nucmednet Chapter 39 Recruiting
Chapter 39 Recruiting
The ministers of the previous dynasty argued endlessly, while the concubines in the harem were all dumbfounded. Ying Wuyou, a mere eight-year-old girl, was to be sent to repair roads and given full command? Wasn't this utterly ridiculous? It was simply unbelievable! Absolutely unbelievable!
Everyone shook their heads, expressing disbelief at the King of Qin's decision. They felt that such a crucial matter as road construction should be entrusted to experienced and composed officials, not to a mere young girl. Moreover, road construction was a massive undertaking, requiring enormous manpower, resources, and time; any mishap would have immeasurable consequences for Qin's economy and people's livelihoods. Therefore, this decision was truly unacceptable.
After finishing his class, Ying Gaoya heard that the King of Qin had ordered Ying Wuyou to oversee road construction, so he rushed back to Jiu'an Palace and shouted at Lady Zhao, "Mother, have you heard? Why did that brat Ying Wuyou get this job? I'm clearly older than her, but I don't have any work to do." Lady Zhao glanced at Ying Wuyou and sneered, "You came to me for this? What do you think I can do?" Ying Gaoya stamped his feet in frustration and said, "Mother, you can go and cause trouble for Lady Wang, or go and cause trouble for Ying Wuyou directly!" Lady Zhao was furious and roared at Ying Gaoya, "Fool!" "The imperial decree was issued by your father! Do you think that if I go and cause trouble for Ying Wuyou, she'll back down? Let alone whether there's anyone in the court who objects? Yet your father still issued the decree. Don't you understand what that means?" Ying Gaoya muttered meekly, "It shows my father is biased." Hearing this, Madam Zhao flew into a rage and slapped Ying Gaoya hard across the face. She scolded, "You're utterly foolish and beyond redemption!" She then shouted, "Guards! Take Young Master Gaoya away and lock him up. He'll be released when he's thought things through!"
On one side, Madam Zhao was so angry at Ying Gaoya that her chest ached. On the other side, Ying Wuyou remained calm and composed despite the doubts of the crowd. She was well aware of the responsibility she bore, but at the same time, she was full of confidence. She firmly believed that she could handle this task.
After all, she was a village child in her previous life, and she had helped her parents build roads when she was young. Although Ying Wuyou's village in her previous life wasn't large, it had a decent population. Back then, every household would contribute labor to road construction; it was a collective action and a sense of responsibility. Everyone worked together to improve the village's transportation. At that time, slogans like "To get rich, build roads first!" and "Where roads are open, all industries prosper!" could be seen everywhere in the village. These slogans not only promoted the importance of road construction but also inspired and called upon the villagers. They constantly reminded people that only by building good roads could the village develop better and life become better. She remembered clearly how everyone worked together, gradually repairing and paving the roads. Although it was hard work, everyone went to work on the roads every day with a cheerful attitude.
Therefore, ever since Ying Wuyou transmigrated to the Qin Dynasty, the most important thing on his mind has been to build roads. Flat and solid roads are extremely important! As long as cement roads are built, it will be of great significance to ordinary people, soldiers of the Qin Dynasty, and merchants from all walks of life.
Ying Wuyou knew that the first step in building the road was to recruit workers. After careful consideration, she decided to have recruitment notices posted in the busiest and most populated areas of the city.
When people saw the notice posted, their curiosity got the better of them, and they flocked to it. They packed the notice board tightly, three or four deep, afraid of missing a single detail. Some illiterate people anxiously asked those who could read, wanting to know what the notice said. The literate people patiently read it aloud: "The main road in the west of Xianyang City needs repairs, and we are now recruiting workers! Everyone, regardless of age or gender, is welcome to apply. Young and strong laborers (aged 14 to 50) will be paid two qian per day, and children and the elderly will be paid one qian per day. Two meals a day will be provided. Those interested should register at the registration office in the west of the city."
Upon hearing this news, everyone was stunned into silence, almost unable to believe their ears. In the past, road construction was a task that every family was required to participate in, but they had never heard of being paid for it. Not only that, but there was even wages and meals provided. This treatment was simply beyond imagination, making it seem like a dream.
Before long, the news spread like wildfire throughout Xianyang. Everyone heard about the road construction recruitment; some were skeptical, some were eager to participate, and others planned to wait and see before making a decision.
Regardless of whether the news was true or false, a group of people flocked to the recruitment location designated by Ying Wuyou like a tidal wave. Seeing that those with the courage actually went to sign up, the others remained still and observed the situation. Gradually, more and more people signed up, and those who were originally still observing no longer hesitated and joined the ranks of those signing up.
Wang Liujin experienced major life changes at a young age. He was only seventeen when he lost his father a few years ago, and his mother also passed away from an illness, leaving him and his younger brother to depend on each other. The burden of life fell on his frail shoulders far too early, but he was not defeated.
With his exceptional intelligence, Wang Liujin learned to set clever traps in the mountains to catch prey and make a living. However, this was no easy task; they often faced hunger and lived a very difficult life.
That day, Wang Liujin brought several rabbits he had hunted in the mountains to Xianyang City to sell. While he was busy, his gaze inadvertently fell upon a job posting sign on the street. Without hesitation, he stopped and began to read it carefully.
This job meant more income for him, allowing him to better care for his younger brother. So, he resolutely signed up and secretly resolved to work hard to earn money and create a better living environment for his brother.
There are many people in similar circumstances to Wang Liujin, and Tian Xiaowei is one of them. She is now twelve years old and the eldest daughter in her family. Her father passed away many years ago, and for all these years, her mother has been raising Tian Xiaowei and her two younger sisters on her own. The family makes a living by weaving and selling bamboo baskets, and life is extremely difficult.
The youngest sister is now five years old, but she doesn't even have a decent set of clothes. On weekdays, the second and youngest sisters have to take turns wearing the same set of clothes when they go out, while the one left at home sits naked on the kang (a heated brick bed).
Today, Tian Xiaowei went to Xianyang City to sell bamboo baskets. Suddenly, she heard a commotion among the crowd, saying that they were hiring. Although Tian Xiaowei didn't know if it was true or not, her family was out of rice, so without much hesitation, she resolutely went to register. Following the flow of people, Tian Xiaowei arrived at the queue, where she saw five long lines, each crowded with people. Tian Xiaowei randomly joined one of the lines and began her long wait. When it was finally Tian Xiaowei's turn, she saw that there were five people sitting at a simple table responsible for registration. The registrar in her line was a young man, who looked no more than thirteen or fourteen years old. The young man asked, "Name?" Tian Xiaowei quickly replied, "Tian Xiaowei!" He then asked, "Which village are you from?" Tian Xiaowei said, "Babao Village!" The young man said, "Work starts at eight o'clock tomorrow morning. Arrive before eight o'clock and report here again. This is to let everyone know you've arrived on time. After reporting, someone will assign you work. You'll get one coin a day and two meals a day. Got it?" Tian Xiaowei nodded like a chick pecking at rice, "I...I remember!" The young man asked again, "Good. Also, remember to bring a shovel. If you don't have one at home, they'll be provided when you arrive. Do you have any other questions?" Tian Xiaowei waved her hand hastily, "No...I have no questions." The young man said, "Okay, you can go now. Just remember to report here before eight o'clock tomorrow." Tian Xiaowei thanked him repeatedly, "Okay, thank you, thank you all!" With a sigh of relief, she left the queue.