GBP Chapter 185 Population Growth
Chapter 185 Population Growth
Shuyun arranged the people in an orderly manner to prepare for tonight's banquet, a celebration of their housewarming; this would be their new home. This house had more than twenty more rooms than their previous one; it had originally belonged to a wealthy merchant, who later sold it.
This house is in a very good location, and it took a lot of effort to buy it. In the spacious courtyard of the Shi family, Shuyun stood under the corridor, frowning slightly as she counted the new family members. There were quite a few new additions to the family recently, bringing the total to sixty-two.
Among them are twenty-five orphans they have adopted. Most of the children are thin and pale, but their eyes reveal curiosity and longing for their new environment.
There were also more than a dozen servants bought from the brokerage firm. They all bore the marks of a miserable life, either abused by their former masters or forced into slavery by their family circumstances.
Fortunately, there were enough rooms in the new house. Shuyun carefully arranged a room for the two of them. Seeing that everyone had a place to stay, a relieved smile appeared on her tired face.
Today, the sun shines brightly, but the Shi family is bustling with activity because the county magistrate is coming to visit. In the kitchen, steam rises, and Shuyun directs everyone in preparing the meal, but she is a little uneasy, wondering if the abundant dishes prepared will suit the county magistrate's taste.
Shuyun emerged from the kitchen. This woman, as warm as the sun, stood in the courtyard watching the busy crowd, her own plans in mind.
She had previously discussed with her sister Shi about renting some farmland so that those in the family who had nothing to do could start growing crops. This way, they could be self-sufficient and have a livelihood.
Moreover, Sister Shi recently sent Lin Yu and the others to find materials and teach them how to make glass. Although those assigned tasks didn't know what glass was, they would do their best to complete any task Sister Shi gave them. In their hearts, Sister Shi was their pillar of support, the one who gave them hope.
Shi Wanxia did not want to oppress these people as the hostess; she hoped everyone could support themselves. She gave everyone a monthly allowance, provided comfortable accommodations, and even personally taught those who were illiterate to read and write.
In this home, there are no strict hierarchical distinctions, no beatings or harsh criticisms, only mutual respect and care.
Soon, under Shuyun's guidance, all the dishes were served, filling five tables in total. The aroma of the dishes filled the courtyard, making everyone's mouths water.
Sister Shi never liked these people demeaning themselves. Under her influence, the family was peaceful and harmonious, with laughter echoing in every corner.
Just then, Lin Yu and Qin Xin, who had been working away from home for a long time, returned. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they first bowed respectfully to Magistrate Cui Zhihao, and then, like wild horses, they rushed straight towards Shi Wanxia.
Qin Xin nestled against Shi Wanxia like a spoiled kitten, muttering about the hardships of being away from home. Lin Yu, on the other hand, casually lay back in the chair, ordering Shi Wanxia around like a lord, his roguish demeanor a stark contrast to his resolute appearance when he was out working hard.
Choi Ji-ho sat to the side, watching the lively scene with great curiosity. Looking at the people filling the courtyard, he couldn't quite distinguish who were masters and who were servants.
In his understanding, there were strict boundaries between masters and servants, but here, he was somewhat confused. He observed everyone with great interest, especially Shi Wanxia, who was surrounded by everyone. He wanted to know how this woman had created such a special home.
The afternoon sun streamed into the courtyard, warm and inviting. Everyone sat together, chatting and laughing, as if the world's troubles were irrelevant to them.
On this seemingly ordinary yet extraordinary day, the story of this family continues, filled with laughter, touching moments, dreams, and the love hidden in everyone's heart quietly spreading.
Sunlight gradually filled the courtyard, and more and more people arrived. Shi Wanxia turned slightly to the side and gave Cui Zhihao a look, signaling him to say something.
Cui Zhihao waved his hand, declining the request. Seeing this, Shi Wanxia did not press the matter. She gently picked up the milk tea she had made a few days ago, took a sip to moisten her throat, and then slowly spoke.
"Today is our housewarming day." Her voice was clear and loud, echoing in the courtyard so that everyone could hear it clearly. "First of all, we must thank Magistrate Cui for visiting our humble abode."
As she spoke, everyone's gaze turned to Cui Zhihao, and many people showed surprise in their eyes. It turned out that the gentle and refined young man was actually the county magistrate.
Many of them arrived later and had never had the opportunity to gather in such an orderly fashion before. They had only heard that the head of the household was a woman, and a female official at that, a fact that had truly astonished them when they first heard it.
In this world, there has never been a woman who held an official position. In people's minds, women are mostly expected to stay at home, support their husbands, raise their children, and manage household chores. How could they possibly stand out in the officialdom and serve the people?
But over the past few days, they had heard about the deeds of this head of the family, and their doubts had gradually been replaced by curiosity and admiration. Could she really work for the benefit of the people like a man?
Moreover, they received even more shocking news. They heard that the girl would return their indentures in six months, converting them to free citizens, at which point they could choose whether to stay or leave.
Many of those present had been forced into this lowly status by circumstances, either due to poverty or being framed, and never dared to hope for a return to their freedom. They never imagined they would encounter such kind masters.
Not only did she give them a very high monthly allowance, ensuring their livelihood, but she also never beat or scolded them. This girl was like a ray of light shining into their dark world, telling them that they were also human beings, not slaves who could be driven around at will.
With such kindness and such a girl, how could they not be grateful, and how could they not want to follow her for life?
Many people have endured countless hardships and sufferings before finally meeting Miss Shi and her companions. Miss Shuyun repeatedly urged us to forget our past and live well. As long as we don't betray Miss Shi, she will always protect us.
As Miss Shi once said, there are no born slaves in this world; she came to liberate them by following the guidance of the divine in her heart.
If Shi Wanxia knew that Shuyun had told them this, she wouldn't know how to defend herself. What she said wasn't wrong; the greatness of teachers has been unmatched for thousands of years.
They too have endured endless suffering, but a group of great pioneers emerged, opening up a new world for us. The sons and daughters of China possess lofty aspirations, daring to change the world.
They were all products of this feudal era. She had no power to overthrow the world, but she would do her best, using what she knew, to make life a little more peaceful for the people of this era.