Li Yan: "Uncle Zhao, you guys can clean up later, let's eat first!"
Old Man Zhao then called his children and grandchildren over for dinner. Li Yan explained, "This barren mountain was purchased by our family. We plan to raise some livestock here. Now that your family is living here, I'd like to hire you to help look after it. Is that feasible?"
When Old Man Zhao heard what Li Yan said, he nodded repeatedly to show his agreement. Not only did he still owe Miss Li money for his grandson's medical treatment, he didn't even have a place to stay. Now he was placed in this new house by Miss Li.
Not only did they have food to eat, but they even lived in a house better than their own. Old Man Zhao was extremely grateful. In front of Li Yan, he told his children and grandchildren: "From now on, our family will obey Miss Li's orders. If anyone dares to cheat here, I, an old man, will be the first to disapprove."
Li Yan: "Since I've hired you to work, I won't treat you unfairly. I'll provide you with food and drink as needed while you stay here, and I'll also pay you two taels of silver a month as wages. I just hope you'll work hard!"
Old Man Zhao assured, "Don't worry, young lady. If they try to slack off, I will be the first one to disagree."
Li Yan explained something to Old Man Zhao before returning home.
Li Xiaomei: "How's it going over there now?"
Li Yan: "There's nothing over there. They were just packing up when I got there. I've already told Uncle Zhao that we'll have them look after our livestock from now on. Let them rest today, and I'll have them come over tomorrow to move the chickens over."
Li Xiaomei: "These strangers have come to the village. Should we go and tell the clan leader?"
Li Yan: "When I just left the house, I happened to see Grandpa. He told me that he had spoken to the clan leader and that he was a hired farmhand to help us take care of the barren mountain."
Now that we have discussed this with the clan leader, the matter is now settled.
When Li Erlang came back in the evening, Lin told her husband what had happened that day.
Li Erlang pondered for a moment and said, "Now that our family has acquired these fields, it would be nice to invite people back to help!"
Mrs. Lin said angrily, "You are also on her side. This child is becoming more and more stubborn!" Mrs. Lin was actually still worried about her daughter going to the south with Lin Feng.
Li Erlang patted Lin's shoulder comfortingly: "Don't be angry, I will go talk to her later. How can a girl bring someone home without permission!"
Li Erlang came to Li Yan's room, knocked on the door and walked in.
Li Erlang: "I heard from your mother that you brought back a family with the surname Zhao today?"
Li Yan touched her nose and explained, "My mother is pregnant and isn't suited to these kinds of tasks. I'm planning to follow my uncle south and don't have time to look after the livestock! I happened to run into Mr. Zhao and his family, who were now homeless, so I hired them to help with the chores!"
Li Erlang poked his daughter's head and said, "Child, didn't I tell you that this matter can be discussed later? Why are you still planning to go south with your uncle?"
"Dad, this really is a good opportunity! I'm not being overly concerned, but this year's grain tax is so heavy that even after paying it, we can barely get by. If next year's harvest is as good as this year, that's fine. But if we encounter a poor harvest, how will we survive?"
Li Erlang: "Is this something you, a child, should worry about?"
"Dad, a single tree can't make a forest. Everyone's having a hard time, and it's hard for us to stay out of it! Besides, aren't the people in this village all related to each other? If they really come to us for a favor, are we going to just stand there and refuse them?"
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