The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

With the issuance of the conscription order, the people not only complained, but the business of restaurants and teahouses immediately became much quieter.

Just as Zhang Ping'an expected, most people used silver to offset their conscription quota.

Fifteen taels of silver might not even be enough for a meal for the wealthy, but for ordinary people, it would take several years of frugality to save up.

The world was already in a bad state, and with the conscription, the people were like frightened birds, not daring to spend a penny.

Therefore, those who have spare money to go to teahouses and restaurants at this time must be from wealthy families.

Once when inspecting the farm, Zhang Ping'an accidentally discovered that many helpers were eating bran cakes with some wild vegetables mixed in. It was a yellow and green mass that made one's throat sore just by looking at it, not to mention the grease.

The monthly wages of these helpers are not low. After all, they are half-employed.

No matter what, you won't have to eat bran cakes.

"What's going on?" Zhang Ping'an asked in a deep voice, with some anger. He thought that the manager had withheld the monthly wages of these helpers.

The manager was a shrewd man. He guessed what Zhang Ping'an meant by looking at his expression and cried out in injustice: "Sir, this is unfair. I didn't deduct a penny from them!"

In the past, he would have embezzled some of the wages, but since County Magistrate Zhang took office, he has been strict in management and often comes to the farm to set up experimental fields. He dare not do anything against the law and has not withheld the monthly wages of these helpers for a long time.

As he thought about it, the manager straightened his back a little. He really didn't skimp on the money, so it wasn't his fault.

"We used to eat from a big pot on the farm, but with such a large piece of land, during the busy spring sowing and autumn harvest seasons, we couldn't get together in time for meals. Some came early, some came late, and not only did the food get cold, but many people also felt that the distribution was unfair.

After consulting with everyone, I distributed the government's food allowance to everyone on a per capita basis, and asked their families to deliver meals every day. The daily allowance is six copper coins. If they want to eat wild vegetable cakes on their own and save the copper coins from the allowance, what can I do? "

The person in charge of this matter did not lie, but what he did not mention was that there was profit in the past when the meals were provided, but now that they are not allowed to do anything tricky, there is not much profit, so he is too lazy to take care of it.

After hearing this, Zhang Ping'an thought about it for a moment and understood. Nowadays, the common people are like hamsters. They are eager to save all their money for emergencies, and they are not willing to eat well.

The idea of ​​storing grain to prevent famine and digging wells to prevent drought has been deeply rooted in people's minds.

Moreover, there are a lot of wild vegetables on the mountains and ridges of the fields now, so you won’t starve to death no matter what. This is the best time of the year.

"Alas," Zhang Pingan sighed deeply in his heart.

When he spoke again, his tone was much softer: "Since the helpers prefer subsidies, let them eat on their own. However, from now on, the government will allocate 500 coins to the village every month. When you managers prepare special meals, ask the cook to make a few more pots of egg soup for them, and mix in some cheap shrimp skin and seaweed, etc., to at least soothe their throats."

"Okay, I understand," the manager responded with a smile.

He flattered her, "Your Excellency is kindhearted. You pity them. It is a blessing for the people to have you as our father and mother!"

Zhang Ping'an just listened to what he said. It was good enough that the manager didn't curse him behind his back. After all, after he took office, he cut off the financial resources of many of his minions.

He is self-aware of this.

After finishing the inspection, Zhang Pingan left with his group.

The sweet potatoes in the field are growing very well, and he can't wait for the autumn harvest.

There is currently no grain in the entire Daxia that has such high yield and such good taste. Once it is promoted, it will definitely cause a sensation.

The origin of this tradition started from Ci County, which is something to be proud of.

Watching the group leave, Su Erlang and others in the fields nearby breathed a sigh of relief.

Only then did he dare to continue chewing the bran cake in his mouth and swallow it.

Old man Wang, who was eating next to him, said, "Fortunately, the adults were wise and didn't cancel the subsidy. I think eating bran cakes is pretty good."

Another old farmer, who had seen more of the world and was more sensible, replied with a smile, "Master Zhang sees that our food is too poor and wants us to eat better. Only when we are full can we have the strength to work!"

"I don't want to eat well, I just want to save my money," someone else said.

After saying this, he took another big bite of bran cake with hatred, and his throat hurt from the diarrhea.

"That's right, I don't want to eat well, I want copper coins." Su Erleng was slow to react. He muttered after everyone else had finished talking.

Most people followed suit, all wanting some coins, and saving up a lot of money in a month would be a lot!

After eating, everyone got up and went back to work.

Although Zhang Ping'an didn't hear what everyone said, he had expected their reaction to some extent. He himself came from a farming family and of course knew how difficult life was.

If he canceled everyone's food allowance and made everyone eat together from a big pot, although his intention was good, I'm afraid no one would be grateful to him.

Of course, they cannot be allowed to do this during the busy farming season, after all, health is their capital.

More than a month later, after Mrs. Chen had passed her 49th day of mourning, Chen Jianqiu returned to the yamen to work.

But this time he was not working as a legal advisor, but as a medical officer in the medical department.

It is an area that he is good at and likes, and at the same time he has some small power.

It can protect the Chen family and allow them to live a stable life.

Chen's father, mother and second aunt Chen were all very satisfied.

He also specially invited Zhang Ping'an's family to dinner as a thank you.

He also invited the families of Ludouyan and Hua Wanli to come and join him.

The women gathered in the house to chat, while the men were drinking tea in the yard, talking about the county's affairs and current situation.

Zhang Ping'an saw the affectionate look between Chen Jianqiu and his daughter-in-law when they entered the room just now, and couldn't help but joked, "I wasn't willing to get married before. I was afraid that my good intentions would lead to bad consequences. Now, I can only use one word to describe it..."

Green Bean's eyes and mouth were quick, so he said, "What?"

"It's so fragrant!"

"Hahaha, it's true!" Green Eyes laughed, "Look at how happy this couple is. I'm so envious. It's a pity I'm still single!"

"Miss Ding is obviously well-educated and well-mannered. She and Jianqiu complement each other in character. They will definitely live a good life together," Hua Wanli said with a warm smile.

Chen Jianqiu was teased by several people and her face turned red. She felt her face was burning and she was very embarrassed.

The voice was like the hum of a mosquito: "Alright, alright, please don't mention this anymore, or my wife will hear it and think I've done something wrong!"

Only after they agreed to make him drink three glasses of wine as punishment did they let him go.

If Chen Jianqiu were in modern times, he would definitely know that this is the consequence of being slapped in the face. He said no before, but now, hmm, it smells so good!

It’s great to have a wife!