Chapter 40
"Miss Jiang." Yang Sheng and Shen Feng Ming came out of the side room.
Jiang Yun Zhu was currently in a good mood. She turned around and smiled at them. Her eyes were flowing, like sparkling water. It made people intoxicated in the gray winter.
Shen Feng Ming and Yang Cheng froze. Then Yang Cheng came back to his senses first and asked, "This mule?"
"We recently bought it. Oh, it's really not easy." Jiang Cheng wanted to talk about it to someone. So when Yang Cheng asked, he started chattering.
Yang Sheng listened, sometimes echoing Jiang Cheng's words. Nothing unusual.
Then Jiang Yun Zhu looked at him and Shen Feng Ming and frowned slightly. She didn't think much about it before. But now when she heard Jiang Cheng talk about this and saw these two people in front of her, she recalled a lot of strange points.
In just one day, the yamen caught two suspects and returned the money to them?
In her dream, she lived in the Great Xia Dynasty for seven years. She had never seen such an efficient official.
Moreover, if one thought about it carefully, it didn't make sense. The principal culprit of the case hadn’t been caught yet. So the case hadn’t been closed. This dirty money...
Jiang Yun Zhu wondered if it was Shen Feng Ming who helped them.
It never crossed her mind that the two of them would take action in person. Because if it were Qilin Guards, Wei Kang Ping should have been arrested yesterday. It would not be like this at all.
It was very likely that they sent a message to Magistrate Meng.
Jiang Yun Zhu carefully observed Shen Feng Ming and Yang Sheng and Shen Feng Ming happened to look at her. Their gazes intertwined.
In Jiang Yun Zhu's dream, she stayed in the Anping Marquis's Mansion for seven years. Her ability to perceive words and emotions was very good. But just like in her dream, she could never see clearly what was in Shen Feng Ming's eyes.
Did he help? She wasn’t sure.
The feelings of the people of the Xia Dynasty toward him were to turn pale. In fact, if one thought about it carefully, he hardly did anything to the people. He just killed those officials. Probably due to the officials being too afraid of him, the common people were also afraid of him.
Or it was the Qilin Guards. There was no secret they didn't know, There was nothing they couldn't do. Toward such people, ordinary people were naturally afraid.
Jiang Yun Zhu opened her mouth, wanting to ask him about this matter. These words were at the tip of her tongue when she remembered that the Shen Feng Ming duo had no intention to reveal their identities now. How could she ask?
Shen Feng Ming's gaze was drawn by her and fell on her slightly opened mouth. Those soft and bright red lips.
Jiang Yun Zhu bit her lip. Her mind turned as she spoke, "Gentleman Shen, Gentleman Yang, tell me in advance when you leave. I will make more things for you to eat on the road."
She felt her cooking skills were still good. Judging by their reaction, they enjoyed it. How about she cook more for them.
This was the only thing she could do.
Yang Sheng became energized when he heard the mention of food. He directed to Jiang Yun Zhu, "Miss Jiang, I have something to trouble you. The sausage you gave us last time, my mother likes it very much. Can I buy more from you to take it back and give it to her?
Oh right, if there are other delicious foods, the more the better."
Yang Sheng almost said, whatever cold-eaten rabbit and stewed thin beef slices, bring him a cart and he will send them back to the capital to block his mother’s mouth.
Otherwise, when he goes back this time, his mother will definitely use violence against him.
After finishing speaking, he took out two ingots of silver from his sleeve. One ingot of ten liang. So a total of twenty liang.
So much? Jiang Yun Zhu originally wanted to say that she was giving it to them for free. But did he want so much?
Yang Sheng handed her the money, "Make more. Our family are big eaters."
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"You could sell me at the normal price. It's such delicious food. Others can't buy it even when they have the money!" Yang Sheng said proudly.
Such a big business. Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen were looking over from the side. Jiang Yun Zhu could say nothing else. So she could only accept the money and help him make it with all her heart.
Back in the room, Mrs. Chen looked at the two ingots of silver, both happy and worried, Twenty liang. It was like pie falling from the sky. But, to make so many sausages, when will they finish eating it?
Now they were quite busy.
"Let’s not just make sausages alone. After eating too many sausages, one will get tired." Jiang Yun Zhu stated. She had already planned out what she would make for Yang Sheng. Another thing, "Mom, I actually want to discuss something with you. Let's hire someone!"
