The Princess of Northern Land

Chapter 141 - 141 141 Stirring Wind and Rising Water (5)_1

?Chapter 141: Chapter 141: Stirring Wind and Rising Water (5)_1 Chapter 141: Chapter 141: Stirring Wind and Rising Water (5)_1 “When will we ever finish clearing such a large area?” Wu Dayou sighed.

“Even if we could finish, we shouldn’t do it entirely. But don’t worry, with this little manpower we have, it may take us hundreds of years to clear it completely.” Lin Ziyin said with a laugh.

The old man, looking out at the endless wasteland, nodded approvingly, “This place is too vast, no one has ever said that it could be traversed completely. To clear it completely is no small task.”

“Why can’t we clear it completely?” Zige asked curiously.

“This wasteland is home to many birds, or it’s a stopover for them when they migrate south. If we clear it all, where would the birds go? Also, every place, even every blade of grass, tree or river, has its own laws of survival. If we change too much artificially, nature will definitely revenge against us.” Lin Ziyin explained using the simplest principles since he couldn’t explain topics such as soil erosion and wetland conservation to everyone.

“What Ziyin said is right.” The old Master Lin nodded, “We have already borrow some survival space from nature, we shouldn’t be too greedy.”

The people who came agreed repeatedly.

“Or, tomorrow Dayou and I can hand over the oil mill tasks to others and we can both come here to reclaim the land.” Lin Changshu considered the problem of manpower as well.

“I can also come here.” Guo Huiniang said, forgetting her fear.

“No.” Lin Ziyin shook his head, “The oil mill surely needs you to keep an eye on it. I have other arrangements for the reclamation work. I am planning to hire people from the village, offering them 25 copper coins per day for physical labor. Meals are not provided.”

“How much silver will that take?” Guo Huiniang sounded worried, “The household affairs don’t require much of my attention now. If I am idle, I might as well come here and do something.”

“Sister-in-law, you and sister should focus on the kitchen work. We will leave Cui family and Hong Zhong to manage this place. During our free time, grandfather and I will look after this place.” Lin Ziyin responded, contemplating about the kind of people needed, “Grandfather and brother, you must know who is industrious in the village. When we hire people this afternoon, you guys must filter the candidates well. We don’t need those who are lazy and crafty.”

“Of course.” Lin Changshu agreed.

“I will also accompany and see.” Wu Dayou was very interested in this matter.

Once the Lin family returned to the village, Lin Ziyin, Lin Changshu, the old master, and Wu Dayou got together with Lou Zheng and explained their purpose.

“You’re going to reclaim the wasteland near Heihe?” Upon hearing Lin Ziyin’s word, Lou Zheng’s mouth dropped open in surprise, “That black soil is ominous, how do you take a fancy to such a wasteland?”

“I am partnering with the Prince and the Temple. The Prince was delighted and gave me this piece of land. If I declined, wouldn’t I be slapping on the Prince’s face?” Lin Ziyin said, half-truthfully and half-falsely.

The old man and others, hearing this, did not expose her lies.

Lou Zheng was one of the few who knew about Lin Ziyin’s intention to start the Vegetarian Feast with Ding’an Temple and the Prince, so he really believed what Lin Ziyin told him. “Since this is the Prince’s good intention, you really cannot refuse. These days, the people in the village don’t have much to do and many men go out to cities or markets looking for work. If you provide work, there will definitely be people willing to do it. Moreover, the wages you are giving are five copper coins more than those offered outside.”

“Then could Uncle Lou Zheng announce it in the village that we are waiting at home for people to come looking for jobs?” Lin Ziyin said.

“Alright, I will send someone over in the afternoon.” Lou Zheng agreed.

After discussing the main matters, Lin Ziyin and the others headed back home.