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墨書 Inktalez
Zhang Wuliang still remembers the flickering fireworks, Zhang Tiegen's elusive face, and Liu Qingxi's bright eyes shining through the haze.
Gradually, Zhang Tiegen began to doubt himself. Had he really been wrong all these years? He shouldn't have been fixated on just a few people. Liu Qingxi had a point:
"True success isn't about how much work you can do yourself, but about recognizing and utilizing others, maximizing everyone's value. Just be a coordinator."
He had heard the harshest words: "What do you know, girl? Stop talking nonsense here."
But one event after another changed his perspective.
The girl proved herself to the people of Sanhe Village single-handedly. She led Zhang Sanyou and others to repair those houses, ensuring they safely weathered the cold winter.
From years of experience, he thought those houses were fundamentally broken and would soon turn into ruins, but time and again, reality proved him wrong.
When the girl appeared before him with orders for over a dozen houses, he realized that she was more than just a girl; this was not an unattainable dream.
Immediately, he agreed to Liu Qingxi and Zhang Wuliang's proposal.
This was how Zhang Wuliang found himself so resolute at this moment.
"Village Chief, you’re not fooling us, are you? Who would be so foolish as to teach their trade to others? Aren't you afraid we’ll steal your business?"
There had been people who sought to learn before, but they had all faced closed doors.
The sudden happiness laid before him felt surreal.
"Yes, yes! Who doesn’t know that craftsmen keep their skills tightly guarded? Sigh! Have I been too optimistic? Maybe I should just go to town and find some work while it's warming up; it will be easier to find jobs then."
Previously, everyone was eager to sign up, but after such good news was announced, it was surprising to see so many people back out.
There's nothing to be done; although the common folk yearn for a better life, they are still somewhat skeptical about opportunities that seem too good to be true.
Zhang Wuliang found himself at a loss for words. Clearly, during Zhang Tiegen's time, he had heard everything clearly. With more people doubting, he began to question himself as well. Was the promise he heard just an illusion?
At that moment, a man dressed in a blue coat and black cloth shoes, looking neat and tidy, pushed the door open and entered.
"Everyone, don't doubt it. The village chief is genuine. I am willing to teach you all. Don't worry; building houses is both difficult and easy. As long as the kids want to learn, they will definitely succeed."
Seeing a real person standing in front of them, rubbing their eyes and digging in their ears, everyone finally believed it was true.
"Originally, I didn't want to pass my skills to others, but Qingxi enlightened me. With so many houses to build, how could I possibly finish it alone? I can't just think about myself; if only one person becomes rich, that's not true wealth. We all need to prosper together so that we can walk out with confidence and hold our heads high."
Thus, Zhang Tiegen shared the journey of his change of heart with everyone.
At this point, everyone understood that Liu Qingxi played a significant role in this transformation.
"Uncle Tiegen, do you think I can do it? Will I be able to learn?"
"Hey, young folks, what is there that you can't learn? As long as you don't slack off, I guarantee I'll teach you!" Zhang Tiegen patted his chest in assurance.
"What about me? Brother Tiegen, I'm almost thirty and don't have the cleverness of my peers."
"That's no problem at all. Everyone can rest assured; as long as you work sincerely and diligently, you'll succeed."
"Me? Me?"
Zhang Wuliang raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet. "I know everyone is eager to help, but we don't need that many people this time. Those who have work lined up after the New Year in town should not consider this. If anyone has elderly or disabled family members who need care, they will be given priority."
"Don't rush, let's take it one by one, no pushing!"
The chaotic crowd finally transformed into an orderly line under Zhang Wuliang's direction.
Ten Li Pu is a relatively large village, with a total population of around seven to eight hundred people. After excluding the elderly, women, and children, nearly a hundred people came forward this time.
Zhang Wuliang found it challenging to select over twenty individuals from so many. Who should be chosen and who should not? There had to be some criteria.
In the courtyard, the willow trees were sprouting tender buds, their emerald color contrasting with the pale yellow of the forsythia in the corner. Under the glaring sunlight, the vitality of early spring mirrored the dreams of the people, as they took steps forward on their journey to strive for their aspirations.
Among the several hundred villagers, there were certainly diligent and capable individuals, as well as those who were lazy and cunning.
Having lived in Ten Li Pu for generations, village chief Zhang Wuliang knew the character of his villagers very well.
Those who usually cut corners and engaged in dishonest behavior were immediately eliminated from consideration.
One rotten apple could spoil the whole barrel.
The selected individuals were overjoyed, excitedly shouting and cheering. The pay for a day's work was Ten Wen, which amounted to Three Hundred Wen for a month. What about a year? They couldn't suppress their racing hearts and trembling lips.
They seemed to envision their patched clothes transforming into brand new garments, thin porridge turning into bright white rice, and tables laden with glistening meat slices wafting delicious aromas.
"Alright, alright, this batch ends here. In the future, there will be opportunities for everyone. Don't be disappointed if you weren't selected; for those who were, do your best."
Zhang Wuliang gave a series of speeches, essentially encouraging everyone to work hard, assuring them that there would be rice and meat.
After sending off the villagers, Zhang Wuliang returned to his house with a cheerful smile.
Liu rolled her eyes. "Look at you, so happy. It's not like you're the one making money." She just couldn't stand the man's smug demeanor.
"You don't understand. If it weren't for Qingxi, would our village be where it is now? It would have been tough for a while. I’m telling you, don’t be like those shallow-minded people who talk bad about Qingxi."
Liu rolled her eyes again and vigorously shook the clean clothes before hanging them on the drying rack. "I was just saying it casually. Don’t worry, in my heart, Qingxi is like my own daughter. Anyone who speaks ill of her will have to deal with me."
Watching her son grow more sensible day by day made her proud. After he learned to read, he changed completely; the messy, snot-nosed country boy look was gradually fading away. Without her having to remind him, his face and hands were always clean, saving her a lot of trouble.
Of course, Zhang Wuliang couldn't fairly distribute all the opportunities to others. Although he didn't personally do the work, Liu Qingxi had given him a supervisory position.
Besides that, which of his brothers' families didn’t get chosen for at least two spots?
So these benefits were all potential gains. The couple was overjoyed, but that was a topic for another time.
Meanwhile, in Linyi County, Yang Yichen felt the day of the Imperial Examination drawing closer. He was not one to drag his feet; once he set his mind on something, he had to see it through. His unique determination to overcome any obstacles kept him going until today.
A hint of darkness flashed in his gentle gaze; the contradictory aspects within him appeared surprisingly harmonious.
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