Volume One: River City Song Chapter 33: Conscripted into Corvée Labor

After the recent events, not only had the tension between Li Ling and Xu Cang evaporated, but their relationship had grown significantly closer, taking on the genuine air of a true friendship.

Li Ling took this opportunity to seek Xu Cang’s guidance on the many aspects of the classics and their commentaries that he found puzzling. Although Xu Cang had failed to earn his scholar’s degree despite five years of effort, he was actually quite well-versed in the classics, histories, and philosophical texts. His clear and insightful explanations were truly eye-opening, allowing Li Ling to gain a much deeper understanding and grasp of the sages' teachings.

For the next period, Li Ling immersed himself in a busy routine of reading and writing. From dawn until dusk, save for necessary physical exercise and short runs, he remained buried in his home, studying tirelessly. After more than a month of dedicated effort, he could clearly feel the substantial progress he had made in his comprehension of the classics and his essay writing; at the very least, he no longer had to pause and struggle to make sense of a sentence when he encountered one.

During this time, Gu Yuezi proved to be a man of his word, providing Li Ling with immense support and assistance. He had his men deliver daily necessities and food to Li Ling’s home right on schedule. Every few days, he would personally visit to drop off nourishing items. Their household never ran short of fish, meat, or eggs, and Li Yue’er, who had been somewhat thin and frail, even began to develop a healthy touch of baby fat.

Li Ling did not feel uneasy or attempt to decline these gestures as others might have, for he could sense that Gu Yuezi’s actions were entirely sincere. He deeply valued the friendship between them; while he was currently receiving much help, he firmly believed that in the future, he would be able to repay his good friend and brother with much more.

And so, the days drifted by, and in the blink of an eye, the harsh winter months arrived.

Jiangcheng, located in Hengzhou Prefecture, sat in the Huai North region—what one might call the most awkward middle ground in later eras. Even centuries ago, the winters were damp and bitingly cold. It was not the dry, cutting wind of the north, but a cold laden with moisture that seeped into the very marrow of one’s bones, making it all the more difficult to endure. In such weather, the only thing Li Ling could do was add another stove to the room and huddle at home with his younger sister, having no desire to step even half a step outside.

On the day of the Laba Festival, around noon, Gu Yuezi visited again. In addition to the usual provisions, he brought an extra clay pot of Laba porridge. After sitting down, he said with a smile, "Little brother, try this Laba porridge your sister-in-law specially cooked for you. It’s a treat that even I don't usually get to enjoy."

"Haha, then many thanks to sister-in-law for her care. On such a cold day, having a bowl of this truly warms and comforts one from head to toe." Li Ling did not stand on ceremony. While the porridge was still hot, he served a bowl for himself, Yue’er, and Gu Yuezi, and began to eat slowly. The taste was indeed excellent.

After some pleasantries, he asked with a smile, "Brother Gu, how is the bookstore’s business lately?" As their relationship progressed, his form of address for Gu Yuezi had shifted, though whenever he used it, he couldn't help but be reminded of a certain search engine and internet giant from his former life.

"Thanks to the latest volume of 'Investiture of the Gods' you released, business has remained quite good despite the approach of the year's end. By the way, when will you finish the final volume?"

"That is hard to say," Li Ling replied, shaking his head slightly. "I had hoped to wrap up 'Investiture of the Gods' this year, but I’ve been so busy with my studies that it has been delayed. It seems it will have to wait until next spring."

"Business comes first; there is no need to rush. In fact, thanks to your idea of the illustrated volumes, the bookstore’s business has already been much better than in previous years. Beyond 'Investiture of the Gods,' I am planning to adapt several other novels into illustrated books as well."

He paused, then added with a laugh, "Really, what more could I ask for? Compared to other trades, I have been doing quite well lately. For instance, you remember the Fulai Inn across from our bookstore, right? Business was decent before winter, but since the cold set in, there are only three guests left staying there."

"With the holidays approaching, who wouldn't want to return home to be reunited with their loved ones?" Li Ling remarked with deep feeling.

"Indeed. That is why inns usually close for a period after the Laba Festival. However, I heard from a servant there that those three guests have no intention of leaving; they actually plan to stay for the long term."

"There is such a thing?" Li Ling asked curiously. "Is it because they are here for business or something similar?"

"It doesn't look like it. The three consist of an old man, a young man, and a teenager. They seem like master and servants, yet there is something different about them. Furthermore, while they always go out, they don't seem to visit shops to inquire about local news. Instead, they prefer to wander the streets and alleys, and they even left the city once. Isn't that strange?"

