filled with unconcealed sadness and inferiority. She looked up at Liu Yeshu, then quickly lowered her head, as if she was afraid that her uneasiness would be seen through.
Liu Yeshu felt a pang of sadness after hearing this. She looked at the woman before her, who had become strong through the trials of life, yet still felt a little uneasy, and a strong desire to protect her surged within her.
The hardships and difficulties in life have made her strong, but now when faced with the gap in status, her inner inferiority is still difficult to conceal.
Liu Yeshu slowly reached out and held Widow Wang's hand, saying gently but firmly, "Sister Wang, I understand your concerns, but don't worry, no matter how my identity changes, our cooperation will not change."
Widow Wang was stunned, a flicker of disbelief in her eyes, as if she couldn't believe what Liu Yeshu said. She looked at Liu Yeshu hesitantly, her voice trembling slightly, "Miss Liu, do you really think so? But I... am just a village woman after all, and I'm afraid... I'm afraid I'll be a burden to you..."
Liu Yeshu shook her head gently, her eyes gentle yet firm. "Sister Wang, don't say that. You've been able to survive in the village for so many years and still do business with me because of your tenacity and perseverance. Without you, how could our business be so smooth? Next, we will not only expand the scale, but also rent a shop. I will inevitably be busy with my work in the General's Mansion, and many specific matters will need you to take care of them. Without you, I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it."
After hearing these words, Widow Wang's eyes reddened slightly, as if a warm current surged into her heart. She pursed her lips, trying hard to hold back her tears, and said with a choked voice, "Miss Liu, you trust me, and I will definitely not let you down! Let's grow our business together!"
Liu Yeshu patted her hand gently with a warm smile: "Let's work hard together, and the business will grow bigger in the future, and you will be more confident."
Upon hearing this, Widow Wang felt her worries and anxieties dissipate instantly. Her expression became much more resolute, as if she had regained her confidence. She looked up at Liu Yeshu with a hint of gratitude and trust in her eyes. "Miss Liu, don't worry. As long as you need me, I will do my best to make sure everything is done well."
After leaving Liu Yeshu's house, Widow Wang felt reassured and threw herself into her business, becoming incredibly busy. Not only did she help process orders from the Hu merchants, she also ran around the market, taking care of all sorts of business matters. As her business prospered, and as she watched her inventory being bought up by the caravans, she gradually began to make bigger plans.
That day, she excitedly came to Liu Yeshu's house and said as soon as she entered the door, "Miss Liu, haven't we been thinking about renting a shop these days? I've been looking at a few shops recently, and they all have good locations. I'd like to invite you to come with me to take a look."
Liu Yeshu was hanging the pickled meat. Upon hearing this, she put down her work and said with a smile, "Okay, I was just thinking of discussing this with you. Since you've already found out, let's go take a look together today."
The two packed up quickly and headed out together, heading straight for the East Market. Today's weather was exceptionally sunny, the sun shining on the streets, and the signs of shops and vendors sparkled in the sunlight. The market was bustling with people, the cries of hawkers echoed one after another, and pedestrians came and went, making it seem very lively. Widow Wang walked with Liu Yeshu on the crowded street, pointing at several shops in the market as they walked: "There's a shop over there, it's in a great location, with a lot of traffic, but the rent is a bit expensive. And the one in front, the location is also good, but the shop is a little small."
Liu Yeshu looked around carefully and said thoughtfully, "The size of the shop is secondary. The key is whether our goods can be displayed and sell well. Although the location is important, the most suitable one is the best."
Widow Wang nodded, agreeing with her opinion, and continued to lead her forward. After walking around for a long time, the two finally arrived at a shop near the main street of the market. The shop was bustling with people coming and going, and the storefront was spacious and bright, quite suitable for their business. Widow Wang looked at the shop, and a look of satisfaction appeared in her eyes: "Miss Liu, what do you think of this shop? I think it is suitable, and the rent is more cost-effective than the others."
Liu Yeshu took a closer look and thought the shop was indeed good, so she agreed: "I think this shop is good, why don't we go in and ask."
The two men pushed open the shop door. The shopkeeper was flipping through the account books behind the counter. He looked up and saw two women. A hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes. He stood up and said in a cold tone, "What can I do for you, ladies?"
Widow Wang didn't suspect anything and said bluntly, "Boss, we've taken a fancy to your shop and would like to rent it to do some business. How much is the rent?"
After hearing this, the shopkeeper looked displeased, curled his lips, and said with contempt: "Rent a shop? You two women? Doing business is not that easy. Go back quickly. Do some needlework and take care of the children." His words were impolite, and he did not treat them as serious businessmen at all.
