jdhmnovel Chapter 594 Vacation
Chapter 594 Vacation
When the Grand Canal froze over, Qiucheng announced a temporary halt to construction.
There was no way to continue; the weather was so cold that the craftsmen's fingers were too stiff to straighten.
"Alright, that's enough for today. It's snowed once or twice already. Let the workers go home and prepare for the New Year."
Qiu Cheng gave the order, and the craftsmen finished up their work and cleaned up the dock sheds before returning home with their considerable wages.
Jiang Xiaoqi specifically wrote a letter instructing that a portion of the wages be settled before the end of the year, and of course, he did so in the name of the Second Prince.
The reason is simple: to ensure that the artisans have money to celebrate the New Year and have a prosperous one.
In addition, they also bought a lot of large fat pigs from villagers.
They slaughtered the animals right there in the workshop and distributed the meat to the artisans.
The craftsmen who worked away from home all year round had never seen such a scene before. With their newly received wages in their pockets and big, fat pork in their hands, they walked down the street with a swagger.
"My God, what a wonderful employer we've met! They paid us a generous wage and even gave us extra meat weighing over ten kilograms! I can't even imagine how happy my parents and wife will be when we get home!"
"Keep your voice down, keep your voice down! Don't you know that you shouldn't flaunt your wealth? If you keep shouting like that, everyone on the street will know. Aren't you afraid of attracting thieves?"
The young craftsman who was reminded quickly covered his mouth, looked around to make sure no one was paying attention, and then felt relieved.
"Hehe, nobody's around, nobody's nearby."
"Alright, it's freezing cold, everyone should go home now and come out early next spring. Although Lord Qiu didn't say a specific date, we should keep an eye out for it."
Once the ice thaws, we'll pack up and come back to work. The sooner we start, the sooner we can finish building the ship for Lord Qiu and the employer.
The older craftsman offered a reminder.
"I understand, I understand! Even if it's not for anything else, we have to come back early for the good food on the construction site! The food at home isn't as good as the food on the construction site."
"Hahaha, you, all you ever think about is food! But you're absolutely right, there's not always enough food at home~"
"Of course! If we keep eating like this, we're afraid we'll bankrupt the landlord. Maybe next spring we should talk to Lord Qiu and talk to him about a more sustainable approach. We shouldn't make two dishes, a soup, and a staple food anymore. One meal and one dish will be enough."
The young craftsman spoke sincerely, without any hint of falsehood.
"Sigh, that's true. If the owner runs out of money halfway through building the ship, where will we find such a good business in the future? Do you think this is reliable?"
Several craftsmen along the way nodded in agreement, agreeing that what the two men said made a lot of sense; it's better to have a full meal every day than one.
They're eating way too well right now; it's practically excessive.
If one day the owner can't even afford to buy timber for shipbuilding, what kind of ship can they build?
Judging from the current progress of the project, it would be good if they could finish by next fall, unless they double the manpower and finish by the end of summer.
However, most of the skilled craftsmen who can build ships have already been gathered here, unless you go to a more distant place to recruit workers.
They were conflicted; they wanted to build the large ship as soon as possible, but they didn't want the construction period to be shortened too much.
After all, the longer the construction period, the longer they can earn money.
Sometimes, a person's conscience and the opportunity to make money really can't coexist; these craftsmen are just too honest.
As a working person, it's normal to want a longer construction period.
What's abnormal is always considering the capitalists' perspective and always thinking from the owner's point of view.
The craftsmen returned home, and Lord Qiu also returned to the capital with his son.
The current shipbuilding progress has been compiled into a booklet and will be reported back to the Second Prince.
Qiu Cheng had heard about what was happening in the capital, but his current task was shipbuilding, and it was not his place to get involved in matters of the capital.
The real way to help the Second Prince is to handle the matter at hand. He believes his master can manage, and with Lord Jiang by his side, he has even less to worry about.
"Father, do you want to meet the Second Prince in private or openly?"
Previously, they would find excuses to enter the palace, but now that the palace is so heavily guarded, it's unlikely they can sneak in like before.
After all, it's still unknown whether the palace servant who was bribed is still around. His Majesty has purged the inner palace staff several times, and it's unclear who has been affected.
"Meeting in private might be a bit difficult right now, as I don't know if that Eunuch Wang is still in his former position."
Sigh~ Even if they were still here, it probably wouldn't be as easy as it used to be to secretly bring me into the palace.
"It seems I'll have to trouble Lord Jiang to arrange this meeting with the Second Prince."
No sooner had Qiu Cheng finished speaking than there was a knock on the side of the carriage.
Qiu Feng lifted the curtain, and a tall, chestnut-colored horse was following beside his carriage, having traveled together for an unknown amount of time.
With a flick of the wrist, who else could it be but Jiang Xiaoqi, the handsome young man riding a tall horse?
"Lord Jiang! What brings you here?"
"Knowing that Lord Qiu is returning today, I have come to welcome you. Lord Qiu, there is no need to rush into the city. Please come with me to a place first."
Qiu Cheng knew that Jiang Xiaoqi wouldn't come to pick him up for no reason; it was very likely the Second Prince's doing.
"Alright, have the coachman follow behind Lord Jiang's horse."
Qiu Cheng didn't think too much about it and simply had his carriage follow behind Jiang Xiaoqi.
The carriage stopped after only half an hour.
"arrive?"
Before getting off the carriage, Qiu Cheng subconsciously stuffed the account books and work reports into his pocket.
As he expected, it was a manor, and inside a wooden house with a charcoal fire burning, the Second Prince was drinking tea and waiting for him.
"Second Prince! You...you actually left the palace!?"
As far as I can remember, this was the second prince's first time leaving the palace.
For the first time in twenty years!
This is an exception I made for myself!
Qiu Cheng was deeply moved, and tears even welled up in his eyes.
The second prince put down his teacup, looking puzzled.
What's wrong with Qiu Cheng? Has he gone mad from staying at the Tongzhou Wharf?
"Your Highness, I pay my respects. How have you been?"
"Oh, that's good. Did you get cold? Your eyes are all watery. Come and warm yourself by the fire."
"Thank you, Your Highness! However, Your Highness should have taken more men with you when you leave the palace. Taking only Eunuch Chen and Lord Jiang, who are both weak and helpless, is far too frivolous!"
Jiang, who is utterly powerless, Xiao Qi: Huh? Me?
Chen Lin, who is utterly powerless: ...
"I have informed the Empress Dowager about this trip, and the secret guards have been protecting me from the shadows. Lord Qiu, you need not worry."
Since I was able to come out, I naturally made all the necessary preparations. Besides, cough cough, they're not exactly defenseless.
Chen Lin, who was by her side, knew her well. He had trained with the guards for several years. While he might not be a master, he was certainly capable of protecting himself and wouldn't be a hindrance in any situation.
Jiang Xiaoqi never revealed that he knew martial arts, but the Second Prince still felt that his teacher was no ordinary person.