Chapter 281: Passion and Excitement
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The workers could not help but chat with Su Fengmao as they collected their daily payments. They were only guessing but did not know what was happening exactly.
Most thought the Su family would hire people to work at the tofu factory and hoped they could get a job there. Especially since going back and forth from the village to the factory was convenient, they could also earn money.
Everyone felt excited when they worked and received their daily payments, mainly when they brought home their earnings and handed them over to their family members.
The atmosphere during dinner in every household was different. Everyone wanted to work in the village to earn money. The villagers explored and planted soybeans but did not slack off as they put in a lot of effort.
Su Fengmao also went to the fields every day, so he would know whether or not they were slacking off. He looked at everyone’s expectant expressions and understood their thoughts.
Nonetheless, Su Zhengde had entrusted Su Xueye to build the factory, and everyone could see it. Also, Su Binglan said they would start hiring people in a few days, so the villagers would tind out about it sooner or later.
Su Fengmao said, “The building will be a huge tofu factory, and I’m sure you’ve all seen it. It’s that big building in the back of the village.”
His answer enlightened someone. “So, that’s what it is.”
“It’s so big. So, you and your family will make a lot of tofu, correct?” Everyone knew that Su Fengmao’s family had become wealthy, and many were envious.
However, no one harbored ill thoughts toward the Su family because the family had earned their money through hard labor. The villagers only thought about how to improve their own lives because they were honest people.
Su Fengmao looked at everyone’s puzzled and curious expressions, then patiently explained, “Indeed, my family needs plenty of tofu. If you guys or other villages want to buy some, they can do so directly from the factory. It’s also convenient since it’s so close to the village.”
The villagers were excited when they heard that but retreated a little when they thought of how expensive tofu might be. “We can’t bear to buy tofu for six copper coins per kilogram.”
“We only earn five coins daily, so we can’t afford that.”
“It’s still best if we do business instead.”
“That also requires craftsmanship and cost, which is also money. Some of us can only work hard to earn money.”
Some people realized that saying these things in front of Su Fengmao was not a good idea, but that was also the villagers’ instinctive reaction.
Someone tried to hurriedly smooth things over, saying, “W-We’re not saying the tofu you sell is expensive, Brother Su. I-It’s considered cheap. Most things in town cost around 10 to 20 coins per pound. Also, the amount of tofu you sell is sufficient and delicious. A pound of tofu can last us several meals.”
Someone agreed, “Indeed, your family’s tofu is good. When you and your family still lived in the old house, we could always smell your fragrant tofu whenever we passed by.”
“Have you tried the Su family’s tofu before, Brother Liu?”
“I went to my mother-in-law’s house with my wife once, and my father-in-law bought some tofu from the Su family. We all tried it and couldn’t have enough.”
“Wow, at least you’ve tried it. My family and I have only smelled its fragrance.”
“It’s incredibly delicious. If anyone can afford a pound during the New Year, I urge you to try some.”
Usually, most villagers were reluctant to spend money since they wanted to save up. They would only be willing to buy certain things they were reluctant to buy during the New Year. Everyone would eat delicious food during the New Year.
“Well, it’s only autumn now.”
Su Fengmao heard everyone’s words and laughed. He did not mind what the villagers said because they only expressed genuine thoughts. He could understand others whenever he put himself in their shoes.
If it were the past, he would also think that six coins per pound of tofu were expensive. His family could not afford to buy much then either, so he understood the villagers’ feelings.
“My daughter said you guys can buy our tofu for five coins per pound. Only villagers from Su Teng Village can enjoy that price, but you can’t buy the tofu for five coins and sell it for six to other villages to earn the difference.”
Everyone was happy when they heard that because the tofu was one coin cheaper for them. It was not a small amount either, as they could save a coin at a time, which would only add up over time.
“Don’t worry, Brother Su. You can feel at ease giving us discounts because we’re not ungrateful people.”
“That’s right, and we won’t sell it to earn the difference.”
Su Fengmao knew the people of Su Teng Village were honest, but there was still something he needed to say, “If we find out someone is selling our tofu to earn the difference, my family and I will revert the prices to six coins per pound.”
That way, no one would dare to rip the Su family off, as doing something like that would be like making an enemy out of the entire village. The villagers would hate the person who ripped the Su family off if the family restored the price to its original state.
Still, no one intended to do or even think such things in the first place.
“Fret not, Brother Su. You know the people of our village best.”
Su Fengmao laughed and said, “That’s right. I know you’re all good people and my daughter said things would be more convenient for our village soon. We will hire more people to work when we finally open the factory.
“My daughter also said we’ll only hire women to work, and it’s also to help take care of the women in our village.”
Su Binglan had considered before as this era was still feudal and conservative. Therefore, she only wanted to hire women to care for them.
Su Fengmao thought of his daughter’s words and continued, “Most of us men can work hard outside the village and find other things to do, so working at the tofu factory will be more convenient for women.
“They can work at the factory and earn five coins daily. The factory won’t be so big initially, so we’ll hire people from our village first.”
Su Fengmao’s words stunned everyone present. They all looked at him with eager and earnest eyes. “You have a point, Brother Su, but did I mishear?” “Is that true, Brother Su? Can my mother work too?!”
“Uncle Su, my wife is a good worker. She’s diligent and efficient, so I know she can do whatever tasks you have!”
If Su Binglan only wanted to hire women, everyone would feel at ease since the women could earn money by working in the factory. Everyone scrambled to tell Su Fengmao about their wives and mothers.
Su Fengmao understood how everyone felt. With an outstretched hand, he said, “Don’t worry, everyone. My daughter said she wants to hire women from our village to work in the factory only because it’s more convenient for them. “However, some tasks require strength, so we also need those who are diligent and hardworking. When the time comes, everyone can come to us for work if they want. My daughter will personally interview and choose who to work at the tofu Factory.”
The women of Su Teng Village were highly diligent because they all wanted to live good lives. Still, everyone’s constitution differed as some were weaker and could not do physical labor, just like Lin Chai’s wife, He Shi, whose body was weak. She could not even work in the fields..
