Ji Xinhe finally decided to continue cooperating with the Duan family’s farm. After all, she had made a special visit and found the fruits and vegetables very fresh and well-grown. It would be pointless to switch to another farm, especially to acquire Mu Houchu’s business. What would she do with his goods given their current vague relationship?
As for whether the farm she was dealing with had truly been bought by Mu Houchu, she didn’t know, and saw no need to. She was only cooperating with the farm; she had no interest in who the real owner was.
She had visited the farm early this morning to sign the contract, and goods from the farm were promptly delivered thereafter.
With everything prepared, Ji Xinhe’s small workshop could officially start its operations. The dozens of long-term workers she had previously purchased had been given a round of training and each had a clearly defined role and responsibilities.
"I understand many of you had to resort to indentured labor due to various hardships. Now that you’re in my hands, I understand your struggles. But I must say, being chosen by me is both your fortune and your opportunity." Ji Xinhe’s voice was clear and bright, suited perfectly to her simple green-blue water skirt in the gradually-warming spring.
The dozens of laborers, who had been trembling on their knees, not daring to breathe, were stunned by her words. Some skeptically raised their heads to look at their young mistress.
"In return for your work here, my first requirement is loyalty. This is a simple yet valuable quality that depends on your personal character. However, let this be a clear warning – if anyone dares to betray my trust, I’ll ensure their death is not a pleasant one." Ji Xinhe’s chilling words had a profound impact. These were bond-laborers who she could discipline at will. Without an initial show of force, they might disrespect her because of her youth and gender.
Her words scared the laborers, their faces turning pale. They quickly responded, "We wouldn’t dare! We will indeed be loyal to you, Miss."
Ji Xinhe strolled leisurely, continuing, "The second requirement is diligence."
The people hurriedly spoke up, "We will definitely not slack off and will work diligently!"
Ji Xinhe gave a slight smile. It seemed that they were indeed frightened. Fear would indeed keep them in line.
"As for diligence, I don’t have any special demands. Just do what you can."
Everyone was taken aback, finding it hard to believe. Weren’t they bought to work? Bond-laborers weren’t supposed to slack off.
Ji Xinhe paused before continuing, "This work, it’s essentially for yourselves. I’ll have the steward note down your daily output. For instance, those responsible for coring peaches for our canned goods will get one cash per large basin. If you’ve filled ten in a day, that’s ten cash. If you’ve filled a hundred basins, that’s a hundred cash. It’s all up to you. You can choose to be lazy, but you’ll earn less."
The eyes of the workers lit up. "Such high wages?"
Usually, bond-laborers didn’t get wages. Their food and lodging were covered, but they were expected to work as slaves for life. In a sense, their status was even lower than that of a servant.
A servant might receive some cash rewards if favored by their master, but these bond-laborers, who worked day in and out, would never stand before their masters and had no hopes for their future.
However, their new mistress had just declared they could earn wages!
"The amount of wages depends on your diligence. Hardworking individuals will reap the benefits. You can choose, but remember; those who fail the first requirement of loyalty will face a horrifying death," Ji Xinhe warned calmly.
Everyone shuddered and quickly thanked her.
"Fuquan."
"Yes, I am here," Fuquan popped up.
"From today onward, you will manage this workshop. Stress the importance of distinct duties and follow my rules strictly. I’m entrusting the workshop to you for now," Ji Xinhe ordered.
Fuquan was overwhelmed. He thanked her repeatedly.
Ji Xinhe continued, "Don’t thank me yet. This is only temporary, for a month. If you manage well, the stewardship is yours, and I’ll double your monthly silver. But if you fail..."
Fuquan was both thrilled and terrified. He quickly assured her, "I will do my utmost to manage this well!"
"Ok then, everyone start working according to your responsibilities. Production in this workshop officially starts today. I hope you don’t simply think of this as my workshop, or that you’re working for me. I hope you feel that this is for your own benefit," Ji Xinhe declared.
"Yes."
On this first day, Ji Xinhe couldn’t help but supervise their work, giving guidance on how to accomplish their tasks efficiently. She advocated specialization of work; every worker had a single task. Those who were peeling fruits only peeled; those removing pits only did that, and those responsible for pickling just pickled. This resulted in higher efficiency through simplicity and familiarity.
After a whole day of work, all the workers had a handle on their tasks. Ji Xinhe looked on as they busted around, energetic and organized. It seemed the workshop would soon be running smoothly.
The process for making grape wine was strictly confidential. With many in the capital city eager to break into the business, Ji Xinhe had detailed divisions of labor for each step in production. Each worker only knew their own small part, with all of them isolated from one another. The most important steps were left to Ji Xinhe herself.
In her current situation, being in a foreign land, she needed to be cautious. The slightest error could lead to a total loss.
"Fuquan, watch over things here. Report to me every three days. I might come sporadically. Should I catch you slacking off, you better prepare for the consequences," Ji Xinhe warned.
Fuquan quickly reassured her, "Don’t worry, Miss. How could I neglect my duties when you’ve entrusted me with so much?"
Ji Xinhe nodded, preparing to leave, "Don’t let them work too late. Stop work when it starts to get dark, no need to overdo it."
Fuquan chuckled sycophantically, "You’re truly compassionate to us lower folk, Miss. I understand."
Just as Ji Xinhe stepped out of the workshop, she noticed a familiar carriage at the entrance.
"Brother Duan?"
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