Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Chapter 37 Imperial Edict of Conferment!

Wang Shen didn't return to Xinhe Village; instead, he went directly to Kaolao Village to return the rewards to Zhang Mingde and the other man. He also needed to find Xiao Ran and tell him that the application for residency had been approved.

Although Xiao Ran's reward hadn't been announced yet, Wang Shen knew it would definitely come.

There's no other reason than that since both he and the old village chief had received rewards, it wouldn't make sense for Xiao Ran to receive none.

"Old Village Chief!" Wang Shen called out as the oxcart stopped in front of Zhang Mingde's house.

Only one person called out to Zhang Mingde, and Zhang Jinhe immediately opened the door and came out upon hearing it, "Wang Lizheng!"

Not only Xiao Ran and Wang Shen were waiting, but Zhang Mingde and Zhang Jinhe were also waiting.

I want to know about Xiao Ran's situation, and how Qu Yuanli will handle it.

I just didn't expect that Wang Shen would not return for a whole day, and it's already the second day.

"Jinniang, is the old village chief home?"

"Yes, yes." Jinniang turned around and saw someone helping Zhang Mingde walk out.

"They're here, they're here," Zhang Mingde's voice rang out.

Seeing Wang Shen, he knew something good was coming, and he couldn't hide the smile on his face.

"This is incredibly good news!" Zhang Mingde said with a smile.

"Hahaha!" Wang Shen laughed loudly, took out the document, and said, "Young Master's application for household registration has been approved."

The receipt that Wang Shen brought back indicated that Xiao Ran's household registration information had already been registered in Wannian County.

Zhang Jinhe took it with both hands and handed it to Zhang Mingde, saying, "Grandpa!"

"Good, good, good. Although there were some twists and turns, the result is good." Zhang Mingde looked at the document, which was indeed from the county government and had a seal.

No one dares to counterfeit this thing; the first punishment would be the execution of their entire family.

"Is it still a registered residence?" Zhang Mingde frowned. With a curved plow, one should have direct household registration.

“Old village head, the proper procedures still need to be followed. Once the young master has land under his name, he can apply again. It’s the same. No one will dare to make things difficult for the young master again.”

Zhang Mingde couldn't refute it either; it was indeed the case.

"Why has Wang Lizheng been gone for so long?" Zhang Mingde asked curiously.

"The main issue is that the curved plow is not simple, so the county magistrate has been hesitant to approve it." Wang Shen leaned closer to Zhang Mingde and lowered his voice. "The curved plow alarmed the prefectural government and the Ministry of Revenue. I heard that in the end, it was Lord Fang who presented it to His Majesty. Although this matter is not significant, His Majesty made the final decision."

Zhang Mingde was startled; this was something the county could handle, yet it had alarmed the emperor.

"His Majesty was overjoyed and bestowed many gifts. Thanks to the young master, we all received them," Wang Shen said, pointing to the oxcart.

“This is from the old village head.” Wang Shen handed one of the gifts to Zhang Jinhe, which consisted of five bolts of silk.

Wang Shen took out the commendation letter personally written by the county magistrate for Zhang Mingde.

Although the five bolts of silk were quite valuable, Zhang Mingde was more interested in the commendation document.

This thing can be kept and passed down to future generations.

Zhang Mingde pointed to the items on the oxcart, "Is one of the remaining portions for the young master?"

"These rewards were given by the county magistrate, while the young master's should have been from the imperial court. How could it be so little?"

Zhang Jinhe smiled and said, "Third grandfather's?"

“That’s right, His Majesty’s imperial grace is boundless, and we all benefit from it.” Wang Shen could not hide his reverence for Emperor Li Shimin in his words.

Li Shimin's personal charisma was too strong.

Even at the end of the Tang Dynasty, his Qin King's Battle Song could give the Tang Dynasty another 30 years of life, and now he still has an even greater influence.

Later generations need to learn about Li Shimin from history books, but people of this era do not need history books; Li Shimin's deeds are passed down orally.

