"Father, do you mean that Shuyun needs more manpower?"
Jiang Qin looked at his father. He hadn’t expected that Shu Yun’s wife would act so quickly. She had only been in the prefectural city for a short time!
"Butler Li is back. He said he bought a large estate with more than a thousand acres of land and needs fifteen strong laborers and several young boys."
The letter from Shuyun asked me to help find some diligent and well-behaved people. Our Jiangjia Village has a large population but limited land, so we don't need many people.
Third Grandfather knew perfectly well that Shuyun wanted him to oversee the selection process and prevent sending any unreliable individuals over, lest it cause trouble for his wife.
"Dad, we only need strong laborers, right?"
Jiang Qin thought that the city was not close to the village. If he went there, would he be able to come back once a year?
"Those who have settled down and started a family can also bring their wives and children with them."
The third grandfather added that he knew that farmhands could bring their wives and children to the villages in the county town.
"Dad, I want to go."
Jiang Mian, the second son of the third grandfather, had been listening to his father and elder brother talk, and initially had no particular thoughts.
The candidates for his father's position as clan leader were his eldest brother and his uncle's eldest grandson, Jiang Shuhai.
These two were introduced to and involved in clan affairs. He wasn't the eldest son, and he had never liked getting involved in those matters.
But as his children grew up day by day, he couldn't stay in the village forever, farming those few acres of land. In the future, when his children got married, he wouldn't have anything decent to offer.
Jiang Mian initially had no idea; he was worried about his wife taking care of the child alone at home.
His wife and he grew up together as childhood sweethearts. After they got engaged, she fell seriously ill. She survived, but her voice was damaged and she could no longer speak.
"Second brother, have you thought this through?"
Third Grandfather's question interrupted Jiang Mian's reverie.
"Hmm, didn't you say we could bring our wives and kids along?"
This is also why Jiang Mian made up his mind to go; he could bring his wife and children with him.
"You're taking them all with you?"
"Yes, although Liu Ye can't speak, she can hear. Moreover, she's very skillful and her work is just as good as anyone else's."
Jiang Mian thought of his wife; she was not only beautiful, but she also did everything with great care.
She makes great clothes, cooks delicious food, and even learned how to grow watermelons. She's very clever.
Third Grandfather knew that his second son had the same adventurous spirit as him when he was young. If it weren't for his second wife's health issues, he probably would have gone out to make his way in the world long ago.
"Alright, since you've made up your mind to go, I won't stop you. Shuyun said she wants to find a hardworking, willing, and obedient strong laborer, and you fit the bill."
After you arrive, let the two children continue their studies. Even if they cannot pass the imperial examinations, they should at least learn to read and write and understand arithmetic.
My third grandfather insisted that all his grandsons were in school.
"Of course they should study. What can a child of that age do if they don't study?"
Jiang Mian thought of his three children, all of whom were sensible and obedient. Knowing that their mother couldn't speak, they always thought of protecting her and not letting others bully her.
"Second brother, don't worry, the third brother and I will take care of things at home."
"Thank you, brother!"
Jiang Mian thanked his elder brother and went inside to find his wife to pack his luggage.
Third Grandfather went to see First Grandfather, the village head, and the village chief of Jiangjia Village.
Shuyun said that the workers were not limited to the Jiang clan, but covered the entire Jiangjia Village. Many things are not a matter of scarcity, but of inequality.
After discussing it together, they finally selected ten unmarried young men, all of whom came from families with many children and were not well-off.
Five other men, all married with children, went with their families. They were all around thirty years old, in their prime.
There were also a few teenagers around thirteen or fourteen years old, who were also diligent and eloquent.
After the people were selected, my third grandfather and the others held a meeting with them.
"You are able to go to the prefectural city to work thanks to Shuyun and her husband for not forgetting their roots and thinking of the villagers when they need help. After you get there, work honestly, be diligent, and follow instructions."
"If anyone does anything they shouldn't, then Jiangjia Village will no longer tolerate them."
The village chief was no longer the old master of the Lin family, but Wang Zhongwu, the younger brother of the scholar Wang. Although he had a bit of a temper, he was a righteous man and well-liked in the surrounding area.
Because he knew some martial arts, he had a chivalrous air about him. After returning from where his brother worked, he took care of the family business and lived a good life.
After Wang Zhongwu became the village chief, he did a good job, and everyone trusted him.
He is someone most people wouldn't dare question; he is a man of his word.
"We must work hard and not do anything to let our employer down."
The dozen or so people answered in unison; those who were selected had all passed the test.
At that moment, they understood that from now on, Jiang Shuyun and her husband would be their employers.
Third Grandfather nodded inwardly, "Good, it's good that he recognizes his own identity."
Butler Li did not leave that night, but stayed at the Jiang family's old house.
Third Grandfather has already brought over the list of people who will be going and also explained their general situation.
“Go back and tell your master and mistress that if any of these people are not working properly, send them back directly, no matter what their surname is or who they are.”
"Thank you, Chief Clan Chief!"
Steward Li bowed deeply; with the clan leader's support, many things would be much easier.
The next day, Jiang's parents and Granny Xing loaded their packed luggage onto the carriage and prepared to head to the county town.
"Chutong, Chuqing, listen to your grandparents. When you get to your second uncle's house, you should also listen to your second uncle and aunt. Chutong, you're all grown up now, learn more from your second aunt."
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