Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 202 Grain Collection in Xixiang, Marriage Finally Settled (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Huang Xia was just a country bumpkin, and his family background was far inferior to that of the Xu and Cao families in Wohu Township!

Zhao Zhi was naturally somewhat hesitant about this marriage.

"Huang Xia and A Sheng both possess the highest-grade spiritual root, so their offspring will likely also have excellent cultivation aptitude!"

"Father Ji, given our family's background, which family would marry a woman with a C-grade spiritual root into our family?"

Seeing that Zhao Zhi was still deliberating, Zhao Xian couldn't help but speak up to persuade him.

My uncle, who travels around doing business, has developed a habit of being very thrifty over the years.

Seeing Zhao Xian offer his advice, Zhao Li chimed in, "Huang Xia's elder brother, Huang Zhong, is a capable lieutenant under A Xian!"

"His martial arts talent far surpasses that of Ah Hong and the others. If we were to say who among them has the best chance of becoming a Xiantian martial artist, it would undoubtedly be Huang Zhong!"

"With a martial arts master of innate level as our in-law, our family will have really benefited!"

Seeing that both Zhao Xian and Zhao Li were trying to persuade him, Zhao Zhi could only smile wryly and agree.

Whether Huang Xia and Zhao Sheng had any objections to the marriage was not something the three of them were considering.

The two of them studied at the county school together and spent several years together, knowing each other inside and out. Zhao Xian was naturally confident in this!

Moreover, in this era, the orders of parents and the words of matchmakers are of utmost importance!

Although Huang Xia has no parents and her elder brother has passed away, she still has to obey Huang Zhong's words!

Zhao Li and Zhao Zhi had no objections. As it was late at night, seeing that Zhao Xian looked tired, they both got up to say goodbye.

The following morning, Zhao Xian, led by the two men, toured the manor.

The manor in Xixiang is the largest.

Including Zhao Cheng's followers, along with his apprentices and the artisans he had gathered, there were at least two hundred households in total.

As for farmland and pasture, there are sixty or seventy hectares.

In Xixiang, it can already be considered second to none!

The newly surrendered subjects, though given land, have not yet built houses.

The north wind howled, and snow fell heavily. These vagrants are still living in their earthen huts.

"Uncle and Jifu, the more than 3,000 mu of wasteland we purchased this year still need these laborers to cultivate it. We can't let them freeze to death in this cold winter month."

As they strolled through the fields, Zhao Xian gave his instructions.

"Ah Xian, we've also bought some warm clothes and prepared some herbs for treating typhoid fever." Zhao Zhi nodded slightly, then smiled and said, "Each able-bodied man will receive one and a half catties of millet daily, while the elderly, weak, women, and children will each receive half a catty!"

"Those villagers from Wohu Township who previously served me are strong and healthy. They don't have much farm work to do in the winter, so they're just sitting around doing nothing. We should make good use of them!"

Zhao Xian glanced at the distant residence and said calmly, "Then let them build residences for those craftsmen!"

"You can also use the allocation of residences to motivate the craftsmen to build their workshops as soon as possible!"

"Alright! We'll make the arrangements shortly!" Zhao Li nodded in agreement.

"Let's go see those craftsmen!"

Before long, the group arrived at the outside of a simple campsite.

At this time, many Taoist priests were already wielding hoes, digging foundations, and working enthusiastically!

The arrival of Zhao Xian and his group naturally attracted the attention of these Daoist practitioners.

Seeing that Zhao Li and Zhao Zhi, who usually managed affairs, were now following behind Zhao Xian, the Daoist people naturally understood Zhao Xian's identity.

"Greetings, Master!"

In an instant, all the Taoist followers knelt down and paid their respects.

Zhao Xian nodded in acknowledgment and walked past the crowd.

"Mo Chuan pays his respects to the family head!"

"Qin Jia greets the Clan Head!"

Two burly men in the distance approached and bowed to Zhao Xian and his group upon their arrival.

"It has been more than half a month since we arrived here. Have you settled in?" Zhao Xian asked with a smile, looking at the two men who had very respectful expressions.

"Reporting back to the head of the household, we have no worries about food, clothing, or daily necessities, and we are also provided with land and a house, so we are quite secure!"

Mo Chuan immediately answered respectfully.

"Both of you are top-tier workers, so your monthly salary will be set at five hundred talismans. Below you, mid-tier workers will receive three hundred talismans per month, and bottom-tier workers will receive two hundred talismans per month."

