Chapter 7, the bastard who takes advantage of the chaos

Wang Qiudeng's expression stiffened for a moment; he still wanted to continue persuading, but upon seeing Wang Fulin stretching and walking inside, he could only return helplessly, no matter how unwilling he was. After crossing the threshold and stepping outside, the two doors behind him closed tightly. He turned back to glance at the somewhat old yet not entirely new mansion, unable to help but clench his fists.

Indeed, Wang Erniang, instead of feeling burdened by her brother's trust, was all smiles and became even more spirited. Upon seeing her brother swiftly enter the room, she began to scold the two tenants incessantly.

How could you take the rent money meant for grain and gamble it away! If it weren't for the fact that you can still farm well, who would want a gambler like you!

Just as those tenants had approached before, Wang Fulian entrusted the familiar Wang Erniang to handle the situation. At present, he was equally unclear about matters such as the grain chief and household affairs, so he chose to remain silent. Noticing Wang Erniang's slight frown and the perplexity in her eyes, he suddenly realized that this matter of appointing a grain chief was evidently also unknown to the unmarried Wang Erniang

Wang Erniang did not care about Wang Qiu, but she could not let go of the matter concerning the tenants. She immediately defended herself, saying: "Brother, when Mother was alive, I often saw those tenants..."

Upon hearing this, Wang Fulian felt as if a thousand divine beasts were trampling through his mind. Although he had not visited the wealthy families in the picturesque gardens and cloud-like residences these days, he could tell that they were a hundred times more affluent than his own family, and even the clan leader's household was considerably more prosperous! Moreover, he was a student, a scholar; in this era, isn't it true that those with academic titles are exempt from taxes and labor? What does the grain chief have to do with him!

He paused slightly and said meaningfully: "That is to avoid being classified as a registered household, to pay fewer taxes, and to be exempt from being conscripted for grain levies, which could lead to ruin. Therefore, one places the land under their name in the care of relatives, friends, or tenants, transforming a large household into a medium or even a small one. This is called 'flying and scattering'"

You scoundrel, do you really think I am a three-year-old child!

Wang Erniang was instantly enraged: "Wang Qiu, what do you mean by that? https://www.hetushu.com.com"

Wang Qiu had been quietly observing the reactions of the brother and sister. Seeing their expressions, he felt a surge of joy in his heart and immediately continued, "Today is different from the early days of the nation. In the early days, our She County had a total of 15 grain districts, each measuring 11 li. The major grain leaders were succeeded by their sons and brothers. In our Qianqiu, we only needed to listen to the major grain leader above us. But now, no wealthy families are willing to take on the role of major grain leader, and we have no choice but to appoint minor grain leaders for each li, along with two households to assist. I am not exaggerating; in our village, nine out of ten surnames are Wang, and among those with hundreds of acres of good land, we can hardly count a few. Among them, my uncle's family has over a hundred acres, which is the largest."

To pierce through the fragile facade of Wang Fulins precarious reputation, Wang Qiu hurriedly apologized to strengthen his persuasiveness, and then said in a low and humble voice: "That is not what I meant. What I am saying is that even if my uncle is a scholar and can be exempted from corvée labor, according to the previous regulations, the exemption applies only to miscellaneous duties, while the regular duties of the neighborhood chief are not exempted."

Little Official

Just now, Wang Qiu's words left Wang Erniang in a state of confusion. At this moment, when her elder brother spoke, she immediately responded and said to Wang Qiu: "My brother said, let's discuss it later; you should go back first"

Even these fellows want to take advantage of the chaos

Although he still only partially understood, pretending to understand was something Wang Fulian had mastered during his time mingling in school and society. At this moment, how could he show any signs of weakness in front of Wang Qiu? Therefore, he simply asked nonchalantly, "So, do you have any good ideas?"

Wang Fulian, what are you stronger than me at? You are being ungrateful after being given face; the accusation of buying your nephew into servitude has already spread. Just wait and see

"I do not understand the matters concerning the fields at home; whatever Second Mother says is what it is." Wang Fulian did not give them a chance to entangle him, directly kicking the ball back to Wang Erniang.

