Chapter 400: Seeking Benefits for the Clan
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Su Bin turned to Qin Zhenzhen, saying, “Wife, you should guide Uncle Fu on what steps to take.”
“Of course,” Qin Zhenzhen agreed without hesitation this time.
Continuing to decline might have come across as flirtatious, and it seemed that Su Bin might have deliberately orchestrated this.
Since Qin Zhenzhen was aiding Su Bin in accumulating merit, she concluded that it was acceptable to be more generous in this instance. The new village chief, Qian Youfu, appeared to have a commendable character.
Qin Zhenzhen proceeded, “Once we acquire the wasteland, Uncle Fu, we entrust you with full authority for its management.”
“Any rent collected from those who lease our land should be duly registered and remitted to us,” she instructed.
Qian Youfu promptly responded, “Thank you on behalf of everyone. It wouldn’t be appropriate to entirely forgo land rent. We should still collect some.”
Qin Zhenzhen clarified, “It’s not that we won’t accept rent, but for the initial three years, we won’t charge any.”
“That particular piece of wasteland has remained uncultivated for three years, and restoring it to fertility will require considerable effort, akin to land reclamation,” she explained.
“That’s why we’ve decided not to impose rent for the first three years, considering it as a token of appreciation for those who explore and develop it.” “We will begin collecting rent after three years, and it will be up to the renters to decide if they wish to renew their lease.”
Qin Zhenzhen didn’t attach great significance to these rental fees. However, not collecting any rent at all could potentially offend other landowners. Those who possessed extensive fields and estates in rural areas typically had influential connections, whether through family ties to officials or as prominent local figures.
Collecting rent was a crucial source of income for many landowners.
Presenting the waiver of rent for the initial three years as a reward for those who ventured into the wasteland seemed like a more fitting approach.
Qian Youfu expressed his profound excitement and gratitude, thanking them repeatedly.
Throughout their conversation, Qian Youfu had never once mentioned the clan’s intention to bestow their fields upon Su Bin.
Upon learning of this, the clan’s patriarch grew irate and sought out Qian
Youfu.
“I appointed you as the village chief with the expectation that you would pursue the clan’s interests. Only when the clan prospers can it be safeguarded. Yet here you are, never once mentioning that matter, and instead encouraging Su Bin to acquire a vast tract of wasteland!” the patriarch chastised.
While the land of the High Scholar’s family could enjoy tax exemptions, there was a limit to the quantity. Su Bin had already purchased hundreds of mu of wasteland, depleting a significant portion of his allocation. If the clan’s land was also granted to him, he would likely refuse.
A High Scholar could exempt at most 300 mu of land from taxes. Su Bin’s family, with its considerable wealth, could keep buying more land repeatedly.
Qian Youfu had been chosen as the village chief because of his amicable relations with Su Bin’s family. The clan had hoped he could persuade Su Bin to support the village’s cause.
Qian Youfu defended himself, saying, “I’m acting in the best interests of our clansmen!”
The patriarch countered, “You’re contemplating the welfare of a select few within the clan, but I’m concerned about the well-being of the entire clan!”
“Our clan can truly thrive only when all our clansmen prosper,” he emphasized.
Within the Qian Clan, there were only four families that possessed substantial plots of rentable land. These families allocated their fields exclusively to fellow clansmen, leading comfortable, worry-free lives from the rent collected.
If they were to feign bestowing their land to Su Bin, along with tax exemptions, only these four families would reap the benefits.
However, after instigating Su Bin to buy 80 mu of wasteland, everyone in the clan benefited.
“If you believe that I am unfit to serve as the village chief, I am prepared to step down!” Qian Youfu declared.
However, he offered a word of caution, adding, “But let me advise you. Even if I had refrained from encouraging Su Bin to acquire that wasteland, he would not have consented to taking possession of the clan’s land!”
“That’s precisely why I chose not to broach the subject. It would have been futile to do so,” Qian Youfu explained.
“Patriarch, you are well aware of the reasons behind Su Bin’s refusal!” he asserted.
The patriarch found himself momentarily at a loss for words in response to Qian Youfu’s assertiveness..
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