LGSLAW : Chapter 76 – Renting the Land

 

Next to the village chief, scheming, was Miao Gui. Who was Miao Gui? As mentioned earlier, he was the village chief Miao Huosheng’s eldest nephew, who had little interest in farming but loved to tag along with the village chief, being groomed as his successor.

 

Miao Gui’s small eyes darted around, and he said, “Second Uncle, this isn’t just for me! Our whole family is counting on renting not just one, but two plots of land to earn enough to build a new house! Second Uncle, you’re the village chief now, just say a word in Yang Dalang’s ear, and he will definitely respect and listen to you.”

 

The village chief shook his head, unwilling to mention his past mistakes, and said, “Don’t underestimate him because he’s quiet. Many people in town are on good terms with him. If we offend Yang Dalang, who knows what connections he might use against us. We need to be cautious. Let’s wait and see what conditions he offers. If there’s an opportunity, I will naturally help you.”

 

But Miao Gui was dismissive, “Second Uncle, why are you so afraid of him? He has connections, but so do you! Think about it, with all the land he’s opening up, he’ll have to deal with tax collectors and bailiffs. And you’re well acquainted with them. If you give them a heads-up, they might end up relying on you.”

 

Miao Gui’s argument held some truth. Land taxes could be paid in grain directly, avoiding the need to sell it for silver, which often meant losing money to merchants. But this depended on fair tax officials. If they were dishonest, it could be a real headache.

 

The village chief, reminded of his influence over the tax officials, began to reconsider. He had previously feared Yang Dalang because he had no leverage over him. But now, with Yang Dalang opening up more and more land, the village chief’s standing, with his connections, was different.

 

However, given his past mistakes, the village chief was reluctant to take risks. Plus, it was his brother’s family building the new house, not his. What benefit did he get from selling this favor?

 

Seeing the village chief wavering, Miao Gui pressed on. “Second Uncle, you need to show your influence to Yang Dalang, or he’ll think he can stand over you. Especially since opening up land isn’t just a one-year thing; it’s long-term. With your connections to the tax officials, even if he tries to retaliate, you have ways to make him lose money every year. He’ll end up fearing you more. This is in your best interest!”

 

Miao Gui knew exactly how to push the village chief’s buttons. Finally, the village chief said, “Let me think about it.”

 

***

 

The village chief thought it over until mid-February.

 

During this time, many people approached him, hoping for help in renting the land. The constant offers of benefits finally swayed him. After all, it wasn’t just for personal gain but for the “community’s” interest. If he managed this well, his position in the village would be even more secure.

 

So, armed with a plan to distribute the benefits, the village chief and a group of relevant people went to Yang Dalang’s house.

 

The group consisted of several elders from the village high council, except for Miao Jue, who would never associate with Yang Dalang’s family. The visitors were led into the main hall, impressed by the furnishings but bolstered by their numbers, sitting in a row. The village chief spoke confidently.

 

“Ahem, Dalang, your land should be ready for renting by now. We, the elders, have come to offer some advice. Why don’t you listen and see if it can be a useful reference?”

 

Just then, Miao He came out from the kitchen with tea, serving each guest. Hearing the conversation, he decided to stay since the kids were napping.

 

Yang Dalang looked at the group and nodded, “Please go ahead.”

 

The village chief laid out a map showing Yang Dalang’s land plots, all meticulously drawn. Since land had to be reported to the village chief when opened, he had the most accurate records. The village chief then distributed the land among the group, leaving only one or two remote plots for Yang Dalang to “decide on his own.”

 

After explaining, the village chief said kindly, “This plan, agreed upon by the elders, seems the most reasonable. It will prevent any disputes over land rental that could disrupt the village. Dalang, having land is good, but harmony is also important. This is the way to live in peace and prosperity.”

 

It sounded nice, but Miao He found it laughable—angrily so. They divided the land as if they had paid for it!

