"War? Impossible. Our Great Ze Kingdom has been peaceful for so many years. It is now a prosperous age. We have a strong army and the people live and work in peace. How could there be a war?"
Two men brought sorghum liquor and sat at a small table eating peanuts and discussing things.
"Anyway, I heard some rumors that came from the capital. Our southern neighbor is well-behaved, but the northern tribes have been eyeing our Great Swamp Kingdom covetously, waiting for an opportunity to strike."
"You see it as a prosperous era, but in reality, the national treasury is already depleted. If a war really breaks out, what will support it? It will be us ordinary people who suffer."
"The rumors are just hearsay; who can take them seriously? I've also heard that zombies have appeared somewhere in the east that eat people, and that in our southern neighboring country, there's a perverted tribe that captures people and cuts off their kidneys, saying that this stuff can strengthen the kidneys. Some people even collect them to eat. Do you think that's possible?"
"Alas, what you're saying sounds like a fantasy, of course it's impossible, but war is a common occurrence between nations."
"Impossible. Our Great Swamp Kingdom is indeed powerful. It has stood for a hundred years. Who can touch it? Even if the northern tribes want to move south, they will be beaten so badly that they will run back and beg for mercy."
"I also heard that this year the land rent tax and poll tax will be increased, and for stall owners like these, the tax will not only be doubled, but even four or five times higher."
In ancient times, agriculture was valued and commerce was suppressed. Families who ran businesses had to pay double the poll tax every year.
Setting up a stall here involves not only a stall fee, but also a monthly tax based on the business income. The founding monarch of Daze Kingdom was enlightened and abolished the market management tax, but the other two taxes still apply.
"Impossible, impossible. Don't say such discouraging things, lest it affect your luck. Come on, drink."
Qiao Lian'er heard every single word of their conversation.
Seeing that their plates were almost empty, she scooped up a large spoonful of peanuts and put them in.
Their eyes lit up. Was this a free gift?
Qiao Lian'er also dragged a small stool over and sat down.
"Gentlemen, this is free food for you."
"Oh, okay, thank you so much, you're such a kind girl." The two were very happy, and could chat for a while longer.
"I just heard that there's going to be a war or something. Is there a reliable source for this news?"
"Hey, little girl, don't listen to his nonsense. He's drunk and just making things up. Don't take it seriously. Our Daze Kingdom is peaceful and prosperous, and the people are happy and content."
The uncle who had mentioned being good at fighting looked rather serious: "Little girl, a distant relative of mine is an official in the capital. His brother-in-law came here last month, had a few drinks with me, and revealed some information to me. The grain tax was increased a couple of years ago, and all that grain was transported to the north. It's the court making preparations in advance."
"Since you gave me peanuts for free, I'll kindly remind you of something."
He looked around, moved closer to Qiao Lian'er, and lowered his voice.
"Don't keep too much silver or too much rice at home."
Qiao Lian'er's heart skipped a beat.
"The fighting in the north won't reach us, so we don't have to worry about being displaced. But things that can be taken away are hard to keep when they are needed elsewhere."
"I just mentioned that the deficit might be even more serious than I estimated. Sigh, I can't talk about this any further."
"Also, pay close attention to changes around you. If anything seems amiss, don't set up your stall for the time being. Otherwise, with all the money you're making and so much food you're buying and selling, you'll be the first to attract attention."
"Little girl, remember this well."
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