Chapter 72: Chapter 72 Joy (1)_1 Chapter 72: Chapter 72 Joy (1)_1 “Jiujiu is right,” Yang Chaoyi continued his beloved daughter’s suggestion. “Mom and Dad can supervise, and if something’s not right, they can give us pointers.”
Yang Chaowen and others nodded in agreement.
Upon hearing the wise words of their granddaughter, Old Master Yang and his wife felt no more grievances. Seeing their children and grandchildren being filial and the family’s life getting better, their faces bloomed with smiles, and their hearts were exceedingly content.
Looking at the loving Yang family, others watched with envy and smiles.
When Feng Gong and his crew arrived at the Yang family’s place with a great number of construction materials, naturally, it stirred the curiosity of many villagers who came over to see. Now, hearing that Yang Mengchen planned to build four factories, everyone’s interest was piqued. After all, working for the Yang family meant being close to home, earning more than what the town offered, and experiencing the Yang family’s fair and generous treatment of their workers, including bonuses for good performance.
A middle-aged man couldn’t restrain his curiosity and asked, “Miss Jiu, will you be hiring workers once the factories are built?”
The rest of the people also looked at Yang Mengchen, full of hope.
“Of course we’ll be hiring,” Yang Mengchen said with a smile, nodding her head. “Those who wish to do carpentry should come to the eldest uncle to register tomorrow, those interested in oil refining should seek out my second uncle, those for embroidery should talk to my aunt, and those wanting to learn pharmaceuticals should find my fourth brother. After passing the assessment, you’ll sign a contract to become official employees. As for the salary, my uncles will explain it to you. Also, please pass the word to others.”
The crowd was so happy that they instantly agreed, while also pondering what work suited them best.
Yang Mengchen turned to Old Master Yang, “Grandpa, I’ll have to ask you to find the village chief and Lizheng later to help oversee the hiring.”
“Sure thing,” Old Master Yang cheerfully agreed.
Upon hearing Yang Mengchen arranging for Yang Chaoyi to lead craftsmen to the Zhao family’s place to transport bricks and to set up temporary housing for the workers, many men likewise offered their help.
Some women were chosen to assist Wu Xuehua and her sisters-in-law in preparing meals, and only then did Yang Mengchen and Feng Gong enter the house to discuss the specifics of the construction.
When they saw the blueprint for the new house that Yang Mengchen had brought out, Feng Gong and his companions were astounded.
The new house had three sections: the first was for receiving and accommodating guests, including servants’ quarters; the second was divided into east and west wings; and the third section consisted of an inner courtyard with four enclosures, each containing several two-and-a-half-story buildings that were independent yet complementary in scenery.
What astonished Feng Gong and his companions was not the structure of the new house but the design of several buildings. Yang Mengchen had designed them in a modern style blending Chinese and Western elements, especially with each bedroom having an ensuite bathroom and a special water management system.
The entire Yang family’s compound seemed grand and atmospheric yet refreshing and elegant, making it instantly comfortable and cozy to anyone who saw it.
“Ms. Yang, what about the second and third floors?” Feng Gong asked, puzzled.
He knew Ms. Yang wanted to use a new type of building material, but he had seen how heavy that material was and doubted his ability to transport it to the second floor, let alone the third floor.
Yang Mengchen smiled. “Don’t worry, I have a way to solve this.”
With that, Feng Gong did not question further.
Once all the preparations were completed, the Yang family chose an auspicious day to break ground and start construction.
The craftsmen were highly experienced and did not need to be supervised by Yang Mengchen or the Yang family members. They worked in an orderly manner.
Many villagers also volunteered to help, but as they had no experience they only assisted with basic tasks. After consulting with Yang Mengchen and assessing their needs, Feng Gong and his companions picked some people to help.
The Wu, Liu, and Shen families came to assist after hearing the news from their children and grandchildren.
That day, as Yang Mengchen was instructing Yang Chaowen and the workers on crafting modern furniture, Lady Xiao’s Eldest Maid Wanqiu suddenly arrived.
“I have come to pay my respects to the young miss and Ms. Yang,” Wan Qiu greeted them respectfully.