From the time it takes to pull a cart of soil, two people working together to make a brick, and how long it takes to mix a cart of mud, and then considering the average number of bricks that can be made from a cart of mud, we can calculate how long it takes to make a brick, including the working hours of each person.

Then the cost of the bricks includes the workers' wages, coal money, the brick factory's commission, the brigade's commission, and the estimated cost of defective bricks.

Cheng Maixiang had never run a brick kiln, so he couldn't offer much valuable advice. He just said to Cheng Maiqing, "Brother, I think when you're digging soil from Xiaoqing Mountain, try to dig from the corners, avoid the river, and don't dig out all the water."

People of this generation have no concept of environmental protection. In order to make money, many companies have destroyed the surrounding environment and landforms. Cheng Maixiang does not want this brick kiln factory to destroy the land and water resources of Shuangshui Village.

"Uncle Hong also mentioned this to me. I've also looked at the terrain of Xiaoqing Mountain. I plan to start digging from the east side. It's far away from the river, so I don't have to worry about having to walk a few more steps."

Cheng Maixiang nodded. As for the smoke emitted by burning coal, there was no way to deal with it for the time being. After all, let alone a small Shuangshui Village, even the brick kiln factory in the county did not have any waste gas treatment equipment.

It seems that the times still have limitations. Even if we know the possible harm, there is still no way to solve it. We can only do this for the time being.

Lin Jiayu had been looking down at the documents without saying a word. Cheng Maixiang knew that he was very talented in business, so she nudged him and asked, "Do you think there is anything that can be improved in this cost accounting?"

"Yeah," Lin Jiayu nodded, pointing to the column on the form that listed workers' wages. "Brother, if I'm not mistaken, your wage standards should be based on the wages of workers at the county brick and tile factory. The monthly wages for workers at the county brick and tile factory are around 30 yuan, but you're setting it at 20 to 25 yuan. I think you could definitely try a different model."

Cheng Maiqing asked hurriedly, "What mode?"

"After starting production, we will try firing a few kilns of bricks. Then, we will use the revenue from one kiln of bricks, minus the cost of coal used to fire the bricks, the cost of defective bricks produced by the kiln, and the commissions of the brick factory and the production team. What remains is the labor cost.

By dividing the calculated cost by the time it takes to burn bricks in the kiln, you can calculate the labor cost per hour. Similarly, if you break it down, you can clearly calculate how much it costs to make a brick, mix a truckload of mud, and so on.

In this way, everyone can be paid according to the amount of work they do. Those who work more get more, and those who work less get less, so that everyone doesn't have to eat from the same pot.

Cheng Maiqing listened very carefully and agreed with Lin Jiayu's suggestion very much.

He is the team leader. After years of collective labor, he has long discovered the drawbacks of eating from the same pot.

Work points are fixed. Anyway, there are only a few fixed wages every day. Those who work hard can't get more, and those who are lazy can't get less. Over time, no one is willing to work harder, and many people just slack off and get work points.

"That's great, Xiaojia. When the brick kiln factory opens, I'll have Accountant Liu check everyone's workload and pay them based on how much work they've done at the end of the month."

"Brother, I don't think there is much money in the brigade's account. Do you want me to withdraw some money from the garment factory for you in advance?" Cheng Maixiang suggested.

"No, no," Cheng Maiqing waved his hand quickly. "During the New Year, the garment factory's profit team kept a portion. It's enough. You don't need to pay."

"Brother, the brick kiln will be lit in a few days, and the bricks will be baked out soon. Do you have any customers now?" Cheng Maixiang couldn't help asking.

"How can it be so fast?" Cheng Maiqing felt a bit of a headache when talking about this. What he was most worried about now was that the bricks were fired in the kiln but could not be sold. All the capital was invested in bricks, which would be troublesome.

"Brother, I have an idea," Lin Jiayu said slowly. "Put up a sign and send a few villagers to go around the communes and villages to spread the word that our Shuangshui Village kiln factory has reopened. Anyone willing to buy bricks will get a two-cent discount on each brick. That way, your reputation will spread quickly."

That’s a good idea!

Cheng Maixiang thought of the old-fashioned handrail tractor in the village and said with a smile, "Brother, we can also tell the people who come to buy bricks that if they are willing to haul the bricks themselves, they can be charged a cheaper price. If they want us to deliver them, we will charge the original price."

Cheng Maiqing smiled and said, "That's a good thing. Many people buy bricks, but it takes a lot of effort just to find a car. If we can deliver bricks to their door, I'm afraid even more people will come to buy bricks."

As he spoke, he sighed deeply, "Speaking of which, this tractor was earned by this kiln. If the business wasn't so prosperous that it made other villages jealous, it wouldn't have been reported and attracted the working group."

"Brother, if the business is booming after we open the kiln this time, I'm afraid there will be just as many people who are jealous of us as there were ten years ago. You must remember that we are not competing with the county brick and tile factory for business. We would rather not make the money than let others find fault with us. Otherwise, the county brick and tile factory is not someone you can easily mess with."

Lin Jiayu's words made Cheng Maiqing nod repeatedly. As the lunch break was over, he left in a hurry.

"Brother is not the same as before."

Lin Jiayu said sincerely.

In the past, Cheng Maiqing was fair, honest and kind, but he was always cautious and never sought to achieve anything, but only to avoid mistakes. However, this time when he came back, he started a brick kiln factory with great fanfare. This really didn't seem like something he could do with his personality.

Mother Cheng brought over a tea tray with a few washed peaches on it.

"That's right. Not long after you two left, he started planning a brick kiln factory. I tried to persuade him that since our village already had a garment factory with a good income, there was no need to bother setting up a brick kiln factory. But he said that even Maizi was so hardworking, and as the eldest brother, he couldn't fall behind.

"Also, recently, the most talked about topic at commune meetings has been how to increase farmers' income. Your eldest brother said that Maizi is right. The policies from above are becoming increasingly relaxed. If we build a brick kiln factory at this time, the commune will not only not oppose it, but will support it."

Cheng Maixiang laughed.

It turned out that it was her influence that caused the eldest brother to suddenly develop such a strong fighting and enterprising spirit. This is also a good thing. Moreover, according to the time, the rural areas will implement the contract responsibility system in about a year. By then, productivity will be greatly released. At that time, there will be more people engaged in business. Shuangshui Village will be at the forefront of the times and is bound to have greater advantages.

"By the way, Mom, where are Big Sister and Yingying?"

It was already time to go to work in the afternoon, so Mrs. Cheng naturally went to work in the garment workshop. However, apart from her and Lin Jiayu, the only one left in the entire hall was Cheng's mother.

"Your eldest sister is really restless. I just advised her to rest at home, but she refused to listen. When she saw the eldest daughter-in-law going to the garment workshop, she followed her. As for the two girls, they were tired from playing and fell asleep on the kang in the inner room."