Chapter 010: Sister-in-law, I am afraid I cannot do it
At this moment, Ye Chang was astonished
This sentence awakened Ye Chang
His anger surprised the Fang family somewhat. She had just glanced at him and then looked down again: "It has always been this way. Otherwise, how could our Ye family have so much land? Even the land that belongs to you was purchased by the clan a few years ago."
I understand, thank you for your guidance, sister-in-law. Ye Chang expressed his gratitude to the Fang family with a bow.
This calmness seems to carry a strong sense of coercion, compelling one to comply with his intentions
But he cannot refuse, for he is a servant
The able-bodied laborers were responsible for digging the trenches, while the elderly and weak were tasked with piling the excavated soil to the side, forming a path of yellow earth. Due to the implementation of a segmented contracting method, the work progressed very quickly. Before long, one group completed their task first, and the others were already sitting to the side, chatting and laughing.
What he did was to keep a close watch on the eight selected leaders. According to prior agreements, the water supply was limited, thus irrigation had to follow a specific order. Whether the eight leaders could effectively manage the people under their command directly affected their own priority for irrigation, a matter closely tied to their lives and fortunes, making it a situation that no one dared to take lightly
He anticipated that everyone had already headed to the destination, so he pursued outside the village. Sure enough, he saw a group of people scattered and moving forward outside the village. He followed behind, listening to the crowd either loudly chatting or quietly discussing. At first, the people walked in a disorganized manner, but gradually they formed into eight distinct lines.
What they did first was to dig trenches on the slope, which seemed somewhat amusing to the arriving Ye Shen: the water was still several miles away, and there were several small hills in between, yet they began digging trenches here, which was inevitably quite laughable
The elders selected by Ye Chang, perhaps under Ye Chang's orders, occasionally gathered their group members. Therefore, although they appeared scattered, there was still some semblance of order. This did not seem unusual in Ye Shen's eyes, but if Ye Dan were present, she would have noticed the oddity.
It is actually quite simple; Zong has taken a liking to those slopes. Fang steadied himself, silently scolding himself, and then spoke.
Why?
Ye Dan murmured to herself, while Ye Chang's assignments were organized in a meticulous manner, which surprised her greatly. It is worth noting that Ye Chang had never managed people or affairs before—excluding the little girl Xiang'er.
Liu Gui was startled by the commotion. Just a moment ago, Ye Chang's courtyard was so lively that he tried his best to shrink away to the side, secretly noting everything that happened, waiting for an opportunity to relay the information to the third branch. Now, Ye Shu wanted him to leave, but he was unsure of the reason.
At this moment, Ye Chang deeply understood the era in which he found himself
As for this drought, it will also harm the interests of clansmen like Ye Chang. For Ye Dan, it is of no concern; being a distant relative, if he is kind-hearted, he might spare Ye Chang a chance at life, but if he is ruthless, he will not care about Ye Chang's fate
Ye Chang's anger immediately dissipated
Ye Dan's perspective on issues is no different from that of any clan leader or wealthy landlord in this era. Whether it is a disaster or the well-being of his clansmen, it must bring him some benefit; if not immediate profit, then it should be of long-term advantage. The Fang family intends for Ye Chang to act without reservation and to fully utilize his talents. At that time, Ye Dan will consider matters from a long-term perspective, as the Ye clan also needs someone to succeed him in the position of village chief.
Sister-in-law? " Ye Chang noticed that Fang was silent with her head down, and urged again.
The rural folk, accustomed to a carefree lifestyle, maintaining this level of order while working together is indeed a remarkable achievement
"Master, I do have a way to channel the spring water uphill"
Ah? Ye Chang was somewhat perplexed
The commotion here naturally led someone to quietly inform the third branch of the Zhang family. Upon hearing this, Liu immediately jumped up, exclaiming: "Ha, ha, this little rascal is indeed unreliable. He was provoked and became foolish, actually going to divert water... We went to see it yesterday, and it is simply impossible to divert water there!"
Regardless of whether this nephew truly encountered an immortal, one thing is certain: he is no longer the young man who once wholeheartedly sought immortality through alchemy and the path of enlightenment. Therefore, Ye Dan began to formally consider this younger generation. Currently, he harbors two conflicting thoughts: one is to suppress him to prevent this collateral descendant from threatening the position of the main lineage in the future; the other is to fully support him, allowing him to soar to great heights with the help of the family's power.
Anger surged in Ye Chang's eyes
This message caused Ye Dan to furrow her brows tightly: "Nonsense, the young man speaks boastfully, do you all believe this?"
You have always been inclined towards goodness since childhood. If that is the case... there is not no way.
Ye Chang felt it was strange; Ye Dan's attitude seemed to indicate that he did not want him to help bring the spring water to the village. Frowning, he noticed that the crowd, pressured by Ye Dan's accumulated authority and the *Tu* *Shu*, gradually dispersed, which made him feel somewhat displeased.