"Once the workshop is completed and production begins, we will adjust the price accordingly!"

"We thank the patriarch!"

Upon hearing this, the two men's faces lit up with joy, and they both knelt down and kowtowed.

"Furthermore, I have ordered my subordinates to expedite the construction of farmland and houses for you craftsmen!" Seeing the two men's respectful demeanor, Zhao Xian was quite pleased and continued, "Next spring, you will be able to move into your new homes!"

"As for the land, I have already ordered my retainers to reclaim it; there will certainly be land for you all!"

"We are deeply grateful for the master's kindness and have no way to repay it. We will do our utmost to complete the workshop!"

Mo Chuan and Qin Jia immediately kowtowed heavily and shouted in unison.

"Get up, all of you! From now on, focus on your work!"

Upon hearing this, the two immediately stood up.

"Show me your progress!"

After touring the manor, Zhao Xian met with Mu Chun and others.

After settling all the matters, Zhao Xian left the manor and headed towards the country house.

Having arrived in Xixiang, I must at least meet with Song Ming and Zhao Zheng.

When the two arrived at the village house, they did not find Song Ming and Zhao Zheng.

According to the village officials, Song Ming and Zhao Zheng have been living with the refugees these days.

The two men then turned their horses around and, following the instructions of the local official, headed towards the refugee camp.

They were still living in dug-out earthen huts, and lacking food and clothing, these refugees were in an even more miserable situation than the newly recruited followers under Zhao Xian.

Many refugees were barely clothed, huddled in earthen huts, covered in dust and dirt, looking like savages!

Aside from a pang of pity, Zhao Xian was helpless in the face of this.

He also has hundreds of mouths to feed under his command, so how could he possibly care about others!

It's all those damned Huang Tiandao rioters' fault!

Suppressing the pounding in his heart, Zhao Xian saw Zhao Zheng and Song Ming hurrying towards him from afar.

"Sir, what brings you here?"

Upon seeing Zhao Xian arrive, Song Ming was quite pleased and immediately led Zhao Xian toward his military tent.

As a local official, Song Ming naturally couldn't live in a mud hut like those refugees!

"I happened to be on leave, so I came to visit you two in Xixiang!"

Zhao Xian responded with a smile.

After nodding to Zhao Zheng, the group headed towards the military tent.

Before long, everyone was seated inside the military tent.

Zhao Xian did not sit in the main seat, after all, Song Ming was the master here.

After exchanging a few words, Song Ming began to pour out his grievances to Zhao Xian.

Zhao Xian was quite surprised, as this was the first time he had ever heard Song Ming complain like this since they had known each other.

"Gongzhao, we've known each other for years. If there's anything you need my help with, please speak frankly!"

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's words, Song Ming immediately smiled. After considering for a few moments, he said with a smile, "Last year, the population of Xixiang was 4,622 households, with a population of nearly 20,000."

"Now the military commander has sent Ah Hong and a few others to escort two hundred more households. With just two hundred more, Xixiang will reach its total of five thousand households!"

"When Xixiang is promoted to a higher level, I will become a clerk with a salary of 100 shi (a unit of grain), and I will have two village assistants under my command."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian nodded slightly.

Pinghe Township, located northeast of Xixiang, is a large township with more than 5,000 households. Each township has a 100-stone tax collector and two grain-eating assistants.

"Currently, there's only one village chief in Xixiang. If we succeed, that position will be vacant!" At this point, a glint flashed in Song Ming's eyes. "My lord, I intend to use this village chief position to exchange for some money and provisions!"

"Money and provisions?" Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian understood Song Ming's intention.

It was nothing more than promising those prominent families in those villages that once Xixiang was upgraded, people from those families would be selected as village officials.

"This method is not without its merits!"

After pondering for a while, Zhao Xian also looked up at Song Ming and nodded in agreement.

"Gong Zhao intends to sell this position; what is the asking price?"

"Three hundred bushels of millet, what does the military commander think?"

"It's cheaper!"

"Then, according to the military commander's opinion, how much should be collected?"

"Five hundred bushels of millet!"

At this point, Zhao Xian and Song Ming exchanged a smile.

"Gongzhao, there are also four assistant clerk positions available, which can be exchanged for at least four hundred shi of millet!"

"Thankfully, the military commander reminded me; Song Ming had almost forgotten about this!"

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's reminder, Song Ming slapped his forehead and said as if he had just realized something.

