Zhao Miao stood on the altar and recited sutras and mantras silently. The spiritual light of Yuji Zhentu in front of him was like waves, and the earth's energy flow was flowing as usual. There was no supernatural sight.
After finishing his work and leaving the altar, Zhao Shu asked the other monks to pack their things and looked around. In the distance was the scene of farmers hard at work. Even a drizzle could not stop them.
"I remember this place." Jiang Ru came over with an oil-paper umbrella and looked around: "When you stayed in this village, you seemed to have spent the night with a village woman."
Zhao Miao looked slightly embarrassed: "That village woman was forced to come to the house in the middle of the night by her family just to beg for more food and rice. I felt soft-hearted and had no other choice but to leave her behind."
"You are a true gentleman who stays calm, so there is no need to be so nervous." Jiang Ru covered her mouth and smiled.
"I can't bear this." Zhao Shu sighed: "You also know that I am not actually a hard-hearted person, I just can't bear to see others suffer. As long as she can make a living, why would that village woman sell her body? As for that,
Regarding matters between men and women... I simply feel that anyone who can still have desires in that situation is crazy."
Jiang Ru joked, "I'm afraid that village woman's appearance is not ordinary enough to seduce Marquis Zhenming."
Zhao Shu glanced at Jiang Ru. He was so angry that he suddenly grabbed her neck. Today, when he visited his old place again and was teased and ridiculed, it would be better to let her gain some face.
"Maybe." Zhao Miao smiled. He was not involved in matters between men and women, but more because he needed to spend a lot of time and energy on his own cultivation and study of techniques.
Moreover, in Zhao Shu's eyes, there are so many things to experience and experience in life, and things between men and women are not that important. He has never understood how boring those children from aristocratic families are who are addicted to women.
"Is it Mr. Zhao?"
At this time, several old people came over and tentatively inquired, fearing that they might be slightly offended.
"I am Zhao Shu, and I visited this place a few years ago." Zhao Shu led the villager to a tent nearby to take shelter from the rain and keep warm.
"I never thought that Immortal Zhao would come again, and I hope you will forgive me for not being able to welcome you from afar." Several old people knelt down as they spoke.
"It doesn't have to be like this." Zhao Shu was annoyed by the etiquette of kneeling and worshiping. He stepped forward and helped the old man up with his own hands. He always felt that those who truly respected him did not need to kneel down, and those who were pretending to do so did not respect him.
After getting up, the village elders quickly said: "We have always remembered Zhao Xianchang's life-saving grace over the years. We often send people to sweep the Dharma altar outside the village, and we dare not neglect it in the slightest."
"Thank you for your help." Zhao Shu said: "The kindness of saving lives is not enough. It would be great if you can live and work in peace and contentment."
The village elders were moved to tears and said, "Xianchang Zhao, you are so virtuous!"
Seeing that they were about to bow down again, Zhao Shu had to quickly hold each other's arms and change the subject with a wry smile: "I see that the seedlings in the fields outside your village are sparse and spring sowing is slower than in other places. Is there any difficulty?"
"Let the immortal worry about it." The village elders looked cautious: "Although the snow has melted, the fields in the village are still as hard as rocks. In addition, there are not enough plowing cattle, so the fields can only rely on people to pull iron plows, little by little.
dig."
Zhao Shu nodded slightly and suddenly thought: "Take me to see it."
The village elders did not dare to refuse, so they hurriedly took Zhao Shu to the edge of the field. Not far away, they saw several men pulling like trackers, and someone behind them was holding an iron plow, turning over the frozen hard soil.
"I heard that the local government can rent cattle, why don't you borrow them?" Zhao Shu asked.
The village elders looked troubled: "The government has cattle, but I heard that the county has reclaimed a lot of wasteland in the past two years, and the cattle have been lent to the new refugees. Moreover, if the cattle become sick and die, they have to pay compensation. Xiao
Small households are afraid of not being able to take good care of them, so the government is more willing to lend their cattle to larger households. They know how to take care of their cattle, and some even raise them for the government, so everyone has to rent cattle from them."
Zhao Shu frowned slightly, and he also felt that it was a bit difficult. Along the way north, Zhao Shu saw many powerful families who occupied vast areas of land, and he was indeed disgusted by their behavior of bullying men, dominating women, and annexing land. Everywhere he went there were people
As far as I know, it is almost necessary to write a letter to the king of the country, proposing to limit the acres of land of large households, and to check the hidden population and carry out land equalization by population.
However, as his experience increased, Zhao Shu also discovered something. That is, small families may seem to be allocated land, but their lives may not be better.
First, the country's corvee taxes are levied based on household registration. Small households have few people, and if there is a shortage of a strong man, the whole family may go hungry that year.
Secondly, small households cannot withstand natural disasters. Even a little bit of wind, rain, frost, drought or waterlogging could very well be a disaster. In order to save their lives, their fields will be sold to big households immediately at a low price.
