This process is not complicated because there is no need to focus on the appearance or be meticulous. Using the simplest construction method is the most time-saving.
After Zheng Quchi hammered the components to make them firm, he checked their stability. Once everything was in order, he instructed the county soldiers to fetch some firewood and started a fire in front of everyone.
The flames grew larger and larger, pointing vertically upwards, until they finally swallowed the bottom of the round iron pot in one gulp. Sure enough, without the damp mountain winds, the heat could be easily controlled. With three sides of protection, even if it was raining, the flames could not easily get in.
The disaster victims gathered in small groups to drink thin porridge, but they couldn't help but secretly watch a pampered-looking boy who was chopping wood and gesturing around the earthen stove.
Could he command the county soldiers? Judging from how respectfully the county soldiers treated her, he must have some status in his family.
His satchel was quite extravagant; one moment he could pull out a saw, the next a row of small carving knives, a hammer, a chisel, a woodworking plane... Carrying such heavy tools, he could still move around easily; you really couldn't tell from his small frame.
However, recalling how he carried two heavy logs back on his back all by himself, I realized that appearances can be deceiving.
Now he took out his tools and started cutting, sawing, shaving, and grinding, completely absorbed in carpentry. To be honest, it was the first time they had ever seen someone work and found it quite interesting. He was indeed very nimble, and his work flowed smoothly, with a certain mystery and aesthetic appeal of a well-practiced skill. They were momentarily captivated by his work.
In just a short while, he used the processed wood to assemble two planks, then connected the two ends of the planks to a single piece, hammered it in place, and finally built a triangular shed about half a person's height.
The process of creating something from nothing has a healing quality to it.
Seeing this, they seemed to understand what the young boy was doing.
They couldn't resist their curiosity and crowded around to take a look.
The sheds they had seen before were all made of four wooden beams, and this was the first time they had seen one with a pointed roof. It didn't need a frame or supporting columns; it relied on the balance of forces. Although they didn't understand the principle, they found it novel.
"Young master, what is this?"
If someone doesn't understand, they should ask.
Zheng Quchi felt that he had just casually made a wooden craft, which was not troublesome but useful: "I just made a simple canopy to shelter everyone from the rain and wind. The wind is strong on the mountain, and we don't have any shelter here. If the fire is small, it can be easily blown out. It can also be easily extinguished on rainy days. But with this, you see, it has no impact at all?"
Zheng Quchi stood up and showed them.
"That's really true."
"Before, the fire would always go out with a single breath, making cooking a real headache. Now it's much better; I don't have to watch the fire all the time," the cook said happily.
"Young man, you are such a kind person. We finally don't have to eat that cold porridge anymore."
“What little brother? He’s a young master. But young master, your skills are really good. The main thing is that you’re so fast. It’s so hard for the carpenters in our village to make something. Either this is not done well, or that needs to be repaired. It’s so hard. But you’ve done it in no time.”
Seeing that they could be made happy by a small thing even when they were facing hardship, Zheng Quchi sincerely hoped that their lives could also be filled with small happiness and smiles.
"Practice makes perfect. This isn't a difficult task. Most carpenters can do it. See how quickly you finished it? By the way, do we have a carpenter around here?"
Tools are created to make human life better and easier. Some people have the skills but no sense of life, while others see life everywhere.
The number of rescued refugees will only increase, but the restoration of their homes is a long-term project. Food is one problem, and settling them in is another. To make their lives more comfortable during this period, some basic infrastructure construction is necessary.
When she asked this question, many people looked blank and then looked around, but some responded, "That's me."
"Me too."
“I’m not a carpenter, but I studied carpentry with a carpenter for a year, so I know a little bit.”
Zheng Quchi counted the number of people and estimated that there were only seven or eight carpenters among the disaster victims. It wasn't a lot, but it should be enough.
"That's right. I know everyone is waiting for the imperial court's rescue and assistance, but all external support is limited. They can solve your most difficult problems, but if we want to live well and have a good life, we still have to rely on ourselves. Do you agree?"
At this point, she paused intentionally to observe their reactions. Sure enough, as long as people have hope in their hearts, they are willing to be pushed forward to improve their predicament. At this moment, they all had an eager look on their faces, waiting for what was to come.
Zheng Quchi continued, “The magistrate is a good official. When the disaster struck, he personally led his soldiers to build the dike and found a temporary safe haven for everyone. However, he has many tasks to attend to during this time, such as searching for the flood victims, counting the missing persons, and rescuing the trapped people. He may have neglected you, but we have hands and feet and can also do some work and construction, right?”
Her words were like sunlight piercing through a gloomy sky, casting beams of light upon the earth, instantly changing their gloomy and depressed mood, as if they had suddenly seen the light.
They stood up, their eyes shining: "That's right, we can get things done too!"
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