Manager Xu trembled like a leaf. How could he possibly know this? He had thought that if someone really had connections, how could they be transferred to a poor place like Qingshi County? So he hadn't taken it too seriously.
At this moment, he could only stammer, "Then I'll go to the account now, withdraw the money, and then deliver it to the county government office?"
Xiao Youzhi looked at him expressionlessly, "They came to us begging, and you pretended not to see it. Now you're sending them money. Do you think everyone else is as stupid as you? Don't bring shame to the Xiao family by being foolish yourself."
He then said to Chen Xiaowu, "First, take some people to check if the surrounding roads are clear. Then, transport all the old rice from the Xiao family's grain stores in the area. The quality can't be too bad. Next, take some people to build a soup kitchen at the city gate and distribute at least two thousand catties of soup every day."
Chen Xiaowu received the order and withdrew, leaving only the trembling Steward Xu in the room. "Go and summon all the stewards of the Xiao family's shops in Qingshi County."
Upon hearing the order, Steward Xu dared not delay and immediately went to carry it out. Watching his retreating figure, Xiao Youzhi felt a pang of regret.
They should have found a way to recruit Meng Zhao in the first place. He said before that she did business only because of good luck, but now it seems that it's not all luck. She also has such good judgment.
If she were here, with her intelligence, she would surely have taken Chunfenglou's business to the next level. It's just a pity that she missed the opportunity.
Early on the seventh day of the lunar new year, Manager Xu personally went to Huimin Hospital. First, he brought a cartload of grain and donated it in his own name. Then, he went to Huimin Hospital and met with the person in charge. He asked the person in charge to recommend several women in their thirties who were quick and efficient, as well as some young men in their twenties who were good at talking, saying that he wanted them to work at Chunfeng Tower.
This matter immediately sparked heated discussions. Chunfenglou rarely recruited workers from outside, and once someone went in, they rarely came out. Working inside, even washing vegetables in the kitchen, could earn two taels of silver a month.
Moreover, Chunfeng Tower is frequented by wealthy merchants and dignitaries. If one can win the favor of the guests through their words and actions, the reward money received is quite considerable. Therefore, those who are chosen are overjoyed, as if they have found silver.
Later, the Xiao family opened grain shops, cloth shops, security escort agencies, medicine shops, and jewelry stores, recruiting people from disaster victims and refugees in the county.
"Xiao's Grain Shop needs some manpower to move grain and organize the warehouse. As long as you are willing to work, you will be provided with a full meal and wages!"
"Xiao's Cloth Shop is looking to hire some female workers. Those who can cut and embroider will be given priority. If you are just delicate, you can also come and learn. The wages will be generous!"
This move immediately caused an uproar in the county. Those who originally wanted to join the Xiao family but did not were disappointed, but they could not find fault with the family. They could not blame themselves for not being affected by the disaster. As for the refugee group, they were even more grateful to the Xiao family.
However, the stewards of the Xiao family humbly addressed the crowd, saying, "As the head of the county, since the disaster struck, the magistrate has tirelessly traveled to various places to comfort the people and implement benevolent policies. As members of Qing Shi County, we naturally follow the magistrate's lead. Moreover, we have only done our bit and dare not claim credit."
After the Xiao family stewards made their statement, the people held the county magistrate in even higher esteem, and their words were full of praise.
At this point, the other wealthy households in the county were somewhat confused. They had clearly agreed not to donate money, lest they think the new magistrate thought they were easy to bully and could be extorted at will. But now, although you didn't donate money directly, you're distributing porridge and recruiting people. You've taken all the credit, haven't you?
Some merchants even began to suspect that the Xiao family did it on purpose, first agreeing with them not to donate money, and then stepping on them to rise to the top.
No one who can make a fortune through business is a fool. After a brief moment of doubt, they all sprang into action, donating money and supplies and recruiting people. Although they could not completely solve the disaster problem, the atmosphere in the county was stirred up.
Wang Xian had been staying at the county government office handling official business these days and rarely went home. He was overjoyed to hear the news from his subordinates.
“Good, give these disaster victims a job so they can support themselves. This will reduce the burden on the welfare home. Finding a livelihood for those displaced people in the county will give them a place to settle down and put down roots in the county. Only when the population is large can the county prosper.”
Then, as if he had suddenly remembered something important, he hurriedly instructed his subordinates: "Find me pen and ink; I need to write a few things."
When Meng Zhao heard about Xiao's actions, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her biggest worry about participating in disaster relief was being used as a scapegoat. After all, if others didn't donate, it would seem like she was being too righteous and others were being immoral by rushing to donate.
However, considering the importance of gaining the magistrate's favor, she did it anyway. But now that Chunfeng Tower is attracting attention, which of those wealthy households can still notice her?
However, Meng Zhao couldn't care less about that now. Tomorrow was the eighth day of the lunar new year, and her braised pork shop was going to reopen. She had been busy all day ordering ingredients from various places and arranging delivery times.
Regarding manpower, all the county officials have been verified and can work as usual. Last time I went back to the village, although the road was muddy, it was still passable by donkey cart, so it didn't affect Aunt Feng'e and the others driving their donkey carts over.
After the family finished dinner and it was time for bed, Shen Qingze and Shen Qingyu still wouldn't let go of Meng Zhao.
"Sister-in-law, I want to sleep with you tonight." Shen Qingyu looked at Meng Zhao with her big eyes wide open, her expression pitiful.
Not to be outdone, Shen Qingze hugged Meng Zhao's arm tightly and said coquettishly, "Sister-in-law, I want to hear another story. Can you tell me another one?"
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