IDWBE -Chapter 95 Paying the Grain Tax

Even powerful households like Liang Gen, Qiu Wujin, Wang Cheng, and Shao Qing had obediently paid their grain taxes—how could small, powerless commoners dare refuse?

The ones happiest of all were the salt smugglers.

Now, as long as they paid money, they could obtain official salt permits!

From this day forward, they were no longer risking their lives as illicit smugglers, but legitimate salt merchants.

They could walk openly through the streets.

Of course, they also had to abandon their old ways.

No matter what, Sanhe had no tolerance for reckless behavior. Even striking an ordinary person would result in punishment—if the victim filed a complaint and the charge was confirmed, labor reform would be unavoidable.

Early in the morning, Shan Yin had just risen when he saw his grand-uncle, Shan Qi, practicing martial arts in the courtyard.

After Shan Qi finished a full routine, Shan Yin stepped forward and cupped his hands.

“Grand-Uncle’s techniques have grown ever more refined.”

Even now, Shan Yin sometimes felt as if he were dreaming.

Just because of a few words from him, this grand-uncle had followed him to Sanhe without hesitation.

Shan Qi smiled. “At my age, advancing in rank is unlikely. I only practice to keep my body strong.”

Shan Yin smiled. “This grandson believes Grand-Uncle is about to break through.”

“Do you know what technique I practice?” Shan Qi asked with a grin.

“If I’m not mistaken, Grand-Uncle cultivates Huiyuan Gong.”

Shan Yin had never learned it himself, but he had watched Hong Ying teach it often enough.

“Why would Grand-Uncle practice this?”

Shan Qi glanced at him and sighed. “I’ve long told you—never be arrogant. You never listened. From today on, forget the Shan family’s inherited martial art. Devote yourself wholly to Huiyuan Gong.”

“Grand-Uncle…”

Shan Yin’s heart skipped in shock.

Shan Qi sat down, accepted the teacup Shan Yin offered, and continued:

“Our ancestors of the Shan family gathered the strengths of many schools and created the Inch-Advancing Blade, which allowed us to establish ourselves on Dongyang Island. When a tree grows broad, birds gather in its shade; we descendants have benefited from that ancestral merit. It is said that when the Inch-Advancing Blade reaches great mastery, its blade-wind roars like dragons and tigers—unstoppable. But those are only legends. Aside from the founding ancestor, in the past hundred years, have more than two people reached even Ninth Rank with it?”

Shan Yin thought carefully and answered respectfully, “No.”

His own father had only reached the peak of Eighth Rank, lingering there for over twenty years.

Currently, the family’s highest cultivation belonged to his uncle Shan Jin, the greatest martial prodigy in a century. Ten years ago, at fifty, he finally broke into Ninth Rank.

Shan Qi continued, “For martial artists of this age, entering rank after mastering internal force is one great hurdle. Advancing from Seventh Rank to Eighth Rank is an abyss. From Eighth Rank to Ninth Rank is defying heaven.”

“Indeed.”

Shan Yin could not help but feel sorrow.

By talent alone, he had entered Seventh Rank two years ago—the strongest among the younger generation of the Shan family, an undisputed genius.

But advancing from Seventh to Eighth was no longer just about talent—it required opportunity.

Without great fortune, he might remain stuck at Seventh Rank for life.

Shan Qi asked, “How many Ninth Rank masters exist in the world today?”

“Fewer than seventeen.”

“And Grandmasters?”

“Eight.”

For a moment, Shan Yin felt an odd illusion—was it easier to advance from Ninth Rank to Grandmaster than from Eighth to Ninth?

Shan Qi said solemnly, “The Prince He Residence has two Grandmasters.”

Shan Yin froze, then bowed deeply. “This grandson is dull-witted. Please instruct me, Grand-Uncle.”

Shan Qi took another sip of tea and said lightly, “I haven’t been in Baiyun City long, yet I observe that there are more experts who have mastered internal force here than even in Ankang City. The Prince He Residence is filled with Third- and Fourth-Rank experts. And what technique do they cultivate?”

“Huiyuan Gong.”

Shan Yin blurted out.

Shan Qi smiled. “You’re not too foolish.”

Shan Yin adjusted his robe and knelt. “This grandson understands what to do.”

Shan Qi said with satisfaction, “It is hard on you, child. But remember—you bear the surname Shan.”

Through tears, Shan Yin said, “I understand.”

The Shan family had reached a moment of life and death.

“In a few days,” Shan Qi said, “go to Hongzhou and see your uncle. Deliver a letter from me. His temper is fierce—I can only say so much.”

Though Shan Jin was his nephew, each branch now stood independently. The Shan family was no longer a single unified entity.

“I will depart tonight,” Shan Yin replied respectfully.

Seeing Shan Qi close his eyes, he withdrew carefully from the courtyard.

Since Shan Qi took office, more roads had been built in Sanhe.

Moreover, all residents were required to perform corvée labor building them.

Those who disobeyed would be arrested by constables, and even the baojia heads would share collective punishment.

Lin Yi had many complaints.

Increasing the people’s burdens seemed excessive.

Shan Qi verbally admitted fault—but then smiled and continued doing as he saw fit.

Even Xie Zan and the others strongly supported it.

Lin Yi could only sigh helplessly.

The only issue where he refused to yield was the reform of the garrison system.

According to those old officials, garrison soldiers need not be paid monthly salaries.

But Lin Yi insisted—he would not have men bleed and sweat without compensation.

“When you push too far, it’s not good,” he said sharply.

Seeing Lin Yi angry, the old officials relented.

The soldiers’ pay remained intact, though their meals were cut back—meat would no longer be served at every meal.

Fang Pi had finally mastered internal force!

Standing on the school rooftop, he shouted so loudly he seemed intent on informing the entire world.

Hong An glanced at him disdainfully.

With a light flick of her toe, a clod of dirt shot toward Fang Pi.

“Sister An!”

Fang Pi cried out miserably.

He had no chance to dodge.

Yu Xiaoshi and Cui Gengsheng laughed heartily.

Lin Yi looked at Fang Pi’s bruised face and sighed. “I said you weren’t capable. Turns out you really aren’t.”

Fang Pi, carrying Lin Yi’s fishing bucket, said gloomily, “Your Highness, the Chief Steward is biased. He won’t teach me the secret techniques.”

Taking advantage of Hong Ying’s absence, he complained freely.

Lin Yi replied casually, “If you lack ability, don’t blame others.”

After casting his rod, fish came one after another.

Another day of abundant harvest.

Returning to the residence, Qi Peng was watering flowers with a ladle.

“You’ll need to pay more,” Lin Yi said abruptly, displeased.

He hadn’t expected Qi Peng to summon over a dozen servants.

Their food and lodging were all his responsibility—no small expense.

Qi Peng handed him a slip of paper. “Your Highness may consider how valuable this information is.”

Lin Yi didn’t take it. “Stop wasting words. Read it.”

He had to admit—this man’s information network was astonishing.

Qi Peng said, “Consort Yuan has been reprimanded by His Majesty.”

Lin Yi immediately snatched the note from Qi Peng’s hand and read it again and again, his face darkening.

“For what reason?”

Qi Peng replied carefully, “It is said to be because the Princess left the palace without permission.”

Lin Yi stood frozen, saying nothing.

If there was anything in Ankang City he still felt attached to, it was only his mother and younger sister.

Yet Lin Ning’s letters spoke only of court affairs—never of herself or their mother.