Xiang Han strolled around the field and stared at the soft barley being cultivated and sighed. The barley had just sprouted, where should he go to find an ear?
He touched his chin and swept a glance over the ground, suddenly spotting a piece of land golden in colour. He hurriedly ran over.
Rapeseed was growing on this small piece of land. Its pale yellow flowers were huddled together, its stalk swaying with the breeze and looking extremely cute.
Xiang Han’s hands felt itchy and he extended his evil claws towards them. However, a farmer who was weeding the lands abruptly appeared next to him, scaring Xiang Han into retracting his hands in a flash.
When the farmer saw him, his expression stiffened. He wiped off the dirt staining his hands and bowed, “Young Master.”
Xiang Han gave a light cough as if nothing had just happened and said cooly, “Don’t bother about me, I’m only here to look around. You may continue.”
The farmer hesitated before acknowledging him, nervousness flickering across his face. He stood by the side respectfully as if Xiang Han would take away this piece of land.
Xiang Han saw how he refused to leave and finally asked, “What flower is this?”
“Replying to the young master, these are field mustards…”
“Field mustards?” Xiang Han repeated before asking System, [Isn’t this a time of war? How are the civilians still growing flowers and also… these flowers look familiar, why haven’t I heard of this before?]
System replied, [This is used to make rapeseed oil. You’ve seen it before in the previous world. The flowers can be used for cooking but are normally used to extract oil.]
[Oh.] Xiang Han understood, having a vague recollection.
The farmer heard this and grew even more anxious. Last season’s harvest was bountiful and they had a surplus of grains which was why he’d dared to plant a small plot of land of these, intending to extract some oil. Would the young master see these flowers and think they’ve had a plentiful harvest and demand a higher land tax?
“Ahem, can I… pick a stalk?” Xiang Han asked.
“Of course.” Seeing that he didn’t mention land tax, the farmer secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Xiang Han was overjoyed and hurriedly chose a small stalk with fewer flowers.
Nonetheless, the farmer still felt heartache when he saw this. Xu Yan Ze came over and couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you taking other people’s flowers?”
“Ah.” Xiang Han quickly got up and meekly passed it over, “Didn’t you ask me to find an ear of barley? I thought this was pretty…”
Xu Yan Ze was in a good mood and accepted the flower with a grin. He only retracted his smile after seeing the grieving expression on the farmer’s face and coughed softly, “Still, you shouldn’t go around picking flowers. It’s not easy for the farmers to tend to the land.”
How pretentious! Why didn’t you think of this when you asked me to pick the barley? Xiang Han couldn’t help rolling his eyes.
Hearing this, the farmer anxiously spoke up, “It’s fine, as long as the young master likes it, it’s fine to pluck a few more.”
Xiang Han instantly grew embarrassed and pulled out some coins, “I’m buying this stalk.”
The farmer grew even more fearful and hurriedly rejected, “No need, no need.”
“I’m giving it to you, just take it.” Xiang Han shoved it into his hands before asking, “Right, how much land tax do you pay every year for this plot of land?”
The farmer’s hands shook and the coins instantly fell onto the ground. He also dropped to his knees in fright. “Young Master, the harvest is poor, please don’t increase the land tax. These field mustards, these field mustards…”
Xiang Han and Xu Yan Ze were both taken by surprise. Watching the farmer’s ears turned red from anxiety, Xiang Han quickly pulled him up, “Get up. When did I say we were going to increase the land tax?”
Seeing that he didn’t appear to be lying, the farmer reluctantly stood up but continued to bow, “Thank you, Young Master. Thank you…”
“Enough, I’m only asking. You may continue with what you were doing.” Xiang Han couldn’t bring himself to ask any more questions after seeing his state and quickly pulled Xu Yan Ze to leave.
After walking some distance, Xu Yan Ze suddenly spoke up. “The Jin family’s land tax is… 70%”
These were Yan Xiao Ze’s memories and in Xu Yan Ze’s opinion, it was very high. Especially after having experienced the apocalypse, people tend to have an inexplicable tendency to hoard food.
