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

Chapter 38 Low Grain Prices Hurt Farmers!

After the imperial edict was read aloud, Wang Shen accepted it and expressed his gratitude.

This was the first time Wang Shen had ever received an imperial edict, and his hands were trembling.

Apart from Yan Qinli and a few other officials from the prefecture, this was the first time anyone else had ever seen such a scene.

"Young master, where should we send these things?" Yan Qinli asked Xiao Ran with a smile.

“Young master, this is Yan Qinli, Yan Sigong,” Wang Shen said quickly.

Xiao Ran was startled upon hearing the name.

This name isn't very well-known, but he has a very famous descendant—Yan Zhenqing!
Yan Qinli was Yan Zhenqing's great-grandfather.

The Langya Yan clan are descendants of the revered sage Yan Hui.

Although no authentic calligraphy works by Yan Qinli himself have survived, the "Yan Qinli Stele" erected by Yan Zhenqing for his great-grandfather has become a classic work in the history of calligraphy. It was unearthed in Xi'an in modern times and is well preserved.

This is a true scholarly family; you can feel the presence of learned people here.

Xiao Ran gave a slight bow, "I'd like to trouble Yan Sigong to help me deliver this to the east of the village."

Zhang Erya's house is relatively small, and it feels a bit cramped to put all these things in.

Actually, it would be best to keep it at Zhang Jinhe's house.

"Alright, alright, let's go to the east of the village," Yan Qinli said to the person next to him.

The team set off again.

"Now that the Tang Dynasty is in dire need of rebuilding, it is a great blessing for the Tang Dynasty that such a talented young man has returned from the Western Regions!" Yan Qinli looked at Xiao Ran with admiration.

Because the curved plow could benefit the people, Yan Qinli had a very good impression of Xiao Ran.

"Yan Sigong is overrated; he was just lucky. He doesn't deserve such great talent." This is the Zhenguan era!

An era in which there was no shortage of civil and military officials.

The era of Emperor Renzong of Song was dominated by civil officials, while the era of Emperor Taizong of Tang was characterized by both civil and military talents.

The Tang Dynasty did not prioritize civil affairs over military matters; rather, it valued both.

"Young man, don't underestimate yourself. Since the Han Dynasty, the straight-shafted plow has been used for seven hundred years. Why is it that you alone thought of changing it to this curve? Not everyone has this kind of luck."

Xiao Ran was speechless.

"I've also heard about the matter of registering under someone else's name. Kaolao Village is located in the capital region, so it's only right that they conduct strict checks. There may have been some difficulties before, but the village head and the county magistrate were just following the rules."

"I see!"

This was because they were afraid Xiao Ran would be angry, but in reality, he wasn't.

From the village head to the neighborhood head, no one deliberately made things difficult; they just conducted their work normally.

"One can discern a person's character by observing their abilities; this is not merely a matter of skill, but rather a talent for governing the world." Yan Qinli said with a smile, "Young master, would you be willing to enter officialdom?"

This made Wang Shen, who was standing nearby, extremely envious, and the officials of the prefecture invited Xiao Ran.

This era had the imperial examination system, but it was imperfect, and many aspects were still recommended.

A curved plow can be used as a stepping stone to officialdom.

Xiao Ran knew very well that he wasn't cut out for it. "Thank you, Yan Sigong, but I'm used to a leisurely life and I'm not suited for that."

"Very well. If you have time to come to Chang'an, just go to the northwest corner of Chongren Ward and look for that ancient locust tree. Behind the tree, there is someone's humble residence. Don't be like that man from Wuling, who, having found his paradise, refused to set foot in the hustle and bustle of the world again."

Yan Qinli thought Xiao Ran had a good personality.

As they talked, they arrived at the entrance of Zhang Erya's courtyard.

Yan Qinli was taken aback when he saw the simple thatched hut.

Xiao Ran is now a client and needs to rely on the homeowner, who seems to be in a difficult situation.

"Yan Sigong, this is the place."

"Okay, move everything inside," Yan Qinli called out.

