Chapter 34: The Bestowal of Honors

“Thirty acres of permanent farmland?!” Yang Bofang was startled. How could Wang Zhihong grant him so much land? What was his true intention?

“Is there an issue, Uncle Yang?” Liu Yitiao sensed something amiss and spoke up.

“Oh, nothing. It just feels like quite a lot.” Yang Bofang took a sip of tea and said, “If it’s about hiring workers, I can help you a bit. I have some slaves and tenant farmers skilled in cultivation; you can borrow them for a few days. But that’s not a long-term solution. You’d be better off taking in those without household registration or those classified as low-born farmers. These people have no land, living by serving as servants or hired hands. You can employ them, provide them lodging, and gradually make them your land’s attached laborers. They would till the soil for you generation after generation. Only then can it be sustained.”

Yang Bofang’s words made Liu Yitiao realize that this was likely the secret to how Tang dynasty landlords employed tenant farmers.

Liu Yitiao bowed respectfully to Yang Bofang and said, “Uncle Yang, your advice has truly enlightened me. But where would one find these unregistered or low-born people? Please guide me.”

“You should seek out Assistant Magistrate Wang. He keeps some records; I can also share a few with you—perhaps about twenty households. The rest you’ll have to find yourself.” Yang Bofang replied. “Additionally, you could offer more generous terms to attract other tenants, but that’s very difficult. If you offer too much, you might not even be able to pay the imperial taxes. You’ll need to judge the matter for yourself.”

“Thank you so much, Uncle Yang.” Liu Yitiao rose, bowed respectfully, and said, “I have already troubled you for quite a while. I’ll take my leave now and return to pay my respects after the New Year.”

Yang Bofang nodded and said, “You still have things to attend to, so I won’t keep you. Go on. Next time, make sure to join me for a few drinks!”

“I will certainly accompany you, Uncle Yang. Farewell.” Liu Yitiao cupped his hands and turned to leave.

Once outside, he headed straight for the county office. He had to settle the matter of tenant farmers before the end of the year, or else the spring planting would be delayed. He could not afford to lose the income from thirty acres.

Wang Zhihong seemed to have anticipated Liu Yitiao’s arrival. As soon as Liu Yitiao reached the county office, someone led him inside. It was the same sitting room, and Wang Zhihong wore the same blue robe. The only difference was that today Wang Zhihong’s face was glowing, as if he had encountered some tremendous good fortune. When he saw Liu Yitiao enter, he personally came forward to welcome him, smiling as he ushered Liu Yitiao inside. Liu Yitiao was left somewhat bewildered—this was not Wang Zhihong’s usual demeanor. Was he acting out of character?

Wang Zhihong pulled Liu Yitiao to a chair and greeted him warmly: “Please sit, Brother Liu. I was about to send someone to look for you, and here you are! Have you heard the news?”

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“What news? What could make you so delighted, Master Wang?” Liu Yitiao was utterly confused.

“You haven’t heard? No matter, I’ll tell you now.” Wang Zhihong said excitedly, “Two days ago, the Secretariat issued a decree instructing local officials to collect effective remedies for treating cattle and horses suffering from intestinal plague, to report them to the imperial court and relieve the widespread disaster. I submitted the prescription you provided. Thanks to your remedy, the palace veterinarians cured three thousand warhorses of the Imperial Guards. When the Emperor learned of it, he was overjoyed and ordered a reward. The reward will arrive at noon today. Brother Liu, isn’t this worth celebrating?!”

“Oh? Such a thing? Do you know what the Emperor will grant as a reward?” Liu Yitiao asked. What he needed most was money; he hoped Li Shimin would grant him a wagon full of gold.

Wang Zhihong replied, “I don’t know for sure, but it will certainly be generous. However, Brother Liu,” Wang Zhihong said awkwardly, “when I submitted the prescription, I didn’t mention your name. I’m afraid you won’t be included in this reward. I wanted to bring you here to discuss this matter. When the envoys from Chang’an arrive, I plan to report the details of the prescription to the court. What do you think?”

“You didn’t mention me?” Liu Yitiao sneered inwardly, “Was that intentional?”

“Master Wang!” Liu Yitiao cupped his hands and said, “Since my name wasn’t mentioned, so be it. The prescription was exchanged for land, so it belongs to you. I dare not claim credit. I will not accept the reward, so let’s not speak of it further.”

“That won’t do!” Wang Zhihong firmly objected. “Although I obtained the prescription in exchange, it was still your work. It is best to report it to the Emperor.”

“No need, Master Wang. I may lack money and manpower, and the newly acquired wasteland has yet to be cultivated, but I cannot do anything that betrays trust or harms your career. You are my second brother’s mentor, and we are like family. Please, do not decline; I will not accept the reward.” Liu Yitiao spoke with unwavering resolve.

Just now, he had already weighed the pros and cons.

This reward would benefit Wang Zhihong far more than himself. After all, Wang Zhihong was a scholar with official status; receiving the reward would greatly advance his career, and promotion was certain. As Liu Ertiao’s teacher, Wang’s rise would also help Liu Ertiao’s future. Moreover, by letting Wang take the credit, Wang would owe him a favor, making it easier to seek his help in times of need.

If Liu Yitiao took the reward, at most he would get an empty title or some money, with no real benefit for his future. It was, in a sense, a long-term investment.

Wang Zhihong’s eyes brightened at Liu Yitiao’s words. If not for fear of Liu Yitiao exposing him, he would have gladly claimed the credit for himself.

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“Rest assured, Brother Liu. You have made a great contribution to Sanyuan County, and the county office will not treat you unfairly. Beyond the ten draft oxen previously given, there will be an additional one hundred and twenty taels of silver. As for cultivating the land and tenant farmers, the county office will arrange everything for you! For those who have contributed, the county office will not let them suffer now or in the future.” Wang Zhihong offered his price for silence, watching to see if Liu Yitiao would accept.

Liu Yitiao understood and, seeing his goal achieved, bowed deeply to Wang Zhihong and said, “Thank you, Master Wang. Since you must welcome the imperial envoy soon, I won’t trouble you further and will take my leave.”

“I’ll see you out, Brother Liu!” Wang Zhihong, delighted that Liu Yitiao agreed, warmly escorted him to the door and waved goodbye.

At that moment, the officials sent from Chang’an to deliver the imperial reward arrived in Sanyuan County. Yet their numbers seemed excessive—fully twelve hundred armored soldiers. Upon arriving, they sealed off the entire county town, sent the local guards back to their barracks, and ordered the townspeople home. Shops closed, the market emptied, and for a time, Sanyuan County was desolate and silent.

Fortunately, the lockdown lasted less than an hour; once the reward was delivered, the restrictions were lifted.

Because of this, many believed that Wang Zhihong must have received a remarkable reward—otherwise, why cause such a commotion? Yet no one knew what the reward was, and Wang Zhihong never spoke of it to anyone.

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A small recommendation: “Finding a Daughter,” a contemporary urban novel currently featured in the strong category push. It’s quite good. Interested readers can check it out. Book ID: 1008606