Traveling through time as a peasant girl to turn things around

In the afternoon, Chai Zhen, Sun Gui, and some elderly people were in the school, holding a meeting to discuss things to do after the New Year.

Outside, Chai Xin and Chai Dong were distributing meat, two pounds per person, divided among the people. The school teachers received some, as did everyone in Taohua Village. "The village chief said this is for the next few days. There's no need to save it for the New Year. We'll distribute it again in a few days." Every household was delighted to hear this.

Chai Zhen and Sun Gui were checking the storeroom. Sun Gui said, "That's a lot." Chai Zhen said, "Let's divide it all. There's no point in keeping it, and it'll spoil over time." "Okay, I'll listen to Second Uncle." Chai Zhen smiled. He also wanted to divide the cloth per head. If there wasn't enough, the village would have to match it. Sun Gui said, "Okay, our village has money now, so it's better to give it to the people." The two of them checked and counted, and finally found a similar amount. "Divide it," Chai Zhen said. "If my family doesn't have it anymore, we won't need it." Sun Gui had no other choice. Divide it. With that, Sun Gui left and rang the bell, bringing the entire village. Standing on the platform, Sun Gui said, "Our village has sent grain and seeds to the Emperor. The Emperor has gifted our village many things. Now we're going to share them. I have to say there's no absolute fairness. It's all about equal, don't be fussy. Girls are best, so start with the youngest." The adults of the families of the people Sun Gui read the names of would come and take it. Sun Gui had a list of the entire village, and he knew every man and woman by age. There were also gifts for newborns, made of fine cotton cloth, two zhang for each child, and there were five children in total, so the adults would carry it on their behalf.

Next came the children, aged one to five. The cloth was of different colors for boys and girls: girls had flowery patterns, boys darker colors. Zhang Qing divided the cloth among them, using scissors to cut each child three meters.

Those aged six to ten were given 360 each. Sun Gui distributed them one by one.

From eleven to twenty years old, the cloth was the same, six zhang per person. It was navy blue, gray, or light blue. Whoever wanted that color would be given that color, and they could choose the color themselves. The adults took the children to take it. From twenty to forty years old, there were navy blue, black, and dark gray cotton cloth. Ten zhang per person, that is, one piece of cloth, was distributed. Zhang Qing helped distribute it. As the boxes were empty, the cloth was distributed piece by piece, and the faces of the people were filled with joy.

They were all smiles. Those aged forty-one to fifty also received one bolt of cloth and one bolt of brocade. Sun Gui said, "Young people still have plenty of opportunities to wear fine clothes. As we get older, those opportunities become fewer, and the village needs to accommodate these circumstances. No one needs to object; it will be the same when you reach this age. This is a benefit after you turn forty." Zhang Qing and Chai Zhen helped carry the cloth. Sun Gui distributed it.

Those aged 51 to 55 should wear darker colors, such as blue brocade, gray brocade, black brocade, dark green brocade, etc. Men and women can choose for themselves. There's no need to rush to line up. ...

Next up are those aged fifty-five to the elderly. This is the final limit. Come up and choose as you please. Each person receives one bolt of cotton cloth and one bolt of brocade. Elderly people need to be well-dressed. They can wear them when they have free time, go to the market, or visit relatives. The cloth is on the table. Don't worry, those of you standing in the back will find whatever color you want. We'll satisfy you.

Finally, Sun Gui said, "Anyone who wants it, two taels of silver for a roll of brocade, one tael of silver for cotton." A few rolls were bought, leaving few. Sun Gui said, "Pack them up and put them in the warehouse." Chai Zhen said, "You forgot about the teachers." Sun Gui slapped his forehead. "Oh, my God! The teachers all get brocade. Two rolls each, take your pick. Quick, take out the cloth from the boxes." Chai Zhen saw a roll of cloth that suited him and took one for himself. Sun Gui said, "Second uncle, why don't you just pick another one? Make two replacements." "Okay, then pick another one."

The old woman also had brocade clothes to wear, and her eyes were filled with tears of joy.

Finally, lighting the oil lamp, Sun Gui said, "The Emperor awarded our village silver. Combined with the village's dividends—the villagers have earned quite a bit of money, and everyone agreed to work together—I've decided to turn this income over to the village, paying individuals a daily wage for each day they work. The dividends, ten taels of silver per person—not much, but not too little either. There's even some left over to build our village. I don't think anyone would object." "No," many people shouted. Sun Gui continued, "If anyone needs money and can borrow from the village, they don't have to pay interest. I don't think that's going to happen. Everyone has enough money to marry now. Hahahaha..."

A young man was carrying several large baskets. "Wow, they're filled with silver!" Sun Gui distributed money according to the number of people in their household registration. "Ten taels per person, one for the whole family." The money was placed in red bags, one for each family. "Qin Han and his family of three, thirty taels." Qin Binbin ran up. Sun Gui handed him the money, and Zhang Qing handed him the red bag. "It's made of silk, too. It looks festive." Qin Binbin took the money and ran off. "The old horse head from the pig farm, his family of eight, eighty taels." Zhang Qing handed him a large red envelope. "Here, brother," Sun Gui said.

"Zhang Baoquan, a family of eleven, one hundred and ten taels."

This time the money was distributed until midnight. The Master and his servants all received it.

In the end, the Chai family received the most. Chai Zhen was registered under his son's household. Chen Jun and Chai Hua also received some.

Sun Gui said, "Uncle, go back. I'll come back tomorrow to clean up." Chai Zhen said, "I'm going back." Sun Gui locked the door. There was a guard outside. After the door was closed, the two of them went home.