LGSLAW : Chapter 51 – Clearing the Mountain

When Aunt Guo came to cancel the agreement and return the deposit, she didn’t bring any money with her. The deposit had been spent on buying vegetables and meat. She thought people would be easy to talk to, so she came empty-handed, armed only with words.

But she was frightened by the sight of the imposing blue-brick house. Later, at Mr. Miao’s banquet, there was talk of the workshop people blocking the road, which was deemed rude, and then they were ridiculed for failing to stop the guests, who all arrived by carriage. Such rumors spread, and if people paid more attention, it would be known that Aunt Guo had broken the agreement with Yang Dalang’s family to cater Mr. Miao’s banquet instead, ruining her family’s reputation even further.

Thus, when Yang Dalang came to collect the money, Aunt Guo didn’t dare argue. She agreed to return the deposit and pay compensation, albeit with gritted teeth. After all, it was better to minimize the damage to her reputation.

Yang Dalang chose this moment strategically, thanks to a tip from Shopkeeper Jin. He explained that the road to his house could be taken by carriage in two ways. Why did they choose the one that everyone could see? It was to make an impression without incurring additional costs. It would show goodwill and strengthen relationships for the future. Often, judgment depends on seeing where the advantages lie. 

Out of the five taels, three were the returned deposit, and two were compensation. Compared to their original arrangement, which cost nine taels for half a banquet, this compensation was quite substantial. Aunt Guo essentially gave away most of the profit from Mr. Miao’s banquet to Yang Dalang.

Upon hearing this, Miao He was delighted.

“Five taels! That’s quite a lot! I had almost forgotten about the deposit.”

Yang Dalang loved seeing Miao He’s smile, his eyes softening.

“This money can be used to hire people to clear the mountain.”

“You’re willing?” Miao He was surprised. He had been thinking the same, planning to mention it once they had saved up a bit more. He didn’t want Yang Dalang to overwork himself, but he was afraid that suggesting this might make him feel obliged to do it himself to save money.

“We’ll hire people without providing food, just paying them money.” Yang Dalang clarified.

Spending money to hire people would make the momentum they had gained even stronger, and the timing was perfect.

Miao He hesitated. “Won’t that seem a bit impersonal? Usually, in the village, people provide meals when hiring help.”

Yang Dalang was resolute. “You’re pregnant. You shouldn’t be overworked.”

Miao He was speechless. Although it was true, it still felt awkward to hear.

Regardless, the decision was made. The next day, Yang Dalang went out to arrange the matter, noting that they had only half a month before the farming season, so they could only hire help during this period.

Miao He’s job was to ensure that the magical soil didn’t create any anomalies during the influx of people in and out of their yard. Although they wouldn’t provide full meals, some snacks and drinks were necessary. He quietly went to the backyard to pick herbs for brewing cool tea, as well as sweet potatoes and peanuts. Any surplus was augmented with leeks and garlic chives, which could also serve as fodder for their sheep.

By the way, the last time Yang Dalang went out, he came back with sheep. Although he didn’t find a pregnant ewe, he found a dairy goat that had just given birth, with a long lactation period ahead. The cub was also a female, and after a few months, it could become pregnant and produce milk as well. So he spent a bit more money and brought both the dairy goat and its cub home.

The sheep shed hadn’t been built yet, but this task was included in the current project. The shed would be placed near the chicken coop, in a high, well-ventilated area.

So, the number of animals kept increasing.

Miao He happily went to check on the two gentle and docile nanny goats temporarily tethered in the backyard. Four furry little puppies ran around their feet, with Da Bai watching them from the side. It was a harmonious and lively scene, truly full of life. (Frightened little sheep: ???).

The next day, Yang Dalang efficiently gathered more than ten men to help.

Among them were the older and younger men, including Yang Da Tong and Yang Da Chan, who insisted on not taking any pay, and familiar faces like Miao Ping, Miao Gao, Miao Da Hu, Miao Da Hai, and the Lu brothers from the carpenter’s family. There was also Miao Qiang, who usually avoided Miao He but didn’t utter any unpleasant words.

Yang Dalang agreed to pay them fifty coins a day. This meant they could earn a tael of silver in twenty days, which was comparable to the pay for working in town. The men were not only those close to Yang Dalang but also those less familiar, like Uncle Ma, the previously gossipy Miao Er, Aunt Yu’s son Miao Wa, and even the village head’s two sons.

These men came not just to earn extra money but also out of curiosity about Yang Dalang’s new house. Unfortunately, the outer fence blocked the view, and those not familiar with the family didn’t feel comfortable visiting. Now, with this opportunity, those interested came along.

And with this, more exclamations followed.

“Tsk tsk, it really is a blue-brick house. It’s just as beautiful as the big houses in town!”

“Indeed, I thought it would be smaller. Didn’t expect it to be so grand, and everything is so neat and orderly. Yang Dalang is truly surprising.”

“Just think about how much he’s spending on hiring us. Hey, it must be at least four or five taels!”

“Didn’t some laugh at him for getting a mountain, saying that no matter how poor he was, he could at least feed himself? Didn’t expect that in the blink of an eye, he’d have a blue-brick house.”

