Dong Mu He works

Chapter 363: Discussing Matters

    

ks, then repeated the process until each sack was stuffed to capacity."The village head bellowed, 'Those of you who are older or weaker, stay behind and be responsible for cracking the acorns. Childre...Jiang Yong took the old servant and disappeared. Xu Huaiyi was still stunned and disbelieving, unable to recover his senses. His mind was in a daze; what did he just hear

"Dad" Gu Xiaoyu called out, her expression filled with confusion, "What's wrong"

What expression do you have Like struck by lightning.

Xu Huaiyi murmured, "Just now I invited your husband to play cards, did he agree"

Upon hearing this, Gu Xiaoyu's face instantly turned difficult to read. She didn't want to speak, so she just nodded.

Seeing this, Xu Huaiyi was like waking up from a dream, "My god, Jiang really agreed Why A person like him, how could he play cards"

It's like a top student who is obsessed with studying suddenly decides to play video games, there's always a sense of incongruity.

Even Xu Huaiyi felt a pang of guilt, as if he had dragged the once noble gentleman down from heaven and turned him into a vulgar commoner who brought harm to others.

No, the more he thought about it, the more regretful he felt. He shouldn't have been so quick-witted just now. "Xiaoyu, what do you think if Dad deliberately forgot about playing cards tomorrow"

Gu Xiaoyu said blankly, "Master wouldn't forget, he should remind you, right But if it really comes to that, you'll be passive. You're not good at acting, and Master has sharp eyes. If he sees through your act, wouldn't that be embarrassing Moreover, betraying someone's trust is not something to do."

Xu Huaiyi chuckled, "Well said, your father just wanted to test you. Well answered, full marks."

Gu XiaoYu, “…”

Would you coddle him like he's a child He's not that childish!

The next day, Xu Huaiyi originally wanted to sleep in. After all, it was a rare holiday, and he should let himself relax for once

However, the little girl woke up too early and kept bothering him. She used her chubby hands to lift his eyelids or sat on his chest, her flower-petal like small mouth never stopped, whining "Ahhhh." He could even be woken up if he had passed out.

But anyone else, he would turn his back on them. But facing his smiling little daughter, besides spoiling her, could he possibly lay a hand on her

The two of them tidied up. Xu Huaiyi held her out the door, wrapping her tightly in his cloak. Only her pretty and cute little head poked out from his arms, with a pair of bright, black, glistening big eyes curiously looking at everything around.

She usually gets up early, but it's too cold outside and dark as well. Gu Huaxi always keeps her indoors for fear she might catch a cold.

I made a profit today.

Alisha became even more excited, seeing her brother panting as he threw punches. She found it interesting and started waving her arms around mimicking him, doing a pretty good job. Xu Huaiyi was so pleased that he gave her two big kisses.

A Li giggled, her laughter was pleasant to the ear, with a hint of childishness, it could melt people's hearts.

When Gu Xiaoyu practiced martial arts, he was just as focused as when he studied. He subconsciously blocked out everything happening around him. However, now, he couldn't help but be drawn in by his younger sister's laughter and a doting smile appeared on his face.

Bao Pu, who stood beside him and sparred with him, also found it particularly magical.

Look at you, little master! You actually laugh Your smile is so breathtaking...

Xu Huaiyi gave a few instructions on-site, then took his daughter to the tofu workshop, followed by the wolfdog named Simba. After a few months, Simba had grown from a cute and naive puppy into a majestic wolfdog, finally revealing its wolf bloodline.

He had known this for a long time, so he was not surprised. However, the villagers still showed some fear, and after that, few dared to visit him directly, lest they be bitten without reason, wouldn't it be a loss

For this, Gu Huan was delighted to see it come true. She liked tranquility and staying home to do what she enjoyed, undisturbed by anyone, how carefree!

Xu Huaiyi is more satisfied now that he has a Doberman to guard his house. He can study at the academy without worry, right

Upon arriving at the workshop, there was another lively scene. Arli was excited about everything, her little head under her hat bobbing back and forth constantly, never still for a moment, even brushing away the small flower decorations on top of her head.

Xu Huaiyi didn't think she was being fussy, he just found her adorable and endearing. After all, children should be like this. He often hoped that Gu Xiaoyu could be as lively as her, but unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried to tease her, Gu Xiaoyu remained as composed and level-headed as ever, a five-year-old in a fifty-year-old's body.

Everyone was busy with their work, it was a time of intense activity. It wasn't convenient to greet him from afar or approach him to speak. Only the village head, Xu, had some free time. Seeing him, he excitedly waved his arms and came up to him, “Huaiyi, is the academy on holiday”

This intimate feeling, if Xu Changsong saw it, he would surely be disgusted. He's even more affectionate than his own son; who could stand it

Xu Huaiyi was patting his plump daughter in his arms while responding with a chuckle, "Yes, Village Head Uncle, school starts after the Lantern Festival."