Now their takeaway business could earn more than five coin silver a day. In this era, labor was cheap. Hiring a cook ranged from four coins to two liang silver a month, depending on the level of the cook. Hiring two choremen only costs two to three silver coins a month.
They could definitely hire people.
"Hire people?" Mrs. Chen was surprised. She had never thought about this matter. In the past, only landlords and Masters in the city would hire people. Their family hiring people?
"We are too busy now. We don't have time to do other things. Jiang Lin and the others are still young. Can they deliver meals and do odd jobs all their lives? Hiring a few people won't cost much money and we can free ourselves up.
My mother and I could think about doing something else. The money we earn will definitely be more than the cost of hiring people.
As for Jiang Lin and the others. Once we save more money, I want to send them to a formal private school. Gu Yan Zhou will have an exam next year, so we can't delay him." Jiang Yun Zhu explained. Getting Gu Yan Zhou to teach them how to read at the beginning was just an improvisation.
As she listed it one by one with reasons and evidence, Mrs. Chen felt that it was true. It was true that the lights that weren't turned on weren’t bright, and the words that weren’t said can't be understood. What’s with her brain? Why was she just staring at the little money in her hand and being reluctant to spend it?
"Let's discuss it with your father. If it doesn't work, let's hire someone." Mrs. Chen replied.
"I heard everything. What Yun Zhu said made sense." Jiang Cheng opened the door curtain and came in from the outside.
Then this matter was settled like this- hire people. It just so happened that making sausages needed people.
The three of them immediately decided to go to the village chief's house. First, tell him what happened in the morning to reassure him and thank him again for his help yesterday. Second, ask him if there was anyone in the village who wants to be a choreman. Of course, a cook would be great.
"Is there any more stewed pear soup?" Before going out, Mrs. Chen asked.
Jiang Yun Zhu understood her intention, "There is."
In winter weather, it was dry. Especially yesterday when Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen was so angry. This morning Jiang Yun Zhu cooked pear soup while making breakfast. and wanted to relieve everyone’s fire. Now it wasn't necessary.
She went to the kitchen to fill a jar and carried it to Gu's family.
Gu Yong De, Gu Yan Zhou and Mrs. Lin were all at home.
"Auntie, try the pear soup stewed in the morning." Jiang Yun Zhu handed the pear soup to Mrs. Lin.
The pear soup was clear, moist and sweet. During winter, it looked moist.
Mrs. Lin accepted it and said with a smile, "To eat your things again, I feel embarrassed."
Gu Yan Zhou taught Jiang Yun Zhu and the others how to read, so Jiang Yun Zhu made some delicious dishes every now and then and sent them to Gu's house.
"Auntie, no need to be reserved. It's all made at home." Jiang Yun Zhu said.
Mrs. Lin held the pear soup. The more she looked at Jiang Yun Zhu, the more she liked her. Gu Yan Zhou wasn't young anymore. Gu Yong De and Mrs. Lin had long wanted to find a marriage for him. After much searching, let alone Gu Yan Zhou, both of them felt that those girls weren’t good enough for their son.
Her son was so handsome and educated. Marry a village woman who can't read?
Jiang Yun Zhu was different. She was beautiful and cooked well. Seeing what the Jiang Family was doing now, she was jealous.
What’s more, Jiang Yun Zhu learned to read from Gu Yan Zhou.
Every aspect was well matched. There was no better marriage. Mrs. Lin felt that Jiang Yun Zhu was the daughter-in-law bestowed to their family by the Heaven.
"Yan Zhou, what are you doing standing for? Go and get some cloud chip cake that was bought yesterday and let Yun Zhu a taste." Mrs. Lin said to Gu Yan Zhou.
Gu Yan Zhou smiled. Quite a pleasing appearance. He went in and brought out cloud chip cake for Jiang Cheng and the others.
The cloud chip cake was as white as snow. Mrs. Lin urged Jiang Cheng and the others to eat it, so they could accept a piece each. The taste was very sweet.
Afterward, it came to serious matters. Jiang Cheng told Gu Yong De what happened this morning.
Gu Yong De was amazed when he heard this. It was the first time he had seen the yamen handle matters like this.