Zhang Dalang was very excited and naturally wanted to help.

Zhang Jinhe and the others in the village were also busy, helping to move things.

I was incredibly excited when I heard that Kaolao Village would be exempt from taxes for three years.

One male saved 860 coins, and over three years saved 2580 coins.

For ordinary people who are barely making ends meet, this is quite a lot.

Yan Qinli also noticed the tattoo on Zhang Dalang's forehead.

There was a lot of stuff, all piled up in the yard. Yan Qinli didn't linger; he had to go back and report.

Wang Shen saw Yan Qinli off at Kaolao Village.

"Should we start calling the young master Baron Xiao from now on?" Zhang Jinhe said with a smile.

"Jinniang, please stop teasing me, it's so awkward!"

Zhang Mingde said with a smile, "Now that the young master owns land, he can apply for household registration. Should I go back and prepare the necessary documents?"

In other words, you no longer need to be tied to the Zhang siblings.

Upon hearing Zhang Mingde's words, Zhang Dalang and Zhang Erya looked at Xiao Ran, feeling somewhat disappointed.

Xiao Ran noticed it too, "Grandpa, there's no rush, we can talk about it later."

For Xiao Ran now, whether he is registered under the Zhang siblings' household registration or has an independent household registration, it doesn't really make a difference.

The government officials wouldn't cause trouble for Xiao Ran over household registration matters, and that's enough.

Previously, they had applied for dependent citizenship with the help of the Zhang sisters, but now they are in a hurry to sever ties, which feels like they have used the opportunity to abandon their support.

Zhang Dalang was always worried about his two younger sisters. He didn't know he wouldn't die yet. Xiao Ran wanted to wait until Li Shimin pardoned Zhang Dalang before discussing these matters.

"Should we rebuild the house?" Zhang Mingde felt that Zhang Erya's house was a bit shabby.

He is not worthy of Xiao Ran's title.

Now that Xiao Ran has a noble title, Zhang Mingde and Wang Shen will have to inform him of any matters that arise in the village.

In other words, if there are any matters in the village that need to be discussed, Xiao Ran is qualified to be at the table.

Xiao Ran looked at the house. "No rush, it's fine as it is now."

“good good”

Zhang Mingde left with the others, and Zhang Jinhe told Zhang Dalang and Zhang Erya that they didn't need to go today, but that their wages should be settled first, on a one-day basis.

All the other rewards have arrived, and Wang Shen and Zhang Mingde will arrange the arable land; all that's missing are ten oxen and ten curved plows.

It seems the Ministry of Industry hasn't finished making it yet.

"Wow, so many!" Third Sister exclaimed excitedly as she looked at the items.

Everything else is fine, but 100 shi of millet is a bit much.

That should be enough to eat; we don't need to worry about food anymore.

"These can't be left outside, move them all inside!" Xiao Ran shouted.

Several people were working enthusiastically.

The other villagers were also busy, with everyone from each household moving around.

As the late autumn sunset painted Kaolao Village in golden-red hues, the area outside Zhang Erya's house suddenly became lively.

Zhang Jinhe's third grandmother and others were all there, along with many other villagers.

Everyone was chatting and laughing, and they were all carrying things.

"Young master, eldest son, second wife, third wife."

Xiao Ran and the others, who had just finished their work, rushed out upon hearing the commotion.

I saw a large crowd outside.

They were all carrying things.

"Third Grandmother, Jinniang." Xiao Ran didn't recognize the others and had never met them before.

"Thanks to the young master, the village is exempt from taxes and corvée labor for three years. Everyone's thinking of showing their appreciation," Zhang Jinhe said with a smile. "The gifts aren't worth much, but you should accept them."

"Our village has been exempted from taxes for three years. This bag of millet is a token of my family's appreciation. Please don't think it's too little!"

"Third Grandmother, Jinniang, there's no need for this, really no need. We're all villagers, this is too formal!" Xiao Ran knew that the villagers weren't wealthy, and that they had a lot of things at home that they couldn't fit in anymore.

