Chapter 10: All things are of inferior quality

Alright. Uncle Zhang's house next door has some, I will go get a few.

"Uncle Hammer, you mustn't say that. That would mean it's the end for my nephew. The affairs of the village are my affairs. During this time away, I have seen much. Being wealthy on my own is not true wealth; my goal is to transform the entire village into a prosperous one. That is my true aim, and it is what I owe to the land that has nurtured me. In the future, I want every household to enjoy the Daughter's Red and the Top Scholar's Red," Zhang Lei said boldly. Being wealthy on my own is not true wealth; my goal is to transform the entire village into a prosperous one. That is my true aim, and it is what I owe to the land that has nurtured me. In the future, I want every household to enjoy the Daughter's Red and the Top Scholar's Red," Zhang Lei said boldly.

Zhang Lei put down the items in his hands and said, "Then the three of us will go move things, since I won't be cooking, I'll leave it to you."

Zhang Lei quickly drank the wine in his cup and said, "This is certain. As the saying goes, a single chopstick is easily broken, but many hands make light work. As long as we work together with a united heart, there is nothing we cannot accomplish"

Everyone started to shout, and Zhang Baosheng said: "Son, your old man has also been a carpenter for several decades."

At that moment, a carriage slowly approached from a distance. Upon reaching the entrance, Zhang Lei jumped down and instructed two assistants to unload everything from the carriage. After paying them off, he addressed everyone, saying: "Dear fellow villagers, thank you for your hard work. Although this tobacco curing house can benefit everyone, the motivation behind it is my own selfish desire. Once again, I thank you all for your assistance. After working so hard for so long, please take a rest. Today, let us have dinner at my humble abode before you leave"

Chen Dayong volunteered, saying, "Go to my house and bring over those few tables of mine as well"

It has been a long time since I last drank like this. Zhang Lei sighed inwardly; although the alcohol content of this daughter red is not high, compared to the grand scenes of liquor in later years, it is nothing significant. However, after consuming a few kilograms, he felt a slight intoxication.

Let us begin

Zhang Lei felt embarrassed. Farmers are indeed the most lovable group of people in the world. Although they often think about taking advantage, it feels more like a friendly joke. If you offer them some small kindnesses to improve their lives a little, they will treat you like a deity. Their demands are not high; they only seek the most basic necessities of life.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lei retorted: "It is not said like that; studying is indeed a significant matter. All pursuits are of lesser value, only studying is esteemed. My father and I, in this lifetime, are merely laborers; it is truly remarkable to have someone like you, a cultured individual, emerge from our midst. I have had the fortune of studying in a private school for two years, and I am already quite satisfied. However, your aspirations should not stop here. You should gradually expand your horizons, whether it be in the county, the province, or the capital. Water must flow to remain fresh and useful. It is fine for us to endure hardships at home; if you become a useful person, it will also bring us honor."

"Well said. Given your courage and your unwavering loyalty, I should first drink three large bowls with you." Old Chen replaced his bowl, filled it halfway, and gestured to Zhang Lei before gulping it down in one go.

Zhang Lei nodded and said, "You are so eager to learn, my brother, which brings me great comfort. Once this matter is settled, I will go out for a while and allow you to enter the county school to continue your studies."

A glimmer of surprise flashed in Zhang Chen's eyes, but then it suddenly dimmed. He calmly said: "Forget it, brother. The situation at home is not unknown. Studying requires a significant amount of money. I know you have the ability, but I think it would be good for me to stay and help you with some things. Our father is getting older, and I don't want him to work too hard."

Haha, you are talking nonsense in broad daylight, lacking any substance, spending your life dealing with dirt. What use is it to take you out? It cannot be said to lead to wealth; I can believe that it would only cause trouble for Xiao Lei.

Zhang Lei said with a smile: "I am fine, brother, boil some water for me, I will take a hot shower, and start making tobacco tomorrow"

... ...

After about an hour, Zhang Lei had assigned all the tasks. The tobacco drying room could not be too large, occupying no more than two zhang in diameter, and the materials were also minimal. Seeing that there was still time, several young strong men began to get busy, immediately digging and mixing mud in the courtyard. Zhang Baosheng led a few carpenters to take money from Zhang Lei to go buy timber. The two brothers, Zhang Lei and Zhang Chen, appeared much more relaxed. After a little more than half an hour, Zhang Lei said: "I will go out to buy some food; you stay at home to boil some water for them to drink when they take a break. Let these neighbors have dinner at home tonight."

Come, come, come, this is the aged Daughter Red wine I specially purchased. Today, I am immensely grateful for everyone's help, so I would like to propose a toast to all of you. " Zhang Lei moved through the crowd, filling everyone's glasses with wine, and spoke loudly.

"You old drunkard, I see you are just looking for an opportunity to drink more, aren't you?" Immediately, someone stood up to refute him, holding a wine glass and saying to Zhang Lei: "Come, come, come, I can't bear to drink this fine wine like this guy does. Here, I will toast you first, hoping that your method will be effective, as that would save our entire village.