The Jiang Family had no relatives and no background in Wuling County. In the end, it could only be said that the Jiang Family was lucky this time.
Then, it came to the second matter. Gu Yong De pondered for a while, "There are no cooks in the village. As for choremen, do you want male or female?"
Both Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen turned to Jiang Yun Zhu. Currently, she took charge of many matters in the family.
"Either is fine." Jiang Yun Zhu replied. It was the work of delivering meals and picking groceries. "As long as they do things cleanly and neatly."
When it came to their catering, the first thing was to be clean. Then being hardworking and willing to do it.
The latter may be a good quality that all bosses hope for in their employees.
"Oh right, if anyone who could read and write is willing to come, the benefit will be generous." She added.
"Can read? It's really hard to find." Gu Yong De said. Literacy meant that the family was rich. So who would be a handyman?
“Being able to read isn't a priority." Jiang Yun Zhu guessed that this was the case, so she didn't force it.
"En." Gu Yong De nodded, "I think there are a few that are okay. Let me tell you and if you are satisfied, I will help you ask."
"Thank you, Village Chief." Jiang Yun Zhu said with a smile.
Gu Yong De liked Jiang Yun Zhu. Look, her mouth was full of ‘thanks’. What a generous and sensible girl.
He started to talk. The first one, the Fang Family in the west of the village. Old Fourth Fang. He hurt his waist working in the mine a few years ago. The mine compensated him with some money, but that money was enough to see a doctor and for medicine.
And his wife was another candidate.
"The Fang Family is having a hard time now. These two are hardworking and capable people. But after Old Fourth Fang recovered from his injury, the mine won't use him at all. One must know that in this mountain village, when one can't enter the mine, one can't make money at all.
In fact, old Fourth Fang's health was fine. I saw him carrying grain last year. Think how heavy the bag of grain is. He could carry it without any problem.
It’s so cold-hearted of the mine to not use him.” Gu Yong De sighed. That's why he won't let Xu Qing Shan go to the mine. The young and middle-aged people in the village made money from the mine, but many things happened to them. Who could guarantee that it won't happen to themselves.
Jiang Yun Zhu could detect that he really wanted to recommend the Fang Family’s couple to her. Otherwise he wouldn't have said so much.
While listening at the side, Jiang Cheng felt relieved. He had only been working in the mine for a month. He personally witnessed a large ore fall and smashed a young man's leg. That person should be someone else's son, husband, or even father. Don't know how he will live in the future.
At that time, he would occasionally think, what should to do if something happened to him?
Fortunately...he looked at Jiang Yun Zhu, mentally comforted himself.
He really wanted to meet old Fourth Fang. If it was indeed as the village chief said, then it would be good to hire him. But he didn't say anything. Jiang Yun Zhu's business was still decided by her.
Jiang Yun Zhu had already seen Jiang Cheng's reaction. Still, she kept her composure and listened to Gu Yong De's finishing talking about the remaining candidates.
Sure enough, the couple from the Fang Family were the most suitable. With both of them working in the Jiang Family, they could help each other out.
"Can I meet the Fang Family couple?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked.
"Of course, do you want to meet now? I'll find them for you right away." Hearing that Jiang Yun Zhu intends to hire the Fang Family couple, Gu Yong De’s face was full of joy. The Fang Family was somewhat related to him. Old Fourth Fang had pleaded with him a few times to help find a job for him. And he couldn't find any. Now was an opportunity.
Not daring to trouble him, Jiang Yun Zhu stood up, "Why didn't we go to Fang's house to have a look together."
"Alright." Gu Yong De stood up.
Everyone walked toward the west of the village and soon came to a house.
This household was a bit strange. The house seemed to be newly built a few years ago. It was big and well built. However, the yard was very dilapidated. The two wooden doors were barely doors.
"Is Eldest Nephew at home?" Gu Yong De called out from a long distance away.
There was movement in the house. After a while, a man with a simple and honest face came out. He was followed by a somewhat haggard woman. Afterward, one, two, three, four children. The eldest one looked like eleven-twelve years old, while the youngest one could only just walk.
In ancient times, there were no family planning products. Sometimes the poor didn't want to have children, but they had to give birth after they became pregnant.
