Although the two were deliberately lowering their voices while chatting, Su Muqing and the others, with their superior senses, heard their conversation clearly.
They were all aware that Emperor Rui had gradually neglected state affairs in the past two years. Later, his conduct in the matters of Si'an Prefecture and Chehe City had completely aligned with that of a decadent ruler. They never expected his changes to be so drastic in less than a month.
Regardless of the reasons for his transformation, at least the matter of reducing taxes was handled well. The common people were the ultimate beneficiaries, and they were pleased to see such a situation.
However, the current situation of the Great Yu Dynasty had already reached a very critical point. It was no longer possible to salvage the situation with just the emperor’s sudden awakening and diligent governance for the people.
When the highest point of a towering tree begins to rot, its roots and trunk must have already been severely eroded.
With their own thoughts, after exchanging glances, they heard the two men continue speaking.
"But this matter, though simple to talk about, is not easy to implement. Those in power may have the intention to reduce taxes, but those below are unlikely to be willing to give up this piece of meat. I heard that when the official document for tax reduction was issued, it was intercepted by those people. For places that are slightly further away, they don’t even know about this matter. In the end, we are the ones doing the work and bearing the grievances, while the money and grain end up in someone else’s pockets! Sigh!"
"What can we do about it! Who told us to be born into this kind of life? Chehe City was lost, and the military camp is still recruiting soldiers everywhere. Before, military service was one in four; now it’s one in two. The head tax for those who don't want to serve in the military has also increased from twenty taels to one hundred taels. That’s a hundred taels of silver! Besides the wealthy families, what ordinary family can casually come up with so much money?"
"Sigh! Did you hear? Those soldiers from Chehe City were all arrested and forced into hard labor. It’s said that their lives are very difficult, and quite a few people were executed. The corpses were piled up as high as a mountain." As the man spoke, he made a gesture around his neck with his chopsticks.
The other man nodded, a clear look of despondency on his face. "I heard it too! It was rumored everywhere that life in Huaxia... over there is good, with no worries about food or clothing. Back then, I thought if someone else took that position, perhaps our lives would be better. But now it seems that no matter who sits in that position, it doesn't make much difference to us. In the end, it's us common people who suffer. Let them fight! It would be best if they all died out, then life would be peaceful..."
Hearing them mention Chehe City, and that all the surrendered soldiers were being exploited for hard labor, and that they were indiscriminately killing innocents, Su Muqing felt speechless.
Those surrendered soldiers were indeed assigned tasks, but they all did so voluntarily! Moreover, everyone who worked not only had their meals guaranteed but also received a high reward. Many people were scrambling for the opportunity.
How did the story change completely by the time it reached this side? It was simply a blatant smear campaign!
The man sitting opposite glanced around vigilantly. He found that everyone else was engrossed in their meal and hadn't noticed them.
He then lowered his voice and reprimanded the man opposite with displeasure, "Are you tired of living! Is this something we can talk about? Hurry up and eat. We have things to do after we finish. Waiter, bring us another four rounds of wine..."
The conversation between the two men ended here, and at the same time, Su Muqing and the others' dishes were served. They quickly finished their meal and returned to their booked inn for a midday rest, as they had to go out for a stroll in the afternoon.
By four o'clock in the afternoon, the streets were already crowded. Fenshui Town was always prosperous, and coincidentally, there was a grand event today – the wealthiest Chen family in town was holding a marriage selection for their daughter.
Not only would there be many performances, but the wealthiest Chen family would also distribute rice and money for free shortly to share the good fortune, so the number of people today was several times more than usual.
Although the scorching sunlight of noon was not directly overhead, the muggy heat was still evident. However, the pedestrians on the street all had smiles on their faces, and the stall vendors were already positioned at their chosen spots, preventing others from snatching them away.
The location for the throwing of the embroidered ball to select a groom was at Yingbin Tower, the largest restaurant in Fenshui Town, and the time was set for five in the afternoon. It was said that the Chen family’s daughter was sixteen years old and was as beautiful as a flower. Not only was she proficient in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but she was also well-versed in poetry and songs.
However, her fate was very peculiar. She had received guidance from an expert since childhood, who indicated that she would face a great calamity in her sixteenth year. If she could pass it safely, she must then follow heaven’s will and throw an embroidered ball to choose a groom.
This was because her marriage was destined by heaven, and the person fated for her would only appear in Fenshui Hall on the fifteenth day of June this year. If she missed this opportunity, then no matter whom she met afterward, they would not be her destined partner.
Furthermore, the expert had also said that the Chen family’s daughter’s marriage was linked to the future trajectory of the Chen family. If she successfully married the destined person, then everything for the Chen family would prosper. Conversely, their family would decline, and they would never have a chance to recover.
The head of the Chen family was naturally fond of his daughter and deeply respected matters of destiny. Upon hearing how important his daughter’s marriage was, he dared not neglect it. He was afraid of violating heaven’s will and bringing disaster upon his family.
Because he deeply believed the expert’s words, ever since his daughter grew up, he had politely declined all proposals. When his daughter turned sixteen, he announced the throwing of the embroidered ball for marriage selection today and even prepared the wedding hall. As long as his daughter attracted the destined person, they could immediately proceed with the wedding ceremony!
The time for the marriage selection was set for five in the afternoon. As the time approached, the street was almost packed to the point where not even a drop of water could get through. The small stalls set up along the roadside had also been gradually erected.
Much like the modern television dramas, there were all sorts of things being sold. Silk scarves, colored threads, rouge, powders, hairpins, jade rings, antiques, and paintings – they had everything, although the quality was generally mediocre.
Looking at Yingbin Tower, which was decorated in an exceptionally festive manner, Su Muqing and the others’ moods improved slightly. After all, they had encountered too many unpleasant things on their journey, from thugs running rampant in the villages to corrupt officials preying on the common people.
Today, they finally encountered something joyful, and most of the people in Fenshui Town had smiles on their faces.
"I didn't expect us to arrive at such a fortunate time, to encounter such a grand event." Su Muqing and the others were conversing under a large banyan tree opposite the restaurant, having secured a good vantage point to watch the excitement.
"Throwing an embroidered ball to select a groom, I've never heard of it before." Huo Qiyuan looked up at the restaurant and nodded. As he wasn't particularly interested, he quickly shifted his gaze away.