Fang Hong stared at the masked little figure for a few moments before recognizing it as Qiao Lian'er.
He dismounted.
"Miss Qiao, I didn't know you were in the county town."
"Well, I'm here to buy something. Uncle Fang, where are you going?"
"I'm heading back to the capital—Lianzhou. The two young masters are waiting for me."
"Uncle Fang, may I have a word with you in private?"
It was a single word that Fang Hong blurted out unconsciously that confirmed Qiao Lian'er's suspicion that Pei Zhujin and Pei Shijiu were from the capital.
Since they are from there, they must have more useful information.
Fang Hong hesitated for a moment, but nodded nonetheless.
Finding a teahouse, Qiao Lian'er tied the horse to the back stall and chose a relatively secluded spot.
"Uncle Fang, this meal is on me."
"Hey, you silly girl, I'm a grown man, how can I let you treat me? Just order your favorite tea and snacks, it's on me," Fang Hong said generously.
"Okay, then I won't stand on ceremony with Uncle Fang." Qiao Lian'er really went ahead and ordered a few things.
People like this don't lack money and won't care about these things, but getting to know them better will make it easier to get information.
Fang Hong felt a bit more favorably disposed towards her because she didn't treat her like an outsider.
"Little girl, I'm in a hurry and don't want to beat around the bush. Just say what you want to say."
"Uncle Fang, you won't be coming back this time, will you?" Qiao Lian'er said, noticing the baggage on Fang Hong's horse.
"Well, unless there's something specifically assigned, I generally won't come here. I've already completed the task you gave me, young master."
He had visited Datian Village last time and then lingered in the county town for some time to check on the progress of the grain inspection office's statistics.
The statistics for each village and shop have been almost completed. After August 20th, the process will continue according to the established procedures.
"I read that letter, and Uncle Fang knows what it contained, right?"
“Yes, I know all of this. I know it without even looking. The eldest young master wrote a letter to remind Miss Qiao, but he can only save Miss Qiao. In the face of the bigger picture, both young masters are powerless.” Fang Hong said with some emotion.
He didn't want to see the suffering of the common people, and neither did the two young masters, but what could they do?
However, in such a raging torrent, every individual, whether from a noble family or a commoner, is nothing more than a grain of sand swept along.
“I know, the two gentlemen are kind-hearted, and I am very grateful for their letter.”
"I want to ask Uncle Fang, the imperial court's deficit has reached such a point that it has to impose a tax of 50% of the total tax. This is an unprecedentedly heavy tax in the history of China."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