The origins of the Tang Dynasty cannot be discussed without mentioning Li Shimin.

People over twenty years old have all experienced the chaos and turmoil at the end of the Sui Dynasty, and they understand better how hard-won the current peace is.

Naturally, we are grateful for the goodness of the Tang Dynasty.

"Your Majesty is wise, Your Majesty is wise," Zhang Mingde said with a smile.

"Old Muramasa, I need to deliver these things first."

"Alright, alright, Wang Lizheng, you're busy." Zhang Mingde handed the county magistrate's documents to Zhang Jinhe, asking Zhang Jinhe to deliver them to Xiao Ran.

Zhang Jinhe did not go directly, but went with them to his third grandfather's house.

Hearing that they would also receive a reward, their great-grandparents were overjoyed.

It also included five bolts of silk, along with a commendation document personally written by the county magistrate.

The great-grandfather held the document and said, "No, we've benefited so much from the young master's fame, I have to return the money we received before."

I can't keep the money I spent on the straight-shaft plow and processing; otherwise, I'll feel guilty.

This was the decision of the third grandfather, and Wang Shen and Zhang Jinhe couldn't say anything about it.

The group went to Zhang Erya's house together.

Zhang Mingde was overjoyed as he held the commendation certificate, only then noticing that Zhang Erya was still working at her home.

Zhang Dalang was plowing the fields, not at home.

Now it's just Xiao Ran and San Niang at home.

Zhang Mingde called out, "Second Aunt!"

"Grandpa!" Zhang Erya ran to Zhang Mingde's side.

"Stop working for now, go home for a bit, and come back later."

Zhang Erya was confused. She didn't know what had happened outside the yard and had been busy in the backyard.

"Okay!" Zhang Erya didn't ask any further questions.

Zhang Erya ran along and happened to run into a group of people coming out of her third grandfather's house.

Zhang Jinhe then realized, "Second Aunt, I forgot you were in my house."

The group walked back together.

Xiao Ran has never taken care of children before; he's a single man himself.

While idly strolling in the courtyard with his third sister-in-law, he taught the little maid to recognize characters.

San Niang was only five years old, so Xiao Ran simply taught her some Arabic numerals.

There are no Arabic numerals in this era, but Xiao Ran thinks they will be soon.

This kind of numerical method is convenient and more suitable for fields such as mathematics and astronomy.

There was no paper or pen; the two of them each held a twig.

"Third Sister, write it down once."

There are numbers 0-9 on the ground; Third Sister can just copy them.

As Wang Shen and the others approached the courtyard, they saw Xiao Ran and San Niang.

The wall around Zhang Erya's house wasn't high either.

It didn't matter what Xiao Ran was doing with San Niang, as long as he was with San Niang, Zhang Er Ya was very happy.

She didn't want her younger sister to be all alone, but she couldn't take her sister with her when she went to work.

"Young master! Hahaha!" Wang Shen shouted.

Xiao Ran and San Niang saw the others and got up to go over as well.

Seeing so many people, all smiling happily, I knew that the household registration must have been approved.

"Young master, your household registration has been approved. This is the official document from the county office." Zhang Jinhe handed it to Xiao Ran.

"Alright!" Xiao Ran took the document, unsurprised. "Young master, I can't bring the curved plow back from the Ministry of Works, so you can keep this money."

Previously, the straight-shafted plow cost 290 coins, and the modification fee was 20 coins. Wang Shen inquired about it and gave Xiao Ran 310 coins directly.

"Wang Lizheng, there's no need for that." Xiao Ran had already guessed that his curved plow hadn't returned, so there must be a reward later, and he couldn't possibly lose out.

"No, I promised you before, and I have to compensate you for not returning it." Wang Shen stuffed the money into Xiao Ran's hand.

"Thanks to the young master, I've also done a good deed, and this is a reward from the county magistrate."

The third grandfather also came over, saying, "Young master, you have to take this money too."

My third grandfather also sent back 310 coins.

