coobybook Chapter 123 Recruiting refugees for work
Chapter 123 Recruiting refugees for work
Then, County Magistrate He summoned his legal advisor and asked him to write a notice to hire refugees.
Shen Wanning thought, if the brothers Heiba and Heibao didn't come, it would be fine. If they came and did their job properly, she would treat them like ordinary people. But if they caused trouble, County Magistrate He would have a reason to punish them.
"I will pick a few women with children. They need this job more urgently. Besides, having children means they have a weak point. Generally speaking, unless they encounter a big problem, they will not take the initiative to cause trouble." said County Magistrate He.
Shen Wanning thought of the women she had seen holding children at the county gate. Each one was pale and thin. If it weren't for their children, they probably wouldn't have made it this far. Moreover, the fact that they hadn't abandoned their children along the way also proved that these women had consciences.
"Okay, then I'll trouble you, Your Excellency the County Magistrate. As for the others, after they're registered, we'll take them to Daqing Village to make housing. I have an old house with several rooms, and they can sleep on the floor for the next few days."
"Okay, come to the county government office at 5 p.m. today, and I will have the officers escort those refugees back to Daqing Village with you tomorrow. As for now, I will let Captain Yan take a few people to Mingyue Tower, and you can take them directly to the farm." County Magistrate He continued.
Shen Wanning excused herself and returned to Mingyue Tower. She sat on a stone bench in the backyard, one hand supporting her chin while the other absentmindedly twirled her teacup.
Originally, she had planned to ask refugees to go to the village to help build thatched houses, but now there are only a few women, and this might not be possible. It seems that she still has to hire someone else to do it.
She was just thinking when she saw Mo Dong and his master come in. She quickly stood up to greet them.
"Master, please come this way." After saying that, he called out to Mo Dong, "Mo Dong, serve the tea."
The lawyer waved his hand. "Miss Shen, you're too polite. No need to serve tea. I have to report back to the county magistrate after I'm done. I've brought the people back to you. They're outside Mingyue Tower. Miss Shen, would you like to meet them first?"
Shen Wanning nodded. "Thank you, Master. I'll ask Mo Dong to call them in."
Mo Dong was standing aside. When he heard this, he immediately went out.
When he came in, he was followed by three people, three men and four children.
Although the clothes worn by several people were ragged, they were still clean and tidy.
Looking at where they were standing, Shen Wanning understood. It seemed that there were three couples with four children.
Two of the couples huddled together, hugging their children, a bit nervous. The children clutched their clothes tightly, their heads bowed. Another couple surveyed the backyard of Mingyue Tower with open confidence, then glanced at Shen Wanning.
As expected, the master then introduced them one by one, "This one is Dong Ran, and next to him are his wife and two children. This one is Huang Zhong, and next to him are his wife and children. Finally, there is Wang Dahai, and next to him are his wife and children."
Shen Wanning nodded. "Thank you, Master. I'm sorry for bothering you with this trip."
"It's my duty. If Miss Shen has nothing else to do, I will go back and report to you, sir." The lawyer said with a bow.
"I'll take you out, Master." As she said this, she walked around the refugees and followed them out.
"Miss Shen, please stay. Miss Shen is very busy right now. Please settle the refugees first. There is no need to see me off." She had only taken two steps when she was stopped by the lawyer.
After watching the master leave, Shen Wanning went to the backyard again. Standing in front of the men, she looked at them and said, "I believe you all know why you are here. I won't waste any more time. If you can work hard in the manor, I will pay you on time. After three years, I will register you as a resident. But if you have other ideas, don't blame me for being rude. Being kicked out is a small matter, but going to jail is a big deal. Do you understand?"
It was only the first day, so she had to establish her prestige first to gain their respect. If she softened her stance now, she would be easily manipulated by them in the future.
"Yes, we remember." Several people answered in unison.
Shen Wanning nodded in satisfaction and glanced at them again. Just now, when the master was here, the children were a little scared, but now they all raised their heads and looked at her curiously.
"Okay, now I'll take you to the farm. Let's get familiar with it first. I'll have someone send you the materials in a little while, and we'll start building the house today."
She had originally planned to start tomorrow, but since everyone was already here today, she might as well just start today. She had thought Magistrate He would find her six women, but unexpectedly, it was three couples. That was perfect; the men could build the house.
After saying that, Shen Wanning called Mo Dong and asked him to help drive the carriage to take these people to the farm.
As soon as they boarded the carriage, Shen Wanning sat on one side, and one after another, they came up and sat on the opposite side. The people who came later stood stiffly in the carriage, bowing their heads.
Shen Wanning smiled, patted her side and said, "Don't be shy, sit down! There's only so much room in the carriage, how can you stand?"
The man sat nervously beside Shen Wanning, daring to sit only halfway up the seat. He placed his hands on his legs, clenched them tightly, and stood as still as a mountain, for fear of squeezing Shen Wanning.
The rest of the people got on the bus, paused after looking at the seats on the bus, and sat down next to Shen Wanning in the same posture as that person.
"Don't be so reserved. Everyone, sit tight. It's not far and the carriage will be here soon." Shen Wanning spoke in a very casual tone, wanting them to relax a little.
But these people still sat upright, not daring to say a word. The master had just told them on the way here. Shen Wanning was a very capable person. Not only had she discovered cassava and helped many refugees, but she had even been commended by the emperor. Therefore, they naturally had a sense of awe for Shen Wanning.
The carriage had only been driving for a few minutes when a child next to him felt his stomach rumbling.
The mother quickly hugged the child and coaxed her softly, "Be patient, I'll go look for small fish in the river later and catch some for her, okay?"
The woman who spoke was Dong Ran's wife, the couple who had just looked at Mingyue Tower. They had two children, a son and a daughter. The one whose belly rumbled just now was their daughter.
Shen Wanning opened the curtains and took a look. Not far ahead was the steamed bun stall. She called out, "Mo Dong, find a place to stop."
As soon as he finished saying this, several people stared at Shen Wanning, confused.
Shen Wanning opened the door curtain again and gave Mo Dong a few instructions. The carriage stopped on the road for about five minutes before Mo Dong returned.
"Miss, these are the steamed buns you asked for." Mo Dong handed in the steamed buns he had bought.
Shen Wanning took the steamed buns and prepared to give them two each. The first one she gave was to the little girl whose stomach had just rumbled.