“Not to mention, Miao’s family must be embarrassed. Previously, didn’t they say that having carriages only meant Yang Dalang knew how to flatter the townspeople? Now with this blue-brick house, let’s see what they say. Their house is still made of dirt.”

“That’s why, when people get too proud, even the heavens want to humble them. The workshop was so prosperous, everyone was wearing new clothes and hiring workers, but they insisted on taking others’ land and blocking people from having warm meals. They had all sorts of reasons, but now, can we not call this karma?”

“Let’s hope Yang Dalang doesn’t become arrogant like Miao’s family after his success.”

“Hey, we’re here to earn money today, not talk so much. Let’s get to work!”

“Alright! But wait a minute, I need another cup of tea!”

“I’ve seen you drinking all morning. The pot is almost empty. What’s the matter?”

“You wouldn’t believe it. This cool tea is delicious! I’ve never had such a refreshing drink!”

“It’s just cool tea, what’s so special about it?” This person hadn’t tasted it yet.

“Uh, maybe I just don’t drink it often. I’ll just have a bit more. No harm!” No, I can’t let anyone else have it.

“Seeing you drink like that, I’ll have a cup too.”

“What? Oh, alright. But there’s only a little left. Sorry.”

“No need for much, just a sip to…?!”

“…”

“No wonder you keep drinking it! I need to ask He Ge’er for another pot!”

While the villagers chatted, drank tea, and worked, on the other side of the mountain, the sullen-faced Miao Qiang called Yang Dalang aside for a talk.

On the day of the warm meal, he promised his mother he wouldn’t cause trouble, which was why she allowed him to go. But when he arrived, he found he didn’t know what to say to Yang Dalang. They had always been straightforward with each other, even after arguments. But now…

Thinking of this, Miao Qiang’s expression grew more gloomy.

But he had to admit that his mother’s words might hold some truth.

She said that once someone has children, any previous feelings would fade significantly. Once children are born, they aren’t easily dismissed. Plus, their lives were now better, and the villagers were envious. How could He Ge’er not understand?

These words occasionally made Miao Qiang think, “What if the child is gone…” But thinking this way made him feel sinister and excessive. After all, it was Yang Dalang’s child. Moreover, if he caused the child to be lost, Yang Dalang would never forgive him. The only outcome would be a complete break.

Struggling between rejection and reflection, Miao Qiang reluctantly concluded that if his mother said their good life kept He Ge’er from acting out, then such a practical and calculating person was not worth worrying about. If he kept quarreling with Yang Dalang from afar, how could he catch him doing anything wrong?

So, Miao Qiang took a deep breath. “Dalang, I was wrong before. I spoke out of turn. I’m sorry.”

Yang Dalang could see Miao Qiang’s reluctance but still responded.

Miao Qiang stiffly nodded. “I just couldn’t get over it. He Ge’er’s attitude changed so much, it seemed suspicious. You can’t blame me.”

Yang Dalang frowned. “Don’t talk about this anymore.”

***

The hired laborers cost five taels, enough for seven or eight days. But with over ten men working together, the pace of clearing and uprooting trees was much faster.

The mountain was originally part of Miao Village’s back mountain. It wasn’t as densely wooded as a regular forest because people frequently visited it. The particularly tall and deep-rooted trees were left, as Miao He instructed. In just a few days, half the mountain was cleared, and even the goat and chicken pens were sturdily rebuilt.

However, seeing that half the mountain was cleared and not wanting to leave the job unfinished, Miao He gritted his teeth, took the little money left, and added another four taels to hire the workers to finish the job before the farming season began!

Hearing about the extra work, the villagers were enthusiastic. Although they were told they wouldn’t be provided with meals, the pay was higher than other jobs. Besides, snacks and drinks were available! Each day, a half-hour before the end of work, He Ge’er would roast a pile of sweet potatoes and peanuts, calling them snacks to stave off hunger.

Sweet potatoes might be considered lowly food, but He Ge’er’s roasted ones were soft and fluffy, with a sweetness that could rival town pastries! On the first day, everyone couldn’t stop eating, stuffing three or four into their stomachs, and not feeling hungry even when they got home.

Along with a small handful of salty, crispy fried peanuts, although not much in quantity, the aroma and crunch were incredibly satisfying! Paired with the delicious cool tea, the food and drink left everyone feeling content and comfortable. Even Miao Er, who usually lazed around, was much more diligent after the first day’s snacks.

Everyone worked until just before the farming season began. A group of men, who left cheerfully with their last day’s wages, called out, “If there’s more work, call us again!” The entire mountain was nearly cleared, except for a perimeter of preserved natural forest to set traps and block wild animals.

Miao He was very satisfied with the workers’ efforts. Even though he only had three taels left, he couldn’t help but feel delighted! The next day, he dragged Yang Dalang up the mountain. They planted seeds in the remaining tree stumps, using the magic soil to quickly grow small fruit tree saplings.

The new magic soil was indeed impressive. Spreading it to cultivate saplings, the speed was amazing. In just a few days, they had a small orchard.

And by then, the season was approaching mid-autumn.

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D-day 8 !! ?o?.(??? ??)

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