Good Landlord of the Tang Dynasty.

Summary

The court has mandated that every household's assets be ranked into nine tiers, reviewed every three years, impacting taxation and responsibilities. The Zhang Family, now classified as top-tier, faces significant tax burdens, including a grain tax known as Yicang, which is unavoidable even for exempt households. Despite their wealth, Zhang Chao feels the weight of arbitrary levies and the financial strain of maintaining their status. The community granary system further complicates matters, as wealthy households are expected to contribute more for public needs, leading to a perception of discrimination against the affluent. The local governance structure places heavy reliance on wealthy families for community support, making their role both powerful and burdensome.

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