Do Not Offend the Reborn Wicked Wife-Chapter 188: Distorting the Truth, Absolutely Astonishing!
People are emotional creatures, and there are few who are cold-blooded. Li Qingmu had told her that as long as you could stir the emotions of the farmers, they would willingly help you plant the medicinal herbs.
As for how to stir emotions? It’s simple, start with what they care about the most.
And what do they care about the most? Their loved ones!
In this world, is there anything that tugs at one’s heart more than loved ones?
Nothing!
So, Long Yue’s words hit right at the farmers’ hearts, making some think of their deceased loved ones, quietly wiping away tears.
With the cooperation of the farmers, the task ahead became much more convenient. Long Yue dragged down those dozen sacks and distributed them according to the number of people.
There are a total of thirty tenant farmers here, and the medicinal herbs include forty types, among which twenty-five are common herbs, and the remaining fifteen are relatively precious herbs.
As common medicinal herbs are needed in larger quantities, Long Yue had twenty-five tenant farmers each responsible for one type, so they only had to manage the herbs in their own fields without worrying about the others.
The fifteen precious herbs, however, were to be watched by another five somewhat younger farmers.
Each of these five people would watch over three kinds of herbs, which would be slightly more tiring, as there are many more precautions compared to common herbs.
But Long Yue would not let them work for nothing, and she gave them extra wages.
"In this way, everyone can make their own choice. For common herbs, a monthly wage of three hundred cents per person; for special herbs, three hundred and fifty cents per person. Older folks who think their memory is not what it used to be are advised to handle the common herbs. If they insist on taking on more difficult tasks and issues arise, don’t say I didn’t warn you!"
Long Yue had been giving them favors, and it was time to be a bit stern.
Suddenly, those farmers, who were eager to move, became docile.
A monthly wage of three hundred and fifty cents, which was a hundred cents more than what they were earning now, was quite a sum. Who wouldn’t be tempted?
But beneath great benefits lies risk. Those who wanted a peaceful life chose the common herbs.
So, in no time, people had chosen their roles. Five young and strong individuals with good memory chose the valuable medicinal herbs, and the others who were older opted for the common medicine fields.
Once the duties were assigned, Long Yue had the seeds distributed and taught them one by one how to plant the herbs.
"There’s no need to be afraid. I have someone here who is very knowledgeable about medicinal herbs and will come by often. If you have any doubts or problems, feel free to ask him!"
Long Yue was naturally referring to Master Duanmu Nan and Mistress Yun Jin.
The Master might be busy with consultations and may not have the time, but the Mistress could, and her medical skills were not lacking.
"Thank you, Madam. I’m quite clumsy and genuinely afraid I won’t manage well. I’m just worried I’ll ruin your precious things..."
"It’s alright, everyone shouldn’t be too afraid. Just remember what I said and follow my instructions, and there won’t be any problems. Even if there are small mistakes, I’ll make allowances. After all, someone will be here to watch over things. Everyone, don’t panic. It’s new work, so it’s natural to be a bit uncertain. It’ll get better with time."
"Madam, with your words, I’m not afraid anymore!"
"..."
While Long Yue was talking with the farmers, confiding in one another, Steward Pang angrily carried his bundle home.
"Stupid woman! It’s just because you have some connections that you act all high and mighty. Bah! When I get my chance, I will... will definitely ruin you!"
Remembering the humiliation he had just suffered, Steward Pang’s face turned livid. He clenched his fists tightly and swung them at the air, as if wanting to hit someone.
"Bah, beautiful woman! Just because you’re pretty doesn’t mean you’re amazing. One day I will... will definitely have you!"
He muttered as he went down the mountain, still imagining and feeling proud of his thoughts.
This farm is halfway up the hill, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a river nearby, providing a wonderful environment. Working in such a beautiful place and being able to sleep in was truly like living a carefree life. But now, being kicked out with his belongings, how could he not be filled with hate?
Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed before him, revealing a person.
Startled, he jumped back: "Who are you?"
"What’s going on at the farm lately?"
A middle-aged man with a cold expression appeared, causing Steward Pang to shiver with fear, "I... I don’t know..."
"Thud!"
A silver ingot was thrown over.
"Ah, I know. When I left, I saw the Young Master hauling a big cart of sacks, probably seeds, but the farm already had seeds, so they might be changing the types. But that’s quite usual..."
"Thud!"
Another silver ingot.
"Go find out. Later, meet me under this tree!"
Steward Pang picked up the silver ingot, intoxicated with joy, and caressed it lovingly.
"Don’t try any tricks, or you’ll find yourself in a difficult situation!"
"Heh heh, rest assured, sir. I will get it done!"
Having worked at the farm for several years, Steward Pang was familiar with the layout, so he returned quickly and brought news.
"They are indeed planting different things; it’s medicinal herbs."
"Medicinal herbs? Are you sure?"
"I’m sure, absolutely without a doubt!"
"Good, I’ve got a task for you. Keep an eye on that farm and report any developments!"
Steward Pang’s eyes lit up at the words, suspecting the man had plans...
He gave a shadowy yet expectant look to the middle-aged man, who snorted coldly and, with his hands behind his back, said, "Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t. Just do your designated work!"
"Heh, understood! So, what about this side..."
"Get lost. Tomorrow at this time, report back here!"
"Yes!"
...
Chang Mansion.
Chang Yao looked coldly at the man kneeling on the ground, "Well?"
"Young Master, she is planting medicinal herbs."
"Medicinal herbs?"
Chang Yao’s eyes deepened, as he gently stroked the ring on his thumb, "What is this woman trying to do, planting medicinal herbs? Hmph, interesting! Keep watch, I want to see what tricks she has up her sleeve!"
"Young Master, I also found out that she frequently visits a certain medical clinic. Though located in a remote area, the clinic is reputed to be good, and those who have been there for treatment have become regulars."
"Running a clinic and planting herbs..." Chang Yao squinted, his gaze becoming distant, "Hmph, quite a strategy, using a clinic to win people’s hearts? This smells of ulterior motives!"
"Young Master, running a clinic and having ulterior motives, these two... don’t really relate, do they?"
The man in black hesitated a while before voicing his concern.
Chang Yao looked at him coolly, "Running a clinic is one thing. A clinic of that size can help a limited number of people and make only so much money. But having a large medicine field behind the clinic raises questions. Medicinal herbs are valuable, and many clinics don’t stock a lot; they usually prescribe medicine and have people buy herbs from herbal shops - that’s the norm in the trade to avoid accumulating too much wealth."
Chang Yao continued, suddenly standing up with his hands behind his back, "But look at this, using a medicine field to support the clinic, it’s not just about winning hearts; it’s about amassing wealth! The Emperor has always been against officials engaging in commerce to avoid collusion between officials and merchants, which would harm the court!
Yet Li Qingmu and his wife treat the Emperor’s earnest advice like air, acting contrary and reprehensibly! Livelihood is about basic needs, food can fill the stomach, medicine can cure illness, and they actually want to hoard medicinal herbs! What is this? This is shaking the very foundation of the nation!"
The man in black was stunned by Chang Yao’s passionate rhetoric!
To think it could be explained this way?
This... the ability to distort facts truly is astonishing!
