Zhang Yanling explained the method of use on the spot and told everyone: "I have ordered people to buy a large cart of white candles that are needed. The villagers will take some back later. This girl Tan helped you find a non-toxic candle that can replace the scented oil in the water."
Soapberry sap. The rest are nothing more than lampshades, wooden basins and wooden stands, etc., which are common things in your household. You can just follow the instructions later. As for the effect, I will take you to see it after dark."
Everyone is doubtful, but they are also looking forward to seeing the effect with their own eyes. After all, if this thing is really useful, the pest problem that they are most worried about right now will be solved.
"Everyone, this is just one of the things. Next, I will announce several major events, all of which are related to my Xishan Manor and the future livelihood of all my fellow villagers. Please listen carefully."
After hearing this, everyone immediately fell silent, wondering if the boss had any other important things to announce.
"Pests do not happen all the time, but when growing crops, we must always pay attention to floods and droughts. Of course there are good years, but they are few and far between. We cannot rely on God's mercy, so we must deal with it. I heard from the old man
The blacksmith talked about what happened in the past few years. There have been floods and droughts. Everyone has been having a hard time, but there is no way to deal with it. I can only let God do it, which is not possible. Therefore, I decided to go to the southwest side of Wild Dog Ridge.
A reservoir is dug in the depression according to the terrain. With the reservoir to regulate, floods and droughts will definitely change. When floods come, the reservoir can store water and store floods. In drought seasons, a large amount of water can be stored to ensure irrigation and drinking for people and animals. In this way,
This will ensure that the tens of thousands of acres of fertile land in my downstream manor will not be trapped by the weather, and your livelihood will also be guaranteed." Zhang Yanling said loudly.
"Building a reservoir? Oh, my boss is doing a very generous job."
"It's good, but it may not be possible. How big of a reservoir will we have to dig and how much money will it cost?"
"I think it's quite surprising. I'm afraid this is just a whim. How did you do this? I'm afraid it's just a whim."
"But this is indeed a great thing. If there is a dam upstream, we will not be afraid of flash floods and droughts, and our harvest will be guaranteed. But... can this be done?"
When the people heard the news, they immediately exploded and started talking about it.
Zhang Yanling calmly shouted: "Quiet, everyone, I'm not here to ask for your opinion, but this must be done. Whether it can be done or not, you don't have to worry about it. All you have to do is cooperate with me.
.I will provide the money and you will contribute your efforts. This reservoir must be built successfully. I just said that those of you who have not paid the rent should be compensated with labor. This means that those who have not paid the rent must unconditionally contribute labor to build the reservoir. It will be used to build the reservoir.
Offset your rent. Based on the amount of rent owed and ten days of labor for one stone of grain as a benchmark, we will calculate the number of days you have to work and participate in the construction of the dam. Of course, I am in charge of your food and drink, and will not let you bring your own grain."
Only then did the people understand how the so-called labor-for-rent method worked. It turned out that the owner had made up his mind to build the dam, and he had already thought about how to solve the labor problem. There were hundreds of households who owed rent.
, which means that at least one person from each of these owed tenants must participate in the dam repair.
"As for those who have paid the rent, they must also provide people to participate in the construction, with at least one strong laborer per household. Of course, these people are paid, and the wages are also paid at the price of one stone of grain for ten days. If you want food, give food.
Those who want silver will be paid in silver taels according to the market price, or those who are willing to use it to offset the rent can also do so. Anyone who wants to participate in the dam repair can do so. Young men and women will be paid the same. The rent arrears is not much.
After the labor service period expires, the working days can be calculated and paid in the same way as those who do not owe rent. Do you all understand?"
There was nothing that the common people could not understand, but what the boss said was clear enough. Everyone started talking about it again.
"Fellow folks, listen to me." Blacksmith Zhao stood up and spoke loudly.
Everyone fell silent, but heard Blacksmith Zhao say: "Everyone, this is a great thing. The employer is willing to build the dam for the sake of our livelihood. We should all contribute to this matter, and the employer also spent money to hire us.
What else is there to say? All young and old men must take an active part in it. The land we rented from the owner is not fake, but there is no need for the owner to spend such a high price to build the dam. The owner who cannot pay the rent will take back the land.
Okay, there are so many people who have no land to farm outside. The boss just cares about everyone's difficult livelihood, so he is willing to spend money to build the dam. Some of you actually throw cold water on it, which is not good. Don't you understand this? Everyone, please express your gratitude.
This way, I can reassure my boss. This dam cost several thousand taels of silver to build. My boss has spent such a large amount of money. Can’t you all do your part? Let me tell you, even if you bring your own dry food and don’t get any compensation, that’s it.
We should contribute our efforts, do you think so?"
"The blacksmith is right, that's the truth. Who does the boss do for, but us?"
