Before Lingxiao's voice had even faded, a violent kicking echoed from outside the courtyard.
"Listen up, you scum of Qingyan Village!" A rough voice boomed like a thunderclap. "Increase this year's tribute by thirty percent! If you can't pay it, we'll take the village maidens to settle the debt!"
Qinghe trembled with fright, and the jade slip in her hand dropped to the ground with a snap. Grandpa Chen's expression turned gloomy, wisps of black Qi already swirling between his withered, skinny fingers.
Chapter 318