Four-tenths rent!
As soon as these words were spoken, the Chief remained calm, but the villagers who had stayed nearby couldn't help but be tempted to speak up. They felt a strong urge to voice their thoughts, but were stopped by those beside them. A commotion erupted, and eventually, everyone turned their bright eyes to look at Manbao and the Chief.
The Chief hesitated and asked, "Four-tenths? Lord Zhou, you must understand that if we encounter another drought next year like this year, four-tenths might not even yield a basket of grain per acre."
Manbao smiled faintly, "If it's like this year's drought again next year, I won't even take four-tenths. Consider it as sharing the burden on behalf of the Emperor."
She said to the Chief, "I am an official and understand the principles of the nation and its people. The livelihood of the common people is tough; how can I still force you?"
