Chapter 18: The Elder Sister Takes Charge, A Tough Role

“To settle your father’s affairs after his passing, to marry off your elder sister, there are thirty-three taels of silver left in the house. Over the past two years, we’ve spent a lot and had little income; now, there are only nine taels and some small change remaining.

The majority of the expenses have gone to Qing’er; her tuition costs one tael of silver a month, not to mention the pens, ink, paper, and the costs associated with studying. She often copies books to supplement the family’s income.

For the past two years, our daily expenses have mainly relied on Wei’er’s embroidery work; she works day and night. Sometimes I’m truly worried she’ll end up like me, straining her eyes.

To be honest, our family shouldn’t be in such dire straits, but we can’t even gather the dowry money for Wei’er. It pains me deeply as a mother to see my children in hardship.

Qing’er, you must remember the kindness your sister has shown you, and in the future, you must help find her a good family.”

Wen Yunque nodded earnestly, her eyes red.

“Mother, there’s no need for a dowry; I’m only fourteen—marriage is still a long way off.”

Wen Yunwei felt a mix of sadness and warmth, and tears fell silently down her cheeks.

Watching her elder sister’s marriage made her see through the nature of men and marriage, turning her expectations into indifference, even some aversion.

“What foolishness is this? There’s no girl who doesn’t marry,” Mama Wen chided gently.

“Don’t blame me for being biased towards you two; Qing’er is the only boy in the family. If he does well, then both of you can have a good life.

Fortunately, the hardest times are almost over, and everything is gradually getting better.” As Mama Wen spoke, her emotions overwhelmed her, and tears streamed down her face.

“We don’t blame you, Mother.”

The two sisters spoke in unison.

This was the reality of this era: male heirs were prioritized, and women were expected to marry. In a male-dominated society, women easily became overlooked.

One couldn’t judge right from wrong with the values of later generations.

For a mother like Mama Wen to put everything on the table, acknowledging her daughters’ sacrifices, fighting for their interests, and openly admitting her biases was commendable.

Thus, the sisters held no grudges in their hearts.

As the only male heir, Wen Yunque enjoyed many privileges, yet he was also responsible for supporting their mother and bearing the family’s burdens—this was a form of fairness in itself.

“Alright, I’ve said what I needed to say. You three must work in harmony from now on.

Qing’er must focus on her studies and shouldn’t be burdened with household chores. Wei’er is still young and impulsive; it’s hard to reassure oneself, so I’ve kept the family’s savings under my control.

Now that Wen Yunhe has returned, she’s a steady presence. From now on, the family’s finances will be entrusted to her, and she will be in charge of all family matters. You have no objections to this, right?”

“I have no objections.”

“I agree with letting elder sister take charge.”

Both Wen Yunque and Wen Yunwei voiced their agreement.

“That won’t do; it’s better for Mother to keep it. When we need something, we can come to you.” Wen Yunhe shook her head firmly.

“Mother knows that the family doesn’t have much money now; it’s a mess that’s hard to manage.

But I’m getting older day by day, and my eyes are no longer what they used to be. You’re helping your mother by doing this; don’t think little of the difficulty at home.” Mama Wen took Wen Yunhe’s hand and spoke softly.

At this point, Wen Yunhe found it terribly uncomfortable to reject.

Thinking about it, this arrangement would also ease her efforts to help the family earn money.

However, there were some things she needed to clarify.

“Then I will temporarily manage the family affairs, but once Qing brother gets married, we’ll live separately.”

She wanted to set clear boundaries from the outset. While they were all family, living together without any friction was fine, but once they all started families, things would be different.

“Elder sister…”

“No need to say more; it’s settled.” Wen Yunhe interrupted, aware of her brother’s feelings towards her.

However, maintaining basic propriety was essential; it wouldn’t be fair for her to remain in a position of responsibility as his elder sister once he had a wife.

Mama Wen nodded decisively: “We’ll go with He’er’s arrangement.”

Wen Yunhe solemnly accepted the silver money box from Mama Wen’s hand, as well as the heavy responsibility resting upon her.

She needed to help the family survive in these chaotic times and strive for a better life.

The rice was drying out to be handed over for the land tax, and the village head was leading the collection. According to each household’s different land conditions, the taxes would be gathered and sent to the county together.

In previous years, a mu of high-quality farmland only required four dou of rice for taxes; while middle-quality land required three dou, and poor quality only two dou.

This year, however, it had increased by two dou across the board.

“The border wars are getting intense, and the court has raised the taxes this year. For high-quality land, the tax is now six dou of grain; for medium-quality land, it’s five dou; and for low-quality land, four dou.”

As soon as the village head finished speaking, the crowd erupted in chaos.

“What’s going on, village head?”

“This can’t just be the court’s tax; someone must be trying to embezzle!”

“Oh heavens, such a high tax rate! How are we supposed to live?”

“This is pushing us to our graves!”

“I was hoping for surplus grain this year to sell and use to build a house for my son! What are we to do now?”

The voices of discontent grew louder, especially from Mrs. Wang.

Her family owned four mu of good farmland. Although they had lost some, they still had to pay the land tax. Originally, they had only collected half a mu of rice, amounting to a little over a stone, but now they faced a tax of over two stones and four dou.

What they collected wasn’t even enough to cover the tax, and they would have to spend money to buy grain to fill this gap.

“What is this all about!” Mrs. Wang cried, throwing herself onto the ground and rolling around.

“I won’t pay! My family suffered theft this year, and I refuse to pay the land tax! I’ll never pay it!”

“Those scoundrels who stole our grain, if I catch you, I’ll break your legs and feed you to the wolves!”

The scene quickly descended into chaos, filled with loud arguments and complaints.

The village head darkened his expression and used Mrs. Wang’s outburst as an example to scare the others into obedience.

“In public like this, how disgraceful! He Yocai and Wang Shi, are you both ignorant of proper conduct? Is this a place for your tantrums?

This land tax is mandatory! You will pay it, whether you like it or not! No conditions apply!

If you refuse to pay, you can expect to find yourselves in jail—don’t say I didn’t warn you!” His words were directed at He Yocai’s family but served as a warning to everyone present.

He Yocai quickly pulled Mrs. Wang up from the ground. The moment the couple heard about jail time; they instantly became obedient as a sparrow.

The crowd fell silent, understanding that the common folk must obey these officials.

Sighing, they muttered their acceptance of the situation.

The joy from their recent harvest disappeared in an instant, replaced by expressions of despair.

Seizing the moment, the village head announced, “Additionally, the court has decided to recruit soldiers a year earlier than usual. Those eligible must serve in the military or pay a fee.

The fee has also increased, from three hundred wen to one tael of silver. Now, weigh your options wisely!”

This fee, known as “substitute tax,” required those with able-bodied men aged 20 to 50 to either send one for service or pay the tax, effectively acting as an additional form of taxation.

The moment these words left his mouth, the people in the sunlit square collectively gasped in shock.

“What on earth is happening this year? All kinds of taxes are rising, and now the military tax is being collected ahead of time!”

“Are they trying to make it impossible for us to survive?”

“Ah, we common folks truly have it too hard.”

The village head began to appeal to them emotionally and rationally, trying to persuade everyone to accept the situation.

But Wen Yunque and Wen Yunhe exchanged grave looks, deciding not to listen any longer and headed home with heavy hearts.