Chapter 63: Building a factory and hiring people

Chen Linghua held Jiusu's hand with tears in her eyes.

"The harvest in the village was poor, and merchants were starting to lower their prices. I thought this winter... Susu, thank you so much! You've helped us all survive."

There are private land and common land in the village.

She bought common land, which belonged to the whole village, so she had to pay money.

Jiusu murmured, "Did the county magistrate swallow up all the four hundred taels?"

Village Chief Chen was genuinely startled and quickly looked outside. Fortunately, no one was passing by. He said with a sweatdrop, "Don't say that outside. Every year, we pay more taxes to the county magistrate's office. There's nothing we can do about it. A higher-ranking official can crush someone."

The county magistrate does not distinguish between right and wrong, he only cares about how much money there is.

"Isn't Chen Zhaobu a general? Why don't you tell him about the 'good things' the county magistrate has done." Jiusu suggested.

Chen Linghua sighed, "It's all just empty talk. A while ago, a high-ranking official came to town, claiming to be sent by the emperor to punish corrupt officials. Everyone in the village was overjoyed. My father had just started to sort out the magistrate's misdeeds, but some villagers couldn't wait any longer and went to sue the magistrate. That night, they were tragically killed in their homes."

Jiusu's eyes were filled with deep meaning.

Surrounded by mountains and with the emperor far away, it is most likely to produce corrupt officials. Even if the news gets out, it will probably be known halfway through.

"Damn it."

After she uses the money to pave a new way for Jiang Jing, she will first eradicate the corrupt officials in Su Ming County. Of course, she knows that this is not an easy task, but one must have a goal to strive for. Sometimes being too scheming will make one tired, and being simple for a while may not be a bad thing.

Jiusu said: "I need good and skilled craftsmen to build the house. Men can earn three copper coins a day, and women can earn two copper coins a day. But I don't need lazy ones. The more the better."

Soon, Village Chief Chen found the most capable person.

He gave a thumbs-up and said, "Most of the houses in the village were built by Uncle Chen. He is a well-deserved elder in this regard."

Chen Shengrong has gray hair and is nearly seventy years old.

"I don't deserve it, I'm already too old. Jiusu, are you going to build a factory? I heard that you have only five acres of land. It's a big challenge."

"Yes." Jiusu didn't mind his age. A good architect doesn't do the work himself, but gives good instructions. She took out the designed drawings, trying to make them as close to the ancient times as possible. "Grandpa Rong, take a look."

Chen Shengrong looked at it carefully. His eyesight was not very good, so he would occasionally hold the drawings in the air to look at them.

After a stick of incense, I finally had a general understanding of the structure of the drawing.

He exclaimed, "What a great drawing! Which master drew it?"

"This is drawn by the junior." Jiusu raised his hand. Facing his seniors, he always looked like a teacher and couldn't help but become well-behaved.

Chen Shengrong couldn't believe it, but he quickly accepted it. He had never seen such a good painter, with lines so straight and perfect. He nodded and said, "I'll take this job."

Jiusu asked, "How long do you estimate it will take to complete?"

"It depends on the number of people. Fifty people will need two months." Chen Shengrong made a rough calculation. It was autumn now and the weather was cool, so they could work a little longer, but it was getting dark faster and faster, which was quite stressful.

There are about 400 people in the village, excluding the old, weak, sick and disabled.

Village Chief Chen breathed a sigh of relief. He smiled and said, "Then I'll go gather some people right away."

When everyone heard it was Jiusu, they didn't believe it at first.

Village Chief Chen stood in front and said loudly.

"Three copper coins for men, two copper coins for women. Think about it, isn't that a lot? A lot of copper coins means a lot of work. Those who want to slack off, don't sign up now. Wages are paid every five days. If you're found slacking off, you'll be fined. Also, Jiusu bought our land and is offering a hundred coins per person. It's just right for you to come and claim it. Okay, get in line and sign up."

The people below were whispering.

"It's one copper coin more than what I get working for Mr. Tian."

"Can women afford to spend two copper coins? I will definitely go."

"My son is getting older and needs to get married, so he needs to earn more..."

“…”

Chen Linghua signed up, and then sat aside, distributing money to the villagers. Some families of five received 500 coins, which could be enough to feed them for several months.

The New Year is coming soon, and we can buy meat now.

Women are very thoughtful. At this moment, they are grateful to Jiusu. The harvest in the village is not good, and because of Jiusu, men don't have to brave the cold and go out to make a living in winter.

Many women at home who have elderly people who can take care of the children have also signed up.

Night fell quietly, and they were not hungry because they knew that if they skipped this meal, they would be able to eat well every meal in the future.

Village Chief Chen warned again: "Don't be cunning or no one will hire you if there's work to do."

Villagers: "Don't worry, village chief, we will do our best!"

Chen Shengrong looked at the number of people who had signed up in the village chief's hand and was amazed at how many people there were, over a hundred. He said, "Looks like we can cut the time in half again. We'll start tomorrow!"

Not far away, Bai Luoxue watched the commotion and asked, "Husband, what are they doing? Why are they all gathered together?"

Chen Zhao thought for a moment and said, "It's the last crop of farm work, so maybe it's busy. So let's gather everyone and go to the fields to harvest the wheat together."

At this time, Sun Mei, who was passing by their house, heard it and ran back to share the story with Chen Wu with a smug look on her face. She laughed loudly, "Chen Wu, did you see that? They were doing farm work and didn't dare to say anything."

Chen Wu sat up and patted his chest.

"Of course. I'm the general's brother. Do they dare to ask me to go to the fields?"

The two of them happily ate the food on the table. Sun Mei had a plan in mind. "Hmph, tomorrow I'm going to go to the fields and see those who used to scold me, working themselves to death."

Unable to refuse the kind invitation, Jiusu was invited to have dinner at the village chief's house.

The village chief's wife, Jian, was a good cook. What was rare was that there was meat and a fish on the table. She said gently, "Jiusu, the food is not good, please don't despise it."

"You're welcome, Auntie. It's delicious." Jiusu commented.

Village Chief Chen had a rare drink. His face flushed, and he felt a little tipsy. He said, "Jiusu, thank you. If you need any help in the future, just let me know. I will do my best to help."

It was already late when we got back.

Jiusu insisted on returning to the village and sleeping in her own big bed room, only then did she feel comfortable. When the carriage was halfway there, Zitan saw someone in front of her and slowed down. After all, her driving skills were not very good.

"Miss, there is someone blocking the road ahead."

"Hmm?" Jiusu woke up from her daze. Upon hearing this, she gripped the dagger at her waist tightly, got out of the carriage, and her eyes fell on the dark figure in front of her. She called out tentatively, "Jiang Jing? Is that you?"

"It's me, A Su." Jiang Jing replied, walked over quickly, held the hand that Jiu Su extended, and used the force to get into the carriage.

The autumn wind was blowing, and his cloak was quite chilly, and his face was pale from the cold.

Jiusu asked in confusion: "Where are you going?"

After a moment, Jiang Jing pursed his lips and said, "Koushao saw that you didn't go home, so she thought you came to my house after leaving Chenjia Village. I saw that it was so late and you still hadn't gone home. I was worried that something might have happened, so I came to look for you."

"You walked here?" Jiusu was surprised. After the man nodded, her heart warmed and she said distressedly, "I will be fine."

Jiang Jing was still worried, "I'm afraid Bai Luoxue will retaliate against you."

Revenge? It's certainly possible.