Chapter 6: Beacon of Wolves

Suddenly hearing a loud "bang," it was Han Zhong who smashed the bowl in his hand. He stood up and exclaimed, "Damn it, eating this rotten stuff all day long, we can't go on living like this. We haven't received our rations for months; are we supposed to starve to death?"

The Korean Peninsula fell silent again after the announcement of the charges against Han.

Wang Dou shook his head, calming his mind, and soon fell into a deep sleep

On the 24th day of the 8th month in the 7th year of the Chongzhen era, Wang Dou returned to Jingbiandun. The few people inside the dun were still the same as before, but now it was the season for autumn sowing. Apart from two women, the others had all gone out to seize the farming time, only returning close to evening.

He looked at Wang Dou and said, "Brother Wang, why don't we go cause a ruckus for some provisions? After all, death is inevitable; even if we are executed, it is better than dying of hunger!"

... ...

The three individuals exchanged glances, each perceiving a message in the other's eyes: the Tartars have arrived

From the height of the platform, one can see the distant silhouettes of Julu Dune and Chafang Dune. Standing here and gazing out, it truly feels wonderful; the autumn breeze brings a sense of ethereal lightness. No wonder Captain Zhong Dayong enjoys this location of the platform.

In the evening, everyone in the courtyard lights a fire to cook, and a waft of smoky aroma envelops the space within the walls. From the meals each person consumes, one can discern the social status of the individuals in the courtyard.

Wang Doudao: "It's nothing, I have nothing to do in the evening anyway."

Three people were resting under the big locust tree at the edge of the field, eating some dry food and wheat cakes with cool water. Wang Dou said to Xie Xiuniang, "Xiuniang, you don't need to fetch water in the afternoon; stay here at the field and help your mother rake the land. As for watering, I will come back in the evening."

Wang Dou accompanied his mother to their family's fields, where a certain scent evaporated from the dry land. In later years, Wang Dou had worked in the fields, and with the skills inherited from this body, farming and studying were not a problem.

In fact, there were originally some ponds and water channels in the southeast of Xinzhuang, which were constructed during the Wanli period for irrigation purposes. However, over the years, most of these ponds and channels have become silted, making it difficult to retain water. Cleaning the silt and repairing the leaks would be a very labor-intensive and costly endeavor, unless the government or the entire community of Xinzhuang were mobilized. Currently, Xinzhuang certainly lacks this capability, and with the recent decline of the local leadership system, there is also a lack of organizational strength.

Upon seeing Wang Dou, everyone had a strange look in their eyes. Zhong Dayong let out a heavy grunt, yet he did not dare to scold Wang Dou as he had in the past. He merely maintained a stern expression and ignored Wang Dou, occasionally his narrow eyes would flicker. Yang Tong's health had improved somewhat, but his front teeth were forever gone. Upon seeing Wang Dou, his gaze was inevitably filled with resentment, though he only dared to mutter something under his breath, which even Wang Dou could not hear clearly.

Xie Xiuniang said: "Brother, you plow the fields during the day and carry water at night; is that not too laborious?"

That night, Wang Dou slept in his simple little house, which, of course, had no soundproofing at all. Every noise could be heard clearly, especially the sounds of Ma Ming and his wife, Shi, battling it out in the rooms several doors away, with every detail audible.

Qi Tianliang and Ma Ming, along with several women in the village, displayed a deep sense of reverence towards Wang Dou. When they met again, they affectionately addressed him as "Wang Ge'er," which sounded quite warm. Han Zhong constantly hovered around Wang Dou, as if he were a tail following him. Only Han Chao maintained his usual lazy demeanor, although Wang Dou noticed that he occasionally stole glances at him.

The cost of materials and labor for such a brick and stone deep well amounts to around 8 to 9 taels of silver, while even deeper wells may require over 10 taels of silver. A waterwheel also costs more than 10 taels of silver and necessitates the use of animal power for operation. When all these expenses are calculated, it totals over 20 taels of silver. However, each of these brick and stone deep wells can irrigate more than 20 acres of land. If a household has many able-bodied men and is financially well-off, it is still worthwhile to excavate such deep wells.