After everyone had dispersed, Ye Dan looked at Ye Chang. In the dim night, his expression appeared somewhat strange
Why has Wu Zepu experienced such severe drought, yet Ye Dan, the clan leader and village elder, is not very proactive in organizing drought relief? Why, when I pointed out the location of the spring, did Ye Dan not only fail to express joy but also seem somewhat dissatisfied? Why, when I informed him that there was a way to divert water from the mountains, did Ye Dan refuse to provide support from the clan?
Having spoken, he left
"Ichiro, do you not understand my meaning? The matter of drawing water from the spring ends here!" Ye Dan said sternly
Hearing that Ye Chang had not yet eaten breakfast, they all took out their provisions—today they were going out to do physical labor, and everyone had prepared some food. Ye Chang naturally declined, sipping on corn porridge while he began to assign tasks. Before long, he selected eight older individuals based on age and seniority, then divided the group of over one hundred people into eight teams. The elderly, weak, and women without strength were placed into two groups, their role being to provide logistical support and handle miscellaneous tasks, while the able-bodied were evenly divided into six groups.
As he emerged, everyone began to greet him, some calling him Eleventh Young Master, others referring to him as Eleventh Brother, and some, taking advantage of their seniority, calling him Eleventh Nephew. Ye Chang wore a smile on his face and did not mind the trouble, responding to each greeting in turn. His demeanor made everyone feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze, and coupled with their requests from him, they could not help but shower him with flattery.
Upon hearing this, Liu became even more pleased: "I will return to my parental home for a visit, and then let my father make the decision. I do not believe this time it will not succeed."
"Yes." Ye Chang's heart stirred. From his observations, the Fang family could still be trusted. He could not understand why the clan leader was indifferent to the matter of diverting water. The Fang family possessed some wisdom, and perhaps he could obtain some answers from her. Therefore, he recounted Ye Dan's reaction and finally asked, "Sister-in-law, could you explain why the clan leader seems reluctant for me to divert the water?"
"Ichiro, I went to see that spring." Ye Dan looked at Ye Chang with a somewhat strange expression.
Uncle Cui's group secured first place. When the water was diverted, Uncle Cui's group was awarded an additional five points. Ye Chang promptly announced the rewards: "According to our agreement, the final distribution of water will be based on points. The group with more points will have priority. Everyone needs to put in extra effort!"
Ye Zongchang remarked, "If it does not flow to our side, searching for the spring water is of no use." Someone sighed.
However, although Ye Chang did not express anger towards Tu Shuran, he still felt quite unsettled. After all, having to watch others sell their children and suffer the destruction of their families left him deeply troubled
The person sent by him to gather information was a distant cousin of Ye Chang, named Ye Shen. After listening, he responded and ran to Ye Chang's house. However, when he arrived, he found that Ye Chang's home was already empty, with no one there.
It is not related to nobility, but rather to having principles.
Ye Lian also had a joyful expression: "Even if it succeeds, there will be no good outcome. Zong Chang's thoughts are similar to ours; he is precisely looking to take this opportunity to gather the lands scattered among various families. If he successfully diverts the water, it will be an offense to Zong Chang!"
Exactly
Ye Dan did not provide a reason; he simply stared at Ye Chang. From the eyes of this nephew, Ye Dan discovered determination. Although Ye Dan wanted to use a stern gaze to make the other yield, the other’s gaze remained clear and unwavering.
It is a mere coincidence; the night has grown deep. Are you all not returning? Must you disturb Young Master Eleven's rest?
Xiu Wu has long been known for its remarkable individuals and rich heritage, yet the Ye family, particularly the Wu Ze Ye clan, does not belong to this esteemed group. Ultimately, it is because the Ye family has not produced any outstanding figures. In the past, Ye Dan overlooked Ye Chang due to his mediocrity, but now, he begins to regard him with newfound respect because of his experiences.
After he finished speaking, he cupped his fists towards the crowd in the courtyard and said: "Dear neighbors, Shiyi Lang is young and inexperienced. Please do not continue to praise him, lest he causes some trouble and implicates you all."
"Muramasa, just now, Ichirō mentioned that there is a way to bring water to our sloped fields." However, after a brief moment of silence, someone spoke up. Future calamities are indeed a concern for the future, but if we cannot bring water now, everyone will have to sell their fields and land, and even their sons and daughters.
Therefore, although these eight individuals were older and more virtuous than De Shao, they all dared not go against Ye Chang's wishes, each racking their brains to find ways to restrain their own group. As a result, Ye Chang did not expend much effort, and the itinerary that would originally have taken a considerable amount of time was greatly compressed.
Sister-in-law... I cannot do it. Ye Chang struggled internally for a while; Fang's proposal was the most beneficial to him, but he truly could not bring himself to do it
He is unable to treat human life as insignificant like Ye Dan, especially regarding those who pose no threat to him, including the neighbors he encounters daily.
