Li Sanniu and his wife were efficient; the very next day, they found people to demolish the old house and begin laying the foundation.
They had nowhere to stay for the time being, and their belongings were quite old, so they simply packed some clothes, along with their valuables and banknotes, and went to Yan Qingqing's house to stay.
Yan Qingqing's family happened to have a spare yard, and someone was always cleaning it, so they moved in without even having to clean it up.
The two were used to eating at Yan Qingqing's house, and since Yan Qingqing was always kind to them, they felt right at home there.
Yan Qingqing also specially arranged for two rough-working old women to take care of their daily lives in the courtyard where they lived.
Li Kaishan also held a profit-sharing meeting, and everyone who had invested in the company received a share.
Although they didn't recoup all their losses, everyone was still quite satisfied.
The inns and shops in the village have already recouped most of their costs in just a few months of operation, and there's still a long way to go. They'll be making a profit from now on, so who wouldn't be happy?
After finishing the distribution of dividends in Canghe Village, Li Kaishan invited the village chiefs from several nearby villages to Canghe Village.
After exchanging pleasantries with Li Kaishan, the group's leader, Wangjia Village Chief, jokingly asked, "Village Chief, why have you summoned us here in such great ceremony? Is something good about to happen?"
Li Kaishan glanced at him disdainfully and replied, "Can't I invite you guys over if there's nothing good going on?"
However, I do have something I'd like to discuss with you all. It's up to you to decide what you think, but in my opinion, it's definitely a good thing.
Village Chief Wang, being the most impatient, asked, "Hey Old Li, stop keeping me in suspense! Just tell me what good news you have, or I'll be itching to know."
Li Kaishan then told the others about his idea of merging the villages.
As expected, the group fell silent after hearing this.
In fact, Li Kaishan could understand their thoughts at that moment.
It would obviously be beneficial for the villagers of Canghe Village to merge them all into it.
But these village chiefs might have to step down and make way for more capable people. If it were him, he would have to think about it carefully.
After thinking for a moment, Village Chief Yang spoke first, asking, "Has Mingzhao been informed of this matter?"
Upon hearing this, Li Kaishan smiled and said, "This was originally Mingzhao's suggestion."
Village Chief Yang took a deep breath and replied, "If that's the case, I agree. Mingzhao is definitely acting in the best interests of the villagers."
The village chiefs of the other villages also seemed to have made a firm decision, and they all nodded in agreement.
Seeing how righteous they were, Li Kaishan suddenly bowed to them and said, "You all truly make me, Li Kaishan, look at you with new eyes."
"Come on, I'll take you to see Lady Mingzhao, and she'll tell us about the future development of our villages."
Upon hearing that they were going to see Yan Qingqing, the group immediately perked up.
Soon the group arrived at the Li family's house. Yan Qingqing heard that Li Kaishan had brought the village chiefs from several other villages, so she quickly went to the flower hall to greet them.
After bowing to Yan Qingqing, the group sat down.
Li Kaishan explained his purpose to Yan Qingqing.
Yan Qingqing stood up, cupped her hands in greeting to the village chiefs, and said, "I admire your righteousness, village chiefs."
They couldn't possibly let Yan Qingqing bow to them, so they quickly stood up.
I was nervous but also a little excited.
This shows that Mingzhao is worthy of their approval.
If they can gain the approval of the Mingzhao magistrate, then what's the point of them being village chiefs?
After asking them to sit down, Yan Qingqing shared her thoughts with them.
When they heard that Yan Qingqing wanted to merge several nearby villages into a town, they all stood up excitedly.
If this can really be developed into a town, then they will become residents of the town, and their descendants will also benefit from the prosperity.
Village Chief Yang spoke first, saying, "It is clear that I am willing. If our villages can truly develop into a town, I am willing to give up my position as village chief now."
Although the others didn't speak, their expressions showed that they were all willing.
Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "I appreciate your kindness, but this is not something that can be done with just a few words. It requires government approval and our joint efforts."
I'm planning to build a new laundry chemical workshop, and I've chosen Yangjia Village as the location. I'll need your guidance, Village Chief Yang.
Upon hearing this, Village Chief Yang was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes. He wondered if the villagers in their village could also work in the Li family workshop like the villagers in Canghe Village and receive a fixed monthly wage.
Every now and then, they can even cut off a couple of ounces of meat for a treat.
Village Chief Yang thought about such a life and it would be wonderful. If it were really like that, why would he be a village chief?
The others looked at Village Chief Yang with envy, inwardly cursing him as a cunning old fox.
At the same time, they regretted not speaking faster, letting this old guy get the upper hand.
Overjoyed, Village Chief Yang said, "Mingzhao is very reassuring. Which piece of land do you fancy? I'll go back and gather the people to make room for you right now."
"We, Dayang Village, have also contracted out the labor for the construction workshop."
Seeing his enthusiasm, Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "No need for that. I see there's a fairly large open space to the west of Dayang Village."
Let's set up the workshop there for now.
Villagers from Dayang Village will be given priority for this job. The daily wage is 40 wen, but food and lodging are not included.
"Village Chief Yang, is this alright?"
Upon hearing this, Village Chief Yang was overjoyed and quickly showered Yan Qingqing with flattery.
The village chiefs of the other villages were incredibly envious.
They can't compete with Canghe Village, but now Dayang Village is getting all the benefits, how can they not be envious?
Village Chief Wang said sourly, "It is clear that we are all willing to merge into Canghe Village."
You can't favor one over the other.
Seeing this, Li Kaishan said, "Alright, do you think the Mingzhao Emperor would forget about you?"
If our villages want to become a town, we definitely need to develop and progress together.
You should give Mingzhao some time, shouldn't you?
Although the new workshop is located in Dayang Village, villagers from your village can also apply for jobs there.
"As long as someone is down-to-earth, capable, and of good character, how could we possibly reject them?"
Li Kaishan, as expected of a village head, made the village chiefs of several villages feel completely at ease with his words.
Seeing that it was getting late, the group of people wisely got up and said goodbye.
A few days later, Old Master Li helped choose an auspicious day, and construction officially began on Li Sanniu's house.
Since it was his son's new house, Old Master Li naturally came to help. Even Li Xiangjin and Li Xiangyin came to help with everything.
The two of them have been much quieter lately, especially Yan Qingqing, who dared not do anything out of line after being granted the title.
Although Yan Qingqing didn't take special care of them, she also never ostracized them.
These two were shrewd people. Whether it was Yan Qingqing advocating for planting sweet potatoes and potatoes or building a guesthouse in the village, they responded enthusiastically and made a lot of money as a result.
Out of consideration for family ties, Li Sanniu turned a blind eye. He paid them for their help with the work, thus fulfilling the bond between uncle and nephew.
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