"Village Chief." Old Fourth Fang called Gu Yong De and then looked at Jiang Cheng and the others.
"We all live in the same village. You may have met, but don't know each other." Gu Yong De introduced the two parties. Then he told old Fourth Fang about the Jiang Family's desire to hire choremen.
Hearing this, old Fourth Fang became agitated. He turned to Jiang Cheng, "The injury on my waist had healed. There was no problem in doing work. If you don't believe, don't believe ..." He looked around and saw a big stone at the door. Immediately, he went over to move that big stone.
He thought that Jiang Cheng was the person in charge of the Jiang Family.
Jiang Cheng hurriedly stopped him. It would be bad if his initially-fine waist get injured from moving such a big stone.
Then Jiang Cheng looked at Jiang Yun Zhu.
Jiang Yun Zhu was taking in old Fourth Fang and his wife. Though they were wearing coarse cloth clothes, it was very clean. So were the children. One must know that children most likely stain clothes, hands, and faces. If an adult didn’t tidy up, there was no way they could be decent. Although the children of the Fang Family looked a little thinner, they were all clean. Even the youngest one.
There was a kitchen in the yard. She examined inside here and there. The pots and pans were all brushed clean and neatly arranged. There was no sludge on the stove.
This was very difficult. With the farmer's big pot, firewood, and casual cooking, those oily smoke mixed with the dust on the firewood could cover the stove. Jiang Yun Zhu felt those who loved tidiness very much could do it to the Fang Family’s extent.
She was quite satisfied with the couple, so she asked them if they would like to work for their family.
Old Fourth Fang and his wife were more than willing. There were many children in the family. Eating and drinking was a big problem.
Jiang Yun Zhu proposed to try the work for three days first. If the two parties have no problems, they will be hired.
The price? If both were hired, it was six silver coins.
This price was really not low. It was six coins a month for going to the mine. That was tiring and dangerous. Besides, the other party might not want them. Now the husband and wife were working as choremen and also earned six silver coins in total. And it was still close to home. One can’t find anything better than this.
"Thank you, thank you." The Fang Family couple weren’t good with words. They just kept thanking them. After thanking Jiang Yun Zhu and Gu Yong De, they even thanked Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen.
"Work hard, and later, build this yard." Gu Yong De told them.
"Yes, thank you, Village Chief." Old Fourth Fang started another round of thanks.
Jiang Yun Zhu asked when they could go to work. Both of them couldn't wait to express their immediate start.
Jiang Yun Zhu thought about going to the county city today. It just happened that they were a bit on time for the cooking at noon. It would be nice to have their help. So she agreed.
The two turned around and left the children a few words before following Jiang Yun Zhu.
At this moment, someone behind the courtyard wall at the side asked, "Are you from the Jiangji meal stall?"
Everyone heard it and looked over there.
The walls of Fang's house were short. One could see a thirteen-fourteen-year-old boy standing in the yard next door. The boy's brows and eyes were lively. The brows were somewhat similar to Gu Yan Zhou. He was poking his head and looking this way.
"Little brat, what are you doing!" Gu Yong De shouted as soon as he saw the boy.
The youth ignored him. He looked at Jiang Yun Zhu and asked, "Do you want to hire someone?"
He heard everything in the yard just now and knew that Jiang Yun Zhu was the one who made the decision.
"Yes." Jiang Yun Zhu replied.
The boy looked her up and down and asked, "How about hiring me?"
Jiang Yun Zhu turned to Gu Yong De. Who was this?
"My nephew. Not properly studying!" Gu Yong De said angrily, "I'll tell your father later, and see if your father won't beat you."
The young man grimaced, "Eldest Uncle, I want to be like Elder Brother Yan Zhou. Whoever sees me will praise me. I really can't study. You don't even know, I feel like I'm being tortured sitting there every day.
Sometimes I think, if I study all my life, I might as well just die. "
"Oh, you're so young. What die or live! You better study hard." Gu Yong De stated, already planning to go over to teach him a lesson.
The youth hurriedly begged Jiang Yun Zhu, "Hire me, I can read and write. I can also settle accounts. As long as you let me leave... Oh, Eldest Uncle, Eldest Uncle..." The youth ran away in a hurry.
Jiang Yun Zhu watched his back and smiled. This kid ran quite fast.