Farming is very tiring, but it also provides a great workout. Wang Dou has become much darker, yet his body is stronger, and his gaze is more composed. That saying is indeed true: "When Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on a person, it will first sharpen their mind with suffering, labor their muscles and bones, and starve their body and skin"

Digging shallow wells is of no use, and the Wang family cannot afford to dig deep wells, so they have to rely on the most primitive human labor. In fact, there is another option: hiring laborers to carry water. In Baoganzhou, a new type of water carrier has emerged, specifically helping people carry water. Initially, the cost was three copper coins per load, but it has now risen to twelve coins per load, and it is not easy to find them.

Wang Doumei frowned and said: "I told you not to fetch water, so don't fetch water. Why are there so many words?"

Wang Dou cast a meaningful glance at the two, only to find Han Chao's gaze directed at him as well. When their eyes met, both of them nonchalantly averted their gaze.

After listening to their discussion, they mentioned a few more words: "Brother Wang." Then, the footsteps approached Wang Dou, indicating that the two intended to drag Wang Dou into their scheme

After leveling the field, Xie Xiuniang sowed fertilizer in the front, while the Zhong family sowed seeds behind. Then they used a rake to compact the soil. By the time the sun was setting, Xie Xiuniang returned home to prepare dinner, and then hurriedly brought it back, along with Wang Dou's bow and arrows and long spear. At present, the bandits are rampant, and one must be cautious when alone in the wilderness

Wang Dou squinted his eyes again after watching for a while, calculating in his mind that in a few days it would be the intercalary eighth month, and time was truly passing swiftly

In the coming days, we will continue to plow the fields, irrigate, and sow seeds. The work will be intense for several consecutive days; however, while people can work, the oxen cannot. Each ox can only plow 2 to 3 acres of land per day and must rest for one day every three days. Fortunately, the Wang family rented two oxen from Jiang An, which helped maintain the progress by alternating their use.

His movements were quite loud, startling everyone to look at him. Wang Dou remained seated without moving, while Han Chao quietly scolded him, saying: "Nonsense, have you forgotten about the matter of following the platform? Do you still want us brothers to go into exile again?"

Only in the northwest and southwest of Xinzhuang, where it is adjacent to rivers and has irrigation channels running through, is the land relatively fertile. However, the fields in that area mostly belong to the Li family within the village and some wealthy households.

His voice was very low, only audible to those close to him, and suddenly Wang Dou recalled an event from history

The three of them had dinner at the edge of the field. After finishing their meal, Zhong and Xie Xiuniang returned home and drove the cattle back for feeding, while Wang Dou continued to fetch water at the field. He made several trips back and forth, and the moonlight bathed the land, faintly illuminating the vast open fields around.

He drove the oxen and pushed the plow to deeply cultivate his wheat field, while his mother, Mrs. Zhong, followed behind with a rake to level and refine the turned soil. His young wife, Xie Xiuniang, went to fetch water for irrigation. Due to the drought in recent years and insufficient soil moisture, they had to irrigate to create moisture; otherwise, the germination rate of the wheat would not be high

Xie Xiuniang said: "Brother ... ... "

... ...

The person next to him, Zhong, said nothing, but felt a sense of relief in his heart: "Not bad, this foolish boy has become sensible and knows how to cherish his own woman."

In the second year of the Chongzhen era, the troops stationed in Zunhua experienced a significant and tumultuous demand for pay. At that time, the southern soldiers received a monthly salary of 1 tael and 5 cash, along with 5 dou of unprocessed rice. The household servants received a monthly payment of 2 taels, 3 cash, and 5 fen, while the northern army only received 1 shi of rice, equivalent to 1 tael of silver, per month, which led to widespread discontent. Coupled with several months of unpaid wages, the soldiers were in despair, and each regiment began to demand their pay. On the 8th day of the second month, they gathered outside the west gate of Zunhua, cutting wood to establish a camp, and prominently displayed the slogan "Loyalty to the Country, Provide Food for the Starving Army," leading to violent clashes between the military and civilians, resulting in chaos in the region. Coupled with several months of unpaid wages, the soldiers were in despair, and each regiment began to demand their pay. On the 8th day of the second month, they gathered outside the west gate of Zunhua, cutting wood to establish a camp, and prominently displayed the slogan "Loyalty to the Country, Provide Food for the Starving Army," leading to violent clashes between the military and civilians, resulting in chaos in the region.