“70%?” Xiang Han was shocked. He asked in disbelief, “Then, in a year, isn’t more than half of it… going to my family?”
“That’s not all,” Xu Yan Ze frowned, “in reality, this is only the yearly standard that was set as a base figure. For example, in a year, they would have to hand over at least 200 catties of wheat and when it comes to seasonal crops, it’s 140 catties no matter the yield. If times are bad, they may not even have enough to pay the tax.”
Xiang Han was tongue-tied and finally realised why the farmer had been so shaken up when talking to him earlier.
Upon arriving home, he didn’t dawdle and pulled Xu Yan Ze to leave.
Xu Yan Ze also didn’t have any reason to care about his second uncle’s family. After bidding farewell to his father and briefing the servants he was leaving behind, he left with Xiang Han.
His second aunt had originally been counting on Xu Yan Ze to give them some benefits but after seeing only a portion of plain noodles, millet and other things, she was practically seething with anger.
The head servant saw that she was about to cause a scene and quickly warned her, “Before we came, the madam had made it clear that if the bride’s family is too greedy, you don’t need to care about the 20 hectares of land any more from next year onwards.”
The second aunt immediately turned mute, not daring to make another sound. In reality, the madam hadn’t said such a thing but it was Xu Yan Ze who’d told him to say this. If it weren’t for their family taking care of his father’s meals, he wouldn’t even want to spare a single grain.
Xu Yan Ze sat in the carriage with the field mustard flower between his fingers. The more he looked, the happier he became.
After listening to his words, Xiang Han’s heart grew uncomfortable and couldn’t help asking the steward following them, “Steward Zhang, does the land that the Jin family rents out receive a 70% land tax every year?”
Steward Zhang was only in charge of the land in the Yan family’s village. He replied respectfully, “Answering the young master, that is true for this piece of land.”
Xu Yan Ze heard this and put down the flower, “Why is it so high?”
“Exactly.” Xiang Han nodded and added, “Such a high tax, the farmers can barely stave off their hunger after paying the tax. What if there’s a natural disaster…” Wouldn’t it be forcing them to rebel?
Steward Zhang hadn’t bothered when Xu Yan Ze spoke. It was only after he heard Xiang Han’s words that his expression turned bitter, “Young Master, this is the madam’s orders. It’s also not up to us.”
“Grandmother?”
“Sigh, if you ask this servant, I have to say it’s also not the madam’s fault.” Steward Zhang couldn’t help but complain, “Our Jin Wu town also pays a 60 percent tax. Don’t simply look at the Jin family receiving 70 percent in land taxes. In reality, 60 percent is handed over to the regional commander. It’s not easy for the madam to take care of such a large family, she has no choice.”
“60 percent?” Xiang Han frowned, “What a steep tax, isn’t the regional commander afraid of a… rebellion?”
Steward Zhang’s face changed when he heard this. He glanced around before scooting closer, “Young Master, the regional commander holds the power over 150,000 troops. Why should he feel scared? Moreover, the town of Jin Wu is often besieged by the Turkics, the civilians know who to rely on for protection. They dare not act recklessly.”
As they spoke, the carriage suddenly drove over a rock and shook violently. Xiang Han lost his balance and fell on Xu Yan Ze.
Xu Yan Ze hurriedly reached out to support him but lost his balance in the process and fell to the floor. Xiang Han fell on him but thankfully, the coachman quickly stabilised the carriage and so they didn’t fall out. However, they had nonetheless fallen due to inertia.
Steward Zhang received a fright, hurriedly going forward to help Xiang Han up. “Young Master, are you alright?”
“I’m fine.” Xiang Han struggled to peel off the hands wrapped around his waist and got up. He reached a hand towards Xu Yan Ze, “Are you alright?”