Ye Chang was constantly observing the situations of various groups. Coming from the era of large-scale social production, he naturally understood the importance of labor discipline. However, for those who had grown accustomed to a small-scale agricultural economy, it was absolutely impossible for them to immediately adhere to labor discipline as strictly as workers in later generations. Ye Chang did not believe that he possessed any kind of aura that could facilitate such a qualitative change in them. For those who had grown accustomed to a small-scale agricultural economy, it was absolutely impossible for them to immediately adhere to labor discipline as strictly as workers in later generations. Ye Chang did not believe that he possessed any kind of aura that could facilitate such a qualitative change in them.
Indeed, how could an ordinary young man find a spring in such a severe drought? The old spring, Villager Zheng, you yourself have just been to see it!
He had just left when fellow villagers came in, seeking advice from Ye Chang. Ye Chang did not elaborate but simply instructed them to prepare their tools and wait for his news early the next morning
Due to the inquiry about the answer, and also because of the habits of later generations, Ye Chang fixed his intense gaze on Fang Shi, causing her face to involuntarily flush slightly. Fang Shi found it somewhat strange; before being struck by the comet, Ye Chang was quite shy. Not to mention staring at her like this, even when she spoke a few more words to him, he would blush. Yet now, he exhibited a kind of calmness that Fang Shi found rather peculiar.
Therefore, you should not stand out any longer. Even if an immortal were to point out some method of irrigation to you, you should still refrain from standing out. Once those fields have been brought to the clan, you can then present the method to the clan leader. At that time, the clan leader will certainly entrust you with the management of that piece of sloped land
This young man, for reasons unknown, now possesses such unwavering determination that he will not easily change for others
I did not expect that...
"In our generation of the Ye family, there are no outstanding individuals," Fang said softly. "If this continues, I fear that even the position of village chief may be lost to others."
The remaining groups immediately responded in unison.
Indeed, this is the norm of our time. To be angry about such matters is to lose one's own position—after all, he is also a beneficiary of this system
You follow them closely and observe if there are any changes or progress, and report back to me promptly
If he cannot bring in water, and the ten or so acres of land on the slope yield no harvest, then what will he and Xiang'er eat in the second half of the year? Moreover, Ye Chang needs to establish his authority in the village through the matter of seeking springs and drawing water, which will make it easier for him to find people to do things in the future
The location of the spring is not quite right; the water over there cannot flow into our fields.
Ye Chang raised an eyebrow; his plan could not be halted due to the clan leader's distrust. Moreover, if he could gain the clan leader's support and mobilize the entire Ye clan's strength, he would be able to achieve success more swiftly
If you can beautifully channel the spring water from https://www.hetushu.com, and handle the matter appropriately, the chief will regard you with new eyes. In that case, perhaps the chief will not blame you for ruining his affairs
Ye Chang has no interest in Cunzheng; his current aspiration is to cherish those who care for him and to enjoy his life in this second existence
The equal land distribution system has begun to disintegrate, and land consolidation is gradually becoming severe. For landlords and gentry like Ye Dan, natural disasters present an opportunity; taking advantage of the calamity, he can purchase others' land and properties at low prices and can amass a large number of servants.
After a while, Ye Dan nodded slightly and said: "I won't interfere with you, but do not think that our Ye family will contribute a single person or a single penny to help you"
Ye Dan looked at Ye Chang with an impassive expression, causing Ye Chang to furrow his brows, feeling that something was amiss. Then, he heard Ye Dan say: "Regarding encounters with immortals, do not speak carelessly. For those with fortune and fate, such encounters are a step towards advancement. However, for families like ours, such encounters are likely to lead to misfortune."
Due to the dim lighting, at this moment, Ye Chang could no longer see Fang's face clearly, but he could sense that she was deep in thought. Ye Chang nodded; regarding the clan leader Ye Dan, he did not have the understanding that Fang had, and thus he truly had no good way to deal with it
"Ichiro, rest early and do not overthink. As for the matter of the spring water, let it end here."
Upon hearing this, Ye Chang finally understood completely
The two of them speculated that the clan leader would be angry because Ye Chang had disrupted his land consolidation plans. However, at this moment, the clan leader of the Ye family, Ye Dan, felt little anger; instead, there was more astonishment on his face: "So Ye Chang really arranged it this way?"
After sending those people away, Ye Chang thought he could finally have a moment of peace. However, just as Xiang Er began preparing dinner, his elder brother Ye Shu and sister-in-law Fang arrived again
This uncle indeed possesses considerable ability, no wonder he can firmly hold the positions of clan leader and village chief; with just a few words, he was able to subdue these individuals
"Did the sect leader just arrive?" Fang asked softly after Liu Gui had been dismissed.
Shijiro is not an ordinary young man; he has been enlightened by an immortal
Seeing Liu Gui huddled in the corner, Fang raised her eyebrows slightly and whispered something to Ye Shu. Ye Shu then strode over to Liu Gui and said, "Liu Gui, come with me."
Who is willing to be implicated
After a night of silence, early the next morning, Ye Chang had not yet awakened from his sweet dreams when a cacophony erupted outside. With bleary eyes, Ye Chang opened the door and saw nearly a hundred men, women, and children waiting outside with tools in hand.