“Three years of taxes and corvée labor is no small sum. Young master doesn’t lack these things now, but we can’t not show our appreciation, can we?” Zhang Jinhe said, taking the lead.

"Yes! Young man, please accept it!"

The laughter of several children drifted into the yard before the figures appeared.

Three or five barefoot little boys carried baskets filled with freshly picked wild persimmons and chestnuts, and a few bright green wild kiwis rolling around inside.

Others followed suit, entering the courtyard, leaving their belongings, and departing. They couldn't be stopped; there was no way to stop them.

After everyone else left, a lot of things were placed in the yard.

Most of it is millet, because that's what we grow.

Those who were well-off sent over pastries.

There are also plenty of persimmons, kiwis, and chestnuts.

There were also a few chickens, ducks, and geese, and they also gave away eggs.

Although we raise chickens, eggs are a luxury; we can't bear to eat them ourselves, so we sell them.

Xiao Ran looked at the pile of things and said with a smile, "Big Brother, let's build a chicken coop first and raise these chickens, ducks and geese."

"Okay, I'll get ready."

Zhang Erya was quite moved to discover that Xiao Ran had a title and that many things about him, including his personality and attitude, remained unchanged.

Zhang Dalang was not good with words, but he was very efficient at his work and had a lot of strength.

He is a hard-working and resilient person.

A makeshift chicken coop was set up nearby. The ropes binding the chickens, ducks, and geese were untied, and they were herded inside.

"Third Sister, remember to feed her next time," Xiao Ran said to the little girl.

"Okay! I've got it!" Third Sister felt this was a very difficult but glorious task.

"Second Aunt, use this millet to cook rice, but don't make it too watery. You'll have to work hard, and you won't have the strength if you don't eat your fill," Xiao Ran said.

"Okay!" Zhang Erya returned to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

There are also pastries to eat, so I don't feel too hungry now.

The staple food is still millet cooked with sunflower leaves, along with leeks and radishes.

Xiao Ran really couldn't eat the side dishes, so she ate some millet rice instead.

Trying to fit into this era, I discovered that these things really don't taste good to modern people.

Xiao Ran ate half a bowl. "I'm full. I'm going back now."

Zhang Dalang and Zhang Erya originally thought that Xiao Ran would stay tonight.

So much stuff at home.

Xiao Ran had to go back and farm supplies.

Motorhomes are very valuable in this day and age, so it's always good to refresh your inventory and prepare accordingly.

"Okay!" Zhang Erya knew her family's financial situation and felt embarrassed to ask Xiao Ran to stay.

However, Xiao Ran was about to leave with Xiao Hei, so the three siblings put down their bowls and chopsticks to see Xiao Ran off at the gate.

"Young man, it's dark at night, be careful on the road!" Zhang Erya said.

"Okay!" Xiao Ran rubbed Third Sister's head. "I'll come over this morning."

"Mmm!" Third Sister nodded and patted Little Black.

The three siblings watched Xiao Ran leave.

Zhang Dalang smiled and picked up San Niang, "That's good, the young master is a good person, we won't go hungry anymore."

Third Sister listened to Xiao Ran and stopped picking millet ears.

Back at the pond, Xiao Ran considered building his own house.

Ideally, it should be built in front of a cave to block the view of the RV.

The environment by the pool was actually quite nice, but Xiao Ran wouldn't feel at ease without guarding the cave.

This place not only has RVs, but also a large warehouse.

The problem now is that this belongs to someone else, and Xiao Ran definitely can't build a house here without asking permission.

If possible, Xiao Ran would like to buy the pool, including the mountain next to it.

It seems I'll have to find an opportunity to ask the old village head.

Zhang Erya's family didn't have many houses. When they were little, the siblings could squeeze together without any problems, but it certainly wouldn't be possible when they grew up.

Zhang Erya and San Niang stayed in another room, while Zhang Dalang stayed in another.

The remaining room is for Xiao Ran.

