Chapter 58

......

This time, the insect disaster has hit the lower-tier Xuanwu families the hardest, those who have no means to combat it.

For example, the Zhao and Liu families.

A rough calculation can show, using the previous example, a twenty-acre plot with a 70% reduction in yield would only bring in 90 large copper coins. The tenant farmers would take 30 large copper coins as a minimum, then there are 40 large copper coins in taxes, 10 large copper coins for the amortization of oxen, farming tools, and seeds, and 20 large copper coins for the insecticide. Just these expenses mean that the Zhao and Liu families will not only have no harvest this season but will also have to pay out 10 large copper coins for every twenty acres.

For the Liu family, with their several farms totaling just over ten thousand acres of good land, they will not only earn no coins but will also have to pay out 50 dry gold coins.

This dry gold does not include the expenses for the agricultural and sericulture supervisors, which, when added together, will exceed 100 dry gold coins in total losses.

It might sound like a loss of 100 dry gold coins is not much, but in reality, they are losing so much that they will be bleeding out. In a normal year, these ten thousand acres of good land could bring them a pure profit of 800 to 900 dry gold coins. This time, they will lose over a thousand dry gold coins in pure profit.

Under normal circumstances, the annual expenses for a family like the Liu family are also very substantial. They can only manage to save 500 to 600 dry gold coins a year. Just this loss of a thousand dry gold coins has already wiped out their savings for two years.

"There is another fatal piece of news that you probably don't know," Gongsun Hui said, "The Changning Guard government has already issued an order to all families that this summer tax cannot be paid in dry gold, but must be paid in actual grain."

Such news made Wang Shouzhe draw a sharp breath. This is forcing the lower-tier Xuanwu families to the brink of death. In previous years, paying in grain or money was acceptable, as long as the equivalent amount was paid.

However, this year, the families themselves are short of grain. If they have to pay in actual grain, it will be a disaster for the lower-tier Xuanwu families. But this does not include the Wang family and some of their in-law allies, as they have managed to preserve their yields and can still afford to pay the grain.

The ones truly hit hard are families like the Ping'an Liu and Zhao. They don't have much grain to begin with, and once they pay the grain and taxes, it will deplete their reserves. If they are pushed to the limit, they will have no choice but to pass the pressure on to the lower-class civilians, even the tenant farmers.

"The government's order is understandable," Wang Shouzhe said solemnly, "In the Changning Guard region, there is a general shortage of grain. If the government does not use this order to gather grain from the families, there is a high possibility of chaos breaking out within the city."

"Shouzhe, are you looking forward to the spectacle of the Zhao and Liu families?" Gongsun Hui asked, "Land consolidation will inevitably lead to chaos, and the Zhao and Liu families taking advantage of the situation is not without risk."

"No!"

Wang Shouzhe's eyes were cold and stern, "Ping'an is the land where the old ancestor Zouxuan cut down the fierce beast and opened up the wilderness, and spent a hundred years building a foundation. How can I stand by and watch it be ravaged by two jackals? If they want to take advantage of the chaos to consolidate land, they should ask me, Wang Shouzhe, first! This time, I will take action to strike against the Zhao and Liu families and show them my capabilities."

"Shouzhe, you truly have great courage. I did not misjudge you," Gongsun Hui's eyes sparkled, "No matter what decision you make this time, I will support you. At this critical moment, I will find a way to invite the old ancestor Mang to our Wang family as a guest."

"Mang old ancestor?"

Wang Shouzhe's face lit up, "Mother, you can actually invite the old ancestor Mang?"

Among the families, the old ancestors never intervene in the conflicts between other families, as it could easily lead to larger-scale conflicts among in-law factions.

Gongsun Hui smiled, "Have you forgotten? Our Wang family's fourth-generation eldest daughter, Wang Lingdie, married into the Gongsun family as the matriarch. The old ancestor Mang is her biological son, with half his bloodline from our Wang family, so he is naturally close to us. And don't forget, the old ancestor Mang is my own grandfather. When I visited my mother's family recently, I also paid my respects to him. He deeply regrets the battle of the old ancestor Longyan, lamenting that he was only at the ninth level of the Qi Refinement stage and received the news too late."

After a pause, Gongsun Hui continued, "The old ancestor Mang has also heard about you from my father. He speaks highly of you and wants to meet you. I believe that this time, if I invite him as a guest, he will not refuse."

