The owners of the Yellow River Shipping Company welcomed the new year under such circumstances. They did not dare to tell their subordinates about this matter. They were afraid that if their subordinates lost their morale, they might not be able to return this time.
On the night of New Year's Eve, Zhang Zhong did not let his family celebrate with the local people like he did in the past. The main reason was that there were two pregnant women at home. If something happened, it would be too late for regrets. Therefore, he went out at night to have fun with the people.
This year, he did not go from house to house to visit those who were not living well. In fact, there was no need for him to visit them. Those people were basically the same. The only place that was worth visiting was the nursing home.
The old men and women in the nursing home were doing well. They were usually well-nourished, and there was always a doctor at home. This year, there was no problem that they could not survive.
The sky was filled with fireworks, and the sound of firecrackers could be heard all over Lu Zhou. Every family was laughing happily. Even the owners of the Yellow River Boating Company were in high spirits tonight as they had their reunion dinner with the boatmen below them.
The 30th day had passed. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan did not want to give the people such a long holiday. Usually, they would only start work after the 15th day. Therefore, they arranged for the people to start work on the 6th of New Year.
The people did not have any objections. They just wanted to build their homes as soon as possible. Even if Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan did not let Zhang Zhong put up the notice in advance, they would ask about it themselves.
In other places, people who had worked hard for a year would want to have a good rest during the New Year. However, the people in Lu Zhou did not have such thoughts. They felt that working was the most enjoyable thing for them. The main thing was that this kind of work was done together. They could talk for a while while working.
This was much livelier than when they were working alone. If the people they were used to talking to suddenly had no one to talk to, they would feel very uncomfortable.
As expected, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan shifted the focus of the people's work. They asked them to do as much as possible to build the docks at the docks. They also asked them to go to the mountains to get some wood needed to build ships.
Li Xun didn't go back home for the New Year this year. Old Man Pi's family and Old Man Chang's family spent the New Year with Zhang Wang's family. Although Li Xun had grown up a lot and could be considered a responsible person, he was still like a child. He liked to burn incense and throw firecrackers around.
After the first day of the new year, he also had things to do. There was still a lot of construction to be done on the mountain. It might be easier to change to flat land. The terrain in the mountain was complicated, and there were all kinds of mosquitoes and wild animals. The wild animals could be left to the guards to deal with, but there was no good way to deal with insects.
It was still spring, which meant that it was winter. The weather hadn't warmed up yet. Of course, compared to other places in the north, this place was relatively warm.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan now exercised at the docks every day. Li Xun arranged the things in the mountain and followed the two people. When the two people did some exercises, he also followed. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan didn't do anything out of the ordinary outside, which was running, leg stretching, and exercises. Li Xun followed.
Wang Juan's two puppies had grown a lot. As long as Wang Juan went out, they ran behind her. They seemed very excited.
"Xiao Bao, you two wait for me. I really can't run anymore. This sandbag wasn't heavy when I picked it up. Why can't I stand it after running for a while with it tied to my body?"
On the morning of the eighth day of the new year, Li Xun saw Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan each tied a three-pound sandbag. Thinking about his age, he only got a six-pound sandbag. His entire body weighed six pounds. He thought that this weight was nothing at all. However, after running behind Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan for a while, he finally regretted it.
Although he regretted it, he felt that he still had to hold on. After all, he was the one who asked for this weight. If he took it off now, it would be easy for others to laugh at him. Seeing Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan running further and further away, he could only ask them to wait.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan each had a half-pound sandbag on their legs, and the other two pounds on their bodies. The two adjusted their breathing and ran around a garden on the side of the dock. One lap of the garden was about a kilometer. Now, the two had only run half a lap, so they weren't tired at all.
Hearing Li Xun's shouts from behind, the two had no intention of stopping to wait. Who asked Li Xun to be so stupid? One of his legs was tied with a three-pound sandbag. Not to mention that he wasn't a real adult yet, even an ordinary adult wouldn't be able to withstand this weight.
The two didn't want to change their pace because of Li Xun. If they did, it would be very uncomfortable. The expressions on their faces were very relaxed, and they kept running in a counterclockwise direction, maintaining the same frequency and the same size of their steps.
Seeing that the two were ignoring him, Li Xun had to run again. But after chasing for a while, he really couldn't go on anymore. It seemed that he had to find a reason to give up the sandbag. Li Xun shouted to the two people who were already out of sight, "Oh, the sandbag on my left leg is too abrasive. I'll take it off first."
After shouting, he also knew that the other party would not pay attention to him. He took off the sandbag on his left leg, which was filled with three kilograms of sand. After moving his left leg, he felt much better and continued to run. After running for a while, he shouted again, "Aiya, my right leg is also worn out. I'll make a good one tomorrow. This is really too bad."