Xu Yan Ze raised his empty arms and shook his head. After getting up, he looked around and even searched himself before finally finding the withered field mustard flower on the ground. A trace of joy flashed through his eyes and he got off the carriage to pick it up.
Steward Zhang grew worried, “Young Mistress, did you fall? Do you feel unwell?”
Xiang Han also poked his head out in curiosity to see Xu Yan Ze dismiss Steward Zhang with a wave. He bent down and just as he was about to pick it up, a foot abruptly stepped on the flower and forcefully ground it into the ground.
The joy in Xu Yan Ze instantly disappeared and he slowly raised his head.
The carriage had coincidentally stopped in front of a restaurant and the person in front of him was a military officer who had too many drinks. He was followed by several foot soldiers. Seeing Xu Yan Ze looked up, the officer laughed and signalled for Xu Yan Ze to go over, muttering, “Ah, you’re- you’re the little wife the Jin family bought for the f-fool… Hick, to bless him? You look quite pretty, don’t- don’t go off with the fool… Ugh!”
Xu Yan Ze struck him with a fist without warning, instantly knocking him down. With one foot on the other person’s face, he forcefully stepped and ground his heel down. Killing intent was evident in his eyes, “Who allowed you to step on my flower?”
Xiang Han had rushed off the carriage and was immediately dumbstruck. Yan Xiao Ze’s body was frail and weak. Xu Yan Ze had arrived less than three days ago, how did he become so… violent?
The foot servants behind the officer grew frantic, brandishing their fists and yelling, “Lad, do you know who our lord’s superior is?”
Kicking the officer to one side, Xu Yan Ze easily evaded an attack. Before the officer could climb to his feet, another foot came down on him with even more force than before, followed by a cold laugh, “I really don’t know.”
The pain caused the military officer to tear up as he hugged his leg and cried, “Ow, ow, ow. Quick stop, stop…”
The foot soldiers quickly halted, looking at Xu Yan Ze nervously as they stuttered, “O-Our lord is General Cheng’s subordinate. He’s the regional commander’s brother-in-law. E-Even if the head of your family comes, they have to show respect…”
“Chen Ting Hong?” Xiang Han got off the carriage and couldn’t help gritting his teeth when he heard the name.
Steward Zhang was startled and hurriedly tried to persuade him, “Young Master, hurry up and tell the young mistress to let him off. They’re the regional commander’s subordinates. We can’t afford to offend them…”
Xiang Han pushed him away with a frown, “Steward Zhang, why are you fuelling their arrogance and diminishing our own might?”
“T-This… ah.” Steward Zhang stomped his foot and hurriedly ordered another servant to report back to the old madam.
Xiang Han ran over to Xu Yan Ze’s side and saw the officer’s bloodied face. He instinctively shrunk back and asked in a small voice, “You’re not planning to kill him, right?”
“He’s not worth it.” Xu Yan Ze snorted and gave another kick. He picked up the crushed field mustard flower and threw it onto the officers face. He ordered coldly, “Eat it.”
The military officer’s eyes were filled with hatred and opened his mouth to curse at them but Xu Yan Ze suddenly lifted his leg. Seeing this, the officer immediately curled up. After recognising his current predicament, he hurriedly picked up the crushed flower and stuffed it into his mouth. His tone was pandering, “Is this fine now, Young Mistress?”
Xu Yan Ze swept a cold glance over him and the officer immediately shut up. Xu Yan Ze was finally satisfied and even ‘kindly’ gave a suggestion before they left, “Your mouth is too dirty. Remember to eat more in the future to clean and purge the disgusting poison within.”
Having his liberty taken in front of his own wife was shameful enough, but the most infuriating part was that the bastard even dared to step on the flower his wife had given him. Xu Yan Ze felt that he had perhaps been carefree for too long. Earlier, his hands were practically itching and he hadn’t been able to hold back.