Alright, while I leave you all alone, you directly entangle my brother! Who was it just now that said the young official is about to lose his reputation and his books, and should be more benevolent by reducing the land rent? Now you still have the face to bother him

Wang Qiumo, having worn his lips thin in anticipation, was waiting for this very sentence! He made a great effort to suppress his joyful feelings and then spoke mysteriously: "To be honest, Uncle, a few days ago I lingered in Huizhou City and happened to establish a good relationship with Liu, the official in charge of the household department. He promised to appoint me as a clerk. Therefore, I have learned quite a bit from him. Traditionally, as long as one passes the imperial examination and is exempted from corvée labor, there will inevitably be someone in the family who will donate land to be registered under their name. This is called 'donation' and is intended to avoid taxation. Thus, individuals like you, Uncle, as well as those who are scholars or successful candidates, often end up with increasing amounts of land, though there are exceptions."

The cunning schemes of the grain supervisor were only partially understood by Wang Fulian, but he had fully grasped Wang Qiu's intentions. Indeed, Wang Qiu soon employed flowery language, urging him to transfer the more than 100 mu of land registered under his name to the names of tenants and relatives. The tenants, having sold themselves, had no household registration, thus there was no concern about them absconding with the property. As for transferring to relatives, that was his own suggestion. In the end, he shamelessly added, "Uncle, you are now a scholar and can exempt yourself from two minor duties, and also one from the elder uncle. If you could lend me a hand, I will certainly handle this matter well, ensuring you have no worries whatsoever!"

Wang Fulian listened to her tone and found that she could articulate the strengths and weaknesses of both parties with great clarity, leaving no room for others to interject a single word. In the end, these two tenants who had come to block the door early in the morning were unable to even express their requests, leaving as dejectedly as they had arrived. It was only when Wang Erniang, still fuming, entered the room that he finally asked, "What were they here for?"

It is understandable that one can manage tenants, which can also be attributed to the influence of having followed one's mother in the past. However, a position like that of a grain steward is something that even Mrs. Wu herself may not fully comprehend at home

Inside the door, Wang Fulian instructed Wang Qixiao to be cautious of the entrance, and immediately called Wang Erniang and Wang Xiaomei to his side, whispering: "From now on, if I go out, you must close the door. Regardless of whether it is Wang Qiu or those tenants, they are to be kept outside, and not a single one is to be allowed in."

Wang Fulian squinted his eyes, suddenly yawned, and lazily said: "Since the time for the grain distribution has not yet arrived, there is no need to rush. We can wait until our parents return to make a decision. I still need to study in seclusion, so I won't keep you any longer, Second Sister. Please prepare to close the door."

Isn't it just to seek a reduction in the previously owed rent! Living in our house, they will eventually be buried in our land. The rent set by my mother is already the lowest in the entire village, only 60% of what others charge, yet they still come to our door time and again, pestering us! Those who do not know might think they are truly suffering, but one is a hopeless gambler; the other is already destitute yet still chasing after women, having been beaten at home several times! These past two years have been favorable, and it is not a time of famine. During the years of famine, who in our Songming Mountain village with ample land did not reduce rent? Those who do not know might think they are truly suffering, but one is a hopeless gambler; the other is already destitute yet still chasing after women, having been beaten at home several times! These past two years have been favorable, and it is not a time of famine. During the years of famine, who in our Songming Mountain village with ample land did not reduce rent? In our family, among the three tenant farmers, only one is reliable; my mother has been too kind to them!

The drama has finally arrived

Wang Qiu seemed to see through Wang Fu Lin's thoughts and added fuel to the fire: "Uncle is probably thinking that the prominent families of the Southern Ming gentlemen and several of our uncles have great enterprises, so it would never be your turn. However, Uncle has been studying in the past and may not fully understand certain situations. Just like Uncle's family, where the ancestors sold salt in Huguang, many of the Southern Ming gentlemen's peers and even elders are salt merchants in the Lianghuai region, and their family fortunes are based on the salt industry rather than on farmland. Even if they have land, it is mostly in Lianghuai or even Jiangnan, and there is very little land in Huizhou Prefecture, so of course, it would not be their turn. Although Uncle has now become a student after his studies, isn't there still a lot of gossip circulating outside?"

Wang Erniang's柳眉 stood upright, seeing the two kneeling there without getting up. She casually placed the food basin heavily at her feet, then stepped forward, hands on her hips, and shouted: "Hasn't my mother been considerate enough to you? Which year's rent hasn't been collected at the full sixty percent? Our family doesn't require you to work all day long; at most, we might occasionally ask you to do something. But what about you? Previously, when you followed my brother to Huizhou City, you actually left the master and returned just because of his one sentence. How can there be such a way to serve as tenants!"

Wang Fulian interrupted his sister without hesitation. Initially, she seemed unconvinced, but under his gaze, she had no choice but to reluctantly agree. He then curled his fingers and calculated, coming to a realization.