"Excellent, this makes it even more secure," Wang Shouzhe was overjoyed, originally thinking that the old ancestor Longyan's health had not fully recovered and was unsure if he could intimidate the other side.

If the old ancestor Mang is willing to come and stay for a while, the two old ancestors of the Liu and Zhao families would not dare to act rashly.

Wang Shouzhe and Gongsun Hui talked for a while longer before he took his leave.

Simultaneously striking against the Zhao and Liu families is a massive undertaking that requires careful planning. One misstep could lead to disaster.

Intelligence!

It is the foundation of any conflict.

Wang Shouzhe called Wang Zhong over. Wang Zhong's strength is not great, only at the high-level fourth stage of Qi Refinement. However, he has recently shown to be steady and reliable, with a sharp mind.

"Pay respects to the family head," Wang Zhong said as he entered and bowed.

"Rise," Wang Shouzhe said, "I haven't even had the chance to let you reunite with your family, and I'm already asking you to do something. I appreciate your efforts."

"Working for the family head is no trouble at all," Wang Zhong said with high spirits, his eyes bright at the prospect of a task.

This was not just about the family head's generosity but also the belief that every move the family head makes is significant, indicating a prosperous future for the Wang family. The relationship between the family and its retainers is one of mutual prosperity and decline.

Wang Shouzhe smiled and explained the task he needed him to do.

Wang Zhong thought for a moment and said, "Family head, intelligence work is not my strong suit. I recommend a retainer named Wang Mei to you. She is only twenty-three years old but has reached the third stage of Qi Refinement. She is meticulous, observant, and very skilled at disguise and infiltration, as well as gathering information."

Wang Shouzhe did not comment and sent for Wang Mei to assess her personally.

Shortly after, the retainer Wang Mei arrived, bowing respectfully, "Pay respects to the family head."

Wang Shouzhe observed her. She was plain and unremarkable, the kind of person you might forget as soon as you turn away. However, she had a good figure, with a well-proportioned body and long, strong legs, indicating good explosive power.

He was immediately interested and said, "Rise, Wang Zhong says you are skilled at disguise and infiltration. Can you tell me more about it?"

"Respectfully, family head," Wang Mei said calmly, "I am indeed skilled at disguise and infiltration."

"Oh, you seem quite confident," Wang Shouzhe smiled, "Can you demonstrate it for me?"

Wang Mei agreed but said she needed to prepare.

Wang Shouzhe was intrigued and allowed her to prepare thoroughly. After she left, he focused on planning the operation.

This plan, in itself, is not overly complex, just a small-scale commercial strike. Such things happen all the time on Earth.

However, Wang Shouzhe planned it meticulously, as this is a golden opportunity that cannot be missed.

The steps of the plan gradually took shape...

"Pay respects to the family head," a deep male voice said.

"Rise..." Wang Shouzhe turned around and saw a strange male retainer standing there, not tall but with a dignified presence, fair-skinned and handsome, with a scholarly air.

"Who are you?" Wang Shouzhe did not recognize such a retainer in the Wang family and frowned.

"Family head, I am Wang Mei," the male retainer switched to a female voice, causing Wang Shouzhe to be taken aback, his skin crawling, and he exclaimed, "Your skills are truly unique and interesting."

Hearing the family head's praise, Wang Mei was delighted and said, "Please wait a moment, family head, I will change again."

An hour later.

When Wang Mei reappeared, Wang Shouzhe, Wang Zhong, and Wang Gui were all stunned.

Standing before them was a graceful young woman, draped in a thin veil, wearing lotus shoes, and holding an ancient-patterned umbrella. She swayed with every step, exuding a subtle fragrance.

Most astonishingly, her face had become beautiful, with rosy lips and fair cheeks, her hair elegantly styled, making her a stunning beauty.

She bowed gracefully, her voice soft and gentle, "Mei Mei pays respects to the family head."

"Swallow," the young servant Wang Gui swallowed hard, his eyes wide with amazement.

Wang Shouzhe, being more experienced, quickly regained his composure. He was amazed by her makeup skills, which were at a masterful level. They were on par with the bizarre makeup skills he had seen on a certain app in his previous life.

This Wang Mei's makeup skills, comparable to those bizarre makeup skills, invigorated Wang Shouzhe. In Ping'an Town, which is essentially a rural area, the Liu and Zhao family members have never seen such a spectacle.

With Wang Mei's subtle tricks, intelligence will surely come pouring in.

...