Widow Wang was so angry at the shopkeeper's words that her face turned red and white, and for a moment she didn't know how to respond. Seeing this, Liu Yeshu walked forward calmly, saying in a neither humble nor arrogant tone, "Shopkeeper, what you said is a bit inappropriate. We are doing business as Hu merchants, relying on credit and quality. Regardless of gender, as long as the business is good, we earn money. Do you think that money will be considered against us because we are women?"
The shopkeeper was stunned, as if choked by Liu Yeshu's words, but he was still unwilling to give in. He snorted coldly: "Hmph, no matter how beautiful your words are, business is not something that can be done casually. Our shop is rented out to those with experience first. I'm afraid it won't last long for a woman to run the business."
Liu Yeshu noticed his embarrassment and deliberately slowed down her tone. "Shopkeeper, I understand your concerns, but our business is with Hu merchants, and this is no ordinary small business." She paused deliberately, and seeing a flicker of curiosity in the shopkeeper's eyes, she continued, "Most Hu merchants traveled along the Silk Road, traveling between the Central Plains and the Western Regions. The food supply on this trade route is a huge market. The bacon and dried meat we sell are very popular among Hu merchants. If you don't believe me, you can ask around."
Seeing that Liu Yeshu and Widow Wang were interested in renting the shop, the shopkeeper asked, "Young ladies, what kind of business are you planning to start? Although my shop is in a good location, it has a lot of tenants. If you don't do well, don't blame me for not reminding you."
When the shopkeeper heard the word "restaurant", his face immediately darkened and his tone was no longer as polite as before: "No, this won't work. You will be in trouble."
Liu Yeshu was slightly stunned and asked, "Boss, why not? We just want to open an ordinary restaurant and make some home-cooked dishes. It's not a big deal, so why would there be any trouble?"
The shopkeeper snorted coldly, put his hands on his hips, and said slowly, "You don't know, there are already several big restaurants on this street, and the owners of those restaurants are not easy to mess with. If you open a restaurant and steal their business, they might come to cause trouble for you. You two women, if you cause trouble, how will you deal with it?"
Widow Wang was somewhat helpless at the shopkeeper's words, pursing her lips, not knowing what to do. She looked at Liu Yeshu, clearly feeling a little flustered.
Liu Yeshu didn't panic. She smiled and said calmly, "Boss, you're right. Competition is inevitable among competitors. However, our restaurant is different from other restaurants. We won't directly steal their business."
The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow and asked in confusion, "Oh? Why is it different?"
Liu Yeshu nodded gently and explained, "The dishes we plan to make will focus on food that is convenient and suitable for traveling, such as cured meats, pickled vegetables, and some dry food that is convenient for merchants to eat on the road. On weekdays, we will also make some home-cooked meals, but our main customer base will be passing merchants and travelers, so we will not compete directly with the surrounding restaurants."
Seeing the shopkeeper still hesitate, she continued, "What's more, our restaurant can also make some unique snacks to provide customers with different choices than elsewhere. This way, we won't conflict with the surrounding restaurants and can attract more customers. Everyone can do their own business without interfering with each other."
The shopkeeper looked thoughtful after hearing this. On the one hand, he was worried about annoying the surrounding restaurants, but on the other hand, he also knew that if it was true as Liu Yeshu said, this restaurant would not only not affect the business of other restaurants, but would actually stimulate business opportunities in the surrounding areas.
"You do have a point," the shopkeeper nodded, his tone softening slightly. "However, I still need to think about opening a restaurant. If you do a good job, I naturally have nothing to say, but if you don't..."
Liu Yeshu smiled slightly and interrupted him: "Boss, why don't you give us a chance and let us try it for a few months first. If business is good, you can continue to rent it to us; if business is not good, we won't make it difficult for you. We can pay the rent for three months in advance, what do you think?"
The shopkeeper thought the proposal was reasonable. Seeing Liu Yeshu's calm demeanor and relaxed conversation, he felt they might actually have some talent. He finally nodded, "Since you've said so, young lady, I'm not unreasonable. I'll do as you say. Three months' rent up front, and you can come in and clean up the shop anytime you want."
Liu Yeshu and Widow Wang smiled at each other, and Liu Yeshu immediately took out his wallet and paid three months' rent without hesitation. The shopkeeper looked at the silver in his hand and nodded with satisfaction: "Okay, the shop is yours now. Hurry and pack up and open it as soon as possible."
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