As he spoke, he also took off the sandbag on his right leg. This was not because it was heavy, but because one leg was light and the other was heavy, so it was more uncomfortable to run.
When he took off the sandbag on his right leg and was ready to chase the two people in front of him, he found that he didn't need to chase. He could just continue to run with them. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan had already circled behind him.
"You two, I asked you to wait for me, but you didn't. I'm so tired. Tomorrow, I'm going to carry these sandbags on me, just like you two."
Li Xun ran beside Zhang Xiaobao and didn't forget to complain to the two people. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan were still silent, and their eyes looked dull. This was the result of relaxing.
Li Xun said a few words to himself. Seeing that they were ignoring him, he muttered, "You don't have to be so serious, right? It's just a game. Why do you have to be so serious? Sigh, I really admire the two of you. I'll also adjust my breathing. "
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan ran four laps before stopping. They went to the side of a flower bed and started to stretch their legs. Li Xun followed them and ran a little more than three laps. He was exhausted. The main reason was that he had used too much energy to carry the sandbags. Otherwise, with his usual training, he wouldn't be so tired.
He ran to Zhang Xiaobao's side and also started to stretch his legs. At the same time, he didn't forget to speak.
"Xiaobao, do you think we should connect the two rivers to the middle of the mountain and repair it properly? The rivers inside should be connected, right? Especially the waterfall. It just so happens that the people don't have much to do now. "
"Why don't they have anything to do? Don't connect the rivers under the waterfall. If you really connect them, there will be a lot less beautiful scenery. You can fix the mouth of the waterfall. This will be arranged by you. There's no need to transfer the people from other places. When the construction here is almost done, and the speed of the boat is faster, my family will find a way to find some tourists for you. "
Zhang Xiaobao finally spoke at this time. The matter of the tourists here had been thought of. That was, they would wait in the capital. Once there was an imperial examination, those who didn't pass could be brought here to travel. The rich people would naturally enjoy better treatment.
Those who didn't have money didn't have to worry. They could find some work here and let them help along the way. For example, they could write some travel notes, draw some scenery, and so on.
This was not necessary to make a lot of money. The main purpose was to cultivate the people of Tang and let those who didn't pass the imperial examination relax. At the same time, they could gain some knowledge. The books in this era were not so rich. There were many experience books that were not in them.
Li Xun also knew Zhang Xiaobao's plan. To be precise, it was the plan of the Zhang family. He had always thought so. After listening to Zhang Xiaobao's words, he nodded and said, "Well, I will find a way to speed up. I think the tools used at the Xiao Luoshui Wharf in Sanshui County are very good. Can you let people make some iron chains with iron things? That way, they can work faster."
What Li Xun was talking about was the cargo cranes and other tools at the docks. The ones at the docks were bigger, but the speed at which they worked was much faster than before. He wanted to get more of those tools.
When Zhang Xiaobao heard this, he turned to look at Wang Juan. Wang Juan's eyes also lit up. She said, "Yes, this is a good idea. Yes, get some good steel and let the good craftsmen make more tools. Those machine tools are not perfect now, but there should be no problem to make handmade tools."
Wang Juan suddenly remembered that some of the tools here were not comprehensive enough. At that time, she and Zhang Xiaobao were not like this. It might be difficult to make a large number of tools, but it was not a problem to let the people around them use them.
The most important thing was that after the handmade tools were made, they could slowly be modified bit by bit until they were perfect. They could also be used to assist the machine tools. This might take a long time, but it was better than not doing it.
"I knew you would have a way. Then I will wait. The matter of steel needs to be done slowly. This is not the capital, and many things are not easy to find."
Li Xun saw that Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan agreed, so he was relieved. He was waiting for the master hiding in the Zhang family to make more good things. When the time came, not only could he use it, but he could also send some to the Ministry of Works.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan saw that Li Xun was enthusiastic about this matter, so they suddenly had a better idea. Wang Juan glanced at Zhang Xiaobao. Zhang Xiaobao said to Li Xun, "In fact, I think that the people who do things now, although they are always doing it, are not professional enough. For example, building a house is usually done by a craftsman.
This kind of ability is not small, but there are fewer people who can do it. There should be a special person in charge of a certain thing. For example, people who build roads are in charge of building roads. As long as they know how to build roads and how to drain water, it will be fine. It is the same for people who build houses. Each person is in charge of one aspect.
If Young Master Li can find more people, it is better to try this and see if there are any benefits. We can set up a construction company and take on those construction tasks. At first, we can find skilled people to lead them. In the end, we can form a team.
