Captain Song also held a ceremony to adopt a daughter in a serious manner. In this way, Xiao Mingcheng gradually integrated into the life of the small town and became Song Lin's sister, but she still lived a secluded life.
However, the peaceful days did not last as they wished. The rebellion of Duke Mu of Zhou was suppressed in less than a month. Master Hua secured his position in the capital and began to build large-scale palaces for his enjoyment.
For a time, forced labor was being carried out everywhere in the country, and more than a dozen counties in Dongning Prefecture were particularly affected. All the people who failed to escape were taken captive.
The elderly, the weak, the sick and the disabled were all buried alive, the women became palace maids and military prostitutes, and the able-bodied men were shackled and forced to mine and build tombs.
In order to intimidate the various prefectures and counties, the imperial court increased taxes and ordered each county to hand over hundreds of young boys and girls and beautiful concubines every month.
The forced conscription of doctors, craftsmen, and able-bodied men into labor led to the abandonment of all industries, widespread resentment among the people, and widespread grief across the country.
"No, we can't hand over so many children. Our Langya County is so rich, how could any good citizen be willing to send his own children to the palace!" The county magistrate, Mr. Zhou, scratched his head in frustration and paced back and forth in the yamen in annoyance.
Master Ma and Captain Song stood aside, watching Mr. Zhou pacing back and forth, and looked at each other with the same worried look.
He said in embarrassment, "But the petition we submitted to offer money and grain as compensation was rejected. If we can't find another hundred boys and girls, we will be charged with treason."
Captain Song frowned and said, "Master Zhou, the court wants us to hand over so many able-bodied men and women every month, and it's fine, but we also want to hand over children. How can we find so many people in our county to hand over when the time comes? Besides, I, Old Song, went to the prefectural government to handle a case. I heard that those children were used to make elixirs. They would have no chance of survival in the capital. Master, we can't hand over the children!"
"Well, I have to go and meet the prefect. If this goes on, the people will be in panic and will not be able to live and work in peace in Langya County." Mr. Zhou said, and immediately sat down at the desk and picked up the pen to write a memorial.
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