Chapter 174: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 174: Dealing with Unusual Circumstances in the New House (8)
The wages provided by the Mo family were high, and the food was good. After working for only three months, each worker earned two or three taels of silver. Over fifty villagers who came to help were unwilling to leave and wanted to stay and continue working.
Because of this, Mo Qingze was quite troubled. These villagers were all hardworking folks from the village, and after spending these months together, they had developed a close relationship. In the past few days, many of them had approached him, hoping to stay. He didn't know whom to dismiss.
Upon hearing this, Mo Yan smiled and said, "Let them draw lots. Whoever draws a slip of paper with a mark on it will leave. It's a matter of luck, so no one can say you're being unfair."
Although the method was naive, it didn't offend anyone. Their family couldn't just pay them to stay and play at the construction site!
Mo Qingze's eyes lit up, and he laughed heartily as he patted Mo Yan's head. "My daughter is indeed clever; let's do it this way."
The next day, the villagers who drew marked slips were quite disappointed. However, after seeing the extra hundred wen given by the Mo family, they happily went home.
The remaining workers, about twenty of them, weren't envious either. By working for another half a month, they could earn over four hundred wen!
...
"Xiao Zhu, why did you bring so many pickled peppers again?"
When Mo Yan opened the clay jar brought by Xiao Zhu, a pungent aroma rushed into her nose, causing her to sneeze several times.
However, the taste of these pickled peppers was really good, arousing her appetite!
"Hehe, last time when I went back, I mentioned that you liked these. So, Aunt Tong next door made another jar and asked me to bring it to you."
Xiao Zhu scratched his head, smiling foolishly.
Mo Yan sighed, "Don't do this next time. The Tong family is struggling; making a jar of pickled peppers costs quite a bit of money!"
Xiao Zhu felt embarrassed. "I didn't want to bring it, but Aunt Tong insisted. I couldn't refuse."
Mo Yan had no choice but to pick thirty eggs from her storage and give them to Xiao Zhu. "Take these back to Aunt Tong and say that I thought about Uncle Tong's health, so I'm sending these eggs to help him."
Mo Yan was always kind to others. Initially, she had bought many pear and peach saplings from the Tong family, temporarily alleviating their difficulties. Aunt Tong felt indebted to Mo Yan and often sent some homemade dishes to her through Xiao Zhu.
This jar of pickled peppers was one of them. Although Mo Yan liked it, she felt embarrassed to accept such gifts.
Directly giving money would be too embarrassing, and she had plenty of eggs. Giving a few baskets to the Tong family wouldn't be a big deal, but it might put pressure on the kind yet somewhat proud Aunt Tong. It would make her feel obligated to return the favor with something else, burdening her further. It was better not to send anything at all.
Xiao Zhu took the eggs, looking hesitant. Seeing his struggle, Mo Yan smiled and asked, "What's wrong? Do you have something to tell me?"
Xiao Zhu looked even more conflicted upon hearing this, and finally asked carefully, "Miss Mo, taking care of such a large orchard must be tiring, right?"
Mo Yan understood his implication and casually replied, "Not really. I hire people to take care of the orchard. I just go there occasionally to check."
Xiao Zhu's disappointment was evident. Seeing this, Mo Yan couldn't bear to tease him further and said, "Actually, I'm looking for someone who knows how to take care of orchards to help me. It's just hard to find such a person, and I haven't found one yet."
Although hired workers took care of watering, weeding, and fertilizing the orchard, they didn't understand the habits of fruit trees. Some water-loving seedlings were overwatered, making them sickly. Mo Yan used water from her storage space to save them. She wanted to find someone knowledgeable to guide the villagers in watering and fertilizing the orchard, making it easier for her.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhu's eyes lit up. "What about the Tong family? They used to have a large orchard, and their family was well-off. But after Uncle Tong fell ill and their only son passed away, the Tong family gradually declined. However, they are very good at managing orchards. Just look at the seedlings they cultivated."
"Well, the Tong family's seedlings are indeed good. The seedlings in my orchard are thriving." Mo Yan agreed. Otherwise, she wouldn't have bought so many from them.
However, Tong family's seedlings were too ordinary and couldn't sell for a good price. Moreover, the season for selling seedlings was short. Uncle Tong, who was chronically ill and needed medication, and their only grandson, who needed care, made it difficult for Aunt Tong to find work outside. Thus, their lives were very hard.
Seeing Mo Yan's sincere interest, Xiao Zhu was delighted and continued, "The Tong family is very nice. Although Uncle Tong is not in good health, he is even better at managing the orchard than Aunt Tong. Their grandson is also five or six years old now and can help with some light work. In a few more years, he will be a great help! Their life is too difficult right now. If Miss Mo is willing to help them, they will definitely do their best to help you manage the orchard."
Mo Yan was moved by the idea and didn't mind that the Tong family's members were not very useful. After all, the orchard was so large that even three strong young people couldn't handle it all. She just wanted someone knowledgeable to guide the villagers in watering and fertilizing the orchard, which only required giving some instructions.
Thinking of this, Mo Yan asked, "Is this your idea, or does Aunt Tong have this intention?"
Xiao Zhu scratched his head shyly, "It's my idea. I planned to talk to Aunt Tong after you agreed!"
Mo Yan was speechless. "But what if Aunt Tong disagrees?"
"Ah?" Xiao Zhu was dumbfounded. He hadn't thought about this possibility. After all, the Tong family was in such dire straits; they would surely be willing to take up any work available, right?
Mo Yan sighed helplessly. "You should go back and discuss it with Aunt Tong first. If she agrees, they can come to my house anytime to help with the orchard."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhu was overjoyed. He patted his chest and promised, "Aunt Tong will definitely agree! I'll go back and tell her the good news right away."
With that, he picked up the basket of eggs and ran off.
Mo Yan shook her head, smiling wryly. She was quite looking forward to Aunt Tong's response...
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