Furthermore, a small household cannot afford an ox-water cone, and even a seemingly ordinary man who works as a farmer and a woman who weaves has knowledge about how to cultivate and weed according to the solar terms every year, prevent insects and fertilize, and perform rotational farming, etc., cannot compare with the accumulation of large households.
Rich and rich, the silkworm concubines and weavers specially raised in other manors are by no means comparable to the silkworm concubines of ordinary small households.
Therefore, the equalization of land by population seems to be more fair, but it breaks down the large estates into small households that are unable to cope with the crisis and sudden changes.
Moreover, originally the manor could use a shared water source to water crops, but after it was split into small households, robberies and fights broke out due to competition for water sources, cattle, farm tools, etc., and gangs formed in the countryside, and cunning became common.
In order to cope with this situation, some rural villages that have implemented land equalization according to population are almost re-annexed. Those who have more men and dare to fight are elected as village sages, and any daughters in the family hope to marry them.
The situation in our country is not much better than before the equalization of land by population.
Zhao Shu understood that the livelihood of the people could not be settled by just relying on equalizing land by population, but he could not figure out how to solve it at the moment.
Looking at the farmer walking barefoot on the wet and cold soil, Zhao Shu thought about it, took out a few talisman papers from his sleeves, wrote and drew, then raised his hand to offer it, and then blew out a wisp of Qi, and the talisman changed into several shapes.
A big ox with a strong head and shoulders.
Compared with the live cows, these oxen transformed with talismans looked dull and dull, their eyes were blank, and they felt like clumsy statues. Zhao Shu felt embarrassed even after taking a look at them.
However, other villagers were shocked when they saw the talisman paper turning into a cow. Some villagers who didn't know what was going on immediately knelt down and called the immortal.
"Take these oxen to plow the fields." Zhao Shui flicked his finger, and a noose appeared on the oxen's shoulders. He led it directly to the farmer pulling the plow. The other party was too frightened to pick it up, so Zhao Shui took the initiative to tie it up.
He held the iron plow with a rope and whistled, and the stupid cow moved its four legs and started to move around dragging the iron plow.
"Oops! It's shallow, it's shallow!" The farmer from behind quickly called out: "The plow needs to be deeper! So that we can turn out the soil!"
After all, Zhao Shu was still an industrious scholar who knew nothing about farming. Even if he could conjure up a plowing ox, he still didn't know how to plow fields and turn over the soil. In the end, he could only be handed over to farmers to hold plows.
With the help of a few big oxen with amazing strength and tirelessness, the plowing and turning of the soil immediately sped up, and they saw large fields being plowed by oxen plows. With such help, the villagers became more energetic and worked tirelessly.
"The monks in the temple are too far away from their work." Zhao Shu squatted on the field ridge, grabbed a handful of soil, and said inexplicably.
Jiang Ru didn't understand what he meant: "Do you think monks also have to work in the fields?"
Zhao Shu said: "I can't say for sure. It's just that people like us are supported by the people for food and clothing, but we don't know that the people are hungry and drowning. It is also very inappropriate to just talk about immortality and precious life."
Jiang Ruze said: "I'm afraid not many people agree with what you said."
"I heard that in ancient times, the masters of immortality lived in seclusion in the wilderness, working hard to be self-sufficient, with the rain and wind combing them. They didn't know the power of the emperor, and they didn't become kings." Zhao Shu said: "Walking alone in this way does no harm to others, even if there is someone.
The two Taoist friends have also forgotten each other in the world, and they have not gathered together in a sect hall to show off their evil and violence."
"People in ancient times were simple and simple, so it's no problem." Jiang Ru shook her head: "But today is a time of great strife. Those who live in seclusion and self-restraint are just wandering cultivators, and it is difficult to achieve greatness."
"A finished weapon, what a perfect tool." Zhao Shu sighed: "People don't behave like human beings, but they insist on making utensils. The monks of Guansha are indeed great and important weapons for the country, but they have also lost their authenticity. You didn't realize that
Huh? Since the establishment of the Guanshe system, the real immortal masters are almost still the founders of each school. Among the younger generations, there are actually very few who can be called immortals."
"It is not easy to become an immortal. If it were not so, why would the Jiang family follow the Yongjia Liang family and ascend to the throne?" Jiang Ru said: "The Guanshe system has been in existence for less than a hundred years. Even in the past, it took a hundred years for an immortal sect to be established.
, and I dare not say that any of my disciples are guaranteed to become immortals and achieve Taoism."
"There is some truth to this." Zhao Shu nodded.
"And becoming an immortal depends not only on personal cultivation and hard work, but also on chance and luck." Jiang Ru said: "During the Five Kingdoms War, many talented men and women died in all the halls. Who dares to say that there is no immortal way in it?
What about the expected person? It's a pity that he ran into this world and disappeared in a hurry before he could be confirmed."