Li Ling found this increasingly odd. "That is indeed strange. They aren't merchants, nor are they scholars on a study tour—and we have no famous sights here to feast their eyes upon. What could they be after by lingering until the year's end?" As he spoke, his gaze suddenly sharpened, and a possibility crossed his mind. "Brother Gu, have you heard of officials traveling incognito?"

"You mean the kind they always perform in plays? You think they are imperial officials? But we haven't had any major cases of injustice here recently..."

"No, it’s not some high-ranking official visiting. Have you forgotten? Our Jiangcheng County hasn't had a proper Magistrate for over half a year!"

"You mean one of them is the Magistrate?" Gu Yuezi was startled, but then he nodded thoughtfully. "It is entirely possible. Perhaps he intends to conduct an incognito inspection first to better understand the local customs and conditions?"

"Exactly. And it’s not just that; perhaps he has even deeper motives." Li Ling smiled, pondering the matter. But before Gu Yuezi could ask more, a series of knocks on the courtyard gate interrupted their conversation.

Li Ling paused, slightly surprised, before rising to answer the door. Upon opening it, he saw two bailiffs in hemp uniforms standing there, accompanied by the village head. His heart skipped a beat—had the county office sent men over just as he was talking about the Magistrate?

"What brings the two officers here?" Li Ling quickly regained his composure and asked.

"You are Li Ling, the son of Li Tong, right?" one of the bailiffs asked, looking him up and down.

"That is correct. Village Head Wang can vouch for me."

"Yes, he is indeed Li Ling," Village Head Wang confirmed with a nod.

"According to the laws of this dynasty, among households with registered males, one in two must perform corvée labor. Your family’s turn has come this year. Report to the county office first thing tomorrow morning," the bailiff said, producing a document and waving it in front of Li Ling. It bore the bright red seal of the county office, which could not be forged.

Li Ling was stunned. "Corvée... labor?" As a transmigrator, he had never truly understood what this entailed. Was the county office drafting him to perform manual labor?

"Wait," Gu Yuezi interjected from inside, having overheard the conversation. "The year is almost over; why is the county office conscripting labor now? Besides, the Li family only has one male left; how can you just draft him for corvée?"

"Audacious! Do you dare to question the orders of the county office?" The bailiff’s face darkened as he scolded, "When the county office chooses to draft labor is not for a commoner like you to criticize. Furthermore, the county census records state that the Li family has two males, and since they hold no official titles, they are mere commoners. We are simply acting according to regulations!"

Another bailiff then added with a stern face, "By the way, where is Li Tong? If there are citizens who have fled without being reported, that is a crime in itself!"

Li Ling, having recovered from his initial shock, quickly offered a conciliatory smile. "Please forgive me, officers; I spoke out of turn in my haste. My father is away on a study tour and has yet to return. Since the government has its regulations, how could I possibly shirk my duty?"

Gu Yuezi, realizing he had been too hasty, quickly took out several dozen copper coins and pressed them into the men's hands with a forced smile. "I, too, have been offensive. I hope you will not take it to heart. This is just a small token of my respect." He knew better than Li Ling just how difficult these bailiffs could be, so he acted quickly to remedy the situation.

Only after accepting the money did the expressions of the two men soften, and they began to smile. "Don't say we aren't looking out for you. Actually, this draft isn't a big deal; the county office just has a lot of miscellaneous tasks to handle. I heard that you, Li Ling, have studied before?"

"That is true, but I failed to attain any rank, so I remain a commoner."

"That works out well. The county office needs someone literate to organize and archive the records in the repository. It isn't heavy labor, so you are well-suited for it," the bailiff said with a smile at Li Ling. "You’ve actually gotten a good deal."

"Then many thanks to you both," Li Ling replied, pausing for a moment before bowing in gratitude. The two men waved him off dismissively, reminded him to report to the county office early the next morning, and turned to leave.

Only after they had gone did Village Head Wang step forward. "Li Ling, you are quite lucky. Two other families were just assigned to repair the county office attic. They aren't craftsmen, so they have a rough road ahead of them. But these orders come from the Fourth Master at the office; who would dare to disobey?"

Li Ling nodded repeatedly, thanked the man, and returned inside with Gu Yuezi. Once the door was shut, Gu Yuezi sighed, "Now do you see why I insisted you take the imperial examinations? In this world, without a title, one is bogged down by endless trifles. Even if you have money, you might not be able to avoid such tasks."

Li Ling nodded in deep agreement. Indeed, he had overlooked this reality. Only those with the rank of scholar or higher were exempt from corvée labor and taxes, and he was clearly far from that point.

However, what interested Li Ling more was the remark the village head had made—that this matter had been decided by the Fourth Master, Zhuang Hong. That meant his specific assignment had been determined by that very man. With that in mind, the entire affair took on a much more intriguing significance.