"Why did you bring this out?" Mrs. Zhang jumped in surprise.
"Since we made a lot, we brought some out," Lin Ziyin replied.
"Give it to the children. We'll be home in a while," Mrs. Zhang suggested.
"We're full," Changting said, patting his stomach.
"Satisfied," Yanzhi also chimed in.
"What happened?" Seeing Lou Zheng look upset and despondent, the old man sat by his side and asked him a few concerned questions.
"This year's tax has to be paid," Lou Zheng sighed. "Uncle, you know the situation in the village. Each family only has a small plot of land, growing soybeans; where can we find surplus silver to pay our taxes?"
"Why would you have to pay taxes before the autumn harvest?" Lin Ziyin asked curiously.
"The money for city wall construction," Lou Zheng answered, "Although the amount is not much, you can see the situation in the village."
Then Lou Zheng sighed heavily.