"That's good, that's good. Studying is hard work, so it's just right to be able to rest at home for a few days and spend time with your wife and children."

"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing..."

After exchanging some pleasantries, they got down to business.

Xu Huaiyi asked, "Village Head Uncle, when do you think it's suitable for our workshop to take a holiday It's the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month now. We should give everyone a few days off to prepare for the New Year..."

"No rush, they have people at home to take care of things. We just need to focus on our end. The Su family's order is big, and we haven't finished the task yet. According to Li Manager, after the New Year, young master Su's caravan will go northwest again, planning to bring more of our fermented bean curd and hotpot base with them. People there really like our flavor."

When he said this, every wrinkle on his face seemed to be filled with pride and satisfaction.

Though the workshop wasn't his, he had built it up with his own hands, pouring his heart and soul into it, much like raising a son. Seeing his "son" grow more successful and popular filled him with pride.

Lately, I've been waking up from my dreams laughing at night.

Xu Huaiyi's experience wasn't as profound. He had too many things to do every day, his focus was no longer here, so he couldn't perceive this happiness and fulfillment. Hesitantly, he said, "There's no need to rush. We don't have a definite number of goods that Shao Su wants. It's okay if we deliver a little less. We can't tire out the villagers, you know. I heard that many people work from the beginning to the end of the month, never taking leave, and some even work two shifts in a row. Isn't this inappropriate"

He's not Zhou Baipi, so he wouldn't be this cruel.

"But Village Head Xu didn't seem to care. 'What's inappropriate about it' he said. 'Do you think they don't want to come Not at all! They come here and work for a day, earning more money. Who wouldn't want that'"

Although this is true, Xu Huaiyi still felt a little uneasy. He then suggested, "Let's try not to make the workload too strenuous. What if we get injured from overwork It wouldn't be worth it, right Health comes first. We don't need to rush for money. Village Head Uncle, this isn't a small matter. If anyone gets seriously ill due to the work, who will be responsible"

Hearing this, Village Head Xu finally seemed to understand. "Alright, I'll try to persuade them and tell them not to push themselves so hard."

"What about the vacation"

"Let's just stop at twenty-eight. The family is busy with the Lunar New Year, we really don't need any more of them. After the New Year, we go back to work on the sixth day. What do you think"

Xu Huaiyi stopped arguing. After all, Elder Xu was acting in the best interest of the tofu shop, protecting his profits. If he kept pushing back, it would be melodramatic and inappropriate. So he nodded, thinking to himself that he'd add a bit more to the year-end benefits as compensation.

"Uncle Village Chief, what kind of New Year's gift should we give out from our workshop that everyone would like"

"It's fine, red envelopes are the most practical. Second, it's food and clothing. That's what common people crave. It makes them feel secure. Those flashy things are unnecessary for us villagers."

Xu Huaiyi had a good idea, and said again, "Uncle Village Chief, you know best about the work ethic of the people in the workshop. Could you help us select a few outstanding employees Those who are diligent, skilled, honest, and hardworking, please choose a few. We will give them extra rewards later."

Hearing this, Xu Chang slapped his thigh and said, "This is a great idea! It can both unite people's hearts and inspire them. Good, good. I'll start thinking right now about which ones to choose"

"Just keep it to ten or less, okay"

"Okay, I promise to pick the best ones for you…"

After talking about the workshop, the conversation turned to Lao Xu's family, and the atmosphere became a little heavy.

"Village Head Xu frowned and sighed, 'My uncle and your great-uncle went to persuade them, and we even warned them, but they just wouldn't listen. They always feel that we are harming them, trying to hold them back from succeeding and making money. Heaven knows our intentions! We were only thinking of them, afraid they would get involved in trouble that would bring shame upon the family. Alas, things have come to this…"

Xu Huaiyi remained calm. "It's nothing, they can't make much of a splash for now. They're just benefiting from the Qiao family. The Qiao family wants to use them, send them on errands, and it will take some time to hone them."

Xu, the village head, still looked worried after hearing this. “That's going to be a problem sooner or later,” he said, “Who knows when…”

Xu Huaiyi soothed, "It's not that serious. They don't have enough weight to cause significant harm. Rest assured, I have people watching them. If there are any dangerous signs, it could endanger the Xu family and our village. I will definitely intervene, and at that time, those who should be expelled will be expelled."

"The village head, Xu, nodded eagerly. 'Yes, we can't be too soft-hearted. Letting one bad apple spoil the whole bunch. Your uncle is like that, ah... it's not his fault really, he's your own family. If I were you, I wouldn't be able to do it either.'"

