Chapter 1320: Meeting Someone
Editor: Henyee Translations
The population was not yet fully settled, but they had already acquired twelve servants through contracts and had secured ten tenants.
Songshi couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. Before stepping inside, he hurriedly offered a smile and said, “This servant has never handled such affairs before. Though I did consult with Young Master Zhao’s family steward, I’m afraid there may be aspects I haven’t managed well. If the Master and Madam are not pleased with anyone I’ve acquired, I will sell them off. In the future, I will make more careful choices and pick out the better ones…”
“Don’t be anxious,” Qiao Xuan reassured him with a smile. “There’s an old saying that goes, ‘People are unpredictable,’ and it’s true. No one can guarantee that every purchase will be perfect. I can see that you haven’t been neglectful, and if you choose to focus on it later, you can take your time when you gain more experience.”
Shao Yunduan chimed in jest, “You usually exude such confidence and poise, so why are you so jittery now? Rest assured, my wife and I won’t be overly critical of your choices!”
Relieved, Songshi let out a sigh and his ingratiating smile became more genuine. “Yes, yes. I understand that the Master and Madam are kind-hearted individuals…”
Next, the farmers they had purchased were summoned. There were a total of twelve individuals—five women and seven men. Among them, five were families, and two children were under the age of ten.
Meeting their true masters for the first time, the twelve of them were far more nervous and uneasy than Songshi. As a few of them entered, they moved stiffly, as if they were all walking in unison.
Even the two children under the age of ten displayed remarkable poise and maturity. Held by their mothers on either side, they were obedient and shy, casting their eyes downward.
Adorned in the clean new clothing provided by Qiao Xuan, they appeared neat and presentable.
Since it was their first encounter, Qiao Xuan took the lead, engaging in a conversation with the head of the family, Shao Yunduan.
It was a traditional societal norm for the head of a family to be a man. When Shao Yunduan began addressing them, they would naturally show reverence. Initiating the conversation, Qiao Xuan could have caused some individuals to be taken aback, perceiving the family as unruly, which might lead to further issues.
Shao Yunduan was a man of few words, and as he looked at each of them, he had a favorable impression, indicating that Songshi had made careful selections.
He posed a few straightforward questions, offered some advice, and then Qiao Xuan reassured them with a warm smile, distributed their rewards, and concluded the meeting.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and gratefully received their rewards before departing respectfully.
Given that they could purchase numerous plots of land, it was evident that the family was affluent. Upon their arrival, they were given exceptional treatment, with ample meals, new clothing, comfortable accommodations, regular meat and fish in their diets, and even a monthly salary—all of which exceeded the expectations of ordinary families.
Manager Songshi had mentioned that if the master was unsatisfied, they would not be allowed to stay. However, when they paid their respects to the master, not everyone was anxious.
They had successfully cleared this stage, and their relief was palpable.
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan exchanged knowing glances, sharing the same perspective. However, they recognized that the true situation would become clearer in time.
Qiao Xuan only mentioned that the current twelve individuals were insufficient; they needed to acquire seven or eight more. They had to make these arrangements carefully and avoid any missteps.
Especially in the upcoming year, as they cultivated potatoes, watermelons, and cantaloupes, they would need to be vigilant in overseeing and protecting the crops.