The Village Chief glanced at Yang Ming and Xiaoxiao before speaking without any reservations.
"Here’s the thing, the clinic in town is looking for soone to gather herbs in the back mountain of our village. Since our village is close and familiar with the mountain, they ca to . I thought about your family’s struggles and ca to ask you. The town’s clinic says they’ll pay fifteen copper coins a day."
The Village Chief spoke openly in front of Yang Ming and Xiaoxiao because he had heard they were acquainted with the Magistrate.
He ca to help the An family, letting them know could be seen as extending goodwill.
"Fifteen copper coins?" An Quan exclaid in surprise.
"Yes, fifteen copper coins, and it’s close to ho. Isn’t that a great deal? Your family doesn’t even have a piece of land now, what are you relying on for food? You still have to go out and work, right? And it’s not guaranteed. The clinic in town settles accounts daily, paying each day’s work with a day’s money."
The Village Chief paused before continuing, "But you need to first learn to identify the herbs with them; otherwise, if you dig up a bunch of weeds, the clinic will suffer a loss!"
Hearing the Village Chief’s words, An Quan was sowhat excited, almost persuaded, since Xue Zhiyi had lived with them for so ti. The family had a basic understanding of common herbs, and he was confident he could do the job well.
"Dad, I’ll go to the mountain to dig herbs. I can earn so silver for the family."
Their family really didn’t have any silver left, and relying on the vegetables in the garden wouldn’t last long, plus they owed soone twenty taels of silver.
If he could take the job, that would be four hundred and fifty copper coins a month.
Old Man An stood there with a heavy expression, not speaking.
Instead, An’an, lying on the kang, spoke worriedly, "Big brother, gathering herbs ans going deep into the mountains. It’s not like before when we stayed at the outskirts. It’s dangerous in the deep mountains, what if you encounter wild beasts? And recently, bandits have appeared on that mountain. I think you’d better not go!"
An’an’s words were like a bucket of cold water, drenching An Quan with a chill. He indeed hadn’t considered this matter.
"There will be many people going up the mountain for herbs, they won’t be acting alone. Also, the clinic must have asures against wild beasts to ensure everyone’s safety."
Seeing that the An family was silent, the Village Chief continued, "Old Man An, this is a good opportunity to earn money. They’re only looking for ten strong young n in our village. Your family was the first I thought of, considering your difficulties, I wanted to help. You need to hurry and decide; I have to find others and give an answer to the clinic!"
Hearing there were only ten spots, An Quan felt a bit anxious. Moreover, it seed there wouldn’t be too much danger, so he still wanted to go to earn money.
"Dad, maybe I should go. I’ll be careful, and with so many people, it should be fine."
After pondering for a while, Old Man An finally spoke, "Village Chief, thank you for your kind offer, but An Quan won’t go."
Old Man An was scared. He had just lost a daughter and couldn’t send his son into danger again.
Upon hearing the refusal, the Village Chief was a bit annoyed. He had thought of their family first for the silver-earning opportunity, only to have his goodwill taken as an insult.
Though he was upset, he maintained his composure because Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming were watching, "Old Man An, think carefully. This is a good money-making opportunity. Otherwise, how will your entire family eat and drink?"
User Comments
0 comments from readers