"How is that family doing now"

“I heard that the Dries are doing quite well, but they've become a little conceited. They walk around the village with their chins held high and have started being particular about their clothes and food. Your sister left them quite a bit of silver last time she visited, and now everyone in the village knows they plan to build a five-courtyard mansion next year. Oh, your father is even venturing out again, with a maid attending him. He's got quite the air of an old patriarch about him. Your nephews have also been sent to a school to study, and all they talk about is passing the civil service exams and becoming high officials, bringing honor to the Xu family. It's hard for children from humble backgrounds to succeed, but with the Qiao family's support, they have nothing to worry about.”

Xu Huaiyi, "…"

My heart feels heavy, what does it mean to act arrogant when in power This is exactly what it means. With just this amount of cunning and scheming, how far can one truly go

Your fourth uncle saw them acting smug a few times and was so enraged that he fell ill. When you have time, take a look at him.

"Good..."

"By the way, there's one more thing I want to tell you. I think it would be great if we could have Xiuwen as our son-in-law. What do you think"

"Rewriting That's great news! A good rewriting should have both appearance and talent, and a good temperament as well. And since we're from the same village, we know each other well. With Yangliu marrying into your family, she'll be under your watchful eyes in the future, so there's no need to worry about being mistreated."

"Elder Xu's face lit up with a smile," "That's exactly what I was thinking, we don't need to strive for wealth and power. It's best to make steady progress, just like you - being kind and caring towards your wife and children is the most important thing."

"Haha, you're flattering me. I must be humble a bit. You say I'm good to my wife and children, well, that I can't deny!"

The two chatted until dawn. People who came to work early took turns going home for lunch, and Xu Huaiyi also left with his daughter in his arms.

After he got home, she waited for him to have dinner and chided him a few times. "On such a cold day, with no lights on, you just took Ah Li out and wandered around for so long! If anything happened to her, see how I'll deal with you!"

Xu Huaiyi hastily begged for forgiveness and flattered.

Gu Huanxi glared at him a few more times before stopping.

Xu Huaiyi was afraid she would bring up old grievances, so he quickly changed the subject and talked about Liu Xiwen and Xu Yangliu's wedding.

This matter, Gu Huanxi had heard about it long ago. The two families had already talked privately, and all that was left was to go through the motions publicly. "Not only them, but also Hongying. It seems like Uncle also helped find a match for her..."

Upon hearing this, Xu Huaiyi immediately asked curiously, "Who"

Gu Huanxi peeled an egg and handed it to him, casually saying, "He should be tall and strong, I haven't decided yet. Who knows if he'll be here by the time you get back I was going to ask for your opinion. What do you think"

Xu Huaiyi pondered for a moment, “I think they’re quite a match. The man is tall and strong, quick-witted, and trustworthy. It's a good place to be. He earns a good amount every month. If Hongying truly went with him, their life together would definitely not be difficult, just…”

"What is it"

"He's tall and strong, always running outside. He sees so much of the world; I'm afraid he might become dishonest in the future. He's been selling things all along, entertaining clients, and going to those places to put on a show..."

Gu Huanyi understood. This was about being afraid of tall and strong men cheating, no, these days, there's no such thing as infidelity. Men can openly have three wives and four concubines, go to brothels for drinks and pleasure, and won't be criticized. Even if they sleep with someone else, it's not a big crime. Even the family members who come to support wouldn't have a valid reason.

"Her current values are like this, and she can't change them. "When the time comes, if your uncle asks you, just gently remind him. If they don't mind, then there's no problem."

Xu Huaiyi sighed gloomily, "Hmm."

Seeing this, Gu Huan couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Xu Huaiyi and Gao Zhuang had a decent relationship. It wasn't a recent thing for Gao Zhuang to put on a show when entertaining guests or going through the motions. He didn't mind it before, but now that he was about to become his brother-in-law, he became uneasy and uncomfortable.

After dinner, Xu Huaiyi went out again. This time, he didn't take his daughter with him, but took Gu Xiaoyu to inspect the business on the estate.

Down products are still working overtime, knitting gloves and scarves is also busy, who says winter is the peak sales season, just make money for these few months, can't you fight hard

Xu Huaiyi, out of concern for their hard work, wanted to give them a holiday. However, they all refused. In the end, he had no choice but to follow the tofu factory's example and have everyone take a day off on the 28th and resume work on the 6th of the first lunar month.

Both of these matters are handled by the head housemaids. Xu Huaiyi avoided any impropriety and didn't ask further, only saying to let them choose a few outstanding employees to be rewarded with something extra as a commendation.

After visiting the workshop, the couple went to see the training progress at the nursing home. Hu Yingjie was very strict in his management. These twenty people had almost visible changes, including those who were newly bought later. Compared to when they first arrived, their spirits and energy were completely different. This was thanks to the training methods Xu Huaiyi taught Hu Yingjie, which were mostly based on military-style management from his past life. Naturally, the results were excellent.finitely wouldn't want to miss it. One thousand taels sounds like a lot, but for them, it's nothing at all. You know how much things in that Qizhen Pavilion sell for Any random painting or calligraphy...