In ordinary villages, there are usually twelve assistants and clerks, but in large villages with more than five thousand households, there are as many as sixteen assistants and clerks!

"Since I'm here today, I'll lend you a hand!" Zhao Xian pondered for a few moments, then looked up at Mu Chun below and instructed, "Mu Chun, immediately take Zhu Ji to invite the three prominent families in the village, as well as several wealthy households with deep roots, to a banquet at my residence!"

"I will obey the master's command!"

Upon hearing this, Mu Chun and Zhu Ji bowed in unison and exclaimed.

Immediately, the two turned and quickly left the military tent.

"Thank you for your help, General!"

At this moment, Song Ming also stood up and bowed to Zhao Xian to express his gratitude.

"Gongzhao, we've known each other for a long time, there's no need for such formalities!"

Zhao Xian waved his hand dismissively.

As night fell, the moon rose high in the sky, the wind and snow gradually subsided, and the dark clouds parted.

All the carriages and horses stopped outside the mansion. Many wealthy locals, dressed in fine clothes, got out of their carriages one after another, followed by their attendants carrying gifts, and entered the gate in turn.

"Greetings, Commander!"

"Greetings, Lord Song!"

Seeing Song Ming there, these wealthy gentlemen were not surprised, since they all knew about the relationship between Song Ming and Zhao Xian.

After exchanging pleasantries, the guests took their seats, and maids came forward to serve tea.

After a few casual words, the sound of string and wind instruments began, and the banquet officially started.

When the wine had flowed freely, Zhao Xian intentionally or unintentionally brought up the matter of Xixiang's promotion.

The wealthy gentlemen seated below were all shrewd old foxes, and they now understood that Zhao Xian's invitation to the banquet must be for this very reason!

As expected, when Song Ming mentioned that after Xixiang was upgraded, there would be an additional position of township assistant, all the wealthy gentry showed a hint of interest upon hearing this!

The village chief is in charge of collecting taxes, which is truly exciting!

"You are all from talented families in this village, and I am truly in a dilemma as to which family's scholar should be appointed as the village assistant!"

Upon hearing Song Ming's words, the heads of several prominent families in the village exchanged glances, finally understanding the purpose of tonight's banquet!

Regarding the Song and Ming dynasties' resettlement of refugees, these prominent families and wealthy households in the village naturally adopted a detached and indifferent attitude, neither getting involved nor causing trouble.

At most, out of respect for Zhao Xian, we'll just give him some money and provisions to get rid of him!

I heard that Song Ming, that shameless fellow, sent letters of appeal to the village heads of several surrounding villages.

Several village officials may have communicated privately, and they all tacitly agreed to send Song Ming fifty shi of millet each!

Simply resettling refugees is far from enough!

It seems they intend to use this position of village assistant to exchange for some money and grain!

Previously, it was treated like a beggar's meal, and the handling of the matter was quite casual.

Now, however, it concerns the position of village assistant, so we must be more cautious!

Besides, didn't you see that Zhao Xian personally returned to Xixiang to support Song Ming?

If we don't bleed a little today, things might get difficult!

"Lord Song, there are only two hundred refugee households in total now, which is still quite a distance from five thousand households!"

After a moment's consideration, the wealthy gentleman at the lower left turned to Song Ming opposite him and asked with a smile.

"Last year, the western township had 4,622 households. Now, with the addition of 200 households, it will meet the criteria for a large township!"

Song Ming nodded slightly, then spoke without any pretense.

These words, spoken truthfully, pleased the wealthy and powerful families below.

At least Song Ming didn't boast or deceive them!

"Gathering two hundred refugee households will probably be quite difficult!"

The wealthy man looked at Song Ming and spoke leisurely, but his gaze subtly glanced at Zhao Xian.

"The war continues in Xiao County, and with the weather freezing cold, there will be no shortage of refugees!"

"Gathering two hundred refugee households shouldn't be too difficult!"

Zhao Xian immediately looked around at everyone and smiled faintly.

"Since the military commander has spoken thus, we naturally trust Lord Song!"

Upon hearing this, the wealthy gentleman stroked his beard and laughed.

"Alas, it is not difficult for refugees to gather enough households, but to ensure that they survive until the June of next year when they are counted as citizens is as difficult as climbing to heaven!"

""

Song Ming immediately picked up the conversation, let out a long sigh, and looked worried.

Having said that, the wealthy gentleman below could no longer pretend not to understand.

