Chapter 245: Chapter 245 Recruiting (2)
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“No, you two will still be doing that on your own. They will stay in the village and protect the crops, cattle, and sheep with the people in the village.
“Of course, during the day, they can gather some information, especially news about the refugees, in case the village is attacked again.” Gu Chengrui shook his head.
“Thank you for your trust, Doctor Gu. Leave this matter to us. The eight of us will definitely do our best to protect the manor.” Li Si said.
“It’s a deal then. Go home and tell your families today.
“After that, pack up some clothes and bedding and move to the outer courtyard of the manor. As for how you’re going to split the living quarters, you can discuss it among yourselves.
“There’s also the monthly salary during your trial period—three meals per day and 300 coppers per month. Once you all pass the trial period, it’ll be 500 coppers.”
“Um, Doctor Gu, can we move over too? That way, we won’t have to cook too.” Qian Zhuang asked with a pleading smile.
…..
“Yes, yes. We’re going hungry these days; it’s been hard.” Gu Erjiang quickly echoed.
“Sure, as long as you are willing to stay, anything is fine.” Gu Chengrui replied.
After sending the group off, he found Chang Shun and asked him to make arrangements. He also asked a woman who cooked to prepare three meals daily for the group.
“Master, they’re all gangsters. Are you really going to take them in?” Chang Shun asked with an unwilling expression.
They were people that everyone usually avoided, so why did Gu Chengrui still invite them into the manor? If they had any bad intentions, it would be troublesome.
Furthermore, the villagers were attempting to save as much food as possible this year. Many people had been fired from their long-term jobs, but Gu Chengrui instead recruited a group. This meant a lot of extra food expenses daily.
He did not hide anything and told him his worries.
Gu Chengrui patted his shoulder and said, “Uncle Chang, have you ever heard of the saying that when the water is too clear, this means there aren’t any fish?
“As long as we make good use of them and benefit ourselves, we don’t have to care about their identities.”
Although Chang Shun felt a little conflicted after hearing that, he knew Gu Chengrui was determined to take those people in, so he didn’t say anything more.
But at night, his initial impression was overturned. Because Li Si and the others checked all the traps, they gave him a lot of helpful advice. Saying that the defense of their village was impregnable might be exaggerated, but there definitely weren’t any more loopholes after improving based on Li Si’s advice.
Furthermore, the men were well-versed in gossip and information, particularly Ma Zi. He even divided the refugees into several groups and asked which village they were from, inquiring clearly about who had conflicts with whom.
Gradually, Chang Shun let go of the prejudice in his heart, but he didn’t let down his guard in case a thief was among them.
On the other end, after Gu Chengrui returned to town, he went straight to the restaurant and sent the best young beggar who was well versed in martial arts, Jinya, to the manor. He asked that he take some time in the morning to teach the manor’s long-term employees some self-defense martial arts.
Turning to Constable Zhang, after he had sent the six men to jail, he handed over the confessions of the six men to Mayor Kong. “My Lord, should we go to the southwest to stop the refugees from coming over?
I’m afraid that if this continues, we won’t be able to take it.”
“Do you think we can stop the refugees? I’ve already reported this to the government. Let’s see how they reply.” At this point, Mayor Kong thought of the plummeting water level and continued, “However, you can spread the news that most of the wells in Yunhe County have dried up.”
Constable Zhang paused for a moment before he smiled. “I understand. I’ll make the arrangements..”