"Miss Jiang." Yang Sheng and Shen Feng Ming came out of the side room.
Jiang Yun Zhu was currently in a good mood. She turned around and smiled at them. Her eyes were flowing, like sparkling water. It made people intoxicated in the gray winter.
Shen Feng Ming and Yang Cheng froze. Then Yang Cheng came back to his senses first and asked, "This mule?"
"We recently bought it. Oh, it's really not easy." Jiang Cheng wanted to talk about it to someone. So when Yang Cheng asked, he started chattering.
Yang Sheng listened, sometimes echoing Jiang Cheng's words. Nothing unusual.
Then Jiang Yun Zhu looked at him and Shen Feng Ming and frowned slightly. She didn't think much about it before. But now when she heard Jiang Cheng talk about this and saw these two people in front of her, she recalled a lot of strange points.
In just one day, the yamen caught two suspects and returned the money to them?
In her dream, she lived in the Great Xia Dynasty for seven years. She had never seen such an efficient official.
Moreover, if one thought about it carefully, it didn't make sense. The principal culprit of the case hadn’t been caught yet. So the case hadn’t been closed. This dirty money...
Jiang Yun Zhu wondered if it was Shen Feng Ming who helped them.
It never crossed her mind that the two of them would take action in person. Because if it were Qilin Guards, Wei Kang Ping should have been arrested yesterday. It would not be like this at all.
It was very likely that they sent a message to Magistrate Meng.
Jiang Yun Zhu carefully observed Shen Feng Ming and Yang Sheng and Shen Feng Ming happened to look at her. Their gazes intertwined.
In Jiang Yun Zhu's dream, she stayed in the Anping Marquis's Mansion for seven years. Her ability to perceive words and emotions was very good. But just like in her dream, she could never see clearly what was in Shen Feng Ming's eyes.
Did he help? She wasn’t sure.
The feelings of the people of the Xia Dynasty toward him were to turn pale. In fact, if one thought about it carefully, he hardly did anything to the people. He just killed those officials. Probably due to the officials being too afraid of him, the common people were also afraid of him.
Or it was the Qilin Guards. There was no secret they didn't know, There was nothing they couldn't do. Toward such people, ordinary people were naturally afraid.
Jiang Yun Zhu opened her mouth, wanting to ask him about this matter. These words were at the tip of her tongue when she remembered that the Shen Feng Ming duo had no intention to reveal their identities now. How could she ask?
Shen Feng Ming's gaze was drawn by her and fell on her slightly opened mouth. Those soft and bright red lips.
Jiang Yun Zhu bit her lip. Her mind turned as she spoke, "Gentleman Shen, Gentleman Yang, tell me in advance when you leave. I will make more things for you to eat on the road."
She felt her cooking skills were still good. Judging by their reaction, they enjoyed it. How about she cook more for them.
This was the only thing she could do.
Yang Sheng became energized when he heard the mention of food. He directed to Jiang Yun Zhu, "Miss Jiang, I have something to trouble you. The sausage you gave us last time, my mother likes it very much. Can I buy more from you to take it back and give it to her?
Oh right, if there are other delicious foods, the more the better."
Yang Sheng almost said, whatever cold-eaten rabbit and stewed thin beef slices, bring him a cart and he will send them back to the capital to block his mother’s mouth.
Otherwise, when he goes back this time, his mother will definitely use violence against him.
After finishing speaking, he took out two ingots of silver from his sleeve. One ingot of ten liang. So a total of twenty liang.
So much? Jiang Yun Zhu originally wanted to say that she was giving it to them for free. But did he want so much?
Yang Sheng handed her the money, "Make more. Our family are big eaters."
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"You could sell me at the normal price. It's such delicious food. Others can't buy it even when they have the money!" Yang Sheng said proudly.
Such a big business. Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen were looking over from the side. Jiang Yun Zhu could say nothing else. So she could only accept the money and help him make it with all her heart.
Back in the room, Mrs. Chen looked at the two ingots of silver, both happy and worried, Twenty liang. It was like pie falling from the sky. But, to make so many sausages, when will they finish eating it?
Now they were quite busy.
"Let’s not just make sausages alone. After eating too many sausages, one will get tired." Jiang Yun Zhu stated. She had already planned out what she would make for Yang Sheng. Another thing, "Mom, I actually want to discuss something with you. Let's hire someone!"
