Time slipped into summer before anyone realized.
DaDong Village.
"Didn't King Liang issue an edict long ago that only half the produce would be taken?"
An old farmer looked at the Tax Official, pleading, "Why have you increased it again?"
"This is a decree from the Imperial Court. Are you suggesting you want to defy the Royal Laws?"
The Tax Official's face darkened as he barked, "The Prime Minister is planning a Northern Expedition, and you lowly folks should endure! Enough idle chatter, pay up quickly, or I'll have your ox taken away!"
In ancient times, a plow ox was the lifeline of a farming household.
Bloodshot eyes filled the old farmer's gaze, yet he dared not speak his anger aloud.
...
A carriage slowly made its way across the ridges of the fields, carrying Feng Erlang, who was somewhat worried, "With such levies on the summer grain, aren't you afraid of causing trouble?"
