Chapter 118 Conscripted Labor
Several people hurriedly stood up and returned the greeting nervously, "Thank you for your trouble, sir."
Xu Yi smiled and said, "I dare not. I am just a student under the Queen Mother. You can just call me Xu Yi. I came here today just to get to know you."
As he spoke, he put down the bamboo basket on his back.
Everyone who had just eaten the pork pancakes was curious about what was inside, and they all stretched their heads to look.
Xu Yi explained, "These are agricultural books collected by the Queen Mother. Some are written by her personally. I hope they can be of some help to you."
Books were piled up together, nearly half a person's height. Everyone had never seen such a scene before and stood there in a daze.
Although they knew a few words, they had only learned the basics from the village teacher. It would be too difficult for them to read a complete book.
I originally thought I came here just to farm, but I never thought I actually needed to study!
Someone timidly asked, "What if we don't understand it?"
Xu Yi was stunned. Isn't it said that everyone here can read?
Chen He stepped forward to explain, "We were conscripted by the government. At the time, the officials only said that we could read and write, and did not require us to understand these agricultural books."
Xu Yi reacted immediately. Seeing everyone trembling and afraid to speak, he calmed down and said soothingly, "It's okay. I will report it to the Queen Mother. Don't worry, the Queen Mother won't blame you! These books—leave them here for now. You can pass them around."
After Zhao Yuanxi heard the news, he couldn't help but curse Ying Zheng for being unreliable!
However, this also shows that Qin's basic education was indeed very poor, or it should be said that it did not exist at all. The nobles monopolized knowledge, and the common people had no access to education at all.
Zhao Yuanxi pondered for a moment and decided, "Just give them another literacy class. But that will make you work harder!"
Although it is a bit troublesome, they are practical talents after all. Zhao Yuanxi has always believed that practice is more important than theory. It's just that they don't know a few words. Just let them learn and adjust the plan.
Xu Yi nodded slightly. "It's my honor, but there's one thing: they were forcibly conscripted by the government. It seems they came here just to perform labor."
Crack—Zhao Yuanxi crushed a corner of the table. Her voice was even a little sharp. "What did you say? Serving as a laborer?"
Chen He and eight other farmers were sitting in the yard discussing something.
"We won't be sent back, will we?" Tu said a little guiltily. He had just eaten a lot of meat patties and hadn't done any work yet, but he was going to be sent back. This made him feel a little embarrassed.
"Isn't it better to go back? I still need to work on the farmland at home! Without someone to work, I don't know if the family can finish the work!" Someone complained in a low voice.
These people were conscripted by the government. In previous years, labor was conscripted during the non-agricultural season. Now they are farming for the empress dowager, and it is estimated that they will not be able to catch up with the land at home.
Adult men in the Qin State were required to perform labor service for one month every year, which was called "zuogeng". In previous years, they were required to repair tombs, roads, and city walls, but this was the first time they were required to farm at this time.
"But I think the Queen Mother is a very nice person. She even gave us meat to eat."
How could the soldiers be given such good food? To make sure they had a full meal, it all depended on the mood of the local officials.
I had done a lot of hard labor before and had no worries at home, so I felt that I had hit the jackpot this time.
"You were bribed by a small profit? This labor will definitely last more than a month, so you'd better be prepared!" Chen He said coldly.
"What do you mean?" Tu came closer and asked nervously, "Brother Chen, do you think we have to stay here forever?"
Chen He couldn't figure out what Queen Mother Zhao was thinking, but she gave them such a good place to live, such good food, and allowed them to study. How could she let them leave after just one month?
Unfortunately, his children are still young and don’t know if they will ever see him again.
"I haven't gotten married yet, but I don't want to stay here forever." Tu hung his head and wailed.
"This matter is still uncertain, so stop crying here!"
Tu said aggrievedly, "Didn't you say that? Brother Chen, Sheng'er and sister-in-law are still waiting for you at home! Don't act like it has nothing to do with you!"
"Are you still planning to escape? Deserters will have their labor increased and be sentenced to prison. You might even lose your life, and it will also affect everyone here."
Chen He missed home a lot, but Qin's law was there and they couldn't escape it, so they could only accept this reality.
Even if the Queen Mother of Qin wanted to keep them here for the rest of their lives, they would not be able to resist.
Tu stopped talking. He felt extremely upset and felt that his life was hopeless.
Not only him, but the others were also very worried. The joy they had just felt after eating the meat patties had disappeared, and all that was left was confusion about the future.
"Don't you want to see what's in these books?"
A voice broke the silence at the moment.
The man who was speaking was holding a book in his hand. He had heard their conversation just now, but he was not as pessimistic as the others.
It was true that Queen Mother Zhao summoned them to Yongcheng to farm, but she did not want them to be farmers, but more like she wanted them to be agricultural officials.
After reading these books, he became more convinced of his guess that these agricultural books were worth a fortune. Anyone who had these agricultural books could ask for rewards from other kings.
After hearing this, everyone finally turned their attention to the books.
Everyone had heard a long time ago that Yongcheng had produced something that was easier to write on and carry than bamboo slips. Now that they had actually seen this legendary Yong paper, everyone was a little cautious and didn't dare to touch it.
Seeing that someone was already reading it, they finally got a little bolder, wiped the oil stains off their hands, and then each took a copy.
When Xu Yi came back, he saw this scene and was very happy.
He was worried that these people would be dissatisfied and lazy in studying, but he didn't expect them to be so eager to learn. It was he who was narrow-minded.
"Everyone, I'm back." Xu Yi couldn't help but smile. "The Queen Mother has agreed to let you stay here. I will give you another literacy class. From now on, you can come and ask me if there are any words you don't know."
This means that no matter what, they won't be allowed to leave! They looked at each other, unable to hide their disappointment.
Seeing their lack of interest, Xu Yi's eyes flashed with doubt, but then he smiled and said, "There's another piece of good news. Queen Mother Zhao, mindful of your journey to serve the State of Qin, has specifically ordered that you be given a thousand coins each month. If anyone can make other contributions or excel in their studies, there will be additional rewards."
These words were like a thunderclap, leaving everyone dizzy and at a loss.
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