Now their takeaway business could earn more than five coin silver a day. In this era, labor was cheap. Hiring a cook ranged from four coins to two liang silver a month, depending on the level of the cook. Hiring two choremen only costs two to three silver coins a month.
They could definitely hire people.
"Hire people?" Mrs. Chen was surprised. She had never thought about this matter. In the past, only landlords and Masters in the city would hire people. Their family hiring people?
"We are too busy now. We don't have time to do other things. Jiang Lin and the others are still young. Can they deliver meals and do odd jobs all their lives? Hiring a few people won't cost much money and we can free ourselves up.
My mother and I could think about doing something else. The money we earn will definitely be more than the cost of hiring people.
As for Jiang Lin and the others. Once we save more money, I want to send them to a formal private school. Gu Yan Zhou will have an exam next year, so we can't delay him." Jiang Yun Zhu explained. Getting Gu Yan Zhou to teach them how to read at the beginning was just an improvisation.
As she listed it one by one with reasons and evidence, Mrs. Chen felt that it was true. It was true that the lights that weren't turned on weren’t bright, and the words that weren’t said can't be understood. What’s with her brain? Why was she just staring at the little money in her hand and being reluctant to spend it?
"Let's discuss it with your father. If it doesn't work, let's hire someone." Mrs. Chen replied.
"I heard everything. What Yun Zhu said made sense." Jiang Cheng opened the door curtain and came in from the outside.
Then this matter was settled like this- hire people. It just so happened that making sausages needed people.
The three of them immediately decided to go to the village chief's house. First, tell him what happened in the morning to reassure him and thank him again for his help yesterday. Second, ask him if there was anyone in the village who wants to be a choreman. Of course, a cook would be great.
"Is there any more stewed pear soup?" Before going out, Mrs. Chen asked.
Jiang Yun Zhu understood her intention, "There is."
In winter weather, it was dry. Especially yesterday when Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen was so angry. This morning Jiang Yun Zhu cooked pear soup while making breakfast. and wanted to relieve everyone’s fire. Now it wasn't necessary.
She went to the kitchen to fill a jar and carried it to Gu's family.
Gu Yong De, Gu Yan Zhou and Mrs. Lin were all at home.
"Auntie, try the pear soup stewed in the morning." Jiang Yun Zhu handed the pear soup to Mrs. Lin.
The pear soup was clear, moist and sweet. During winter, it looked moist.
Mrs. Lin accepted it and said with a smile, "To eat your things again, I feel embarrassed."
Gu Yan Zhou taught Jiang Yun Zhu and the others how to read, so Jiang Yun Zhu made some delicious dishes every now and then and sent them to Gu's house.
"Auntie, no need to be reserved. It's all made at home." Jiang Yun Zhu said.
Mrs. Lin held the pear soup. The more she looked at Jiang Yun Zhu, the more she liked her. Gu Yan Zhou wasn't young anymore. Gu Yong De and Mrs. Lin had long wanted to find a marriage for him. After much searching, let alone Gu Yan Zhou, both of them felt that those girls weren’t good enough for their son.
Her son was so handsome and educated. Marry a village woman who can't read?
Jiang Yun Zhu was different. She was beautiful and cooked well. Seeing what the Jiang Family was doing now, she was jealous.
What’s more, Jiang Yun Zhu learned to read from Gu Yan Zhou.
Every aspect was well matched. There was no better marriage. Mrs. Lin felt that Jiang Yun Zhu was the daughter-in-law bestowed to their family by the Heaven.
"Yan Zhou, what are you doing standing for? Go and get some cloud chip cake that was bought yesterday and let Yun Zhu a taste." Mrs. Lin said to Gu Yan Zhou.
Gu Yan Zhou smiled. Quite a pleasing appearance. He went in and brought out cloud chip cake for Jiang Cheng and the others.
The cloud chip cake was as white as snow. Mrs. Lin urged Jiang Cheng and the others to eat it, so they could accept a piece each. The taste was very sweet.
Afterward, it came to serious matters. Jiang Cheng told Gu Yong De what happened this morning.
Gu Yong De was amazed when he heard this. It was the first time he had seen the yamen handle matters like this.