"Third grandfather, why are you doing this?" Wang Shen's reasoning was understandable, but the third grandfather's was somewhat bewildered.

“I also received a reward from the county magistrate, which I also benefited from. How could I possibly accept yours? The curved plow has benefited countless farmers, and I am one of them. It would be inappropriate for me to take your money.”

"Third Grandfather, let's keep things separate. What happened before doesn't conflict with this. This is what you deserve. You put in the work; you can't be expected to work for nothing. There's no such logic."

Xiao Ran did not accept it. His great-grandfather had also worked hard to earn his money, and it wasn't easy for anyone.

The others delivered the items and then went home.

Zhang Erya is just back for a visit; she still has to go back to work, so this is her working time.

Seeing Xiao Ran with his sister, he felt relieved.

There was nothing to argue about regarding Xiao Ran's matter; the imperial edict was issued very quickly.

The necessary rewards are ready, as Kaolao Village is not far from Chang'an City.

Originally, the county magistrate could have been in charge, but Li Yuanjing arranged for the prefectural military officer to take charge.

The county also arranged for someone to lead the way directly to Kaolao Village.

They had a lot of stuff, and many fully loaded vehicles followed them, arriving at Kaolao Village in a grand procession.

They notified the village head, Wang Shen, in advance, and he greeted them at the entrance of Kaolao Village.

I led the team to Zhang Mingde's house in a moment.

Zhang Mingde's house is located in the center of Kaolao Village, with an open space in front of it, which can be considered a small square.

If there's anything important happening in the village, the villagers are summoned here.

There is also a large locust tree here, and many elderly people like to sit under it.

Upon receiving the news, Wang Shen immediately notified Zhang Mingde.

Knowing that it was someone from the prefectural government coming down, Zhang Mingde took it very seriously, changing his clothes and washing himself again.

The team from the state capital attracted a lot of attention.

"Go find the young master quickly!" Zhang Mingde shouted. This was for Xiao Ran, who definitely needed to be there.

"Second Sister, go home and tell the young master that officials from the prefecture have arrived with an imperial edict."

The thought of the imperial edict reaching the village filled Zhang Mingde with excitement.

Even if it's not yours, you'll still get excited.

Xiao Ran, who was at home, taught San Niang how to count 100.

Zhang Erya ran breathlessly, calling out, "Young master, young master!"

"Second Aunt, what's wrong? Why are you so anxious?"

"The old man said that the people from the prefecture have come with an imperial edict for the young master, and that he should go to receive it."

Although I had guessed it would be like this, I was still quite excited.

I never imagined I'd get to experience what it's like to receive an imperial edict.

"Okay!" Xiao Ran didn't need to prepare and went with the two sisters.

When Xiao Ran arrived at the village head's house with her two sisters, the others were already waiting.

Several people in official robes stood at the front, with Wang Shen and Zhang Mingde standing beside them. Xiao Ran even spotted Zhang Dalang in the crowd.

These workers didn't come on their own; Zhang Mingde called them back, thinking it was an important matter that should be taken a look.

They could also be considered as people welcoming the imperial court.

Zhang Jinhe stood next to his third grandfather and third grandmother and waved to Xiao Ran.

The leader of the team was Yan Qinli, the military advisor of Yongzhou Prefecture.

Seeing the strangely dressed person, I knew it was Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran was alright, but Zhang Erya and San Niang were a little nervous seeing so many people, including quite a few important figures.

Xiao Ran was surprised to see such a detail about the incense table.

"Hehe, it's here!" Yan Qinli took out the imperial edict.

Yan Qinli unfolded the imperial edict, "The imperial edict has arrived!"

"Imperial Decree of the Great Tang Dynasty!"

Hearing the beginning gave Xiao Ran goosebumps; this was much more sophisticated than "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees."

It carries an inherent sense of pressure, demanding "no explanation needed, just execute."

These five characters are a comprehensive reflection of the national strength, political confidence, and cultural style of the Tang Dynasty at its peak.

