Although Qin Sanniang didn't like reading history books, she was still a promising young woman raised under the red flag, and she was quite good at politics and history! She knew that a tax rate of 12:1 was really high; in times of peace and prosperity, the tax rate was 30:1!
There was no other way; the Great Sheng Dynasty was currently beset by internal and external troubles. Externally, the Tatars and Hu people were burning, killing, and looting, while internally, things were also in turmoil. The army supported by the imperial court could not be easily withdrawn, so where would the military rations come from? Naturally, they would have to be taken from the people's food rations.
The smiling faces around them all showed the people's tolerance. This year the weather was good and the crops were harvested smoothly. Although there was not much grain left, it was enough to make a living, which made them satisfied!
Ah, this is what ordinary people are like! They carry the boat of the feudal dynasty, yet with the most magnanimous heart, they embrace all the misfortunes.
It wasn't the first time the villagers had paid their taxes, but when they heard the official's urgent and authoritative words, they couldn't help but tremble. Many of them even glanced down at the baskets at their feet to make sure the rice was alright before they felt a little relieved.
Seeing the villagers' hesitant expressions, the officials knew that ordinary people wouldn't dare to tamper with the grain tax. They said this to ensure a smooth grain collection process, because if the grain they collected was problematic and affected the overall storage of rice, they would be implicated and punished. Therefore, they had to be cautious.
Fortunately, this county magistrate is relatively diligent and kind, and he treats his subordinates with both kindness and strictness. When they come to collect grain, they use a weight instead of a measuring cup. In fact, those dirty tricks of kicking the grain measure and pouring the grain into the cup are despised by the people, and they don't want to take the blame!
Besides, the extra food didn't even end up in their stomachs, so what's the point?
When the grain collectors took out the weights, everyone was overjoyed, as it meant their losses wouldn't be too great.
As instructed by the village head, they went door-to-door to weigh the grain. The constables were not allowed to do the work themselves; they were only responsible for supervising. The tasks of weighing and collecting the grain into bags were handed over to a few people arranged by Chen Sheng.
The Qin family had only recently settled here this year, so they naturally had to wait in line. Seeing that waiting was boring, Gu Qingshan took the eldest child to wait here while she took the other children home.
After collecting the taxes, the village head happily handed over two jars of jam to the two constables, once again marveling at his own keen eye! Look at that woman, that's what you call having a broad perspective!
Upon seeing the apricot jam, the grain collector knew it was a gift from the owner of Ruyi Cake Shop. He happily accepted it and said, "The village head is truly blessed to have attracted such a family to settle here. Shiligou is in for a treat!"
Being flattered, especially by the officials, Chen Sheng grinned from ear to ear. "I must thank you for your care, sirs. Da Wa's mother said that if you two ever come to Shili Gou again, there will be plenty of jam!"
"Okay, okay, then we'll have to come again next year!"
"Absolutely, absolutely. Even when you're out on business, you can still find time to come over and relax for a bit, right?"
"Oh, you really know how to talk. Alright, then we won't bother you any longer, we brothers still have a lot of work to do today!"
After seeing the officials off, Chen Sheng wiped the sweat from his brow! He thought for a moment, then put his hands behind his back and leisurely went home!
This year has been the smoothest one of all these years, I have to go home and have a drink!
Wu Chunhua's dried fruit workshop and Da Wa's jam workshop have been operating continuously. However, considering the busy farming season, the workshops have introduced a half-day shift system. Workers can work only half a day depending on the situation. If there is any problem, they can adjust their schedule privately, but they must inform the manager.
Today is Da Ya's shift again. Her hands are busy, slowly stirring the sauce in the pot. Even after working for so long, she still can't get over all the sugar. It's a pot full of copper coins!
"Why are you so happy?" Da Wa suddenly asked, feeling that this girl was like an energetic forest deer, seemingly with inexhaustible energy.
Upon hearing this, Da Ya's smile widened. Now that she was familiar with Da Wa and the others, they spoke more casually. She then said...
"Our rice paddies had a bumper harvest a few days ago, all thanks to Aunt San. The rice produced from those two acres of paddy fields has made everyone in the village extremely envious!"
Not only Daya, but also Old Han's family and Old Wang's family felt a great sense of relief, because those gossipy women and men were truly hateful.
This time, when they saw that their yield per acre was so high, they all opened their mouths wide in disbelief and insisted on weighing it again.
Old Wang, intending to play a trick on them, had those who were skeptical weigh it again. After weighing it, they were even more dumbfounded to find that it weighed several pounds more than before.
Finally, the village elders and headman were alerted, and they came to ask for advice on planting methods, bringing good wine and food. Even the gossipy ones found opportunities to chat with Grandma and Grandma, no longer behaving as they had before.
One word: Awesome!
Da Wa was also happy for her family, knowing that Da Ya's family had many daughters and had previously struggled to make ends meet, but things were much better now.
Caihua, being younger, listened to her older siblings talk, occasionally managing to chime in. Lu Song, on the other hand, was a quiet, reserved man; his heart and mind were only for Da Wa. Da Wa's happiness was his happiness, which was understandable, as he had come to the Qin family specifically because of Da Wa…
The old mother, Qin San Niang, had just come out of the outhouse in the backyard when she saw her eldest son chatting with a girl. The bright light shining in the children's eyes almost blinded her old eyes.
Da Wa and Da Ya?
It's not impossible...
She seemed to have discovered something new, and from then on she began to observe her prospective daughter-in-law, becoming more and more satisfied with her.
Daya is bold yet meticulous, with a good personality, easygoing and caring, and she can even take care of her younger siblings. Besides, she's incredibly efficient; wherever she goes, everything is spotless. If I had a daughter-in-law like her, I'm worried I'd be too lazy to take anything…
Honest, sensible, capable, considerate of the overall situation, hardworking and conscientious...
Oh my god, I didn't realize it until I thought about it! Qin San Niang is so satisfied! I'm totally getting that shipping vibe.
However, these two children were only fourteen or fifteen years old. In her time, this was definitely puppy love!
The thought of becoming a young grandmother when the kids get married and have children is just... so exciting!
However, to her utter surprise, her mother, Liu, was also deeply engrossed in kowtowing!
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