As we step back in time, we view life in China from 1668-1672. The stories that are shared have been drawn from historical sources and actual accounts of those who lived in T’an-ch’eng and the surrounding area. The vignettes that are captured portray the life of the common man and woman who had no political connections. Their lives were more difficult, because they could not purchase influence and power. These people are the farmers, farm workers, and their wives. Some of the basic life crises are examined such as tax burdens, how does a widow survive and thrive, violence between feuding families, and a woman’s place in society and the consequences of her rebellion. T’an-ch’eng is a small county in northeastern China, in the province of Shantung. During this time, more than its share of catastrophes fell upon the people who lived there. In 1668, there was an earthquake that did great damage and resulted in the loss of 9000 lives. In turn, this had an impact on the region’s ability to pay its taxes to Peking. The people sought relief from the Board of Revenue, but it was eighteen months before any tax relief was granted. The earthquake was followed by a famine. Actually, a series of famines occurred leaving the people hungry and distraught. Bandits closely followed, as the next disaster. Many committed suicide as life held no joy. Taxes were apportioned per county based on taxes for their land and a tax on individual male adults. Since the taxes were high, and the workingman could not afford to pay a lump sum, the tax was broken into installments according to the seasons and crops. Tax collectors were often from powerful landlord families and they brought pressure on those who were delinquent. It was an honorable position. By 1670, T’an-ch’eng county had been in arrears for thirteen years, because of the many catastrophes that had occurred. Widows in Chinese society had to be resourceful to survive. The local history contains many biographies that illustrate how…
