Chapter 208: Fake?
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Mu Yangling, Great-aunt, and the others went to the fields to harvest wheat. This year, because there was not enough rain, the wheat was not long enough, and the grains of wheat were not supple enough. Fortunately, there was no insect disaster, so the harvest was still within acceptable range.
Because the military fields were different from the freehold fields, two soldiers were sent out for inspection per five families.
Because the soldiers were randomly assigned, the soldiers and farmers did not know each other and could not fake the data. This being the first year, no one was prepared. However, it was unknown if there would be any tricks in the future.
However, she believed that Qi Haoran and the others would have a way to counter that. Mu Yangling only hoped that the higher-ups would not oppress them and forcibly collect grains.
They started harvesting the 72 acres of wheat, beginning from the high-grade land. Halfway through, the rice was ready for harvest, too.
Compared to noodles, Mu Yangling was more used to eating rice, so she decisively harvested the rice first. The crops she harvested were piled up on the wooden board in three piles. After drying them to a certain extent, they dragged them to the field to thresh.
After working for so many years, this was the first time Great-aunt had harvested so much wheat and rice. It was also the first time she harvested so much grain. Although she was tired, she was extremely happy.
She counted on her fingers for a long time before saying happily to Mu Yangling, “Even after handing over the military rations, we’ll still have a lot of grains left. If not for the fact that each family has to send one person to risk their lives at the frontline, it’s actually not bad to be enlisted as a military household. At least we can get so much land for free. As long as we’re willing to work hard, we won’t starve.”
“That’s because we’re lucky.” Mu Yangling worked the millstone to thresh the grains as she said, “I heard that the section under General Lu Ji of the East Camp can leave behind 40% of their grains. The most ordinary soldiers can’t even keep 30% of the grains their family harvests. Even if they slog away on the fields, a year of harvesting will only barely provide enough food for the family to subsist on. In the event of an illness or a joyous occasion, their savings will be drained.”
Stunned, Shu Wanniang said, “Didn’t the Imperial Court stipulate how much grains are to be collected? Isn’t General Lu Ji afraid of being impeached by the censors?”
Sighing, Great-aunt said, “Don’t all officials shield each other? For example, when we paid taxes previously, it became heavier and heavier every year. Could it be that the Imperial Court increases the taxes every year? Isn’t the extra money still going into the pockets of those officials? Therefore, Ah Ling is right. Fortunately, we met General Qi. Otherwise, we might as well just work outside without any land to our name.”
Mu Yangling also said, “The imperial censor and His Majesty might know about these things, but they just turned a blind eye. His Majesty orders a major renovation of his Imperial Garden every few years and has a taste for rare gems and precious paintings. Since the person at the top is already so greedy, how can the people below not follow suit?”
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