*
T/n: I giggled when Yan Ze looked at the flower Xiang Han gave him and felt so happy. xD
Xiang Han strolled around the field and stared at the soft barley being cultivated and sighed. The barley had just sprouted, where should he go to find an ear?
He touched his chin and swept a glance over the ground, suddenly spotting a piece of land golden in colour. He hurriedly ran over.
Rapeseed was growing on this small piece of land. Its pale yellow flowers were huddled together, its stalk swaying with the breeze and looking extremely cute.
Xiang Han’s hands felt itchy and he extended his evil claws towards them. However, a farmer who was weeding the lands abruptly appeared next to him, scaring Xiang Han into retracting his hands in a flash.
When the farmer saw him, his expression stiffened. He wiped off the dirt staining his hands and bowed, “Young Master.”
Xiang Han gave a light cough as if nothing had just happened and said cooly, “Don’t bother about me, I’m only here to look around. You may continue.”
The farmer hesitated before acknowledging him, nervousness flickering across his face. He stood by the side respectfully as if Xiang Han would take away this piece of land.
Xiang Han saw how he refused to leave and finally asked, “What flower is this?”
“Replying to the young master, these are field mustards…”
“Field mustards?” Xiang Han repeated before asking System, [Isn’t this a time of war? How are the civilians still growing flowers and also… these flowers look familiar, why haven’t I heard of this before?]
System replied, [This is used to make rapeseed oil. You’ve seen it before in the previous world. The flowers can be used for cooking but are normally used to extract oil.]
[Oh.] Xiang Han understood, having a vague recollection.
The farmer heard this and grew even more anxious. Last season’s harvest was bountiful and they had a surplus of grains which was why he’d dared to plant a small plot of land of these, intending to extract some oil. Would the young master see these flowers and think they’ve had a plentiful harvest and demand a higher land tax?
“Ahem, can I… pick a stalk?” Xiang Han asked.
“Of course.” Seeing that he didn’t mention land tax, the farmer secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Xiang Han was overjoyed and hurriedly chose a small stalk with fewer flowers.
Nonetheless, the farmer still felt heartache when he saw this. Xu Yan Ze came over and couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you taking other people’s flowers?”
“Ah.” Xiang Han quickly got up and meekly passed it over, “Didn’t you ask me to find an ear of barley? I thought this was pretty…”
Xu Yan Ze was in a good mood and accepted the flower with a grin. He only retracted his smile after seeing the grieving expression on the farmer’s face and coughed softly, “Still, you shouldn’t go around picking flowers. It’s not easy for the farmers to tend to the land.”
How pretentious! Why didn’t you think of this when you asked me to pick the barley? Xiang Han couldn’t help rolling his eyes.
Hearing this, the farmer anxiously spoke up, “It’s fine, as long as the young master likes it, it’s fine to pluck a few more.”
Xiang Han instantly grew embarrassed and pulled out some coins, “I’m buying this stalk.”
The farmer grew even more fearful and hurriedly rejected, “No need, no need.”
“I’m giving it to you, just take it.” Xiang Han shoved it into his hands before asking, “Right, how much land tax do you pay every year for this plot of land?”
The farmer’s hands shook and the coins instantly fell onto the ground. He also dropped to his knees in fright. “Young Master, the harvest is poor, please don’t increase the land tax. These field mustards, these field mustards…”
Xiang Han and Xu Yan Ze were both taken by surprise. Watching the farmer’s ears turned red from anxiety, Xiang Han quickly pulled him up, “Get up. When did I say we were going to increase the land tax?”
Seeing that he didn’t appear to be lying, the farmer reluctantly stood up but continued to bow, “Thank you, Young Master. Thank you…”
“Enough, I’m only asking. You may continue with what you were doing.” Xiang Han couldn’t bring himself to ask any more questions after seeing his state and quickly pulled Xu Yan Ze to leave.
After walking some distance, Xu Yan Ze suddenly spoke up. “The Jin family’s land tax is… 70%”
These were Yan Xiao Ze’s memories and in Xu Yan Ze’s opinion, it was very high. Especially after having experienced the apocalypse, people tend to have an inexplicable tendency to hoard food.
