In years of famine and drought, their village even rejected fatty meat.

Chapter 84 No way to survive

"You must be Chen He, the village chief of Chenjia Village?"

"A constable asked."

"it's me."

Chen He nodded in response, a fawning smile on his face: "Both officers, please come inside and sit down. It's cold outside."

Don't underestimate these two low-ranking officials. They may seem insignificant compared to high-ranking officials, but to ordinary people, these low-ranking officials are even more terrifying than the county magistrate.

After all, it is these petty officials who are truly in contact with the common people. While the power they wield may not affect the wealthy and powerful, they are all adept at harming ordinary people.

"no need."

The constable coldly refused Chen He's invitation and continued, "We are here to inform you about the tax increase. Each household in Taiping County will need to pay an additional 1 shi of grain. If the grain is insufficient, 2 liang of silver must be paid, and the full amount must be paid within one month."

"This……"

Chen He's pupils contracted, and he exclaimed, "Officer, are you joking with me?"

Even in peaceful years, very few families in Chenjia Village could afford to produce 1 shi (a unit of dry measure) of grain, let alone now when every household is struggling to feed themselves.

As for two taels of silver, that's outrageous. Even at its wealthiest, no more than ten families in Chenjia Village could afford two taels of silver.

In fact, the vast majority of villagers had never even seen a single tael of silver.

"Be bold!"

Another officer retorted, "We are here on behalf of the government. Do you think we would joke with you?"

"I'm sorry, officer."

Chen He, who had been rebuked, hurriedly apologized, took out a few copper coins from his sleeve and stuffed them into the officer's hand, saying with a fawning expression, "Officers, is it possible to make an exception for this matter?"

The constable skillfully accepted the copper coin, and with a flick of his wrist, it vanished without a trace, as if it had disappeared into the sea.

However, the constable who accepted the copper coins still maintained his indifferent expression: "This is an order from the imperial court, and there is no room for negotiation."

"This……"

Chen He opened his mouth, his face ashen.

The constable took out a booklet, glanced at it, and said, "There are 103 households in Chenjia Village. They must hand over enough grain or silver within a month. Those who fail to hand over enough will be exiled to the north to serve in the army."

After saying that, the two constables left without looking back, still talking as they went.

"The village chief of Chenjia Village is really stingy. He only has a few copper coins, which isn't even enough for the two of us to have a meal."

"I wonder if the village chief of the next village will be able to understand things?"

"Let's hope so! Otherwise, our trip will have been for nothing."

"..."

Watching the two constables gradually disappear into the distance, Chen He's sorrow deepened. Chen Ke, who had been standing to the side and had overheard the entire conversation between the constables and the village chief, was also staring blankly. One shi of grain or two taels of silver... they were trying to force us to our deaths.

Currently, more than half of the villagers are tightening their belts, and the rest are struggling to even afford food. This tax increase is something that virtually none of the villagers can afford.

If they couldn't produce the money, their entire family would be exiled to the north to serve in the army...

The thought of this outcome sent a chill down Chen Ke's spine. The north was bitterly cold, and being exiled there meant that the long journey and frigid weather would likely cause most exiles to die on the way.

Even if they were lucky enough to survive, they would most likely die in battle against the barbarians...

"Village chief, is the government really not giving us any way to survive?" Chen Ke asked in a suppressed voice. His dissatisfaction with the government had reached its peak at this moment. The people were already starving, and now they were being taxed even more, with the tax increase being one shi (a unit of dry measure) of grain. Wasn't this trying to kill people?

"Ugh."

Chen He sighed, unsure how to answer Chen Ke's question, and simply said, "Could you go and call some able-bodied men in the village to come here and discuss something with me?"

"to make."

…………

…………

At Chen Dao's house, Chen Dao and Chen Cheng had finished their boxing match and were now resting in the front yard, covered in sweat.

It must be said that Chen Cheng's talent is indeed exceptional. His performance in his first attempt at learning the Tiger Subduing Fist was quite remarkable. He practiced the Tiger Subduing Fist 15 times after only drinking half a bowl of chicken blood, which was much better than Chen Dao's performance in his first attempt.

"Brother Dao, this Tiger-Taming Fist is truly amazing."

As Chen Cheng wiped the sweat from his face with his sleeve, he said, "I usually don't feel tired even after a whole day of work, but now I'm exhausted after just a few rounds of the Tiger-Taming Fist. If it weren't for Brother Dao giving me some chicken blood, I probably wouldn't have been able to finish more than three rounds."

"..."

Chen Dao's lips twitched. When he first practiced the Tiger-Taming Fist, he was so exhausted that he almost fainted after just one round of punches, but Chen Cheng could do it three times...

The difference in physical fitness between people is truly significant!

Of course, Chen Dao is now a ninth-rank martial artist, and he can perform the Tiger Subduing Fist ten or more times without drinking chicken blood, which is something Chen Cheng cannot do now.

However, Chen Dao still greatly admired Chen Cheng's physical abilities. With Chen Cheng's performance and the blood feather chicken blood he provided, he would probably become a ninth-grade martial artist in less than half a month.

Moreover, as a ninth-rank martial artist, Chen Cheng's arm strength is definitely not limited to 200 jin; it is very likely to reach 300 jin or even 400 jin.

"Dong dong dong."

Just then, a knock sounded on the door, and at the same time, a voice called out from outside: "Brother Dao, it's me, Chen Ke, please open the door."

Chen Ke?

Chen Dao retrieved the name from the original owner's memories and learned that it belonged to one of the able-bodied men in the village. So Chen Dao opened the front gate directly.

"Kege'er, what brings you here?"

Chen Dao opened the door and looked at Chen Ke outside, asking a question.

"The village chief sent me."

Chen Ke glanced around the courtyard and, seeing Chen Cheng there, said, "Brother Cheng is here too."

"Ah."

Chen Cheng nodded.

Chen Ke continued, "Dao-ge'er, and Cheng-ge'er, the village chief wants you to go to his house to discuss something. You should go quickly, as I still need to notify the next family!"

After saying that, Chen Ke hurriedly headed to the next shop.

Chen Dao stood behind the wide-open door, lost in thought.

Village chief Chen He suddenly called a meeting of the villagers...

This indicates that something big must have happened in the village. Only when something big happens in the village would the village chief, Chen He, gather all the prominent young and strong men in the village to discuss it.

Chen Dao couldn't figure out what had happened for the time being.

"Cheng-ge'er, let's go to the village chief's house."

Chen Dao called out and led Chen Cheng out of the house. Just as they stepped outside, they saw Chen Da, who had also just come out of the house.

“Dao Ge’er, Cheng Ge’er.”

Chen Da nodded to the two of them and said, "Did the village chief call you too?"

"Yes."

Chen Dao nodded and asked, "Does Uncle know why?"