Not only can they work for themselves, but they can also make money by working for others. In the process of working, they can improve some tools. At critical times, if there is a need for war, these people can help to build some defensive fortifications. "
Li Xun could now understand many new words. He also understood what a company meant. It was similar to the group. When he heard Zhang Xiaobao's proposal, he patted his head and said, "Yes, I did.
In fact, I have such a vague idea, but I can't say it specifically. Now I know what it means. Yes, yes, yes, a company. I want to set up a company, a construction company. When the time comes, I will take on some work. When there is no work, I can repair things for myself. When there is a war, I can go over and build defenses.
That's a good idea. When I get back, I'll start recruiting people. I'll give them better treatment. I'm going to recruit three thousand people first. After these three thousand people are trained, I'll continue to recruit more people. You guys have to make the tools in time. Also, there's cement and whatnot. I'll let them use that to practice.
Naturally, we can't build defenses with mud and grass like we used to build houses. It can't be made of wood and bamboo like ordinary houses. We will use cement. Hurry up and do it. When you are done, I will go back and recruit people. "
The more Li Xun spoke, the more excited he became. He began to urge Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan.
When Zhang Xiaobao heard that Li Xun wanted to recruit people, he quickly denied it and said, "No, you are not allowed to recruit people here. If you recruit all the people here, we will not be able to do anything here. Lu Zhou's idea is not allowed. You have to think of other ways."
"Oh, Lu Zhou can't do that? That's right, the people here are actually helping the Chamber of Commerce do things in the future. If they really lose three thousand people, then the Chamber of Commerce will earn a lot less money. Alright, other places then. I'll think of a way. It would be good if this was in the capital. "
When Li Xun heard Zhang Xiaobao's words, he scratched his head and said to Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan with a smile.
When Zhang Xiaobao saw that Li Xun had changed his mind, he was relieved. He did not want to send the people here to other places. Of course, the construction company had to follow the work they received. What if they received a job that was further away?
The three of them trained for a while. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan began to watch the progress of the various projects here. Li Xun went back to arrange the establishment of the company. He did not want to monopolize this company. He also wanted to give Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan a share.
After Li Xun left, Wang Juan asked Zhang Xiaobao worriedly, "Xiao Bao, do you think that after establishing such a professional construction company, they will think of cutting corners when their skills are improved? Then, they will come up with a lot of useless projects. I am afraid that they will not put iron wires in the cement but bamboo or wood. "
"The better the skills, the better the products. The people here do not seem to have learned that ability. Of course, they will learn to cut corners. They will not learn to build houses for the people or officials. They will use it to make fake fortifications. They will be able to use it in a real war.
Moreover, we can send people to watch over them, especially those with good skills. They will be supervisors in the future. If anyone dares to cut corners when building roads, bridges, or houses, then they will do their best to clean them up. This is the good thing about the era of power. Moreover, there is no real estate to be speculated in now.
I reckon that when the time comes, there will be people who will learn from Li Xun and set up some construction teams. But don't worry, the cement is in our hands. We don't care how big the houses are, what kind of bridges and roads are built. If they want to buy the cement, they need to apply. When the time comes, we will send people over to measure the amount needed. We will also have people monitoring. As long as anyone violates the rules, we will stop the supply of cement. "
Zhang Xiaobao wasn't too worried about this matter. The people here wouldn't cheat like that. At least, some of the commoners wouldn't. As for the construction of the river and sea dikes, some officials might be able to do it, such as using soft soil to replace stone.
"That's good. I think if it's really a civil organization, if they really cut corners when they're building things, it won't be as simple as stopping the supply of cement. It's very likely that they'll be investigated by the government. I'm afraid that some aristocratic families, who are officials themselves, will take risks in order to obtain enough benefits for themselves."
Wang Juan was still a little worried. In the face of profit, morality couldn't restrain them. She thought for a while and continued, "Also, we need to pay attention to whether such companies will deliberately accept some projects or fake projects in order to make more money. Then, they will deliberately sell cement to the surrounding countries by cheating them.
When the time comes, if it is a civil organization, they just need to break it up. After a few days, they can change people to set up a company. As long as they can buy the cement, they will not care about stopping the supply. "
"Yes, this is also a problem. Then we can't sell the cement to them easily. And even if we sell it, we have to let people follow them and give them the cement bit by bit. Only when the original cement is almost used up can we give them new cement. Otherwise, we can't expect more cement to be provided."
When Zhang Xiaobao heard this, he became serious. This problem could not be ignored. It was easy for some of the surrounding countries to come up with some schemes when they know about the cement. It was very simple. It was just a shell company. He used to do it often.
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