Chapter 175 - Chapter 175: Chapter 175= Unexpected Encounter with Wei (1/2)

Chapter 175: Chapter 175= Unexpected Encounter with Wei

Jinyi_i

Translator: 549690339 |

-Once you’ve made your selections, call them over so that your lordship can

have a look,” said the manager.

“Good.”

Manager Yu led the ten men selected in front of Wei Ruo.

He introduced them, saying, “These four here have worked long-term on our estate, while those six are chosen from the recent arrivals. Among them, there’s one who has been an apprentice in a pharmacy.”

This was something that Wei Ruo had requested since she would give priority to anyone who had experience as a pharmaceutical apprentice.

Weiruo looked at them one by one. They were all young lads, strong and energetic, willing to work hard, and of good character, which was the selection criteria Weiruo had given to Manager Yu. The last criteria about their character couldn’t be determined immediately, but the first three seemed to be fulfilled by these men.

Weiruo said a few words to them, “Because you have been selected to work here, your monthly wages will increase by ten coins, along with an extra bushel of rice.”

“Thankyou, owner!”

They promptly expressed their gratitude.

During this time of poor harvest, many households couldn’t afford to eat, so a lot of places were cutting wages. Being offered an extra ten coins and a bushel of rice was a huge blessing for those in poverty.

“But in return, I expect more from you than I do from others. I’m sure Manager Yu has already told you about this. We must follow the rules in the workshop and maintain secrecy about everything that happens in there, even from your family members,” she said.

“If any of you break these rules, you will be dismissed immediately and will not

be rehired.”

Weiruo spoke these last words very sternly.

They all nodded vigorously promising that they would not betray her trust.

Having a place to eat to their fill was not easy in these times, especially for the recently taken-in refugees who were living in poverty and uncertainty. Now they not only have food and a place to stay, but also wages. They would’ve had to be kicked in the head by a mule not to grasp this opportunity.

Then Wei Ruo assigned jobs to these ten men.

There were five rooms. The first room was mainly for grinding, turning the transported materials into a powder which will be used as the raw material for five-spice powder. Aside from the five-spice powder ingredients, Wei Ruo would have them grind some medicinal materials as well.

This was done not only because Wei Ruo needed these medicinal materials but also to distract outsiders.

She assigned three people to this room and left the blending work to Xu Zhushan alone, since he was someone she trusted to handle the formula proportions.

The second room was dedicated to preparing oysters, removing the shells and cleaning the fresh oysters bought from the market. Two people were assigned to this room.

The third room was for cooking down the prepared oysters into oil. This was what the pre-made stove and large pot were for. Two people were assigned.