"My Jing'er has reached the late stage of Qi Refining, has already come of age, and has studied at the county school for several years. I wonder if he would be worthy of Lord Song's attention?"

The wealthy gentleman at the head of the group immediately looked at Song Ming opposite him, stroked his beard, and asked with a smile.

"I have heard of your son, and he is certainly capable of serving as the village assistant!"

Song Ming nodded in agreement.

"Song Jun's resettlement of refugees is a matter of great importance. My family will also contribute our share: two hundred shi of millet, how about that?"

"This~"

Upon hearing this, Song Ming naturally showed some hesitation.

Seeing this, the wealthy gentleman understood that the quantity was somewhat unsatisfactory, and immediately sighed inwardly, intending to raise the price.

"Others who are willing can also lend a hand!"

Suddenly, Zhao Xian looked at the wealthy households below the gentry and said with a smile.

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's words, the others also showed some interest!

The wealthy man at the head of the group looked up at Zhao Xian, who was sitting at the head of the table. Seeing Zhao Xian's calm expression, his heart skipped a beat!

"Oh no, the bid was too low!"

Offending Song Ming is a small matter, but offending Zhao Xian is a big deal!

You should know that just two years ago, it was the Wu family members who were sitting in this main seat, drinking and chatting with others!

"My family will contribute 250 shi (a unit of dry measure)!"

Someone else spoke up, but Song Ming only smiled and remained silent.

"Three hundred bushels of grain, what does Lord Song think?"

"Three hundred and thirty shi!"

'

""

"Gentlemen, to be appointed as a village assistant so early in your career—that shows great potential!" Zhao Xian raised his wine cup, looked around at everyone, and laughed. "After honing your skills in this position for two or three years, it's quite possible you'll be promoted to county clerk or even a village steward!"

"I still remember when Lord Song first entered the officialdom, he was my deputy, and now he's a village head! Before long, he'll be a high-ranking official with a salary of 100 shi (a unit of grain measure)!"

"The scene of how we first met is still vivid in my mind!"

"Lord Song, drink this cup to the brim!"

After saying that, Zhao Xian looked at Song Ming and drank it all in one gulp.

"Without the recommendation and support of the military officer, how could the Song and Ming dynasties have achieved their current prosperity!"

Upon hearing this, Song Ming was also filled with gratitude, raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp.

"Marshal, Lord Song, how about six hundred shi of millet?"

The two men admired each other, while the wealthy gentleman on the lower left was determined to secure a bright future for his sons!

"We will do as Mr. Qian wishes!"

Upon hearing this, Song Ming laughed heartily.

Seeing this, the other wealthy men knew that they had no chance of becoming village officials, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"There are also four openings for minor officials/clerks."

Seeing the others' reactions, Song Ming spoke up with a smile.

Upon hearing this, several wealthy gentlemen's eyes immediately lit up with a glint of light!

That's right, how could we have forgotten about the minor clerks and officials!

But this minor official is not as good as a village chief, so he probably doesn't need that much millet!

A moment later, the four positions for minor officials were also divided among the crowd.

Each minor official's quota: 150 shi of millet!

Today's banquet has provided Song Ming with 1,200 shi of millet, which has truly relieved his urgent need!

After the banquet, Zhao Xian and Song Ming personally saw the wealthy local gentry out of the gate.

"Gentlemen, let's choose a day and send the millet to Lord Song's camp!"

"Whether it's new rice or old rice, just make sure it's free of pebbles and mud!"

"Your Excellency is overthinking it. We will naturally select the finest millet to send to Lord Song!"

One of the wealthy gentlemen immediately gave an awkward smile and answered.

After watching the wealthy gentlemen leave, Song Ming turned around and bowed deeply to Zhao Xian.

"Gongzhao, please rise quickly!"

Upon seeing this, Zhao Xian immediately stepped forward to help him up.

"Without the military commander's help, Song Ming would probably only be able to get three to five hundred bushels of millet today!"

"On behalf of the refugees under my command, I thank you, General!"

"Haha, Gongzhao, get up quickly!" Zhao Xian gently helped Song Ming to his feet, teasingly adding, "I have my own little schemes to make too!"

"With plenty of millet to eat, the cultivated land will naturally increase, and then I'll get even more!"

Zhao Xian had previously agreed with Song Ming that after the refugees reclaimed the land, a portion of it would be given to Zhao Xian.

"I will certainly live up to your expectations, sir!"

Upon hearing this, Song Ming immediately straightened his expression and replied solemnly.

