A Good Country Wife-Chapter 617 - 611_1

Zhang Guo continued amid the atmosphere, "Furthermore, Dongjia has also promised that apart from providing three meals a day, he will pay us wages for our labor. It’s just that he can’t make the turnover right now, and we have to wait until the dividends from the store come in before he can distribute it to everyone. This doesn’t just provide us with a way to live, even our future hopes are secured. Otherwise, even if we manage to seize some food today and survive for the moment, what about later? What are we supposed to do in the future? We can’t keep living by looting. Besides, the Court is currently busy dealing with the situation in the disaster-stricken areas and has no time to pay attention to us. By the time they start to take account, what good end could there be for us if we continue in this way? These points I’m sure everyone can think of without me having to say them."

The refugees buzzed with excitement again when Zhang Guo mentioned Lin Yue providing food, lodging, and even wages. But this time it wasn’t with the fury of wanting to storm in; instead, it was the joy of seeing hope. Hearing what Zhang Guo said later, they were even more ashamed of their previous thoughts. It seemed that the Zhao Family was indeed as everyone said, a family that accumulated merits and kindness, not only feeding them but also unwilling to bully or exploit them. In such times, they would be willing to do the work without pay, even if wages were not given.

"What’s there to say? When he’s offering such good terms, if we make a fuss or have any demands, we would be ungrateful. Zhang family lad, go and tell the Family Head that we accept his terms. We thank him for giving everyone a way to survive. We’ll remember this kindness and will surely work hard in the future, never deceiving or shirking," the old man said gratefully, and many others echoed his words, all expressing their gratitude for the homeowner’s actions. Naturally, there were also those who were not successful in stirring up trouble and bore resentment.

"Don’t let this Zhang lad fool you! He says he will pay us wages later, but who knows? If the family head drags his feet later and doesn’t pay up, what can we do? In the end, it’s just a trick to pacify us for a while, and he will definitely not make good on it. I think this Zhang lad has been bought over by the family, reaping personal benefits while scheming against us. Once our forces are dispersed, we won’t pose a threat to them, and then just wait for them to turn around and deal with us. It would be better to rush in now— I’ve heard the male master of this house is a sea merchant with a lot of wealth in his residence. If we rob it clean, we can all survive!"

As Jian San spoke, greed was unmistakable on his face, as if he saw countless gold and jewels just within reach, waiting for him to just grab them. Hearing Jian San say this, indeed, a small part of the refugees hesitated. Some thought that even if wages were not given, at least having food to eat was fine. Others, like Jian San, were blinded by wealth and easily swayed by his words. freёnovelkiss.com

Zhang Guo saw that things were almost settled, and Jian San was still trying to create trouble, boiling with anger at this scoundrel, "Jian San, I think you’re the one with ulterior motives. You’ve been inciting others to do bad things and stirring up trouble. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re plotting! You’re not considering everyone’s welfare; you just want to persuade us to act according to your plans and take the opportunity to fish in troubled waters and make a fortune.

Even though this Family Head has already given us the best way out, for your personal greed, you want to commit such conscience-ending, self-digging grave actions— truly the epitome of selfishness and shamelessness! Everyone, don’t believe his nonsense. Although I haven’t worked for this family, I have heard of their reputation. They never fail to pay their workers on time, and what’s more, they pay higher wages than most. They are truly a benevolent family. Don’t follow his advice out of temporary greed and choose the wrong path, cutting off our future."

"That’s right, Zhang lad is speaking the truth. This Jian San is no good. Back in our hometown, he was up to no good, stealing and all sorts of mischief. Now he’s up to his old tricks again, stirring trouble among us. Don’t believe his words; otherwise, you will regret it! To have such a kind family willing to help us, giving us a livelihood, we must not let ourselves be misguided by such a person and ruin our own prospects," said someone from the crowd who came from the same place as Jian San and knew his background. With Zhang Guo rebuking Jian San, they stood up to speak, exposing Jian San’s true colors. This caused the crowd to shift their hesitation and direct their condemning gaze toward Jian San.

Even with his thick skin, Jian San found himself hard-pressed, and at this point, it was impossible for him to do anything else. He slunk away, shame-faced, with a few who were as corrupt as him, leaving Zhao Family village in search of another opportunity.

"Zhang family lad, don’t worry. We won’t be incited to do such shameful things. It’s true that we resorted to looting before, but that was out of desperation to survive. Now that we have a way to make a living, who would still wish to commit such acts against their conscience? You’ll face retribution for that! Please trouble yourself to pass along a message to the Family Head that we are willing to follow his arrangements. As for the wages, if he can’t make the turnover right now, we’re not in a hurry. Even if it’s a little less, it doesn’t matter. We’re just seeking a way to survive."

This time it was the same old man who spoke up. Back in his hometown, he had served as a village chief and had a significant standing. Later, it was the flood that brought him down to this state. Many of the refugees were from his village and were willing to listen to him. His words also reflected the sentiments of most people there. Therefore, the place was filled with echoing voices of agreement. Even those who were reluctant, given the crowd’s reaction, didn’t dare to speak out. Some quietly left with Jian San, heading off to pursue their ’future’.

"Alright, since everyone agrees, then let’s all move back to the village entrance. That way, it won’t look to the Family Head like you’re just pretending to back down or planning more trouble and that you can’t be trusted with your intentions. As for me, once you’ve moved back to the village entrance, I’ll go in and speak with the Family Head. I will convey all your thoughts to him, and maybe by tonight, we’ll have some hot porridge to drink," Zhang Guo said cheerfully, pleased with himself for fulfilling Lin Yue’s mission, his voice filled with happiness and excitement.

With no objections to Zhang Guo’s proposal, everyone followed the arrangement and backed off to the village entrance. After all, they were just retreating to the entrance and not leaving completely; if the family went back on their word, they could still gather together again. Many, hearing Zhang Guo mention the possibility of hot porridge that evening, were even more hopeful, their eyes shining with anticipation.

These days, forget about the journey, even after they came to Zhao Family village, the food they had managed to loot from people’s homes was mostly dry and cold. They rarely got to eat anything hot. After all, in the current situation, other than Lin Yue’s family, who would dare to start a fire and cook in their homes openly? Wouldn’t that be like clearly indicating they had food and waiting for others to rob them?