Blossom in Adversity

C21. Kill the Chicken to Scare the Monkeys.

Chapter 21: Kill the chicken to scare the monkeys

"Miss, the room is cleaned up."

Hua Zhi nodded and walked towards the backyard.

Liu Jiang was still in a daze, and Wu Da pushed him from behind, urging him in a low voice, "Hurry up and catch up."

Liu Jiang sighed and turned around to thank him before jogging to catch up.

Chen Jin, daring as he may be, did not dare to cause trouble in the backyard. Bao Xia, a servant renowned for her diligence, commenced her tasks by meticulously tidying the main hall, ensuring a suitable environment for the eldest miss to attend to her affairs. Once the primary chamber was pristine, she diligently proceeded to the other rooms, systematically restoring order to each space.

Nian Qiu brewed tea for the miss, standing quietly behind her.

Hua Zhi was indeed thirsty, and she drank the hot water in small sips, blowing on it gently. Her graceful demeanor was a sight to behold. Liu Jiang, a towering figure of strength, inadvertently caught a glimpse of her rosy cheeks. Caught off guard by her blush, he hastily averted his gaze, feeling a pang of awkwardness.

"How many tenant farmers in the village do you know?"

"I know most of them. During the harvest season, everyone is afraid of bad weather, so they help each other out." The news of the Hua family's confiscation and exile had already spread to the village.

Liu Jiang was somewhat worried that the young lady was asking these questions to try and take back the land or change the tenancy system. Although they were usually exploited by Chen Jin, he didn't dare to go too far. Their lives as tenant farmers were still manageable.

If they lost their land, he could find work with his youth and strength, but not everyone had just one younger sister like him. Some had families to support, and without the land, they wouldn't be able to survive.

"Do tenant farmers have conflicts between each other?"

Liu Jiang hesitated for a moment but decided to be honest, "During the busy farming season, there are some conflicts. Miss, you are wise, everyone relies on the land for their livelihood. When there's a shortage of water, people get anxious. People can drink less, but the land can't go without. In moments of desperation, conflicts are inevitable."

"Is that all?"

"Of course, there are minor disputes, but I can guarantee that they are really just minor conflicts. Some can be resolved with a simple conversation, while others just need someone to mediate. They can't be considered major disputes."

Hua Zhi's questions about the village were more of a casual inquiry than a genuine interest in the details. As the estate manager was typically responsible for such matters, her curiosity was likely driven by a desire to gauge Liu Jiang's character. His responses, though brief, provided a glimpse into his personality and demeanor, leaving her with a favorable impression at the moment.

"I want you to announce to the villagers that there will be no changes to the estate's affairs. Everything will continue as it has for generations. The old rules, established by the Hua family, will remain in place. I recall that the Hua family always charged a thirty percent rent, a practice that has been in effect for as long as I can remember."

Liu Jiang's eyes widened in shock. "Thirty percent? Chen Jin has been collecting forty percent for many years, claiming it was at the order of the main household. Could it be... that cunning Chen Jin!!!"

Liu Jiang gritted his teeth in hatred. During a prosperous year, paying forty percent rent was bearable, especially since the Hua family's land didn't have to pay additional taxes. But in a year of disaster, paying forty percent rent meant not being able to afford a decent meal for the year.