Chapter 128 Transition
Zhang Wende took the craftsmen to Rong's house first.
The two brothers Rong Bingwen and Rong Bingwu came to receive him.
Ever since they were rehabilitated and knowing that their family wanted to continue their imperial examinations and leave here, Zhang Wende's attitude towards this family has been one of vague respect.
If he had not been exiled, any one of them who stood up would not be someone he, a small county magistrate, could afford to offend.
Of course, even if we put aside their current identities and just treat them as a waterwheel, he would still be polite to them.
Zhang Wende did not let the craftsmen follow him, but went into the yard first to discuss with the two brothers of the Rong family.
When he came out again, Zhang Wende asked the craftsmen to follow him to the Pu family next door.
The Pu family had already received instructions from the Rong family and had been waiting at the home for a long time. When they saw these craftsmen, they started teaching them without any other nonsense.
The craftsmen had wondered what the county magistrate was going to do with them, and then they heard that they might have to go to various villages to help. They were reluctant, but when they saw the waterwheel standing in the lake, they had to admit that they were moved.
When they heard that they could learn to make water diversion and irrigation tools for free, they were excited, but more than that, they were hesitant and worried about the price of such a good thing.
Then, a piece of news hit them, leaving them dizzy and unable to believe it.
Surprisingly, there is no need to pay any price. Is this true?
If an ordinary person wants to learn a craft, the master will not teach him without ten or eight years of service and a lot of money. Even if he really accepts him as an apprentice, he will keep some skills to himself.
In short, it is too difficult.
But now, what did they hear?
After receiving another affirmative answer, the craftsmen's eyes instantly became red, and some of them were so emotional that they even sobbed softly.
They were extremely grateful that they came here today.
Seeing this, Zhang Wende said, "The waterwheel was developed by the Rong, Lu, and Pu families together. They knew the hardships of farming and wanted to do something for the people, which is why they spent a lot of energy and money to create it. Although they didn't want to make money or gain fame from it, we can't forget their kindness."
Village Chief Li, who had been accompanying them the entire time, echoed, "Yes, with the waterwheel, not only we, but also our descendants will benefit greatly. We must never forget this kindness."
The other village heads nodded repeatedly:
"It's natural."
"We have lived here for generations, and we spend most of the year carrying water. The skin on our shoulders peels off layer by layer. Life is so hard."
"With this waterwheel, we can divert water for irrigation. Even if we still need to carry water, it will be much easier."
“…”
Hearing these people's words, Zhang Wende nodded with satisfaction, "I hope you can remember what I said today."
"Don't worry, County Magistrate. We will definitely keep this in mind."
"Not only should we remember their kindness, but other people in the village must also know who has given us such great help."
"When the time comes, I will erect a monument next to the waterwheel and engrave the history of the waterwheel on it."
???
!!!
As soon as this person finished speaking, he immediately attracted everyone's attention.
"What, what's wrong?" Was he wrong?
"Oh, Old Yang, you're amazing!"
“That’s fantastic!”
“We’ll do the same then!”
Seeing that they had gone from making the waterwheel to writing the inscription, Zhang Wende's mouth twitched, but his heart became more lively.
"Master Zhang," Old Master Pu finally found an opportunity to interrupt, "Actually, the waterwheel was the idea of the Rong and Lu family boys. My boy and I just helped out and lent a hand."
It is a great honor for them to be able to share in the credit, and they cannot take away the credit that does not belong to them.
Zhang Wende waved his hand, "I know all your efforts."
No matter how much the father and son have contributed, the Rong family has not denied it, which means they have acknowledged their contribution. Naturally, they will not be left out when the rewards are given.
Mr. Pu was about to say something when Village Chief Li tugged at his sleeve and said, "Brother, Master Rong has said that without your exquisite carpentry work, this waterwheel would not have been possible. You have made an invaluable contribution."
"You should train these people as soon as possible and try to find a way to install water trucks in each village. This is the most important thing." Seeing that he wanted to say something else, Zhang Wende spoke first.
"Don't worry, sir. We will definitely study hard."
The craftsmen all expressed their opinions, saying that they were all veteran craftsmen, who followed the routine every day and worked tirelessly, and now it seemed as if they had ignited their passion for life again.
Zhang Wende did not stay here any longer, but returned to the Rong family and chatted with the two Rong brothers for a while. He refused the invitation to stay for dinner and left in a hurry with his people.
Although the smell coming from the kitchen was very delicious and made him very greedy, he still left with reluctance when he thought about the many things waiting for him.
The Rong family are very particular about food. How could they let guests leave with empty stomachs at mealtime?
But they also knew that now was not the time for these empty formalities, so they could only pack some prepared food and serve it.
Ever since Zhang Wende and his family tasted Rong Ji’s food, they have been unable to forget it. So now, there will be Rong Ji’s food on their dinner table every now and then, and they really never get tired of it.
He was reluctant to accept it at first, but when he heard that it was their new delicacy, he hesitated.
