books44 Chapter 163 Zhang Li
Chapter 163 Zhang Li
Xu Da beckoned a servant to inform the people from this morning, and then replied.
“There’s no problem. The people in Zhangjiagou are very hardworking. The chili seedlings have been planted almost completely. They know that Madam wants to plant lotus flowers in the irrigation ditch, so they’re out dredging silt from the river right now.”
Xu Da recounted everything that had happened on the manor.
"It's so cold, don't let them get too cold. Tell them to wait until it gets warmer."
Song Jiaojiao knew that the people of Zhangjiagou were afraid that she would no longer be able to work for them, so she tried her best to prove her worth.
"Yes, I've told them several times, but some people still do it secretly."
Xu Da said with some helplessness, thinking that these people had agreed so readily in person, but then turned around and started doing things on their own again.
Song Jiaojiao was also a little helpless, "Forget it, I'll feel uneasy if I don't let them do it. Remember to boil red ginger water for these people who go into the water every day, so they don't really get sick."
"Yes, Madam, I will make the arrangements."
As they talked, they arrived at the lobby, where the people who had bought the items the night before were already waiting.
Once Song Jiaojiao was seated, the servants on the estate brought out tea.
"This is Madam, our future mistress. Please greet her first," Xu Da said, standing beside Song Jiaojiao.
The people below immediately knelt down and said in unison, "Greetings, Madam."
Except for the young man who had served in the military, who did not kneel, he truly stood out from the crowd.
Song Jiaojiao glanced at Xu Da, who was starting to resemble a head butler more and more.
Xu Da knew Song Jiaojiao didn't like this approach, but he still did it anyway.
"Alright, get up. I don't like kneeling all the time, so it won't be necessary anymore. Now, please introduce yourselves. Let's start with you!"
Song Jiaojiao pointed at the young soldier and said with a smile.
"Zhang Li," Zhang Li said coldly, his words simple and clear.
The people behind them said their names one by one. The brother and sister's surname was Shang. The man was called Shang Yu and the woman was called Shang Xiaoxiao.
The family behind them is surnamed Li. The man is named Li Li, and the woman is named Li Tangshi. Their children are named according to the seasons.
Having gained a general understanding of the names, Song Jiaojiao breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, she wasn't asked to name anyone. With so many people, I, who am terrible at naming, couldn't possibly come up with any good names.
"Li Li, Granny Xu said you know some martial arts?"
"Madam, my family has been hunters for generations. I studied at a martial arts school before and know a little bit about it."
Li Li replied respectfully that if it weren't for last year's snow disaster that left no survivors in the mountains, he wouldn't have had to flee to this place, and his whole family would have been sold off.
"Okay, here's how it goes. You'll take care of everyone here. Your wife, Tang, will go help out in the kitchen. You'll be in charge of teaching the rest of the martial arts. If you need anything, just ask Steward Xu. A month from now, everyone except your two young sons will need to come with me on this long trip."
Song Jiaojiao looked at Li Chun and Li Xia. Although the twin sisters were only ten years old, they were already 1.5 meters tall. It must be because someone in their family hunted and they didn't lack meat, which is why they grew so well and were much taller than their peers.
Li Li's family members are not good-looking, especially Li Li, who has a fierce face that looks scary. The two sisters basically inherited Li Li's features and also give people a feeling that they are not to be trifled with.
Song Jiaojiao planned to arrange for these two people to be by Mu Qing's side later. With them around, Mu Qing's safety would be somewhat guaranteed.
Song Jiaojiao plans to have the brother and sister follow her. She has a lot to do now, and it's time to arrange for someone to stay by her side.
"Don't worry, Madam, I will teach you everything I know."
Song Jiaojiao nodded. "Zhang Li, you can come with me. You came from the army, so you should know how to drive a horse-drawn carriage, right?"
"meeting!"
The answer was still brief.
Song Jiaojiao thought to herself, "He's such a cold person. He only reacts strongly when we talk about his discharge from the military."
After arranging everything, everyone was told to go about their business, except for Zhang Li, who was to pack up his things so they could go back to the village with her later.
After everyone had dispersed, Xu Da said, "Madam, please forgive my presumption. However, Madam's status is becoming increasingly different. Even if Madam is not pleased, she should still put up with it at least once. On the first day, we should give these people a taste of their power."
"Butler Xu, I know you mean well, but next time you should still let me know in advance. I'll let it go this time, but don't let it happen again."
Song Jiaojiao knew everything in her heart, but she still spoke coldly on the surface.
Song Jiaojiao also knew that a contract of servitude could not control the hearts of those who were about to betray her, and she did not entirely trust these people.
"Yes, Madam," Xu Da replied hastily, bowing his head.
"Give Li Li whatever he needs from now on. When things aren't busy at the estate, you can send someone to learn from him. If he has a talent for it, he can become a guard later, and his salary will increase accordingly."
Our village has always been too close to the official road. In peacetime, it's alright, there shouldn't be any major problems, but I'm afraid that something bad might suddenly happen, and this place would be the first target.
Song Jiaojiao had considered this problem when she bought the manor, but unfortunately she had no one to rely on. In this era, most people were farmers, and martial arts practitioners were few and far between. It wasn't something that money could buy.
"Yes, Madam, I've noted it down. How about we buy some more children around six years old so Li Li can train them from a young age?" Xu Da suggested.
Song Jiaojiao felt this was a foolproof method, but it couldn't be for someone only six years old; someone older would also be fine. After practicing for a few years, they would at least be better than the average person.
"That's fine, you can arrange this."
"Yes."
Song Jiaojiao then went to check on the situation in the fields of the estate. The fields were basically planted with crops, and many people were busy weeding. With the arrival of spring rain, the weeds in the fields began to grow wildly, and someone had to remove them every day, otherwise it would affect the harvest.
After watching for a while, Song Jiaojiao took Zhang Li back to Qingshui Village. Thinking that she would be leaving soon, Song Jiaojiao planned to give away half of the workshop's profits.
Zhang Li was visiting for the first time and didn't know where Qingshui Village was. Song Jiaojiao sat with him on the edge of the car, pointing out the way and talking to him.
"Zhang Li, where were you from before?"
"I am now a resident of Yunshui Town."
Song Jiaojiao: ...uh
Song Jiaojiao knew he didn't want to talk about it, so she didn't keep asking.
"Why join the army? I haven't seen any war or mandatory military service in the last two years."
Zhang Li glanced at Song Jiaojiao, "I'm all alone, but there's food in the military camp."
Song Jiaojiao realized that Zhang Li had been sold by a relative, which meant that he still had family members.
"Last time, Granny Xu said that you were sold by your relatives and that you weren't really all alone."
“Yes, they sold me out,” Zhang Li said coldly.
Song Jiaojiao immediately understood Zhang Li's meaning. Yes, how could someone who would sell him out be considered family?
Looking at this person who's only a few years older than my son, I really don't know how they've managed to get through all this.