“70%?” Xiang Han was shocked. He asked in disbelief, “Then, in a year, isn’t more than half of it… going to my family?”
“That’s not all,” Xu Yan Ze frowned, “in reality, this is only the yearly standard that was set as a base figure. For example, in a year, they would have to hand over at least 200 catties of wheat and when it comes to seasonal crops, it’s 140 catties no matter the yield. If times are bad, they may not even have enough to pay the tax.”
Xiang Han was tongue-tied and finally realised why the farmer had been so shaken up when talking to him earlier.
Upon arriving home, he didn’t dawdle and pulled Xu Yan Ze to leave.
Xu Yan Ze also didn’t have any reason to care about his second uncle’s family. After bidding farewell to his father and briefing the servants he was leaving behind, he left with Xiang Han.
His second aunt had originally been counting on Xu Yan Ze to give them some benefits but after seeing only a portion of plain noodles, millet and other things, she was practically seething with anger.
The head servant saw that she was about to cause a scene and quickly warned her, “Before we came, the madam had made it clear that if the bride’s family is too greedy, you don’t need to care about the 20 hectares of land any more from next year onwards.”
The second aunt immediately turned mute, not daring to make another sound. In reality, the madam hadn’t said such a thing but it was Xu Yan Ze who’d told him to say this. If it weren’t for their family taking care of his father’s meals, he wouldn’t even want to spare a single grain.
Xu Yan Ze sat in the carriage with the field mustard flower between his fingers. The more he looked, the happier he became.
After listening to his words, Xiang Han’s heart grew uncomfortable and couldn’t help asking the steward following them, “Steward Zhang, does the land that the Jin family rents out receive a 70% land tax every year?”
Steward Zhang was only in charge of the land in the Yan family’s village. He replied respectfully, “Answering the young master, that is true for this piece of land.”
Xu Yan Ze heard this and put down the flower, “Why is it so high?”
“Exactly.” Xiang Han nodded and added, “Such a high tax, the farmers can barely stave off their hunger after paying the tax. What if there’s a natural disaster…” Wouldn’t it be forcing them to rebel?
Steward Zhang hadn’t bothered when Xu Yan Ze spoke. It was only after he heard Xiang Han’s words that his expression turned bitter, “Young Master, this is the madam’s orders. It’s also not up to us.”
“Grandmother?”
“Sigh, if you ask this servant, I have to say it’s also not the madam’s fault.” Steward Zhang couldn’t help but complain, “Our Jin Wu town also pays a 60 percent tax. Don’t simply look at the Jin family receiving 70 percent in land taxes. In reality, 60 percent is handed over to the regional commander. It’s not easy for the madam to take care of such a large family, she has no choice.”
“60 percent?” Xiang Han frowned, “What a steep tax, isn’t the regional commander afraid of a… rebellion?”
Steward Zhang’s face changed when he heard this. He glanced around before scooting closer, “Young Master, the regional commander holds the power over 150,000 troops. Why should he feel scared? Moreover, the town of Jin Wu is often besieged by the Turkics, the civilians know who to rely on for protection. They dare not act recklessly.”
As they spoke, the carriage suddenly drove over a rock and shook violently. Xiang Han lost his balance and fell on Xu Yan Ze.
Xu Yan Ze hurriedly reached out to support him but lost his balance in the process and fell to the floor. Xiang Han fell on him but thankfully, the coachman quickly stabilised the carriage and so they didn’t fall out. However, they had nonetheless fallen due to inertia.
Steward Zhang received a fright, hurriedly going forward to help Xiang Han up. “Young Master, are you alright?”
“I’m fine.” Xiang Han struggled to peel off the hands wrapped around his waist and got up. He reached a hand towards Xu Yan Ze, “Are you alright?”