Look, when someone with ink in their belly mentions m.hetushu.com, it sounds different. Hehe, Xiao Lei, you are being too polite; this is not just your family's matter, it is a significant issue for our village. If this works out, we will all rely on you to get rich in the future, haha. Everyone gathered around the pond by the vegetable field, washing the mud off their bodies, laughed upon hearing Zhang Lei's words

"You child, at your age, when have you ever drunk like this? Aren't you afraid of drinking yourself to death?" Zhang Baosheng, whose face was also flushed and neck thick from drinking, couldn't help but scold Zhang Lei upon seeing his appearance.

"It's nothing, what I mean is that I am experienced, and I can guide them while they are working," said Zhang Baosheng

"Heavens... such a good dish, Zhang Lei, you rascal, you have been missing for several months. Could it be that you went out to make a fortune?"

After finishing his washing up, Zhang Lei noticed several steamed buns on the table and heard voices coming from the courtyard. Curiously, he walked over and saw Zhang Chen holding a tattered copy of the "Classic of Filial Piety" and reading aloud.

The construction of the tobacco curing house is quite rapid, as there is no need for a foundation, nor does it require excessive sturdiness. It suffices to dig a hole for the stove at the bottom and stack bricks and mud on top. Here, there are plenty of hands available, and by dusk, one tobacco curing house has already been built according to the design on the blueprint, leaving a door and some wooden items, although those are tasks for the carpenters

Zhang Lei pressed his hands down and cleared his throat, saying: "Dear fellow villagers, please quiet down. Over the past few months, I have been apprenticed to a master who has taught me many practical skills. For instance, the tobacco curing house you see before you is one of them. I never expected to put it to use so soon after my return; it truly feels like fate. As for matters of wealth, there is no need for everyone to be anxious. We are all one family, and as long as I have the opportunity, I will not keep anything for myself. If you all follow me closely, we will prosper together, and we will all wear fine silks and satins."

Zhang Lei purchased two large barrels of fine wine, several dozen pounds of braised beef, a few roasted chickens, half a fatty pig, several dozen pounds of rice, and with plenty of vegetables from his own garden, he had more than enough to prepare two tables of dishes

The body and hair are received from one's parents, and one must not dare to harm them; this is the beginning of filial piety. Establishing oneself and following the path, making a name for oneself in later generations to honor one's parents, this is the culmination of filial piety. Filial piety begins with serving one's parents, is practiced in serving one's sovereign, and culminates in establishing oneself. The "Book of Songs" states: Do not forget your ancestors, and diligently cultivate your virtue

Six round tables filled the entire courtyard, leaving no space unoccupied. Several women gathered in the kitchen, and within less than half an hour, they prepared a sumptuous meal. Zhang Lei opened the fine wine he had purchased, and the aroma of the wine immediately filled the air, enticing several old wine enthusiasts.

Haha, Daughter Hong, my dear nephew, look at you bringing such delicious food. For us country folks, with our muddy legs, after this meal, we probably won't taste meat for another three months. By then, we will surely be lovesick. Chen Laochui had a look of intoxication on his face, and the wrinkles seemed to have smoothed out.

Brother, you are awake," Zhang Chen noticed Zhang Lei approaching, closed the book, and said.

Zhang Lei : `` ... ... ''

The next day, he slept until the sun was high in the sky before waking up. His head still throbbed a bit. Zhang Lei rubbed his temples and said with a wry smile, "It seems that although the alcohol content wasn't high, the aftereffects are quite strong"

Zhang Chen, while packing up, defended Zhang Lei, saying: "Dad, please don't criticize my brother. Haven't you also had quite a bit to drink? Today is a special day. By tomorrow, our flue-cured tobacco will be ready for processing and we will be able to sell it. Isn't that something to be happy about? I believe my brother will be fine after a night's rest"

It is well said; this is how it should be. We are all from the same village and should help one another. However, it truly is a blessing from heaven that our village has finally produced a talented person like you

Zhang Lei looked at him and asked, "Father, what do you want to say?"

Aren't you just speaking nonsense with your eyes wide open? Look at what he is wearing, brocade and satin, not much worse than that Xie gentleman, he must have made a fortune. Hey, Xiao Lei, why don't you consider your uncle's conditions and go out to make big money too

Zhang Lei called Zhang Chen over to help move things. He smiled and said, "We are all family; if I don't help you, who else will? Just now, everyone worked together to build the tobacco drying room, so now, if you please, those who can cook, let’s work together to prepare a delicious dinner. Brother, go borrow a few tables from someone; our table..." He reached out and shook it, and the octagonal table creaked. He said, "...it needs to be replaced." Brother, go borrow a few tables from someone; our table..." He reached out and shook it, and the octagonal table creaked. He said, "...it needs to be replaced."

What is needed

Outside, there was a cacophony of voices, and someone shouted: "Nephew, we have all come over today. What should we do? Please give your instructions..."

... ...

Zhang Chen lowered his head in silence, and Zhang Lei patted him on the shoulder, saying: "Go ahead, go study. I have plenty of skills to make money, so you don't need to worry about that at all"

The meal lasted nearly an hour, and everyone could only enjoy such a feast during the New Year. Today, Zhang Lei had prepared plenty of food and drink. For everyone, the stored tobacco might also turn into a valuable asset, which lifted their spirits. In an instant, the sounds of dice games and drinking rose and fell, creating a lively atmosphere. It continued until the lights began to glow, and only when it became difficult to see the dishes on the table without lighting a fire did everyone reluctantly disperse from the gathering