Zhao Shu also felt deeply helpless. If the current layout of the five countries is not changed, wars will always recur. When the war breaks out, it will still be the common people who suffer.
"And there is one person who, in my opinion, is a promising person." Jiang Ru said with a smile.
"Who?" Zhao Shu added: "Those like Liang Guoshi don't count."
"That person can cast talismans with his hands, transform animals, be good at sending ghosts and gods, howl the wind and thunder, and is especially proficient in rituals and rituals. He can ward off disasters and eliminate evil spirits." Jiang Ru looked at Zhao Mi and said, "Such a person is still a good person.
Can’t we say that immortality can be expected?”
Zhao Shu knew that she was talking about him and turned away in embarrassment.
"Oh, Marquis Zhenming is actually shy?" Jiang Ru said in surprise.
"Okay, even if you praise me so much, you won't get any candy." Zhao Shu waved his hand and suddenly felt a sharp aura in the distance.
Turning around, he saw Luo Xixian riding a tall horse and leading a group of government servants to the outside of the village. When they saw Zhao Mi driving, they stopped and did not step forward.
Jiang Ru's face darkened, and she turned around and hid in the carriage without saying a word. When the villagers saw Luo Xixian coming, they cautiously stepped forward to inquire. When they learned that it was the county governor who was coming in person, they quickly knelt down to worship and asked the villagers to
Stop what you are doing and come to see me.
After asking a few questions about farming, Luo Xixian learned about Zhao Shu's talisman turning into a cow. He glanced at the fields a few more times and then waved to the villagers to go to work.
"The mandala here has been arranged. If you don't rush to the next place, what are you doing here?" Luo Xixian rode forward alone.
Zhao Shu patted the dirt in his hand and said, "The people in this village are having a hard time making a living, so I'm here to help. Doesn't it mean that the Sheriff won't allow it?"
Luo Xixian's tone was calm: "I just feel that Marquis Zhenming has a heavy responsibility on his shoulders, so there is no need to waste time on general affairs. Otherwise, if the delay lasts for a long time, I, the pastor of the local area, will be implicated."
"I made my own decision and will not implicate the governor." Zhao Shu responded.
"Some things are not decided by Marquis Zhenming himself." Luo Xixian's tone showed no sign of anger.
Zhao Shu pointed to the field and said: "The people here don't have enough cattle for farming, so I have to use some magic means to help them. Unless the county governor borrows a few cattle for farming, otherwise the farming season will be delayed, and the people here will starve this year."
If the people of Xingluo County refuse to die peacefully and starve, the county governor should understand what bad consequences they will have in the future."
Luo Xixian frowned and said: "Zhao Shu, if you are here to cause trouble, you might as well say so. Don't act like you are a noble person who is suffering from pain!"
"Pretending to be arrogant?" Zhao Shu glanced at Luo Xixian: "The county governor would rather lend cattle to big families than to these common people?"
"You really don't know how expensive firewood and rice are!" Luo Xixian got off his horse and retorted: "Do you think everyone is like you and can just conjure up a few cows? I spent a lot of money to borrow a group of cattle from the southern counties.
, it turned out that the villagers killed several of them last year, and sent people to investigate. The whole village, men, women, old and young, colluded and determined that the government would not punish people according to the law and would not pay for it until they died. Under this situation, who else could I lend to if I didn’t lend it to a big family?
?”
"Don't think I don't know anything." Zhao Shuyan said: "These big households will rent out their cattle and send people to keep an eye on them. If you lend the cattle to the big households, you can let them take the cattle to farm everywhere, and
It’s not about simply obeying the interests of the wealthy gentry.”
"It's all a scholar's opinion!" Luo Xixian asked: "Do you know how many cattle privately owned by Xingluo County officials? Do you know how much wasteland has been reclaimed in the past two years? The number of cattle is simply not enough!"
Zhao Shu said: "In this case, there is no need to cultivate too much wasteland, and we should accept refugees according to our ability."
"Act according to one's ability? When the refugees learned that Xingluo County had been granted land, they immediately flocked here!" Luo Xixian sneered: "I almost forgot that it was Wang Juncheng who wrote to the court before leaving office and allowed Xingluo County to take in the refugees. He is now
After leaving, I have to clean up his mess!
The legs are long on the bodies of the refugees. They traveled through mountains and rivers to Xingluo County and couldn't stop them! Moreover, several counties in the south are eager to drive the refugees towards us. They all take pleasure in others' misfortunes and open the way for us! Zhenminghou, you think for me.
How can I settle these refugees without vigorously reclaiming wasteland?
If I miss the farming season and don’t have time for spring plowing, I will first borrow grain from the wealthy gentry and work for relief. Only in this way can the refugees barely keep a way of survival and not cause chaos immediately. Do you think those wealthy gentry are so willing to borrow grain? I will
I almost came to your door and robbed you! What else do you want me to do?!"