Later, we realized that Zhang Fei’s mother-in-law had moved directly into the City Lord's Mansion. Their family had promised the imperial court that the majority of the Second-Generation Grain Seed they earned while working here would be handed over to the state. Whatever remained, they would plant on their own lands—and even then, they would still be taxed on the harvest. Consequently, the Kingdom agreed without hesitation.
With the entire world suffering from drought, the ability to produce such grain was a godsend. Trading an Imperial Noble Consort and a noble family for it was a bargain. Besides, word was that the two brothers had no elders of their own. Once this Imperial Noble Consort arrived at their home, she would effectively be their elder. The hope was that she could influence Zhang Fei and help them secure more resources.
They had gathered intelligence that Dian Wei, in private, treated his father-in-law with the utmost respect due an elder, even though he was a high-ranking official. This proved that we, at least, placed great importance on honoring one’s elders. Thus, they had hastily sent two of them over.
Chapter 177