Chapter 19
On the first day of October, the prefectural government summoned the village heads from all the townships under its jurisdiction for a meeting.
Every family in every village was waiting for news about this year’s taxes. Once the tax collection was settled, the autumn harvest matters would be considered complete.
"I wonder how the taxes will be this year."
Yuan Huiru fed the chickens with rice bran and craned her neck to see if there was any movement in the village.
Usually, after the village head returned from the city meeting, he would immediately call a village assembly to announce the tax situation.
Though she now had money and didn’t need to worry whether taxes increased or decreased, farming had been her livelihood for decades. The year’s major events revolved around just a few things, and without a clear answer, her heart was unsettled. Right now, the whole village was probably waiting for the village head to return and hold the assembly.
Huo Shu finished chopping two bundles of firewood and noticed Yuan Huiru still looking around. He paused.
The south had frequent rainfall, and after late autumn, it drizzled every few days. This morning, the wind had picked up, and the sky had been overcast. By noon, it still hadn’t cleared, and it seemed rain was coming again.
If this continued, winter would bring even fewer sunny days.
Huo Shu wasn’t particularly concerned about the taxes. What bothered him was that he hadn’t seen Ji Taoyu for several days.
Since that day the ger had returned from the city in tears, he seemed to have stayed indoors ever since.
The village was quiet, with no news about the Ji and You families, everything appeared calm.
If not for his own observations that day, he might have thought the Ji family had resigned themselves to clinging to their so-called "golden son-in-law."
The whole village seemed preoccupied with taxes, and no one was gossiping about anything else.
"Where is the assembly held?"
Yuan Huiru was startled by Huo Shu’s voice and took a moment to register his question.
"Oh, the tax assembly? Our village gathers at the village head’s house. Each family must send at least one representative. If you don’t like these matters, I can go."
Huo Shu said, "Taxes are a farmer’s top priority. I’ll go with you, Mother."
"If you’re willing, that’s fine."
Yuan Huiru thought Huo Shu looked fierce and spoke little. He rarely interacted with her, let alone the villagers.
Since he had settled in the village, attending a few assemblies and showing his face would help him integrate faster.
By noon, Ji Yangzong finally returned from the city. On his way back, he informed everyone he met that the assembly would be held at his house in the afternoon.
For those he didn’t notify, his laborer Da Niu went door-to-door to spread the word. Since it was lunchtime, most families were at home.
Shortly after noon, the quick-footed villagers had already gathered at the Ji family house.
When Huo Shu and Yuan Huiru arrived, the courtyard was already crowded with farmers.
Village assemblies were usually held once a month unless something urgent came up. On the 15th of each month, the village head would announce various matters - whose fish pond was opening for sale, who needed help repairing their house, who was hosting a banquet, and so on.
As long as someone informed the village head in advance, the news would be shared with the whole village.
These gatherings were usually lively, with villagers chatting and making noise.
But this month, the early assembly was called for taxes, and the mood was unusually somber.
People either squatted or stood around, most silent, their sallow faces etched with worry.
Yet there were also those who couldn’t hide their smugness.
"Sun niangzi, what good fortune you have! You’ll never have to worry about taxes again. Not like us, always at the mercy of the court’s decrees."
"Oh, it’s nothing. There’s always something to worry about. Only by letting go can one find peace."
"Only Sun niangzi could say that. If my son had passed the provincial exams, I wouldn’t even bother coming to this assembly."
A group of women and elders surrounded You's mother, flattering her one after another.
You's mother occasionally adjusted her hair bun, smiling faintly, clearly enjoying the attention.
It was no surprise she had come to the assembly today. Back when she had defied her family to marry into the You family, her strained relationship with her in-laws had been the subject of much gossip.
Now that she had risen in status, she wouldn’t miss a chance to bask in the envy of these villagers.
Not just You's mother, other members of the You clan had also come, equally basking in the admiration.
Huang Manjing served tea to the villagers but deliberately avoided You's mother's group, placing the tea on a table instead. She couldn’t bring herself to greet them.
Huo Shu leaned against the stone wall near the peach tree in the Ji courtyard, silently observing the scene.
After about a quarter of an hour, Ji Yangzong called everyone together, took a quick roll call, and confirmed that representatives from every family were present before beginning the meeting.
Just then, You Lingxiao arrived at the gate, right on time.
The crowd turned to look, murmuring among themselves.
"Uncle Ji, my apologies for being late."
You Lingxiao cupped his hands respectfully toward Ji Yangzong.
Ji Yangzong glanced at him and waved him in without a word of greeting.
The villagers were briefly surprised, but before they could start whispering, Ji Yangzong began discussing the taxes.
"The prefecture’s tax decree for this year has been issued. The grain tax remains the same - 40%. But there are changes to the other levies."
Ji Yangzong unfolded his notes from the morning’s meeting. "I’ll read them out now. They’ll also be posted later for those who need to review."
The farmers’ expressions darkened, this likely meant higher taxes. No one spoke.
"Head tax: 120 copper coins per child, 200 copper coins per adult. Household tax: 500 copper coins per family. Additionally, there’s a new ‘tribute fee’, 50 copper coins per adult. Since the northern war has ended, the soldiers who guarded the borders all these years deserve recognition. Now that the army has returned, rewards must be given."
The villagers had barely absorbed the tax hikes when the "tribute fee" was announced. Sparking widespread discontent.
Thanks for the update!!!!!
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