“Those who went into the mountains before started earning work points from the day they entered, while the work points for the rest started after they were assigned work each day,” Village Chief Li added.
No one objected to this, since every family had someone going into the mountains, so everyone would get something.
"In addition," Village Chief Li glanced at Jiang Qinyu, "we'll be going to the prefectural city in a couple of days to sell things and exchange them for silver. A-Zheng's wife and Meng Tianze will lead the team, with a maximum of fifteen people. Anyone who wants to go can come and sign up with me now!"
Jiang Qinyu was a little surprised that Village Chief Li actually asked her and Meng Tianze to lead the team, and that he himself wasn't going?
The scene was chaotic. After finally finishing, Village Chief Li felt dizzy, but he still came over before Jiang Qinyu went home.
“My dear niece, this time you and Lao Meng will have to go to the prefectural city with the men. I have to stay in the village to arrange for everyone to work. If we miss the autumn harvest, we’ll have to figure out how to plant the autumn crops.” Village Chief Li wiped the sweat from his forehead, his voice slightly breathless.
Jiang Qinyu smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Village Chief. With Brother Meng here, we will definitely be able to come back safely."
"Yes, I believe in Lao Meng's abilities. But niece, you'll have to put in a lot of effort this time to try and get a good price for our goods. I thank you on behalf of the villagers." Village Chief Li cupped his hands in thanks.
Jiang Qinyu stepped aside, refusing his greeting, and said, "Uncle Village Chief, you're too kind. It's all I should do."
She was eager to sell more money; the thought of buying a thousand bolts of cloth gave her a headache.
“Actually, I’ve been thinking a lot these past few days. Our village was in a mess before because there were no unified rules. You reminded me that we have to do things according to the rules. The work point system you proposed today is very suitable for our current situation,” Village Chief Li said with emotion.
He wasn't particularly quick-witted, but he could distinguish between good and bad. What Jiang Qinyu said today was like a wake-up call for him, making him instantly realize that he had wasted all these years as village chief.
However, it's not a bad idea to start learning how to manage the village now, especially with his eldest niece's help!
Jiang Qinyu smiled upon hearing this, "Uncle, you're right. This thing is indeed only suitable for now. Once everyone's lives get back on track and the natural disaster ends, it won't be applicable anymore."
This system has been proven effective in later generations, proving useful in special circumstances, but it has become unsuitable as society has developed.
"Let's not talk about things that are far ahead, let's focus on making the most of what's in front of us," Village Chief Li said optimistically.
It was getting late, so Jiang Qinyu took her leave and went back.
The sons of Village Chief Li were truly skilled workers; in just three days, they built separate courtyard walls for Old Man Lu's house and Jiang Qinyu's house, separating them from Lu Yancai's house.
Not only that, but they also built two sheds for Jiang Qinyu's small courtyard, one for storing firewood and the other for livestock.
As for the bathroom that Jiang Qinyu wanted, she would have to wait until she returned from the prefectural city to see it.
After entrusting Shufan and Pan'er to Chen Shi, and hiding plastic hoses in the three wells in the village, and instructing Old Man Lu to check on the fields more often in the next few days, Jiang Qinyu, together with Meng Tianze, led Chen Shaoliu and others to Yukang Prefecture.
...
It was already late September, but the sun was still scorching, making Jiang Qinyu afraid to get out of the carriage.
That's right, they used the horses they had previously stolen from Qinggang Mountain to go to the prefectural city this time.
However, the carriage was hastily made in the last couple of days, and there was a strong smell of wood inside. Also, the areas that should have been polished were not, so it wasn't very comfortable to sit in.
But for the people of Dingshui Village, having a horse-drawn carriage to ride in was already an excellent privilege.
Including Jiang Qinyu and Meng Tianze, their team consisted of seventeen people in total. Five carriages traveled along the deserted official road, bringing life to this land.
"It's so hot today, Liu Yazi, hurry up and come out so I can go in." Chen Shao was driving the cart, his face and head covered in sweat, he couldn't stand it anymore.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Liu Yazi came out and switched places with him. "You can't even take it after only a quarter of an hour? Ah Shao, you're no good!"
"Get lost! If you're so tough, try sitting here for three-quarters of an hour!" Chen Shao wasn't provoked and quickly hid in the carriage.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yazi burst into laughter and focused on driving the carriage.
Jiang Qinyu and Meng Tianze were in the car; the four of them were in one car and were at the front of the procession.
For convenience, Jiang Qinyu dressed as a man again this time, but she also brought a set of women's clothing. After all, it would be better for her to handle things like buying fabrics in the prefectural city.
"It's so convenient to have a carriage. What used to be a seven or eight-day journey can be completed in three days," Meng Tianze remarked, glancing outside.
Chen Shao took a few sips of water and immediately replied, "That's all thanks to Sister-in-law Lu for insisting that we go to Qinggang Mountain to seize grain. Otherwise, where would our village have gotten the horses?"
"Ah Shao, please don't say that. It's all in the past. Besides, everyone was willing to work hard. I was just making a suggestion." Jiang Qinyu was always being praised for this, which made even her thick skin unable to withstand it.
Chen Shao chuckled and shook his head, "If it's your achievement, then it's yours. We won't forget it!"
Jiang Qinyu was speechless. "Thank you so much, but there's really no need for that."
The system gave her a month to complete the task. She kept the map on all the way, but the journey was truly desolate. She didn't see any cloth, or even a single bandit.
Originally, besides the bandits from Qinggang Mountain, there were several other groups of people along the route from Yongshan County to Yukang Prefecture. However, during the famine years, no merchants or travelers passed through the area, and the bandits could not survive, so they fled with the refugees.
Jiang Qinyu and her group were well-prepared and had a smooth journey, arriving at Yukang Prefecture on the evening of three days later.
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