Chapter 41 Lian Manman Settles Accounts_1

Lian Manman asked Lady Zhang if she knew about Lian Shouren's family's annual expenses in the town.

This topic was even more difficult.

"Your uncle lost his government granary allowance, with only a dozen or so silver from teaching a year, and that's during the good times. It's not always possible to find a position, as I remember there were four or five years without one. There are schools in other villages, but he refuses to go, complaining that the pay is too little and the locations are inconvenient. He also dislikes the cramped living quarters provided, and the food doesn't suit his taste. Furthermore, he has a whole family to provide for, so he rents a courtyard in the town, which costs six silver a year for rent. Your elder cousin, following your uncle in his studies, doesn't earn any money."

"If that's the case, shouldn't your uncle's family be living very frugally?"