A few days later, the county magistrate came again. The villagers were all waiting for news. If the grain tax could be reduced, it would be a great thing. Moreover, the village head had already persuaded everyone that those with more grain should share it with those with less. However, all of this would be recorded. It wouldn't be given away for nothing; everyone would have to pay it back in the future, and with some interest.
As long as the grain tax is reduced by a few percent.
At the village entrance, villagers crowded together, and people from the neighboring village also gathered at a distance to watch.
The news that Tiejian Village had a new rice crop had already spread far and wide, and everyone was eagerly anticipating this good news.
After waiting for an unknown amount of time, the county magistrate's carriage finally appeared at the village entrance. As it drew closer, everyone's eyes followed the county magistrate as he alighted from the carriage, filled with both curiosity and tension.
The county magistrate's face remained expressionless, making it impossible to guess what was going on.
The village headman walked over, bowed, and then asked further questions.
The county magistrate glanced at Yin Lan, then slowly shook his head.
The villagers were greatly disappointed. Paying 50% meant that everyone would have to tighten their belts even more. With some wild fruits and vegetables, they should be able to get by.
However, the county magistrate said, "Not only did I not agree, but... starting this year, the tax will be increased to 70%."
ha?
The surrounding area immediately erupted in chaos.
How can we survive if we have to pay 70%?
This was already the result of the county magistrate's hard work.
The matter here wasn't over yet when Zhao Dashan rushed back from outside. These days, Yin Lan had handed over most of the business to her and her husband, and with the help of Chen Laosan and his wife, there hadn't been any problems.
Logically speaking, it's only noon now, and the group usually doesn't return until late evening.
Yin Lan suddenly had a bad feeling.
Zhao Dashan jumped off the oxcart and ran over quickly, his face grave. When he met the villagers' questioning gazes, his expression darkened further. "Something's wrong. It's...chaos outside."
This area is already considered remote, and even in times of war, it's rare for the enemy to reach this place. But today, rumors are circulating throughout the county that the enemy has reached the neighboring county, and many families have rushed here to escape.
If we take over the neighboring county, this place will also be in grave danger.
The villagers were wailing and crying. What could be done? Why would such a prince rebel?
The village head tried to calm him down for a while, and Yin Lan also said that the prince was not a bloodthirsty person, but the fear could not be dispelled so easily.
Later that evening, the county magistrate did not leave immediately. Instead, he came looking for Yin Lan, saying that his superiors had heard about the rice seedlings and wanted to speak with her.
Yin Lan's heart skipped a beat; she had a feeling this wasn't a good thing.
But since he was someone above the county magistrate, she couldn't refuse. The next day, he sent someone to take her away in person.
But is it because of the rice seedlings, or because of... Chen Yourun?
Yin Lan's heart pounded.
I couldn't sleep all night.
In the stillness of the night, suddenly, the sound of stones being struck rang out outside. Yin Lan had just woken up when a second stone struck her. Her heart trembled, and she quietly moved to the window.
"Sister-in-law? Sister-in-law?" The voice from outside made Yin Lan breathe a sigh of relief.
Upon hearing Yin Lan's reply, Xiao Wu knocked on the door and came in. It turned out that the war had affected this area, so Chen Yourun sent Xiao Wu to take Yin Lan away.
"Sister-in-law, we've already captured the capital, but the situation in the imperial city is still at a standoff. It'll probably take a few more days. Things are starting to get chaotic here too. Brother Run asked me to escort you out."
"By the time we get to the capital, the situation there should be mostly resolved."
Yin Lan was startled. So fast? She wondered if she could still make it to the capital in time.
"It's just that many powerful and influential people in the capital are still causing trouble, but it's generally safe to go there. Right now, it's this area that's not very safe."
The enemy, on the contrary, saw the area as easy to defend and difficult to attack. Taking advantage of the fact that the main force had gone to the capital, they wanted to occupy this place. Although the situation was hopeless, having this place would allow them to recuperate and perhaps even make a comeback.
"So, we need to leave quickly, especially with Brother Run... oh no, he's now Captain Chen!"
Yin Lan looked over in confusion, and Xiao Wu immediately explained, "As soon as Brother Chen arrived, he was ambushed by the enemy. Fortunately, Brother Chen was the first to discover it and went to warn them in time. He was the one who killed the most enemies in that battle, and later he made two more merits and was promoted to captain. The general even met with Brother Chen in person."
Xiao Wu looked proud, and Yin Lan was also very pleased and happy.
She always knew he was no ordinary person and was destined for great things, but she couldn't help worrying about him. The battlefield was ever-changing, and swords had no eyes; she could only hope that everything would go well for him.
"Is he... injured?"
Xiao Wu's expression paused slightly, but he felt a little bitter. Look, when others hear that Brother Chen has achieved such results in such a short time, they all ask how he did it. Only those who truly care will ask first whether he is injured or if he is in good health.
"Don't worry, sister-in-law, it's nothing serious."
Yin Lan nodded silently.
Nothing serious, just some minor things. Yes, on the battlefield, no matter how brave he is, after killing so many enemies, it's impossible not to get injured.
It's nothing serious, that's good....
After Xiao Wu finished speaking, he lowered his head and fell silent, afraid that Yin Lan would notice his expression. Actually... it wasn't a big deal, but unfortunately, Chen Yourun had repeatedly told him that he was not allowed to say a word about his injury when he got back.
Since she was leaving, Yin Lan had already been preparing for a long time, and it was almost done. She just needed one last day to make arrangements. They agreed to leave early the day after tomorrow.
Xiao Wu left, and Yin Lan wanted him to rest there for the time being. Fortunately, there was actually a tutor named Liu at home, but he still felt it was inconvenient and was afraid of disturbing his sister-in-law, so he left on his own, saying he would come back early the next morning.
Yin Lan's family owns an oxcart. In times of peace and prosperity, Yin Lan would want to take everything, but the world is not peaceful now. She can only pick up some important things and use one oxcart. After traveling a certain distance, she will have to switch to a horse-drawn carriage.
That night, Yin Lan couldn't sleep.
She had been living in this small village ever since she transmigrated here, and she had long since gotten used to it. Although she really wanted to leave and see the world, she was still reluctant to leave and was also a little worried about the unknown future.
In this daze, Yin Lan woke up before dawn the next day.
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