Zhulan, "So the price of charcoal has increased this year, if not for price control, it would continue to rise."
Zhou Shuren said, "Firewood isn't cheap either, I've seen quite a few people selling firewood."
"Yes, if they hustle a bit, they can sell multiple loads a day."
The Hou Residence has its own manor, so there's no need to buy firewood. Every day, the manor sends firewood to the capital. The entire Hou Residence is large, with many masters and many servants, so even without counting firewood, charcoal is a major expense.
One can imagine how large the daily consumption of the entire Hou Residence is. The monthly expenditure is a considerable sum, and for official families without a clear and honest background, the days don't appear as glamorous as they seem.
Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "Several officials have advanced their salaries this month."
The Imperial court has increased salaries a few times, which is quite good, but the winter days are hard.