Subsequently, the governor of the province, Wang Yingzhi, was arrested and sentenced to death for inciting unrest in order to collect taxes. Naturally, in the aftermath, those who led the disturbances were also captured and executed.

On the second day, Wang Dou and Han Chao stood guard on the platform.

The nearest stream is located two miles away, and in order to irrigate the fields, one must go there to fetch water. With over twenty acres of land needing irrigation, it all relies on Xie Xiuniang to carry the water. The hardship is evident; her petite frame bears the weight of two heavy buckets as she silently walks back and forth, exerting herself to the utmost, yet her small face grows increasingly frail and pale.

The rivers, ponds, and ditches can no longer be relied upon, so many families in Xinzhang have begun to dig wells for irrigation and drinking water for both crops and livestock. However, due to the drought, the output of those simple small wells that cost two or three taels, or the small brick wells that require seven or eight taels of silver, has been decreasing significantly, rendering the effort of digging them almost futile

By the time all the more than twenty acres of land have been plowed, along with the preparation of the soil, irrigation, fertilization, and sowing, it will already be late August. However, once all the tasks on the land are completed, the whole family can finally breathe a sigh of relief

Wangjiatian is located to the southeast of Xinzhuang. Due to the inconvenience of irrigation, the land here is relatively barren

By noon, the three of them were drenched in sweat. Mr. Zhong appeared increasingly aged, while Xie Xiuniang's complexion grew paler, and her body seemed to become even smaller.

This couple has a good relationship, but it is strange how enthusiastic they are about this matter, as they engage in it at least once every night. It seems that in ancient times there were not many entertainment activities; aside from going to bed early to conceive children, there were no other avenues.

This matter has caused quite a stir and is historically significant. Could it be that the Korean-Chinese brothers were among the leading instigators back then

Xie Xiuniang responded gently, yet her heart was filled with joy

The sound from behind came from the Han-Chao brothers speaking softly. The two were discussing finding an opportunity in a few days to go out and engage in some trade, selling goods and the like. In fact, the Ming Dynasty strictly prohibited local garrison troops from leaving their posts without permission and selling goods. However, these severe laws had long since become mere empty words, as many garrison troops unable to make a living openly violated the ban.

The Korean-Chinese brothers only intend to go out to conduct some business, which can already be considered very law-abiding

In the afternoon, the three continued their work; Wang Dou was plowing the field with the ox, while Zhong and Xie Xiuniang were hoeing the land

Jia Changzhong and his wife ate white flour, while the others, Dun Jun and his wife, consumed a small amount of sorghum mixed with a large pile of wild vegetables, and the Han brothers were in a similar situation. Wang Dou's black flour pancakes had already attracted envious glances from several people. However, Wang Dou was actually eating food brought from home; according to military rations, he could only eat chaff and vegetables now

Deserting the post is a trivial matter; in fact, many border garrison soldiers secretly engage in dealings with the Mongolian and Manchu people beyond the frontier. They not only sell prohibited items such as cloth, needles, and iron pots, but some even trade in military weapons. Furthermore, there are those who disclose various border intelligence to the enemies outside the pass in exchange for rewards.

Suddenly, a cannon shot was heard, followed by the desperate sound of the drum "bang bang". The three of them trembled and turned to look in the direction of the refuse to capture mound, only to see a column of wolf smoke rising straight up, so striking against the sky.

... ...

A sense of desolation surged in his heart, and Wang Dou stood there, his expression somewhat dazed

Wang Dou believes that the hard days will eventually pass

Without saying, this amount of money is something that the Zhong family is unwilling to part with

This is the season for winter wheat cultivation, and many farmers are busy in the fields, plowing, watering, transporting fertilizer, and sowing, creating a scene of bustling activity

Zhong Dayu coughed and said: "As officials of the imperial court, how can we utter such treasonous words? Do not speak recklessly."