Chapter 2563: Beating the Gong to Remind Everyone to Fetch Water
Chapter 2563: Chapter 2563: Beating the Gong to Remind Everyone to Fetch Water
"If it weren’t for those people hoarding grain at high prices, life here would definitely be a bit better."
Upon hearing this, An Jiuyue narrowed her cold eyes slightly.
"Even here, are there black-hearted merchants hoarding grain at high prices?"
"That’s right! Those people are truly heartless," the soldier leader bitterly slapped the table.
What else could it be if not heartless? They’re all unable to get water, and yet there are still people wanting to profit from the country’s disaster. They’re eyeing the Emperor, who just ascended the throne not long ago, with unstable foundations, wanting to stir up trouble.
"Yesterday I heard someone went to the suburbs to hoard grain, and it’s said they collected quite a lot of grain. But who knows where they’re hiding the collected grain."
If he knew where the grain was hidden, he would certainly...
Forget it, he wouldn’t be able to do anything. Without orders from the authorities, no one would dare to seize the grain from the black-hearted merchants. Even if the authorities did give an order, he, as a gate-keeping soldier leader, wouldn’t be able to handle that task.
Besides, those who dare to openly hoard grain at high prices must have someone backing them.
Even their superiors don’t dare provoke these people, so how could these ordinary soldiers dare? It’s not like they want to lose their lives.
"The suburbs, huh."
An Jiuyue rested her chin on her hand, her eyes showing a hint of interest.
Isn’t that just right? It’s perfect to see exactly which son of a gun dares to feast on blood buns at this moment.
"You’re from the Northern Lands. When do you think this drought will end?"
Skipping the previous topic, she asked the soldier leader while looking up at the clear skies with not a single cloud. She estimated that the rain wouldn’t come any time soon.
"Who can say?"
The soldier leader chuckled, shaking his head. If anyone could know, that would be amazing.
Unfortunately, this drought is one that claims to come and go, yet it stubbornly won’t leave. What could they do? They can only endure it.
Every time the Northern Lands start to improve, the grain just begins to yield a good harvest, and the common people have just a bit of money in their pockets, a drought hits, catching everyone off guard.
In a few more days, families in town who lack drinking water will have to spend a fortune to buy water.
The money spent on water is truly just wasted — a tael of silver can barely buy enough water for each person at home to have a mouthful.
When that time comes, it’ll be even harder to endure.
"I estimate that there won’t be any rain this year."
"Is there still water in the wells in town?" An Jiuyue asked again.
"There is still water in the wells, but during a drought, the authorities will control them. Otherwise, the water in the wells will quickly be used up. Then we’ll really die of thirst."
The soldier leader replied.
Well control is unavoidable; otherwise, if everyone rushed to grab all the well water, wouldn’t those without water die of thirst?
"You saw earlier, didn’t you? Every day at this time, the authorities beat the drums to remind everyone to fetch water — households with fewer people get one bucket a day, while those with more get two to three buckets approximately.
And those truly wealthy households even have wells at home. They use their own water comfortably and can also contribute some for the people to use.
But it won’t be too much, because during a drought, well water also decreases and can’t compare to the abundance during rainy seasons."
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