After giving Song Ming and Zhao Zheng some more instructions, Zhao Xian watched them leave with their entourage.

The next morning, after finishing his meal, Zhao Xian gave Zhao Li and Zhao Zhi some instructions before setting off back to Wohu Township.

Upon returning to Wohu Township, Zhao Xian immediately went to the Cao family.

After discussing the matter with Cao He, the head of the Cao family, the Cao family naturally agreed to the marriage.

As for when to get engaged and when to get married, that naturally needs to be decided by a matchmaker.

Subsequently, Zhao Xian invited Liu Zhuo, a local official, to join him.

Liu Zhuo was quite surprised to hear that Zhao Xian wanted to arrange a marriage between his cousin Zhao Bing and his youngest daughter.

However, after the initial surprise and some contemplation, Liu Zhuo readily agreed to the matter.

Zhao Bing's father, Zhao Li, was also in the same pavilion, so Liu Zhuo naturally knew him as well.

He was a martial artist from a wealthy family with formidable skills, and it was said that he was about to reach the first-class level.

Becoming in-laws with his family wouldn't be considered a disgrace to our family!

Both the Cao and Liu families had agreed, and when Zhao Xian went to visit the Xu family, Xu Daocheng, the head of the Xu family, readily agreed to the marriage.

Zhao Xian initially thought that Xu Daocheng had heard rumors from the Cao and Liu families, which was why he agreed.

Little did people know that it was actually the brothers Xu Dekun and Xu Dejing who personally persuaded them to make this happen!

Xu Dekun and Xu Dejing naturally knew Zhao Hong, especially Xu Dejing, who had spent more than a month with Zhao Hong and was well aware of his abilities!

After several sparring sessions with Zhao Hong, Xu Dejing could naturally see that Zhao Hong and his companions had already perfected the skin and tendon training stages, but were still diligently practicing bone training.

If one's bone training is perfected in the future, one might even have a chance to reach the Innate Realm!

The significance of a Xiantian martial artist is no less than that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator who has forged their own Dao foundation!

That's something that Foundation Establishment cultivators who broke through by taking Foundation Establishment Pills can't compare to!

Such a talented martial arts cultivator is naturally worthy of the Xu family's daughter!

With all three families having agreed, Zhao Xian naturally began looking for matchmakers for them.

The Xu and Cao families are prominent clans in the village. Although the Liu family is not a prominent clan, Liu Zhuo is still a village official, so the matchmaker's status cannot be too low!

After much deliberation, Zhao Xian chose He Qing, the steward of Wohu Township.

After learning of Zhao Xian's intentions, He Qing readily agreed to the matchmaker's request.

Why not sell out Zhao Xian?

They were all prominent families in the village, so naturally, none of the six rites could be omitted.

The so-called Six Rites are: betrothal, asking the name, accepting auspicious gifts, presenting betrothal gifts, setting the wedding date, and the wedding ceremony.

When two families become related by marriage, the first step before the formal marriage is the betrothal ceremony, followed by the questioning of the bride's name and the acceptance of auspicious omens, and then the presentation of betrothal gifts.

Next comes the wedding date setting, where both parties agree on the date for the wedding, followed by the wedding ceremony.

At this point, the marriage is not yet officially concluded. After the wedding ceremony, the bride pays respects to her parents-in-law and at the temple, which is when the marital relationship is formally established.

This process could be quick or slow, and Zhao Xian naturally had no time to wait, so he handed the matter over to his father, Zhao Yi, to handle.

As the father of Zhao Xian and Zhao Hong, and the uncle of Zhao Duan and Zhao Bing, he was naturally qualified to handle this matter with full authority!

As for the betrothal gifts, Zhao Hong naturally didn't need to say much, and the betrothal gifts for the brothers Zhao Duan and Zhao Bing were naturally provided by Zhao Xian.

The two brothers fought alongside Zhao Xian in the field, working tirelessly and without complaint. How could Zhao Xian allow his uncle's family to provide the betrothal gifts?

After giving Zhao Yi some instructions, Zhao Xian set off to return to Nankou Township.

They sped along the road, and by dusk they had arrived at Nankou Township.

Zhao Hong was not in the camp, but Zhao Duan and Zhao Bing were.

The couple recounted their marriage in detail, and neither of them objected; instead, their faces flushed slightly.

Both of them were completely satisfied with the marriage that Zhao Xian had chosen for them.

In the past, how could the two of them have dared to dream of marrying the daughter of a prominent family in the village!