After being reborn as a man, the woman improved her family's fortunes through education.

Chapter 733: Let's get started!

When the first crack appeared on the ice of the Grand Canal, the craftsmen arrived at Tongzhou Wharf one after another.

I thought the artisans from the north would arrive earlier, but to my surprise, the artisans from the south set off much earlier.

Some people even just deliver the goods and money to the house, rest for a bit, and then set off again.

Those who lived the furthest away didn't even get to spend a peaceful New Year at home.

But does it matter? No, it doesn't!

The important thing is that they made money and safely sent it home. It wasn't just money, but also so many real, good things that they wouldn't necessarily be willing to buy even if they had the money.

So, although we can't reunite for the New Year, our family will be able to eat and dress well for a long time to come, and our descendants will be able to afford to go to school after spring arrives. This is much more valuable than having a New Year's Eve dinner with the family!

So even though they spent the whole winter traveling, no one complained.

I feel incredibly lucky to have found such a great job.

Craftsmen from both the north and south gathered at the Tongzhou Wharf. Their faces showed no signs of resentment at being treated like beasts of burden, but rather an eagerness to start work.

Their eating utensils were all polished to a shine, ready to resume the shipbuilding project at any time.

Jiang Xiaoqi said that there are many "scroll kings" everywhere, but there are especially many this year.

He was genuinely in Tongxian County on business this time, not at the dock. He was just passing by to visit his colleague, Lord Qiu, when he unexpectedly found himself there as the craftsmen were returning home.

Even now, when people speak, you can still see their breath in the white steam, but the river has thawed, and they are ready to start work.

"Lord Qiu, please make a decision! The craftsmen arrived more than ten days earlier than we said. Should we start work ahead of schedule, or wait until the weather gets warmer?"

Qiu Cheng was also surprised. He had estimated that everyone would have a peaceful New Year, but this group of people had already arrived. He guessed that they hadn't spent much time with their families and had even left as soon as they put their things down.

"Sigh~ The head chef hasn't come back yet, has he? Hurry up and send someone to deliver a message to the head chefs, telling them to come back early, preferably today. We can't let them work on an empty stomach!"

"Yes! Your lord!"

Now that the head chef from the cafeteria has been brought back to cook, it's time to get to work immediately. Qiu Cheng's men quickly arranged everything.

Notify the chefs to arrive, purchase fresh ingredients, and prepare enough charcoal for heating. It's still very cold, and we can't let the hardworking people go hungry or cold.

The once quiet and deserted dock suddenly became lively and vibrant again because of the lively atmosphere.

As night falls, the stars twinkle, and the torches on the ground echo the cool starlight overhead.

As everyone drank hot soup and chatted about their hometowns, they eventually brought the conversation back to their work.

Jiang Xiaoqi was also holding a bowl of soup, watching the group of juicy guys still not letting themselves off the hook even after "getting off work".

"Sigh, Lord Qiu, it looks like our fleet will be completed more than ten days ahead of schedule!"

"Hmm, judging by this pace, it'll be at least half a month earlier."

"Let's raise everyone's wages by another 10% without exceeding the budget..."

"Hmm? This... shouldn't the employer make the decision?"

Jiang Xiaoqi paused, realizing she had almost let something slip.

Qiu Cheng had no idea that he was the mastermind behind everything...

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean. I want Lord Qiu to write a letter to my master, which I can take back on my way."

"Hmm... that's fine too. After all, everyone shortened the construction period, which saved a lot of money. It's reasonable to increase the wages a bit."

Qiu Cheng was not an unscrupulous contractor; he saw the hard work the craftsmen put in.

He was just used to being frugal and really hadn't thought about giving everyone more wages.

However, he didn't think Jiang Xiaoqi was being nosy. Looking at the craftsmen's weathered hands, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.

They all come from humble backgrounds, so it doesn't matter where they save money, but they absolutely cannot skimp on the money of ordinary people.

"Alright, Lord Jiang, please wait a moment. I will write a letter to explain the situation at the dock."

"Alright, Lord Qiu, please go ahead. There's no need to rush. I'll set off tomorrow morning."

The dockside dormitory provided accommodation for officials on business, and Dong Jin thoughtfully reserved a room for his brother-in-law, Jiang Xiaoqi.

Although Jiang Xiaoqi was not a resident official, his status was extraordinary. Even Qiu Cheng had to admit that the Second Prince valued Lord Jiang highly.

"Alright, Lord Jiang, please rest early after your meal. I'll bring you the letter tomorrow morning."

The two drank hot soup instead of wine, lightly clinked their rough earthenware bowls together, and then went their separate ways.

The bonfire on the dock was still burning; it would be bright again with just a few more pieces of firewood.

However, since everyone had been traveling for many days and today marked the official start of work, no one planned to stay up all night for a long talk.

A ladle of muddy water extinguished the last sparks, and the craftsmen packed up and went back to their warm, cozy workshops.

"Dry weather, be careful with fire!"

As the night watchman's unoriginal lines rang out, a group of constables at Tongzhou Wharf, responsible for fire prevention, theft prevention, and drowning prevention, also perked up.

One of the young constables washed his face with a ladle of cold water, preparing to begin his patrol.

"You brat, aren't you afraid of catching a cold? There are countless ways to boost your spirits, but you insist on washing your face with cold water..."

"What method? Like you, drinking strong tea?"

Let's forget about it. Forget about the cost of tea; you're energetic at night, but you can't seem to sleep during the day!

If this continues, my body will be completely drained!

Hey! You little brat! Which eye of yours saw me not sleeping during the day?!

"Hehe, anyway, we can't bear to spend money on tea~"

"Alright, alright, stop joking around. Today marks the official start of construction on the dock. We need to be on high alert. The closer we get to the end of the project, the less room there is for any mistakes!"

"Of course! Putting everything else aside, we have to be worthy of the salary Lord Qiu gives us, right?"

The older constable shook his head and sighed, while the younger constable remained puzzled.

"Hey! This strange old man, he takes people's money and does their bidding, isn't that how it works?"