Xu Yan Ze raised his empty arms and shook his head. After getting up, he looked around and even searched himself before finally finding the withered field mustard flower on the ground. A trace of joy flashed through his eyes and he got off the carriage to pick it up.
Steward Zhang grew worried, “Young Mistress, did you fall? Do you feel unwell?”
Xiang Han also poked his head out in curiosity to see Xu Yan Ze dismiss Steward Zhang with a wave. He bent down and just as he was about to pick it up, a foot abruptly stepped on the flower and forcefully ground it into the ground.
The joy in Xu Yan Ze instantly disappeared and he slowly raised his head.
The carriage had coincidentally stopped in front of a restaurant and the person in front of him was a military officer who had too many drinks. He was followed by several foot soldiers. Seeing Xu Yan Ze looked up, the officer laughed and signalled for Xu Yan Ze to go over, muttering, “Ah, you’re- you’re the little wife the Jin family bought for the f-fool… Hick, to bless him? You look quite pretty, don’t- don’t go off with the fool… Ugh!”
Xu Yan Ze struck him with a fist without warning, instantly knocking him down. With one foot on the other person’s face, he forcefully stepped and ground his heel down. Killing intent was evident in his eyes, “Who allowed you to step on my flower?”
Xiang Han had rushed off the carriage and was immediately dumbstruck. Yan Xiao Ze’s body was frail and weak. Xu Yan Ze had arrived less than three days ago, how did he become so… violent?
The foot servants behind the officer grew frantic, brandishing their fists and yelling, “Lad, do you know who our lord’s superior is?”
Kicking the officer to one side, Xu Yan Ze easily evaded an attack. Before the officer could climb to his feet, another foot came down on him with even more force than before, followed by a cold laugh, “I really don’t know.”
The pain caused the military officer to tear up as he hugged his leg and cried, “Ow, ow, ow. Quick stop, stop…”
The foot soldiers quickly halted, looking at Xu Yan Ze nervously as they stuttered, “O-Our lord is General Cheng’s subordinate. He’s the regional commander’s brother-in-law. E-Even if the head of your family comes, they have to show respect…”
“Chen Ting Hong?” Xiang Han got off the carriage and couldn’t help gritting his teeth when he heard the name.
Steward Zhang was startled and hurriedly tried to persuade him, “Young Master, hurry up and tell the young mistress to let him off. They’re the regional commander’s subordinates. We can’t afford to offend them…”
Xiang Han pushed him away with a frown, “Steward Zhang, why are you fuelling their arrogance and diminishing our own might?”
“T-This… ah.” Steward Zhang stomped his foot and hurriedly ordered another servant to report back to the old madam.
Xiang Han ran over to Xu Yan Ze’s side and saw the officer’s bloodied face. He instinctively shrunk back and asked in a small voice, “You’re not planning to kill him, right?”
“He’s not worth it.” Xu Yan Ze snorted and gave another kick. He picked up the crushed field mustard flower and threw it onto the officers face. He ordered coldly, “Eat it.”
The military officer’s eyes were filled with hatred and opened his mouth to curse at them but Xu Yan Ze suddenly lifted his leg. Seeing this, the officer immediately curled up. After recognising his current predicament, he hurriedly picked up the crushed flower and stuffed it into his mouth. His tone was pandering, “Is this fine now, Young Mistress?”
Xu Yan Ze swept a cold glance over him and the officer immediately shut up. Xu Yan Ze was finally satisfied and even ‘kindly’ gave a suggestion before they left, “Your mouth is too dirty. Remember to eat more in the future to clean and purge the disgusting poison within.”
Having his liberty taken in front of his own wife was shameful enough, but the most infuriating part was that the bastard even dared to step on the flower his wife had given him. Xu Yan Ze felt that he had perhaps been carefree for too long. Earlier, his hands were practically itching and he hadn’t been able to hold back.
*
T/n: I giggled when Yan Ze looked at the flower Xiang Han gave him and felt so happy. xD
