Chunxiao called Dongsheng aside and said, "I bought a big farm in Luzhuang. You must have heard about it."
Dongsheng nodded. "I heard my uncle and aunt talking about it before, but I didn't feel comfortable asking."
"I came to you to ask if you would like to work as a steward on my farm after the New Year. The salary will be increased to one tael of silver per month. However, my farm is a bit big, so the work will be harder than here."
Dongsheng was stunned for a moment, then nodded repeatedly, "I'm willing, as long as Sister Chunxiao gives me a chance, I will take good care of it for you, but..." He suddenly thought of something and became a little hesitant.
"Why, just what?"
"We have eight acres of land at home, and my father plans to plant cotton on six acres. After I'm gone, there will be no one to take care of the cotton fields. If we don't use your method, Sister Chunxiao, we won't get much harvest at all."
Chunxiao originally thought he had some trouble, but when she heard it was a technical problem with the cotton field, she quickly smiled and said, "It's okay. If you become my manager, I'll remind you what to do in your cotton field and when. I'll take care of your field, and you have to take care of ours as well."
"Of course. Even if you don't take care of our cotton fields, I will still take good care of yours."
"Chunxiao." Xu Shizhu came over. "This year is all thanks to you. You've done a great favor to our family, and I'll remember it."
"Dad, Sister Chunxiao bought a farm and wants me to go over to manage it after the New Year. She also said she would help us look after our cotton fields." Dongsheng was really happy and quickly told his father the good news.
"Really?" Shizhu looked at Chunxiao, "Can he do it?"
"Of course he can. He's been following the cotton planting process from start to finish this year and knows a lot about it. I'll sort it out for him later and I can just be a hands-off manager."
"Of course it's okay. As long as you say it's possible, he will definitely do it well. Our Dongsheng is relieved."
"Uncle is right. He's a capable man. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone looking for him. Originally, when he left, I wanted to ask you to take his place, but your family also needs several acres of land to grow cotton. Dongsheng should have told you that the cotton fields are always busy. It's good enough that you can take care of your own fields. How can you take care of us? I'll find someone else."
"I'm very happy that you're thinking of me. When you're free, come with your brother and father to our house for a meal. Your aunt is much better now and has been wanting us to invite you over. I was afraid it would be bad for your reputation if you, a single woman, came to our house, so I never mentioned it."
"You're welcome, uncle. By the way, Dongsheng, go get 10 kilograms of cotton from me later. It's supposed to be a year-end benefit, but it's cold now, so it won't be of much use until the end of the year. I'll also give 10 kilograms from Brother Wangzu so your mother can make a cotton coat for you and each of you. I have cloth too, but it's not very good. If you don't mind, take one too."
"This..." Dongsheng's eyes were moist. He felt that Chunxiao had really done a great favor to their family.
"A real man wouldn't resort to such tricks," Chunxiao said, deliberately making a face. "Remember to get it." She then went to Wangzu again, asking him to pick up another 10 kilograms of cotton. Wangzu said he had already bought 10 kilograms from Dashan. Chunxiao said it was a bonus, and since he had a large family, 10 kilograms more would be even better. Wangzu happily said he would go later.
Chunxiao found Musheng again and said that she wanted to ask Wangfu to work at home at the beginning of the year, with the same salary as Wangzu. She wondered if he would be willing. The two of them were overjoyed. They had originally wanted to do this, but Yan Dashan and his men were busy, so they hadn't had time to ask. Now they didn't have to go to Zhoujia Village and could stay in the village, which was naturally better. They didn't expect to get such an unexpected reward from helping out.
Those who helped left happily.
Chunxiao stayed here to help Zhou and the others wash the pig intestines. Today, there were 11 pairs of them, all left in the yard, stinking. Finally, they went to the river, but there were too many intestines to wash. Zhou, always caring about her grandchildren, didn't let them touch cold water easily, so she called them over. The excuse for having people work was the same: if you want to be a good manager, you need to experience everything.
Shufeng not only did not feel disgusted, but washed very enthusiastically. What's the big deal? It's not like she hasn't done it before. She can do the work that others can do well, and even better than others.
Since the weather improved, Yan Bingfa and his son have been leaving early and returning late every day. Chunxiao went to town again and brought 64 kilograms of cotton to make 12 quilts: four 7-kilogram quilts, four 5-kilogram quilts, and four 4-kilogram quilts. She also went to the grocery store and bought 30 kilograms of salt and some oil, salt, sauce, and vinegar. Recently, she made herself a set of cotton-padded clothes, with a fine cotton lining and a turmeric-colored coarse cotton outer layer. It looked very nice. In short, she was very satisfied. Tian gave Zhang two bolts of fine cotton cloth, which delighted her.
Whenever Yan Dahe was not around, Zhang would come to Chunxiao and help her with needlework.
Her belly is getting bigger and bigger now, and the cotton coat she is wearing is also a newly made one for big belly. Chunxiao often jokes with her because she has become a lot rounder. Zhang is a shy person, and after being scolded too much, she simply concentrates on the work at hand and ignores her.
"Aunt, the orange tree behind your house has grown up, why doesn't it bear oranges? When will it bear oranges?" Pan'er asked curiously while lying beside her mother's legs.
"It's still too small, as small as you. Wait until next year, when it should bear fruit. Then your aunt will let you pick the first one."
"Mom, let's plant two orange trees in our backyard. When they grow up, Pan'er will be grown up too."
"Okay!" Zhang touched her head lovingly.
At the end of November, Chunxiao went to the farm in Lu Village and brought 50 kilograms of meat. When they saw the meat, they were very excited. Chunxiao asked the cook to prepare a few kilograms of meat for lunch. She went to the servants' rooms to check. The new quilts had been used and looked very clean. The sheets and bedding in all the rooms had been changed. She saw that everyone was wearing new cotton-padded clothes. She nodded with satisfaction. So many clothes and sheets were completed in just over ten days. These women were very skillful.
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