Chapter 924: Political Decree....
Translator: Endlessæantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
He Dashan knew his parents had sold much of their watermelons to one of the fruit factories. One of the two factories accepted various fruits, while the other processed and juiced them.
The factory that bought the fruits would also send some to the milk tea factory because some milk tea had fruits. The milk tea factory had a wide selection of flavors, and the shop did better than the fruit juice shop.
However, Su Binglan had established the fruit factories before the milk tea factory. He Dashan worked hard to get the job, as he and his parents cleared two acres of wasteland on a hot day.
Even if each family in the village had a family member working in one of the factories, no one would neglect their land. The factory only hired those who came from a family of farmers.
Su Binglan and Lan Ruozhu had discussed such recruitment conditions with each other. Since food was crucial in this era, they still needed people to farm instead of letting everyone work in the factories.
That was why the siblings set such a condition. Ultimately, it also encouraged the farmers to reclaim more wastelands. Of course, the government later bought the villagers’ access crops.
Those who worked in the supermarkets and inns were from Luhe Village. Su Binglan’s subordinates had even trained them. That way, they would be familiar with the supermarkets’ methods and could do things in an orderly manner.
He Dashan’s father said, “Your younger siblings went to the city. They told me about the various activities to do there. Many of our neighbors also went there. They say it’s changed a lot now and is livelier than before.
“Our village chief read the newspaper today and told us the government has built a school here. Children from the surrounding villages will attend, too.
“Since school will start in autumn, your siblings will attend for free. Your mother and I decided to let them have a little fun before starting school.”
He Dashan knew about the newspaper because every village would get one for free. The chief then spread the word about the government’s decrees and policies.
“What else did the newspaper report?”
“There’s a lot more that we’ll focus on soon. The government will build several more factories here to further our development. Still, the government continues to encourage us to farm and reclaim wastelands.
“Since we’ve done that, the government will provide us with new seeds. The yield of potatoes and sweet potatoes will be high. We can keep some for ourselves to use for cooking.
“l heard sweet potatoes are delicious, especially when roasted during winter.
We can also use the potatoes to make sour and spicy potato pancakes.”
He Dashan’s father could not stop smiling as he spoke. The government had built many factories in Luhe Village, and the villagers would benefit significantly.
The commoners’ lives had improved exponentially since Lan Ruozhu ascended the throne. Therefore, everyone loved and admired him very much.
“Oh, there’s also a tea house not too far away. We can get plenty of affordable tea leaves there. I plan on buying some later.”
Last time, ordinary people could not buy tea leaves even if they had money. That was because the former emperor had deliberately made the tea leaves expensive so that only high-ranking government officials and dignitaries could afford it.
“You can buy whatever tea leaves you like, Father and Mother. My monthly salary and bonuses can support you. Milk tea is popular, so the factory’s profits and my bonuses will continue to grow.”
He Dashan’s mother said, “I don’t want you to squander your earnings. Let’s save some of it so you can use it on your future wife. I heard the government will build a residential area in the vacant land on our east.
“If you save enough, you can buy a house for yourself. Then, you can consider yourself a cityfolk.”
He Dashan hurriedly said, “Don’t forget that 1 got the milk tea factory job because we’re farmers. I will no longer be a farmer if I move to the city. We can just renovate and expand our current house instead. We’ll still live together.”
Although he was the eldest in the family, he could not bear to be selfish and leave his parents behind. He had turned fourteen this year and still wanted to be dutiful to his parents, even after he married.
He Dashan’s parents were delighted to know that their eldest son was filial. They knew they could expand their house if their son saved up as much as possible.
The couple could not stop smiling when they thought about it. One could tell they were full of hope for life.
The village became livelier that evening. The children who had left to visit the city had returned and chattered excitedly. He Dashan’s siblings were happy, too.
He Dashan was thrilled to see his siblings, asking, “Did you two have fun in the city?”
“Of course we did, Big Brother! It’s much better than before, especially with all the beautiful buildings. There was so much food, and they all smelled so good!”
“Well, did you buy yourselves something nice to eat?” He Dashan’s mother asked.
“We didn’t spend any money because we just wanted to look around.” The duo even showed their parents their ten copper coins. They could not bear to spend their money because they knew about their family’s living conditions.
“I’ll be on leave tomorrow,” He Dashan said, “We’ll all go to the city and buy some food while we’re there.’
He planned to save some money and use the rest to celebrate with his family. After all, he could afford to make his parents happy and bring his siblings out for snacks.
He Dashan’s brother said, “We can’t waste money, Big Brother. Sister and I weren’t hungry when we visited the city. We just wanted to sightsee.”
“Yeah, Father and Mother said that they wanted you to get married. You must save your money to start a family, Big Brother.”
The duo was sensible and knew their parents would send them to school soon. Although the school did not charge tuition fees, the family still needed to buy their own books.
When the time came, Dashan and his parents would have to pay for the books. Since that was the case, the two siblings knew to be considerate of their family.
“It’s okay. I received a substantial bonus at work today. I can afford to bring us all to the city for some food.”
He Dashan and his family were not the only ones feeling excited. The other families were just as happy when they heard how much their family members had earned.
Everyone was thrilled, and every household prepared a feast for dinner. The villagers even made dumplings. Everyone enjoyed making dumplings whenever they celebrated something..