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Chapter 108:
Chapter 108:
Chapter 108:
The autumn wind was lonely on the outskirts of Changan. There was a dense crowd in the fields at the intersection of Wannian and Changan Country.
Zhu Laosan, you rascal! This official remembers your son already received divine grain yesterday. Why are you here today?
The chief book of Wannian County scolded the old man Zhu Laosan in annoyance. With his robe open, revealing his sun-darkened skinny chest, Zhu Laosan wore a pleasing smile.
Sir, my worthless son and I have already gone separate ways. What he received was for himself, not for an old man like me!
The chief book of Wannian County couldnt help but laugh at his response.
This official is out in the countryside for most of the year. Whats happening in your family cant escape my notice.
Moreover, your sons grain yesterday included yours. Could you be deceived by lard and attempt to trick me into giving you more grain?
In the past, the chief books anger would have caused ordinary folks to run far away. However, Zhu Laosan wasnt ashamed. He simply continued to bow and apologize.
Zhu Laosan, did your sons grain get eaten by your gluttonous daughter-in-law?
This remark led to cheerful laughter all around. Instead of feeling embarrassed, Zhu Laosans face lit up, showing a cunning smile.
He didnt deny it but sighed heavily and acted as if he were reminiscing. He didnt attempt to refute. Instead, he sighed deeply as if in regret.
Did your familys grain get eaten?
Your son is so filial. He always looks after you. Could you tell us what the divine grain tastes like?
Zhu Laosans eyes flickered, and he closed his eyes slightly, appearing to savor the taste.
Tell the truth, Ive never tasted such a delicacy my whole life!
The people around marveled and envied him. Zhu Laosans poor acting skills couldnt deceive the chief book, who saw through his intentions. However, he realized that Zhu Laosans circumstances were somewhat different.
Zhu Laosans pitiful act didnt sway the Wannian Country Master Book. But he also knew that Zhu Laosan was likely trying to obtain more grain.
Food was precious, and even the people of Changan received quotas per person. No extra allowances were given. However, Zhu Laosans situation was unique. Three of his sons died in battle, leaving only one to support him and his wife.
The next generation included more than a dozen grandchildren under the age of ten. The chief book took a small cloth bag and tossed it to Zhu Laosan.
His Majesty personally cultivated these grains. He cares about you, commoners, and cant bear to eat them himself. But you old man managed to enjoy them in advance.
The chief book laughed and scolded, Take your familys grain and get lost!
With a face that looked like a dried-up chrysanthemum, Zhu Laosan beamed. He received the grain, pretended to knock his head three times towards the direction of the palace, and then left cheerfully.
At this moment, the master book turned his head and looked viciously at the people receiving food around him.
Dont think that this official is biased. If anyone, like Zhu Laosan, has three sons who died for the country, this official doesnt mind giving you more benefits.
Hearing this, the people who were about to move settled down immediately.
Unknowingly, the shadow of the sun was slanting westward. The busy chief book of Wannian Country stretched his stiff neck and prepared to go home. At this time, he saw a group of people walking across the street, led by the master book of Changan County.
Changan and Wannian Counties were both part of the capital region. They were fierce competitors, always vying for the title of the top county. The two chief books exchanged glances and simultaneously snorted in disdain as they watched the figures walk away.
Seeing the departing figures of their rivals, the Wannian County chief book smirked. He lowered his head and gently stroked the grain piled on the cart. The opponent strutted in front of him, unaware that Wannian County had 20% more grain allocation this time than Changan County.
Ironically, to secure this additional portion, the magistrate, a sixth-rank officer, had resorted to begging and crying like a newborn for four or five days. Obtaining 20% more grain meant that Wannian Countys harvest next year would exceed Changan Countys by tens of thousands of catties.
What did Changan County have to compare to them?
The chief book of Wannian County lifted his head, gazing at the vast fields before him.
Although the autumn harvest had been collected, the fields were now empty. However, he could almost envision the scene of next year when the fields would be piled high with potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Outside Changan, at the Baqiao Bridge, scenes of farewells were unfolding everywhere. The procession of Prince Li Daozong of Jiangxia slowly departed from the city. Inside the carriage, Li Daozong looked at his daughter, who had her head down and was silent and couldnt help sighing.
Su Li is Changles husband, even if hes admirable in many ways, hes not your rightful match. Why do you have to be like this? Li Daozong, who had spent his life on the battlefield, was straightforward even when talking to his daughter.
With just a few words, her father saw through her thoughts. Nevertheless, Li Xueyan didnt display the usual coyness that most women would in such a situation.
She smiled slightly and replied, Father, I understand what youre saying. I wont entertain any improper thoughts.
You take after me, and if you can take something on, you must be able to let it go. Dont overthink it. Li Daozong nodded, expressing his understanding.
Can you take it on, and can you let it go
Li Xueyan sighed in her heart and couldnt help feeling a tinge of bitterness.
Outside the carriage window, scholars bidding farewell were reciting poems composed by Su Li. She couldnt help but remember that glorious night in Changan City when Su Lis poems illuminated the city.
For some reason, her mind wandered back to the first time she met Su Li at the Princess Mansion. Back then, she thought the handsome young man was a good match for Changle.
Who would have thought that Su Li would leave an indelible mark on her heart after just a few months of knowing each other?
She had never been a dreamer, but lately, her mind had been in a fog, and she was often startled awake by nightmares at night.
Despite her emotional desires, the scenes in her dreams filled her with a deep sense of fear.
From childhood to adulthood, Li Xueyan always knew what she should do in any situation. This time was no exception.
She had to leave!
An unexplainable wave of sadness washed over her.
Li Xueyan couldnt deceive herself.
She admired Su Li but also understood that her feelings were inappropriate.
Love that could not be realized, so she could only choose to leave