Seeing that Shen Tang agreed, Si Dang was so happy that he pledged the money! Although there is a lot of money in Wushan, a few thousand taels is still considered a big business.
Even if the county magistrate and others share the profits, at least a few hundred taels will fall into his pocket.
"Sir, please wait a moment, I will prepare the manpower right away! It only takes a quarter of an hour to have all the manpower, and then we can set off."
Qian Yasi turned around and headed towards Wushan County not far away. Sure enough, not long after, a dark crowd of men came to the shore!
Shen Tang stood on the deck and looked from a distance, but saw that most of these people were naked, and a few were covered in shabby coarse cloth! Everyone's body was tanned dark by the sun, and these people were all covered in shabby clothes. The ropes were connected, and every ten people formed a team. Under the suppressed scolding and whipping from around them, they lined up and waited in a chaotic manner.
Shen Tang frowned, but Qian Yasi, who came over, was obviously a wise man, and he quickly said, "Hey, this gentleman is a noble man, so he naturally sympathizes with these damn guys.
However, the master doesn’t know that some of these people are exiled from the army, and some are refugees who have committed crimes. If they don’t have some means to watch over them, they may have escaped without a trace long ago!”
"Eight out of ten of these people are worthy of death. If they can help your master and have a few mouthfuls of food, they are in good luck..."
Shen Tang sighed quietly in his heart, but at least now he is unable to change the will of the entire Song Dynasty! This is the current situation of the Song Dynasty, and even this is just the tip of the iceberg of the Song Dynasty. Behind this prosperous world, there is no idea how much darkness there is. The tragedy is far worse than what you see in front of you! In addition, although this is just a small fiber-drawing team, it must be involved in a wide range of things. Not to mention Wushan County, even Kuizhou Prefecture is not free of involvement. It is not surprising that behind this interest group there is the shadow of an important minister in the DPRK!
"Husband, these prostitutes from all over the country are indeed mainly criminals or soldiers. What we can do is to treat them a little better when they follow us.
If you want to make a complete change, it won’t happen in a day!”
Shao Muyu stood beside Shen Tang and spoke softly.
Shen Tang nodded slightly, "Okay, get ready to go! There's no need to rush, just do your best.
In addition, if you add a few points to their food, I will give you some more money."
"Your Majesty is so kind. I would like to thank you for your kindness and righteousness on behalf of these shameless men!"
After that, Qian Yasi returned to the shore and gave instructions to the government officials on the side. The government officials loudly urged the trackers to come forward...
Shen Tang sighed softly and returned to the cabin. The girls also knew that Shen Tang was a little depressed, so they all accompanied him back to the cabin! After a moment, the ship lifted anchor, and the trackers on the shore bowed their heads neatly. With the sound of drinking, several large ships moved forward slowly...
The weather was not good. After traveling for three or four days, the originally sunny weather suddenly turned gloomy! A steady drizzle fell, making the already difficult journey even more difficult! Shen Tang and others were in the cabin. It was fine, but these trackers suffered! Although the rain was not heavy, it was muddy under the feet! Even the oil rope on the back became slippery!
In this way, the journey that could have been done for thirty or forty miles a day could only be done for more than twenty miles!
"Master, the ship has stopped temporarily and will leave tomorrow! According to the master's wishes, part of the food on the ship has been hydrated, and some meat has also been taken! I directly asked Qian Hong to lead his people to set up a tent on the shore and prepare the food. Once everything is done, it’s an extra meal for them!”
The old housekeeper stood beside Shen Tang and said.
Shen Tang nodded slightly, then stood up and said, "Let's go to the shore and have a look!"
Although it was just a hiring transaction with these trackers, Shen Tang still felt a little apologetic when he thought of these people walking shirtless in the mud to help him pull the boat! He also knew that this was not an era that talked about human rights. But some concepts are not so easy to change.
Therefore, the rain was a bit heavier today, and he did not hesitate much. He directly ordered to stop the boat so that these people could take a breather!
"Uncle Zhang, you stay here, I'll just ask Zhou Lu to bring a few people with me!"
The old housekeeper smiled and said, "Don't worry, sir. Although I am not young, my legs and feet are still smart! I will follow you behind me. If something happens to me, I will give you orders at any time! Those rough guys like Zhou Lu will protect my safety." It’s okay, but if something happens, there won’t be any relief.”
Zhou Lu was one of Shen Tang's guards. He was tall and strong, and he was extremely brave in battle. Shen Tang valued him very much.
After a few words of persuasion, the old housekeeper refused, and Shen Tang could only nod helplessly.
Shen Tang and the old housekeeper wore oil coats and bamboo hats, and Zhou Lu also led a dozen guards in raincoats to follow Shen Tang! The group got on the deck and headed towards Qian Hong and others not far away. Walk to the tent that was set up.
An oil coat is similar to a bamboo hat, but it is made of fine silk. After weaving, it is coated with a layer of oil to make it waterproof, so it is called an oil coat.
However, this item is more expensive than the coir raincoat, and is only worn by wealthy families or official families.
Ordinary people can wear a raincoat for self-defense, which is pretty good!
Stepping onto the shore, Shen Tang looked not far away, and saw that most of the men stretching were leaning on each other in the muddy water, greedy for this rare leisure.
Some people would occasionally take a sneak peek at the tent where Qian Hong and others were staying. Apparently, the aroma of rice and meat wafting from far away made their hearts flutter!
"Zhou Lu, let someone get a few more spare tents from the ship and let them set them up by themselves to take shelter from the rain!"
Shen Tang turned around and gave an order, and then stepped into the camp.
There are seven or eight large pots in the tent. It is difficult to find some dry firewood in this rainy weather. Fortunately, some kerosene is prepared on the boat just to prevent this kind of thing. Otherwise, I am afraid that I will not be able to eat this meal. It will be more difficult!
"Sir, the meal will be ready soon!"
Qian Hong saw Shen Tang coming in and responded quickly.
"Wait until they set up the tent, and then let's have dinner!"
Zhou Lu asked someone to bring the spare tents from the ship. Fortunately, the most important thing here is manpower. The trackers rushed forward and quickly set up three or four large tents.
Although it seems a bit crowded to enter, it is better than being soaked in the heavy rain!
"Go, let them come over! Zhou Lu, you watch outside the door, ten people in a team, don't panic!"