Chapter 398: Tax
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qian Youfu arrived at the Su family’s residence, where Su Bin warmly prepared tea for his guest.
Qian Youfu differed from the former village chief; he was known for his integrity and had maintained a close relationship with Su Bin’s late father.
After Su Bin’s parents passed away, Qian Youfu had extended a helping hand to Su Bin’s family. However, a distressing turn of events unfolded when his eldest son fell seriously ill, baffling even the county’s medical experts. To seek treatment, he journeyed to the prefecture capital, expending all his savings and accumulating substantial debts in the process. Despite his valiant efforts, he tragically lost both his son and his financial stability.
Over the past two years, Qian Youfu and his family had slowly emerged from the depths of their sorrow. During that trying period, their own anguish consumed their every thought, leaving them with little capacity to aid Su Bin’s family.
Su Bin understood this predicament entirely, which is why he approached the topic of finances with utmost tact and consideration. “Uncle Fu, please enjoy some tea,” Su Bin offered.
“Thank you,” Qian Youfu replied.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qian Youfu came straight to the purpose of his visit.
“Su Bin, I’ve come to discuss something with you,” he began.
Su Bin inquired, “What is it?”
In reality, Su Bin had an inkling that Qian Youfu had a specific matter in mind when he paid this visit. While Su Bin maintained courteous decorum, he knew that agreeing to the Qian Clan’s proposal to transfer the fields to him was a decision he needed to weigh carefully.
Su Bin had already formed his decision, so he remained composed.
Qian Youfu proceeded, “There’s a substantial piece of unused land on South Mountain. You’re familiar with it, aren’t you?”
Su Bin found the topic a bit unexpected. He had assumed that Qian Youfu had come to discuss the transfer of Qian Clan’s land into his name, not the unused land on South Mountain.
Originally, the land on South Mountain had been under cultivation. However, due to its remote location from the village, it was not the most convenient for farming. The risk of wild boars and dogs damaging the crops was higher, and lack of careful attention could result in efforts going to waste. Additionally, the soil quality in that area was relatively poor, leading to meager harvests.
Consequently, very few tenants were willing to rent fields there for farming. The landowner had already reduced the rent to its lowest point, but still, no one was willing to take on that land. It had been abandoned for three years, and despite the landowner’s attempts to sell it at a low price, no one had shown interest. It seemed like an unwise investment for anyone.
Qian Youfu’s proposal was for Su Bin to purchase the wasteland at a reduced price and then rent it to the villagers at an affordable rate. The idea was that since Su Bin wasn’t subject to land taxes, he could offer lower rent to the villagers.
Su Bin was taken aback by the suggestion. “Uncle Fu, is this your personal idea, or does it have the approval of your clan?”
Qian Youfu responded, “It was initially my suggestion, but the clan’s patriarch also endorsed it. If this plan succeeds, the ones who will benefit will primarily be members of our clan.’
“In our village, we have a considerable population, and a significant portion of the fertile land remains in the hands of outsiders,” Qian Youfu explained.
“This situation has left many of our young villagers feeling powerless,” he continued.
“Over the past year or so, thanks to your wife’s efforts, the residents of our village and neighboring ones have been able to extract substantial income from the mountains,” Qian Youfu added.
“However, it’s worth noting that it will take at least two to three years for yam crops to yield a bountiful harvest. Eventually, the mountain’s herbs will also be exhausted,” he cautioned.
The agricultural system in this country operated somewhat uniquely. If a fertile field remained uncultivated and untended, the landowner couldn’t meet their land tax obligations. However, if someone aimed to reclaim land, even on a mountainside, they had to officially register and document the plot. Subsequently, they would be required to pay land taxes based on the land’s surface area.
It was essential to recognize that drylands generated significantly less tax revenue compared to paddy fields..
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