"As for the yield, it can't possibly be as much as what's grown in spring and summer."
"Of course not. After all, it's winter, and conditions are limited in many ways. One mu of land can only produce eighty jin of grain, maybe a hundred jin at most."
The villagers nodded in agreement. Eighty jin was quite a good amount, considering that the yield of rice per mu (unit of land area) was only a little over one hundred jin per season.
In winter, the south has no shortage of sunshine, but the real headache is frost and cold waves. In more severe years, there are even icicles hanging all over the tree branches. Even if crops are grown, they will be frozen and die, not to mention any yield.
If greenhouses are built, this yield per acre will be enough to feed everyone and sustain us until next year's rice harvest.
If people have rice to eat, who would rebel? Who would risk being beheaded to do such a treasonous thing?
At this moment, seven or eight out of ten villagers had already begun to consider backing down.
Seeing that the situation was not good, Wang Hu became anxious. Just as he was about to speak, a soldier immediately stuffed something into his mouth. Seeing that he was still struggling desperately, the soldier punched him unconscious.
This kind of person is best at inciting others; the best course of action is to silence them.
“Those who still have such thoughts, think about whether this is the only way you’ve come in your lives. Think about your families, they’re all farmers. Now that there’s hope for the future and you can make a living, why gamble with your lives?” Dayong said.
"Now, I can pretend I don't recognize your faces, pretend I didn't see anyone."
“Anyone who dares to harbor rebellious thoughts will be registered one by one. If your family members are unaware, they can be punished lightly. But if they are aware and you are brought here, you will be punished the same.”
With this combination of kindness and severity, even the remaining 20% of villagers began to waver.
Their hesitation stemmed from the fear that the second crop of rice wouldn't grow, and also from the fear that since the other side had already taken this step, they wouldn't let them off easily. They figured it was better to fight to the death.
"Really? If we go back peacefully now, will they not hold it against us?"
"I mean what I say," Da Yong assured him solemnly, his word a promise he could not be broken.
The villagers all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Since we can grow food in winter, what are we doing here? Let's go, let's all go back."
Some wanted to go to Datian Village to take a look, while others decided to go back to their own villages and wait until the planting method spread before imitating it.
The villagers dispersed in groups, discussing the plastic film and greenhouses as they went.
The large crowd dispersed and gradually decreased, and the oppressive atmosphere that had filled the air also lessened.
"It was a close call, but no real danger." Supervisor Qu pressed his hand to his chest, trying to suppress his turbulent emotions.
Look at the Qiao siblings; their faces are full of admiration and gratitude.
"Thank you, thank you so much, you saved my life twice."
"This is a debt I owe you. I will definitely help you in the future if there is anything I can do for you."
"Chief Supervisor Qu," Qiao Lian'er said, "this time the people's rebellion is indeed due to the pressure of survival. The tax should be levied at a reasonable level. We don't need to strictly follow the 50% tax rate, but it shouldn't be so heavy either. This will test Chief Supervisor Qu's ability to manage his subordinates."
Supervisor Qu sighed, "I didn't want to offend my subordinates before, and I also had my own selfish reasons. Today's events have reminded me that I still need to be a person with a conscience."
"Let's set the next tax rate at 60%. If anyone objects, we'll make an example of them. I'd rather incur hatred and resentment than go against the people and become a sinner condemned by all."
"And Miss Qiao, if greenhouse cultivation is effective and can indeed produce two seasons of rice, thus alleviating the resentment of these people and reducing my sins, I will report to the Emperor and request that you be rewarded."
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