It is like a symbol, encapsulating the imagination of that glorious era when "the heavens opened up Chengdu, and thousands of households and gates entered the painting".

When the words "Great Tang" are uttered, what comes to mind is not only an imperial edict, but also a glorious era in which all nations paid tribute and the world submitted to the Tang Dynasty. This historical imagination gives the words a power that transcends their own.

While the wording of imperial edicts in the Ming and Qing dynasties was more politically astute, the difference in historical context made it difficult to reproduce the domineering air of "no explanation needed, I am the only one who matters."

The core of the Tang Dynasty's domineering aura was based on absolute confidence in its strength, which was the "I am the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty, and my orders are the law." It was a domineering aura that was a "declaration of the strong."

The logic of authority in the Ming and Qing dynasties focused on "I am the emperor by the mandate of heaven, so my orders must be obeyed," which is a kind of authority based on "theoretical argumentation."

The former is more direct, while the latter is more roundabout.

Xiao Ran didn't know how to accept the imperial decree, but he roughly understood that he had to kneel.

Although there were fewer instances of kneeling and bowing in this era compared to the Ming and Qing dynasties, there were still times when kneeling and bowing were required, such as when receiving imperial edicts.

Wang Shen guessed that Xiao Ran was not very knowledgeable about etiquette, so he quickly knelt down in front of Yan Qinli to receive the imperial decree on Xiao Ran's behalf.

"My disciple: Xiao Ran, a villager from Kaolao, was young and intelligent. He ingeniously innovated and changed the straight plow to a curved plow, which enabled one man and one ox to plow a hundred acres, saving the people's labor and increasing agricultural efficiency. His contribution to the country and benefiting all people is great."

“I can tell the man by observing his tools. This is not just about skill, but also about his sincerity in sharing the burdens of the country.”

"Now, a special imperial decree is issued to commend his achievements: First, Xiao Ran is conferred the title of Baron of Kaolao Village, with a fief of three hundred households. Although it is a fief of a village, the rank is lower than the fifth grade. He is allowed to wear official hat and go to court, and be ranked above the local gentry, so as to show the honor of 'commoner making meritorious contributions and bringing glory to his hometown'."

"Secondly, two hundred mu of permanent land and five hundred mu of allotted land are granted. The permanent land is to be inherited in perpetuity, and the allotted land shall be returned to the public upon death, but the descendants are specially permitted to cultivate it in perpetuity to consolidate the foundation of agriculture. The granted land shall be allocated by Wannian County from the fertile soil around Kaolao Village and registered immediately."

"Thirdly, he shall be rewarded with twenty bolts of silk and brocade, one hundred bushels of millet, ten oxen, and ten curved plows. The silk and brocade shall be used to commend his achievements, the millet to support his family, and the oxen and plows to help him promote agricultural techniques. The Ministry of Works shall be ordered to cast them according to the specifications and deliver them from Yongzhou Prefecture."

"Fourthly, Kaolao Village is the birthplace of the curved plow, and the villagers have provided much assistance. Therefore, the village is granted a three-year amnesty for taxes and corvée labor from the seventh to the ninth year of the Zhenguan era. The Ministry of Revenue is to issue a document to the prefectures and counties, prohibiting them from imposing excessive taxes."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Mingde and the villagers of Kaolao Village were also unsettled, as the villagers agreed to a three-year tax exemption.

Although most people are illiterate, they understood what they heard.

Three years of tax exemption!
Yan Qinli paused slightly before continuing to read: "Farmers are the foundation of the nation; the wise are the blessing of the people. Xiao Ran, with his humble origins, created a tool that benefits the country, which is worthy of being a model for the people of the world. I hope that all within the four seas will follow this example, so that there will be no barren land, every household will have stored grain, and together we can achieve the prosperous reign of Zhenguan."

"Fang Xuanling, Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel!"

"Minister of Civil Affairs Dai Zhou!"

"Li Yuanjing, Governor of Yongzhou!"

September of the sixth year of the Zhenguan era.

(End of this chapter)