Chapter 64: Life is Full of Hope

Chapter 64: Life is Full of Hope

In Thatchfield Village at that time, almost every household head knew how to weave bamboo. Most villagers could craft items like rice baskets, winnowing baskets, chicken coops, pot lids, baskets, dung baskets, sieves, mats, pillows, and fans.

Deng Changping was sitting at his doorstep weaving a basket. Although life was difficult, he was full of energy and hope for the future. This hope had been brought to him by Uncle Jiu.

Originally, after the land was divided and they began working on their own, Deng Changping had been confident that he could improve his family's life. Then, Uncle Jiu lent him all the land at home to farm. Now, he and his wife grew rice on both their own land and Uncle Jiu's.

This morning, he had gone to the fields and seen that the seedlings were growing well. If there were no natural disasters or man-made calamities, a bumper harvest in the fall was almost certain.

Taking advantage of his free time, Deng Changping planned to weave more baskets. Otherwise, when the harvest came, there wouldn't be enough baskets to store the grain.

Just as Deng Changping was busy weaving, a voice called out from the side of the road: "Changping, my dad wants you to come to our house. He has something to tell you."

Deng Changping looked up and saw that it was Azhugu speaking. He quickly nodded and said, "Okay, I'll be there right away."

After setting aside the basket, Deng Changping stood up and walked toward Uncle Jiu's house.

Since there was a small river between his home and Uncle Jiu's, Deng Changping jumped across the river and soon saw Uncle Jiu sitting under the longan tree at the door, smoking. He quickly greeted him with a smile, "Uncle Jiu."

Deng Shirong nodded and asked, "Can you handle the work in the fields?"

Deng Changping replied, "I'm busy enough during plowing, harrowing, transplanting, and harvesting. At other times, I'm not too busy."

Deng Shirong, having worked in the fields himself, knew this well. He didn't waste any time and got straight to the point: "Here's the thing. I need to hire a few workers. Each worker will get 36 yuan a month. If you can spare the time, you can take the job."

Deng Changping was surprised. "Uncle Jiu, are you hiring for the tile factory? I can spare the time."

Ever since the news about the wages at the tile factory spread, everyone in the Help and Correct Brigade had envied those who worked there. Even the hardest-working plasterer could earn 45 yuan a month, which was better than many government jobs.

Now, although the salary had been reduced to 36 yuan a month, Deng Changping believed that if Uncle Jiu announced in the village that he was hiring, dozens, if not hundreds, of people would rush to sign up.

Deng Shirong shook his head. "It's not for the tile factory. I'm planning to transform my mountain into an orchard and plant fruit trees. Your job will be to cut down all the trees on the mountain, clear the weeds, and then cultivate the mountain into terraces. You'll also need to dig tree pits according to the spacing I give you."

Deng Changping was taken aback. "Uncle Jiu, you're turning the mountain into an orchard?"

Deng Shirong stuffed tobacco into his pipe and smiled. "That's right. I think the orchard will be worth it in the future. When I start growing fruit trees, you can join me. I think you'll be able to make money."

In later generations, orchards were common, but in this era, in the entire Double Prosperity area, aside from White Duckweed Farm, no team specialized in growing fruit trees. The existing fruit trees were either wild or randomly planted by villagers, and there weren't many of them.

Therefore, Deng Changping had no idea about fruit tree planting.

However, in his heart, Uncle Jiu had always been a capable man. If Uncle Jiu said that planting fruit trees could make money, it must be true. He decided to watch how Uncle Jiu did it first, then discuss it with his parents and wife and give it a try.

Thinking this, Deng Changping smiled and said, "Okay, since you're my role model, I'll follow your lead when the time comes."

Deng Shirong struck a match, lit the tobacco in his pipe, took a few puffs, and blew out the ash. Then he said, "Then it's settled. I've hired a few more people. You can all start working on the mountain tomorrow!"

"Okay," Deng Changping replied, then added, "Uncle Jiu, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now."

"Mm."

As soon as Deng Changping left, Deng Yunzhu returned with four people.

The oldest of the four was Deng Yunkun, who was 48 years old. The other three were strong young men: Deng Yunkun's two sons, Deng Changdong and Deng Changliang, and another young man named Deng Sihua.

Deng Shirong had chosen these four because they were known in the village for their good character.

In later generations, Deng Changdong, Deng Changliang, Deng Changping, and Deng Sihua were recognized as the four most honest and trustworthy people in Thatchfield Village. Deng Yunkun had already passed away by then, or he would have been included.

Gaining recognition from the entire village and even from people in nearby villages was no small feat in any era, but Deng Changdong and his companions had achieved it.

"Uncle Jiu."

"Uncle Jiu."

"Grand Ancestor."

The four greeted Deng Shirong one by one.

Deng Shirong acknowledged them with a nod. After they sat down, he got straight to the point: "I asked you here because I have a job for you. The pay is 36 yuan per person per month. Are you interested?"

Their eyes lit up at the mention of the pay.

In the countryside at this time, there were few opportunities to earn money. Even a job paying a dozen yuan a month would attract many people, let alone 36 yuan, which was a dream income for most.

Without hesitation, all four agreed to take the job.

Deng Shirong repeated what he had told Deng Changping earlier and concluded, "If there are no issues, you can start working on the mountain tomorrow!"

Deng Yunkun quickly nodded. "Okay, Uncle Jiu, we'll start early tomorrow morning."

Deng Shirong stood up. "Then it's settled. I still need to go to Help and Correct Village to discuss something with the carpenter Changcai, so I won't keep you any longer."

"Uncle Jiu/Grand Ancestor, we'll head back now."

With that, Deng Yunkun and the other three left, excitement written all over their faces.

Especially Deng Yunkun and his two sons, who walked home with light steps. Clearing the mountain land wasn't too hard for them—they were used to such work.

If they worked like this for a month, each person would earn 36 yuan, and the combined income for the father and his two sons would be over 100 yuan. It was like a dream come true!

They hurried home to share the good news with their families.

(End of this chapter)