The Jiang Family had no relatives and no background in Wuling County. In the end, it could only be said that the Jiang Family was lucky this time.
Then, it came to the second matter. Gu Yong De pondered for a while, "There are no cooks in the village. As for choremen, do you want male or female?"
Both Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen turned to Jiang Yun Zhu. Currently, she took charge of many matters in the family.
"Either is fine." Jiang Yun Zhu replied. It was the work of delivering meals and picking groceries. "As long as they do things cleanly and neatly."
When it came to their catering, the first thing was to be clean. Then being hardworking and willing to do it.
The latter may be a good quality that all bosses hope for in their employees.
"Oh right, if anyone who could read and write is willing to come, the benefit will be generous." She added.
"Can read? It's really hard to find." Gu Yong De said. Literacy meant that the family was rich. So who would be a handyman?
“Being able to read isn't a priority." Jiang Yun Zhu guessed that this was the case, so she didn't force it.
"En." Gu Yong De nodded, "I think there are a few that are okay. Let me tell you and if you are satisfied, I will help you ask."
"Thank you, Village Chief." Jiang Yun Zhu said with a smile.
Gu Yong De liked Jiang Yun Zhu. Look, her mouth was full of ‘thanks’. What a generous and sensible girl.
He started to talk. The first one, the Fang Family in the west of the village. Old Fourth Fang. He hurt his waist working in the mine a few years ago. The mine compensated him with some money, but that money was enough to see a doctor and for medicine.
And his wife was another candidate.
"The Fang Family is having a hard time now. These two are hardworking and capable people. But after Old Fourth Fang recovered from his injury, the mine won't use him at all. One must know that in this mountain village, when one can't enter the mine, one can't make money at all.
In fact, old Fourth Fang's health was fine. I saw him carrying grain last year. Think how heavy the bag of grain is. He could carry it without any problem.
It’s so cold-hearted of the mine to not use him.” Gu Yong De sighed. That's why he won't let Xu Qing Shan go to the mine. The young and middle-aged people in the village made money from the mine, but many things happened to them. Who could guarantee that it won't happen to themselves.
Jiang Yun Zhu could detect that he really wanted to recommend the Fang Family’s couple to her. Otherwise he wouldn't have said so much.
While listening at the side, Jiang Cheng felt relieved. He had only been working in the mine for a month. He personally witnessed a large ore fall and smashed a young man's leg. That person should be someone else's son, husband, or even father. Don't know how he will live in the future.
At that time, he would occasionally think, what should to do if something happened to him?
Fortunately...he looked at Jiang Yun Zhu, mentally comforted himself.
He really wanted to meet old Fourth Fang. If it was indeed as the village chief said, then it would be good to hire him. But he didn't say anything. Jiang Yun Zhu's business was still decided by her.
Jiang Yun Zhu had already seen Jiang Cheng's reaction. Still, she kept her composure and listened to Gu Yong De's finishing talking about the remaining candidates.
Sure enough, the couple from the Fang Family were the most suitable. With both of them working in the Jiang Family, they could help each other out.
"Can I meet the Fang Family couple?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked.
"Of course, do you want to meet now? I'll find them for you right away." Hearing that Jiang Yun Zhu intends to hire the Fang Family couple, Gu Yong De’s face was full of joy. The Fang Family was somewhat related to him. Old Fourth Fang had pleaded with him a few times to help find a job for him. And he couldn't find any. Now was an opportunity.
Not daring to trouble him, Jiang Yun Zhu stood up, "Why didn't we go to Fang's house to have a look together."
"Alright." Gu Yong De stood up.
Everyone walked toward the west of the village and soon came to a house.
This household was a bit strange. The house seemed to be newly built a few years ago. It was big and well built. However, the yard was very dilapidated. The two wooden doors were barely doors.
"Is Eldest Nephew at home?" Gu Yong De called out from a long distance away.
There was movement in the house. After a while, a man with a simple and honest face came out. He was followed by a somewhat haggard woman. Afterward, one, two, three, four children. The eldest one looked like eleven-twelve years old, while the youngest one could only just walk.
In ancient times, there were no family planning products. Sometimes the poor didn't want to have children, but they had to give birth after they became pregnant.