Food is the most important thing for people, and no one can resist the temptation of delicious food.
Especially fresh food that you have never tasted before.
Several village heads from the neighboring village received approval from the county magistrate and returned home contentedly with the fragrance in their noses.
The news that Fushan Village has a water diversion and irrigation tool, which eliminates the need for manual water carrying, has spread to many people after nearly a day.
On this day, Fushan Village was unexpectedly lively. Many daughters/nieces/nephews who had married into other villages came back to visit their relatives, and daughters-in-law who had married into the village also received visits from their natal families.
So many people seemed to have made an appointment beforehand. All the relatives and friends who had some connection with Fushan Village came.
They could probably guess what it was for, but no one mentioned it on their own initiative. Even if these people took the initiative to ask, they would try to fool them. If they couldn't fool them, they would spread their hands to indicate that they didn't know either.
That’s not wrong.
How could a common person like them possibly know the above things?
As for wanting them to help find someone to do this, that's even more impossible. Didn't you see the county magistrate come to our door in person?
Not getting the answers they wanted, the bride's family members and the married-out daughters were unwilling to accept it, especially when they saw the slowly turning waterwheel and the rushing water, they were extremely jealous.
If I go back like this, won’t my family scold me?
But,
No matter how unwilling they are, if they don't know, they just don't know. If they keep saying it, they might as well go directly to the county magistrate. Ordinary people like them are afraid of the village chief and clan leader, so how can they dare to go to the county magistrate?
Village chief Li also knew about the excitement in Fushan Village today.
because……
His little sister, who has always been arrogant and looked down on them, is back.
This little sister has been able to read people's expressions and seek benefits for herself since she was young. She came back suddenly and said that she missed them because she hadn't seen them for a while. But everyone knew what she was actually planning.
"How could it be that you, the village chief, can't make the decision?"
"No, you are my biological brother. My parents are gone, so you won't care about me anymore?"
"That damn old woman said that if I couldn't get the waterwheel back, she would make me go back to the village and serve them. I don't want that!"
“…”
Looking at his little sister who was like a rogue and the villagers who came to him for help, Village Chief Li felt helpless. Even the second day of the Lunar New Year when people returned home to visit their parents had not been so lively in Fushan Village.
His kind words of persuasion were futile, and he could only frown. "It's up to the county magistrate to decide. Want a waterwheel? Go find the county magistrate if you can!"
Perhaps these words worked, or perhaps they knew that no matter what they said, it would not work, these people finally quieted down and left Fushan Village cursing, in stark contrast to their happy appearance when they came in, carrying gifts.
There are also some people who feel that the gifts are given in vain because they failed to get things done, so they just take away the things they brought when they leave.
This is really...
Lu Yao was speechless when she heard the news.
After those women returned, they were afraid of being scolded for not doing their job well, so they had to exaggerate and criticize the people in Fushan Village. As for saying that the waterwheel was not good... many of them had worked hard all their lives in the fields and could not say such dishonest words.
So, the village heads met and discussed, and early the next morning, they all went to the county government office in Xikang County, hoping that the county magistrate could help them, as they also wanted to install a water wheel.
Zhang Wende was very happy in his heart, but he did not show it on his face. He just said, "The waterwheel is not as easy to make as you think. It took a lot of manpower and material resources to make it."
"Don't worry, Master Zhang. We won't ask for it in vain."
After the setback in Fushan Village, their current attitude is that as long as the installation can be successful, it doesn’t matter if they have to pay a little more.
Seeing that they were not playing tricks, Zhang Wende nodded in satisfaction and said, "The person who made this waterwheel said that the purpose of making it was for the people. Money and other things are not easy for everyone. As long as you live a good life in the future, that's all that matters."
Hearing what the county magistrate said, everyone, who had already prepared themselves for heavy losses, was stunned for a moment.
How is this possible?
They had all heard that the waterwheel was a good thing, so how could it not cost money?
County Magistrate Zhang was very ungraceful in giving money to a few people. How could he not spend money?
The materials for making a waterwheel are free, right? And the craftsmen are not paid for their work?
The village heads all agreed, saying that this was what should be done.
Of course, in addition to this, thanks also go to those who provided the waterwheel technology.
They heard that Fushan Village was going to erect a stone tablet to engrave their great achievements so that future generations could remember and be grateful, and they also wanted to do so.
Although they sometimes like to take advantage of others, they are also truly grateful to those who made the waterwheel and are willing to give it to them for use.
They had already made up their minds. After returning, they planned to gather all the villagers together and have a thorough discussion with them. The waterwheel was a serious matter and they should not spread rumors. At the same time, they also wanted to tell them that the makers were willing to contribute their technology to free everyone from the days of carrying water. They also wanted them to remember the names of the Rong, Lu, and Pu families who had been their benefactors...
With a plan in mind, the village heads said goodbye and left without delay.
Zhang Wende saw everyone off and smiled with satisfaction.
I believe the governor has received his message, and Xikang County will soon have a great opportunity.
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