 

But Yang Dalang remained calm and expressionless, showing no anger or emotion. After his recent experiences in Suzhou, he was even more composed. He said, “The plan is good, but we have our considerations.”

 

The elders immediately looked displeased.

 

The village chief quickly smiled, “What considerations? Tell us, and we’ll see how to discuss it.”

 

“Renters(tenants) are too concentrated; don’t put all the eggs in one basket.”

 

He hit the nail on the head.(He said a key point.)

 

These greedy folks wanted to rent two or three plots each, concentrating the land in three or four families.

 

The village chief hadn’t reacted when an elder slapped the table! “What do you mean ‘don’t put all the eggs in one basket’? Do you suspect us of defaulting on rent? Dalang, I disagree with your words!”

 

Miao He glared back at him.

 

The village chief hurriedly tried to smooth things over. But Miao Gui had been right; he needed to show Yang Dalang his power.

 

He had to handle this well, so he continued, “Dalang, don’t be angry about us elders advising on your land. As the village chief, I must maintain order and prevent disputes. With so many wanting to rent your land, it’s a good thing. But I must ensure it doesn’t cause friction among the villagers. You understand my duties as village chief.”

 

Seeing no objection, the village chief relaxed and added, “These elders are here out of goodwill. Once the land is opened, many issues will arise, like labor during busy seasons and tax collection. If mishandled, it can be problematic. I’ve known the tax official for years; he stays at my place every year. Whether he’s strict or lenient, it’s just a matter of words. Dalang, have you thought about this?”

 

The last sentence was almost a threat.

 

Miao He, frustrated, said innocently, “Is that so? That’s terrible. But village chief, if we pay in silver, won’t that solve the problem?”

 

“That would reduce the issue, but selling the grain for silver loses money, so it’s a real loss, He Ge’er.” The village chief laughed awkwardly but saw Yang Dalang still unmoved and decided to push further. “And there’s the labor for harvest. This is crucial. The elders here have large families and can provide manpower. They’re here out of goodwill, but if you reject it, you’ll be turning away their kindness.”

 

With this, the elders glared at Yang Dalang.

 

Yang Dalang bluntly refused. “Thank you for your kindness and advice. I’ll be careful in the future.” 

 

The village chief’s face turned dark, and the elders, losing patience, slapped the table.

 

“Insolent! Acting high and mighty with no regard for good advice!”

 

“Exactly! Young and arrogant, refusing kind words. We won’t rent from you!”

 

“Right! Inexperienced fool! You’ll regret this! We’re leaving!”

 

This was the elders’ pre-planned strategy.

 

If Yang Dalang didn’t agree, they would play good cop, bad cop, hoping to pressure him into compliance.

 

The village chief played along, trying to mediate, but it was just an act.

 

Coincidentally, another unexpected group of visitors arrived.

 

As the elders stormed towards the door, someone called out from the gate.

 

The dogs barked at the door.

 

Miao He quickly opened the door and saw a group of officials!

 

Leading them was a man in a blue robe with black trim and a black hat—a high-ranking official, likely the county magistrate. Behind him was another official in a red robe with black trim, also wearing a special hat. They were followed by a group of bailiffs and a cart—a grand procession!

 

Behind them, many villagers had gathered to watch the commotion.

 

A bailiff stepped forward and asked, “Is this Yang Dalang’s house?”

 

Seeing the spectacle, Yang Dalang knew what it was about. He stepped forward and bowed to the officials.

 

“Commoner Yang Dalang welcomes the officials.”

 

The man in the blue robe laughed and returned the bow.

 

“Pleasure to meet you, Yang Dalang! No need for formalities. I am Su Tong, the county magistrate of Miaoshui County. Yang Dalang, you have brought great honor to Miaoshui County! Haha, I have brought the first ‘Home of Tribute’ plaque to your home. It is a great honor for the county!”

 

… Home of Tribute?!

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