"Village Chief." Old Fourth Fang called Gu Yong De and then looked at Jiang Cheng and the others.
"We all live in the same village. You may have met, but don't know each other." Gu Yong De introduced the two parties. Then he told old Fourth Fang about the Jiang Family's desire to hire choremen.
Hearing this, old Fourth Fang became agitated. He turned to Jiang Cheng, "The injury on my waist had healed. There was no problem in doing work. If you don't believe, don't believe ..." He looked around and saw a big stone at the door. Immediately, he went over to move that big stone.
He thought that Jiang Cheng was the person in charge of the Jiang Family.
Jiang Cheng hurriedly stopped him. It would be bad if his initially-fine waist get injured from moving such a big stone.
Then Jiang Cheng looked at Jiang Yun Zhu.
Jiang Yun Zhu was taking in old Fourth Fang and his wife. Though they were wearing coarse cloth clothes, it was very clean. So were the children. One must know that children most likely stain clothes, hands, and faces. If an adult didn’t tidy up, there was no way they could be decent. Although the children of the Fang Family looked a little thinner, they were all clean. Even the youngest one.
There was a kitchen in the yard. She examined inside here and there. The pots and pans were all brushed clean and neatly arranged. There was no sludge on the stove.
This was very difficult. With the farmer's big pot, firewood, and casual cooking, those oily smoke mixed with the dust on the firewood could cover the stove. Jiang Yun Zhu felt those who loved tidiness very much could do it to the Fang Family’s extent.
She was quite satisfied with the couple, so she asked them if they would like to work for their family.
Old Fourth Fang and his wife were more than willing. There were many children in the family. Eating and drinking was a big problem.
Jiang Yun Zhu proposed to try the work for three days first. If the two parties have no problems, they will be hired.
The price? If both were hired, it was six silver coins.
This price was really not low. It was six coins a month for going to the mine. That was tiring and dangerous. Besides, the other party might not want them. Now the husband and wife were working as choremen and also earned six silver coins in total. And it was still close to home. One can’t find anything better than this.
"Thank you, thank you." The Fang Family couple weren’t good with words. They just kept thanking them. After thanking Jiang Yun Zhu and Gu Yong De, they even thanked Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen.
"Work hard, and later, build this yard." Gu Yong De told them.
"Yes, thank you, Village Chief." Old Fourth Fang started another round of thanks.
Jiang Yun Zhu asked when they could go to work. Both of them couldn't wait to express their immediate start.
Jiang Yun Zhu thought about going to the county city today. It just happened that they were a bit on time for the cooking at noon. It would be nice to have their help. So she agreed.
The two turned around and left the children a few words before following Jiang Yun Zhu.
At this moment, someone behind the courtyard wall at the side asked, "Are you from the Jiangji meal stall?"
Everyone heard it and looked over there.
The walls of Fang's house were short. One could see a thirteen-fourteen-year-old boy standing in the yard next door. The boy's brows and eyes were lively. The brows were somewhat similar to Gu Yan Zhou. He was poking his head and looking this way.
"Little brat, what are you doing!" Gu Yong De shouted as soon as he saw the boy.
The youth ignored him. He looked at Jiang Yun Zhu and asked, "Do you want to hire someone?"
He heard everything in the yard just now and knew that Jiang Yun Zhu was the one who made the decision.
"Yes." Jiang Yun Zhu replied.
The boy looked her up and down and asked, "How about hiring me?"
Jiang Yun Zhu turned to Gu Yong De. Who was this?
"My nephew. Not properly studying!" Gu Yong De said angrily, "I'll tell your father later, and see if your father won't beat you."
The young man grimaced, "Eldest Uncle, I want to be like Elder Brother Yan Zhou. Whoever sees me will praise me. I really can't study. You don't even know, I feel like I'm being tortured sitting there every day.
Sometimes I think, if I study all my life, I might as well just die. "
"Oh, you're so young. What die or live! You better study hard." Gu Yong De stated, already planning to go over to teach him a lesson.
The youth hurriedly begged Jiang Yun Zhu, "Hire me, I can read and write. I can also settle accounts. As long as you let me leave... Oh, Eldest Uncle, Eldest Uncle..." The youth ran away in a hurry.
Jiang Yun Zhu watched his back and smiled. This kid ran quite fast.
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