Unbeknownst to everyone, Wang had already hidden the money while Kid was not paying attention.
Although she looked down on Wanjia for being so wealthy and only bringing some fabric to congratulate them, these items that Wanjia despised were still rare treasures for the Liu Family.
Even the inferior Jiang Clan did not disdain them, let alone that this fabric was of decent quality.
The Jiang Clan's eyes darted around as they said, "Sister-in-law, how about this? You have so much fabric that you can't wear it all. Just give me a couple of pieces! Let me make a set for the children and their father."
With a flattering smile on their face, they bent over and supported Wang: "Sister-in-law, Zhi'er is also my niece. I’ve held her many times. Now that she has made it, shouldn’t an aunt like me benefit a little too?"
Wang hugged the fabric protectively like an eagle guarding its chicks and angrily placed it in the room. She then rolled her eyes and said, "What are you talking about? How can I not wear it all? Now that my mother is in charge, if you want clothes, go ask her."
As for the fabric sent by Wanjia? Don't even think about it.
"Sister-in-law, that's not right. I'm not asking for much; there’s so much here..."
Before the Jiang Clan could finish speaking, Wang interrupted, "Even if there is extra, I won't give you any. Why should I give it to you? Hmph!"
Just because the Jiang Clan occasionally stepped on her toes?
"The fabric sent by Zhi'er's in-laws belongs to me; it's not public property. Don't get any ideas," Wang pushed the Jiang Clan out of the room and slammed the door shut.
The force of the door nearly knocked the Jiang Clan over, infuriating them as they stomped their feet: "Hmph, what's so great about it? Just wait for it to get infested with bugs."
"Even if it gets infested with bugs, I won't give you any!" Wang shouted back, leaving the Jiang Clan fuming as they kicked the door twice before storming off.
Cursing while walking, she scolded the Wanjia family for not sending two extra portions, and Liu Qingzhi for being ungrateful, especially since she had often helped her.
The Liu Family was on the verge of a bloodbath due to Liu Qingzhi's pregnancy, while Liu Qingxi was feeling spirited and ready to take action.
The members of the Construction Team were becoming increasingly skilled in adding structural columns and beams, and the villagers accepted some common physical modification methods wholeheartedly.
As these measures spread from one person to another, after some time, everyone within dozens of miles knew about them.
Moreover, some began to imitate Liu Qingxi's construction methods.
However, these methods were like the Liu Family only scratching the surface; they only saw what was added without paying attention to the differences in proportions.
Upon learning this, Liu Qingxi took the initiative to explain the intricacies to everyone. She had no choice; even though she wanted to make money and didn't want to reveal the core of her techniques, she had to consider the safety of the houses.
After much contemplation, Liu Qingxi finally made a decision.
"What??? Qingxi, are you sure you want to do this? Can we still make money afterward?" Zhang Wuliang exclaimed as he stood up abruptly.
His eyes widened as if he had heard something unbelievable. Indeed, it was rare to see anyone donate their skills for free.
"Qingxi, have you lost your mind? If everyone knows how to do it, what will we do?" Zhang Wuliang's doubts were not unfounded; after all, Liu Qingxi currently held unique techniques.
When what is supposed to be exclusive is no longer exclusive, it loses its competitive edge.
"Village Chief, I know your reasoning is correct, but you also understand that when the Liu Family learned from me how to build houses, it led to so many houses being damaged. This situation is almost identical to that time."
After Liu Qingxi finished speaking, Zhang Wuliang fell into silence. He knew that Liu Qingxi was right; if this matter was not controlled and those imitating used the wrong methods, the consequences would be severe.
He was torn inside. On one hand, he wanted to make more money through this method, but on the other hand, his conscience troubled him. What if something went wrong? He couldn't bear the thought.
"Village Chief, no matter what, we can earn money as long as we are willing to work hard. But if things go wrong, it could cost many lives. We cannot disregard their well-being just for money.
Although they are wrong for stealing our techniques, we cannot just ignore them because of that. Otherwise, how are we any different from them? It would be like watching someone die without helping."
Liu Qingxi knew he was not a saint, but he couldn't bear to see so many people using the wrong ratios in their attempts to learn.
These individuals were not entirely at fault; they were simply trying to save money and build their own houses. There was nothing unforgivable about that.
Zhang Wuliang pondered for a long time, smoking one bag after another of dry tobacco. Finally, he let out a long sigh and made up his mind: "Alright, I’ll listen to you. Tomorrow we will share it with the Kid."
This meant that tomorrow they would publicly disclose the improved techniques for building Earthen Houses, including the proportions of crushed straw and the arrangements for Structural Columns and bamboo reinforcements.
All the secrets would no longer be secrets; it would be common knowledge.
Zhang Wuliang truly felt reluctant. Holding onto this technology meant monopolizing house construction in the area and even beyond.
However, Liu Qingxi seemed unfazed by it all; he didn’t blink an eye. What could Zhang Wuliang do?
"You’re just too kind-hearted, Girl. Don’t worry; I’ll make sure everything goes smoothly."
Without needing his assurance, Liu Qingxi felt at ease. Zhang Wuliang was always meticulous in his work and wouldn’t make any mistakes.
"Village Chief, I'm heading home now." There are still many things to take care of.
Since this method is no longer a secret, the business of the Construction Team will definitely be significantly impacted.
But that's okay; keeping it hidden would lead to bigger problems.
She hadn't paid much attention to this matter before, but today at the Yang Family, the scene was chaotic with many people around, and the sounds of lively conversation were quite loud. She inadvertently overheard someone.
"Hey, those people of yours really are something. How long have we been building new-style houses? Now others are trying to copy us. They really don't know their limits, thinking it's that easy to build. We've learned so much just to grasp the essentials; what do they think they can do?" Shaking his head, the man didn't believe that others could understand it just by looking.
After all, the added beams and other measures are inside the walls; unless one knows every detail of the construction process, it's impossible to see any difference from the outside.
Liu Qingxi took note of this remark and realized that it wasn't just one person talking; several others were also criticizing those who were stealing their techniques.
She then became aware of the seriousness of the issue. It seemed that after the Construction Team was established and went through a period of adjustment, once it matured, people began to steal their techniques and put them into practice.
Now the problem had escalated; if it blew up, it would be disastrous.
Thus, she had the earlier conversation with Village Chief Zhang Wuliang. Although she felt reluctant, it was bearable.
At this moment, the people of Ten Li Eight Villages had no idea about Liu Qingxi's decision. Those who were stealing techniques were still feeling pleased with themselves. After Liu Qingxi made her announcement, would they still be able to laugh? Would they feel embarrassed?
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