However, there wasn't enough space to put things in, and Xiao Ran's room also had a lot of millet.

Thinking about what happened today, Zhang Dalang and Zhang Erya couldn't sleep at all.

next day!

Xiao Ran ate his bread and leisurely walked towards the village with Xiao Hei.

Previously, the three siblings didn't eat anything in the morning.

These past two days, Xiao Ran has been asking me to cook millet porridge in the morning, saying it's good for my health.

Xiao Ran can also drink some millet porridge.

"Second Aunt, are there any tailors in the village?"

“Young master, you can get clothes made by your second grandmother. Everyone in the village who wants clothes made goes to her,” Zhang Erya said.

"My second grandmother's family must be quite well-off!" Xiao Ran remembered that her second grandmother's family had given her eggs yesterday.

It's true that families with skilled craftsmen tend to do quite well.

“Everyone in the village says that, apart from the village head, the second grandmother’s family is the richest.”

Xiao Ran nodded, "Later, take the cloth and go to Second Grandmother to make a set of clothes for Da Lang and San Niang. You don't need to pay, you can just use the cloth as payment."

The gifts were plentiful, but there was no money.

“Young man, those fabrics are quite expensive. It’s such a waste to wear them to work,” Zhang Dalang couldn’t help but say.

"Winter is almost here, so we need to make some clothes. It's alright, we have plenty of fabric at home, otherwise we'd have to sell it anyway. By the way, who do we contact if we want to sell millet?"

“My sister’s family lives there. My uncle runs a grain shop in Chang’an.”

Xiao Ran knew that the older sister Zhang Erya mentioned was Zhang Jinhe. He didn't expect that this family was also in business. No wonder they were rich.

There were many kinds of fabrics provided, some good and some bad.

When Zhang Erya goes to choose, she'll definitely pick the worst one to make the clothes.

"Wait a minute, Second Aunt, you take Third Aunt to make clothes. I need to go find Jinniang; it's time to pay back the money I owe her."

"Alright, young master, what kind of clothes do you want to wear?" Zhang Erya looked at Xiao Ran's clothes, which were different from the others.

At first, it looked awkward, but the more I looked at it, the more pleasing it became. It's also possible that I found Xiao Ran pleasing to the eye, and his clothes also seemed pleasing to the eye.

"I have plenty of clothes, no need to make any, just make yours. I need clothes, pants, shoes, etc., just make two sets! I need to change these, I can't wear the same clothes all the time."

Xiao Ran's generosity shocked Zhang Dalang and Zhang Erya.

After finishing the porridge, Xiao Ran took Xiao Hei to the village head's house.

Zhang Jinhe is quite busy. Zhang Mingde is old and in poor health, so Zhang Jinhe takes care of all the household affairs.

"Xiao Langjun!"

"Jinniang, I want to sell some millet!" Xiao Ran said directly.

"No problem. All the millet in the village is sold to me and then sent to my father. How much would you like to sell, young master?"

"Pay back the money I owe you."

"There's no rush, we can talk about it later."

"I feel bad about owing money, and I also have a lot of millet. My house is small, so it's hard to store it properly," Xiao Ran said with a smile.

Zhang Jinhe also knew that Zhang Erya's house was indeed not big, with only a few rooms.

"Alright, young master, wait a moment. I'll have two people bring a scale so we can weigh ourselves," Zhang Jinhe said with a smile. "Let's go inside first."

It's a bit early; Zhang Mingde hasn't gotten up yet.

Xiao Ran quickly discovered the problem: one hundred shi of millet was not worth much money.

Zhang Jinhe's family sells grain, so they definitely need to make money. They charge Xiao Ran 3 coins for a dou of millet, which is 30 coins for a shi.

The tax owed to Zhang Jinhe was 3440 cash, and the loan amounted to 1 guan, bringing the total debt to 4440 cash.

If you sell all 100 shi (a unit of dry measure), you'll only get 3000 wen (

This is the first time I've truly experienced what it means for "low grain prices to hurt farmers".

(End of this chapter)