Chapter 178 - Chapter 178: Chapter 178: December_l (1/2)

Chapter 178: Chapter 178: December_l

Translator: 549690339

The existing houses on the estate were not enough for the newly hired workers. Therefore, they first started living in temporary shacks, and later, some of them were assigned to build new houses.

At the same time, Wei Ruo’s five workshops were also constructed.

The five workshops were now completed, but due to the large numbers, the living quarters were still under construction.

Wei Ruo hoped to have everyone moved in before freezing temperatures hit.

As soon as Wei Ruo arrived, Manager Yu took her on a tour of the new buildings: “Madam, in a few days the roof beams will be in place, and by the end of this month, everything will be completed,” he said.

“Hmm, you’ve all done a great job,” Wei Ruo replied.

“It’s all thanks to your kindness, Madam. Everyone knows that you’re building these houses for them to live in, they’re deeply grateful, and they work very hard,” Manager Yu said.

With land so valuable, other landlords would certainly want to keep more farmland or build houses for themselves, but their Madam generously cleared a large area of land to build more houses to improve the living conditions for hired workers and their families.

The quarters that the original workers on the estate lived in were much smaller than this. Usually, several workers would squeeze into one room. How could they ever dream of having a small room to sleep in comfortably?

“I want them to devote themselves fully to their work on the estate, to treat the estate like home, so naturally I should provide them with a place that can shelter them from wind and rain, with food to eat, clothes to wear,” Wei Ruo said. “Otherwise, what right do I have to ask them to take good care of the estate and treat it as their own home?”

“Madam has a kind heart!” Manager Yu exclaimed, impressed.

He’d been a worker here for twenty years before serving as the manager for the last ten years, and this was the first time he’d encountered a landlady with such a mindset.

“Just do as I say, don’t worry about the high expenditure on the estate. As long as the expenses are reasonable and appropriate, and the silver is actually used where it should be, I will not be stingy. Next year, with a higher yield from the land, all this will be paid off,” Wei Ruo said.

Wei Ruo had several businesses stably making profit, so there was no problem with the expenses. After her collaboration with Zuixian Residence started, there would be additional revenue.

Moreover, Wei Ruo’s ambition was not limited to Zuixian Residence. She also planned to penetrate the market for general households, as well as the restaurants in other places. All these were included in her future plans.

“Alright, Madam, rest assured, every expense on the estate will be precisely recorded. I’ll ensure that every bit of money is spent transparently,” Manager Yu promised.

Wei Ruo nodded, agreeing that the accounts should indeed be kept clear.

Then she went to the workshop. Since it was still in its early stages, there might be minor issues. In the following days, Wei Ruo had to pay more attention and supervise the work, making corrections as problems were found.

###

Time flew by and soon it was December.

A heavy snow covered the entire Taizhou prefecture.

The entire city was draped in white; thick snow lay on the roofs, on the trees, on the steps.

The freezing cold was even more severe than previous years.

These harsh conditions were particularly tough for the poverty-stricken common folks.

Some families even started selling their daughters. The better off ones sold their daughters to wealthy families to become maids. Regardless of the contracts they signed, at least they could eat to their fill. If they performed well, there was even a chance for a better future.