Chu Zhuo looked at Supervisor Qu with a cold and stern expression: "Supervisor Qu, if some villagers speak disrespectfully, it would be fine to teach them a lesson, but to torture them to death is cruel and not the way a leader should act. Just yesterday, more than twenty villagers in Lingjia Village rebelled because of excessive taxation and overly violent soldiers. Do we want to incite more and more peasant uprisings?"
"If this creates a widespread effect, with people echoing each other everywhere, and the north is still unsettled while the south is in turmoil, then who will be blamed for this?"
His gaze fell on Song Laosan's face: "Or is it that Commander Song can take responsibility? That takes a lot of ability."
Supervisor Qu frowned slightly, as if he was also thinking about this matter.
Old Song was about to speak in anger when Supervisor Qu raised his hand to stop him.
"Commander Song, let's stop here. The collection of taxes is the priority."
"We need to acquire five villages today; we can't delay any longer."
Song Laosan looked somewhat sullen, but although Supervisor Qu's position wasn't very high, he represented the will of those above, so he couldn't object.
Then, remembering that he had more important things to do, he said, "The two of them have already been punished, and I believe that no one else will dare to cause trouble. You villagers can go up the mountain and carry the grain down."
But none of the villagers moved. Taking away 90% of the grain was no different from taking their lives.
Qiao Lian'er took a step forward.
"Sir, the higher-ups have ordered that half of the silver and grain be collected. Is this in accordance with the regulations?"
Chu Zhuo looked somewhat helpless. He had already expropriated dozens of villages, and he had raised this issue with his superiors more than once. Several of his supervisors had changed, but they all tolerated this kind of thing.
It wasn't until a prison warden told him the truth that everyone involved in the collection of grain, including the soldiers, had to pocket a little bit of it, just like allowing soldiers to cleanse and massacre cities during wartime. This was to increase their enthusiasm and efficiency. If all the collected grain was handed over, no one would have the motivation to work.
The current tax collection is proceeding rapidly because everyone can benefit from it, and the north is pressing for payment.
His benefactor was right in front of him, yet he was unable to make any changes, and his heart was filled with guilt.
However, he will also try to compete.
“Qu Jiantou, just like in other villages, take 60-70% of the harvest. Leave some for the villagers so they can have enough to eat. Draining the pond to catch all the fish is never a good thing.”
As for Song Laosan, he didn't even want to give him a glance.
The villagers all looked at Chu Zhuo with pleading eyes, as if they regarded him as their savior.
When Song Laosan said he would take 90%, their hearts sank. They could have really accepted 60% or 70%.
As long as we can survive this year and get through this war, and have a good harvest next year, everything will be alright.
Other villages also have a 60-70% chance of similar outcomes, so they can grit their teeth and bear it.
This General Chu is somewhat benevolent; perhaps if you encounter a family he's collecting taxes from, they'll only need to pay 60%.
Supervisor Qu frowned and remained silent, as if he were considering something.
Seeing that these villagers were hoarding grain, he originally wanted to collect more, but they seized on his mistake.
Song Laosan said in a low voice, "Chief Qu, you don't want your hundred brothers to be wronged. These villagers have made a big mistake, and they are looking forward to it. We can't let them down."
Supervisor Qu took a deep breath.
Then, Song Laosan looked at Qiao Lian'er with a sinister gaze.
"You brat, did you see those two villagers get beaten half to death? They scared all the villagers, but they didn't scare a seven or eight-year-old little girl like you. You really are a fearless newborn calf."
Before he finished speaking, he immediately drew the sword from his waist and pointed it at Qiao Lian'er.
“Disobedience and rebellion, you are so young and don’t know the immensity of heaven and earth. Don’t think that just because you are a child, I will spare your life.”
Song Laosan wasn't joking; his eyes were filled with murderous intent.
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