Chapter 150: No Surveillance? Then Just Post Guards. What Else Can You Do?
Wen Xiuyi had a headache. But in this era, there was no such thing as surveillance cameras. Apart from using manpower, there really weren’t any alternatives. If someone stole seedlings, it wasn’t such a big deal in itself, but if they couldn’t replant those stolen ones, then wouldn’t that be a waste? What a pity.
He had no choice but to say, “Dad, then we can’t just make Second and Third Brother do it. The three of us will take turns keeping watch.”
As soon as Wen Xiuyi said this, before Old Man Wen could speak, his two younger brothers objected. “Big Brother, you’re a scholar, and the whole household is counting on you. We’ll take turns. You’re not cut out for this.”
Even Wen Xiuqing, who was always quiet, was tugged by Lady Cai and said, “That’s right, Big Brother. Second Brother and I can handle it.”
Wen Xiuyi only felt more guilty.
“That’s not right. We’re brothers—why should I enjoy ease while you two suffer?”
“It’s fine, Big Brother. We’re used to it.”
The three brothers jostled to take responsibility, acting all courteous and respectful toward one another. In the past, Old Man Wen and Old Madam Luo would have been overjoyed at such brotherly harmony. But now…
“Enough, all of you shut up. Do you all plan to stand here looking at these two plots of land all day? What about everything else that needs doing at home? You expecting Second Brother’s wife and Third Brother’s wife to take care of all those ducks by themselves? Or expecting this old woman to move all those jars of soybean paste into the cellar herself? Or are you saying you, Wen Xiuyi, can carry and haul everything?”
As soon as Old Madam Luo spoke, the three immediately fell silent. Even the others instinctively quieted their breathing, fearing they’d provoke the old lady’s anger.
Old Madam Luo glared at the men and then looked to Old Man Wen, sighing. “Are Wang Yong and Wang Yuan at home?”
Old Man Wen was stunned for a moment before nodding. “Yeah.” Ever since Old Wang’s wife passed, the two sons who used to work out of town had returned. They used to work themselves to the bone to earn money to treat their mother’s illness. Now that she was gone, they had to start thinking about how to live their lives again.
These days, the brothers didn’t dare leave their father alone, so they stayed home, farming their tiny bit of land and occasionally picking up odd jobs in town. When the Wen family built their new house, the brothers came to help—close to home, with pay. Not bad at all.
They were even hired to help dig the pond this time.
“Go ask Old Wang if he’d be willing to have Wang Yong and Wang Yuan come work for us. They don’t need to do much—just keep an eye on these plots.”
She turned to Wen Xiuyi and asked, “Eldest, if your Uncle Wang’s two sons came to guard your plots, how much are you willing to pay?”
Wen Xiuyi didn’t really know the going rates. “Mom, whatever you say goes.”
Old Madam Luo thought for a moment. “Normally, farmhands earn about a hundred wen a day during the busy season. Now’s not a busy time. Let’s pay them one tael of silver per person per month. Sound fair?”
Two brothers, two taels a month. To guard the eldest son’s precious seedlings—not expensive at all.
And precious they certainly were. From what the eldest son said, if these plants grew successfully, their family would never have to worry about food again. Thinking long-term, the entire village might benefit someday.
Old Man Wen hadn’t expected his wife to come up with such an idea. His face lit up with a smile. “I’ll go ask him right now.”
Old Madam Luo glanced after him with a bit of disdain. She wasn’t against her husband lending a hand to his old pals, but it still had to be within their means.
Now that their family’s doing better, if they could help, she was happy to. Most importantly, those people had to be worth helping. Wang Yong and Wang Yuan were lads she’d watched grow up. They were filial and hardworking—otherwise, they wouldn’t have sacrificed everything to treat their mother’s illness. If it hadn’t been for that sudden blizzard, maybe things wouldn’t have ended so tragically.
“Alright, let’s go home. Who knows when this pond will fill up.” Old Madam Luo snorted, tucked Wen Yao’s hand under her arm, and started heading back.
After a few steps, she stopped and looked back at her two younger sons. “Second, Third, stay here and keep watch.” As she spoke, her gaze drifted toward the far-off fields.
Those thieving rats—better not let them actually come and steal her seedlings.
The brothers had no choice but to stay behind. Anyway, they weren’t doing much. Might as well weed the fields and scoop some water from the canal to moisten the thirsty seedlings.
Meanwhile, Old Man Wen headed straight for his old friend’s house. As soon as he conveyed what his wife had said, the old friend was so moved he nearly dropped to his knees.
“Enough, enough, Old Wang. We’re brothers. Besides, I trust Wang Yong and Wang Yuan. My wife said it’s one tael of silver per month per person, just to guard those plots. That’s all—nothing else. But, Old Wang, there’s something I should be upfront about.”
Old Wang, eyes red, grabbed his old buddy and sat him down, suppressing his emotions. “Go ahead. You and your missus giving my sons this chance is a blessing. If you asked them to do house chores too, I wouldn’t say a word.”
“No need for that. We can manage things at home. It’s just… there are two mu of land planted with something special. My eldest got some rare seedlings from elsewhere. We can’t let anything happen to them.” He explained what had happened at the canal earlier.
Upon hearing this, Old Wang slapped his leg in anger. Old Man Wen winced—just the sound of it made his own leg ache.
“Some people just can’t stand to see others do well. If those seedlings really get ruined, what a waste that would be.”
He pounded his chest. “Brother Wen, don’t worry. Starting today, I’ll have those two boys camp out in the fields and guard your crops. No one’s getting near them.”
“No need for that. Just have them take turns. You still need someone to look after you at home,” Old Man Wen said sympathetically. Old Wang was actually a few years younger than him, yet looked older—it was all the hardship he’d been through.
But Old Wang wouldn’t hear it. He immediately had his grandson run to their remaining plot to fetch his two sons and daughters-in-law. Once everyone was gathered, he announced the arrangement in front of them.
Wang Yuan and Wang Yong were overjoyed. Without waiting for a word, they dropped to their knees and kowtowed to Old Man Wen three times.
One tael a month, two taels total—it was a lifesaver for their family.
“Alright, alright, get up, you two. Enough of that. That’s the deal. If you’re willing, great. Later, just go tell your Brother Xiuyi. It’s getting late—I’d better get home. My old lady’s probably waiting on me to help.”
Old Man Wen stood and left. Old Wang followed him far down the path before heading back. As he looked around at his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren in the courtyard, he wiped his eyes and said:
“Your Uncle Wen is taking care of us. We can’t let him down. You two go to the field this afternoon, see what you can help with. The weather’s warming up. Use thatch to build a little shack. You make sure nothing happens to your Brother Xiuyi’s crops.”
The brothers were just as excited and nodded repeatedly. “Don’t worry, Dad. We’ll do our best.”
If things went well this year, they could even save enough to buy back their land.