"I signed up and I will contribute. We must build the dam, and we will never suffer floods or droughts again. With the dam, won't our land be able to have a good harvest every year? A good life for everyone is just around the corner."
"Yes, yes, everyone has to work together to do this."
All the people shouted.
Zhang Yanling nodded with a smile and said: "Okay, the matter is settled. Tomorrow, each company will compile the work list. It is better to do this sooner rather than later. The earlier it is completed, the earlier it will benefit. I have already drawn the drawings and plans. This matter
I plan to leave it to Blacksmith Zhao to take the lead."
Blacksmith Zhao said in shock: "Master, I can't do it old man, I don't have that ability."
Zhang Yanling said: "It's nothing more than organizing and organizing everyone's work. You can choose a few people to be your deputies to run errands for you. It's easier this way."
Before Blacksmith Zhao could hesitate, Axiu said loudly: "Dad, don't worry, I will help you with the errands and calling people. If anyone is too lazy to work hard, I, Axiu, will scold him like a bitch."
.”
All the villagers burst into laughter. Ah Xiu from the blacksmith's family was a fierce woman with a straightforward temper and a sharp tongue, so she was not to be offended.
"Axiu, be careful if you don't get married." Some people joked.
Zhao Yuanji smiled and spat: "My Axiu can't get married? As long as Axiu nods, young people from all over the country will line up to come to propose marriage, believe it or not?"
Everyone burst into laughter again. What the old blacksmith said was true. Axiu was clever, hard-working, and had a beautiful life. I don’t know how many future generations have dreamed of her. But Axiu refused to let go. Even though she was old enough to get married,
There were many people coming to propose marriage, but Axiu didn't agree to any of them, and I don't know what she was thinking. It would be a big joke to say that Axiu couldn't get married.
Zhang Yanling also laughed and said to the old blacksmith: "Then it's settled. We'll discuss the details later. Dad, you have a heavy responsibility now and have a heavy responsibility. I will also ask the housekeeper to coordinate with you.
We will coordinate the supply of things."
Zhao Laoji cupped his hands and said, "Since my boss trusts me so much, how can I not appreciate it? I'll take the responsibility."
Zhang Yanling was overjoyed and thanked him. In terms of manpower, it is better to choose one of the people to manage it instead of asking the steward to come forward. Among all factors, people are the most difficult factor, and the others can be controlled. The blacksmith Zhao Laoji is quite knowledgeable.
Because of his popularity, let him come out to call for help, and you can save yourself the trouble.
"Everyone, building the dam is the first priority, but there are other things to discuss with you. Our Xishan Manor has a large number of idle mountains and wilderness. Although it is barren, it is not unusable. The number of fertile fields is indeed limited. In fact, you
It can be reclaimed. Plant fruit trees, grow dry grains, and raise fish and shrimp in low-lying ponds, all of which can produce something. Without my permission before, you may not dare to open up wasteland and use it casually, so now I declare that it is allowed.
You reclaim wasteland and increase output." Zhang Yanling said loudly.
The eyes of the people lit up.
"Of course, the land is mine, and this remains unchanged. But I can exempt you from renting the mountainous land you reclaimed for one year, and you can pay the minimum rent after one year. And from now on, as long as you are still here,
I farm in Zhangjia Manor, and these reclaimed lands will always be yours, and no one else can take them away even if they want to. In addition, if you want to plant fruit trees on the mountains and raise fish and shrimp in the ponds, you can contract the fish ponds and hills. Specific details
We can negotiate in detail. Vegetables, fruits, fish and shrimps are all money. We are so close to the capital. If we bring them to the capital and sell them, we can get a lot of income. Those who cannot grow crops in the barren mountains and fields can raise chickens, ducks, pigs and sheep. Don’t be afraid of poverty.
We need to be alert and think of ways. I believe that as long as everyone is willing to work hard, things will get better soon," Zhang Yanling continued.
As soon as Zhang Yanling finished speaking, the people started talking excitedly. In fact, many people had already thought about reclaiming land. However, the mountains and ponds belonged to the owner, and they did not dare to open up wasteland randomly. Now the owner has said that they are allowed to open up land.
Wasteland, and enjoys preferential conditions such as free rent for one year, so what are you waiting for?
Seeing the enthusiastic response of the people, Zhang Yanling was also very happy. It's not that the villagers didn't want to live a good life, but they really didn't have the resources. The previous man only knew how to eat, drink and have fun, and never thought about things in the manor. The people just supported him.
Tools of labor, the manor is only the source of his money. He only cares about his own money and a comfortable life, but he does not care about the lives of the people. In fact, even if the output of the manor is not high, he will not go bankrupt. As you can imagine,
Once the money is tight, the previous one will definitely reach out to the emperor and his queen sister to ask for it. But I can't be like him, I need to take another path.