In the blink of an eye, he has been awake for over a month. His physical rehabilitation is nearly complete, while the external turmoil and ambitions have been brewing for quite some time. Even someone like Wang Qiu dares to come before him with intentions, indicating that it is likely approaching a substantial climax. The sooner he resolves that troublesome matter, the sooner he can live a peaceful and carefree life.

Indeed, Wang Erniang showed no signs of restraint, pointing at one of the middle-aged men and scolding, "How dare you show your face here? All you know is gambling; you have sold off all the land at home, and the children left by your late wife have all been sold off as laborers. You have come here burdened with debts, begging for mercy. My mother took you in, providing you with a roof over your head, and you even married a wife. But what have you done?"

Thanks to the spirited Wang Erniang, I finally learned the identities of these individuals; it turns out they are the legendary Wang family's tenants

It is you who knows me, but I do not know you

Wang Qiu showed no awareness of being an uninvited guest, greeting with a smile and calling out to Wang Fulian as "Uncle." Seeing that both Wang Fulian and Wang Erniang frowned in displeasure at his entrance, as if they could issue an eviction order at any moment, he hurriedly forced a smile and said: "Uncle, one does not visit the Three Treasures Hall without reason. I know you are recuperating and would not dare to disturb you without cause. With the summer tax collection approaching, the authorities are about to appoint grain officials. It is said that there is much commotion at the county office regarding household matters, and some are suggesting a re-evaluation of households to select the truly qualified ones to serve as grain officials." He hurriedly forced a smile and said: "Uncle, one does not visit the Three Treasures Hall without reason. I know you are recuperating and would not dare to disturb you without cause. With the summer tax collection approaching, the authorities are about to appoint grain officials. It is said that there is much commotion at the county office regarding household matters, and some are suggesting a re-evaluation of households to select the truly qualified ones to serve as grain officials."

It is unclear whether it was Wang Fulins words that were unappealing, or if he genuinely realized that swimming alone in the wild was somewhat unsafe. For several consecutive days thereafter, Wang Fulins did not encounter the young man whom he recognized, while the young man did not recognize him.

Seeing these two individuals, who had not been seen in the village for several consecutive mornings, Wang Fulian only felt a slight headache. He had to pretend to be polite and nodded slightly, as a form of return greeting, and did not dare to casually initiate a conversation. However, the two of them unexpectedly bowed down and addressed him as "young official" upon meeting. At this moment, Wang Erniang inside likely heard the commotion outside and came straight out the door holding a basin of chicken feed.

They are all lazy and indulgent individuals, so why should my second aunt get angry for their sake? Moreover, if she scolds them now and later needs their help, what if they refuse? Wouldn't that be even more infuriating?

Wang Erniang, considering her age, was already qualified to be the daughter of a middle-aged tenant farmer. At this moment, she unleashed a torrent of scolding, yet the other party showed not the slightest hint of anger, merely bowing their head and remaining silent. Another person, seemingly aware that this second lady of the household was not to be trifled with, noticed that Wang Fulian was still standing nearby and hurriedly shifted direction in search of the next opportunity.

Wang Fulian had not yet spoken when a sudden voice came from outside. Following that, someone entered uninvited through the main door, and it was none other than Wang Qiu, Jin Bao's biological elder brother.

This matter is non-negotiable! Especially regarding that worthless gambler; one fears that a cornered dog will jump over the wall! As for Wang Qiu, let's not pay him any mind for now

He did not take it too seriously either. On this day, after his usual morning exercise and returning home, he discovered two unexpected guests at his doorstep. In the yard, Wang Erniang and Wang Xiaomei were playfully feeding a few chickens, while the two ragged individuals stood outside the wall, hesitant to enter. It was only upon noticing Wang Fulin's arrival that they revealed a hint of surprise on their faces and hurriedly approached him. In the yard, Wang Erniang and Wang Xiaomei were playfully feeding a few chickens, while the two ragged individuals stood outside the wall, hesitant to enter. It was only upon noticing Wang Fulin's arrival that they revealed a hint of surprise on their faces and hurriedly approached him

Wang Fulian observed these individuals, noting that they were scolded by Wang Erniang and kept their heads down in silence. Adhering to the principle that he had no right to speak without understanding the situation, he refrained from intervening. Moreover, Wang Erniang had just mentioned that these two tenants even brought up the excuse that he was about to lose his scholarly title, which clearly indicated their thick-skinned nature.