Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 616 - 317 The Courtesy Incident_1
Fourth watch, seeking pink.
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In that era, there was an unwritten rule. For long-term employees, including the assistants in various shops and the long-term workers hired by landlords, in addition to monthly wages, the employers were expected to provide some extra welfare during festivals. The amount of welfare depended on the employer’s income and also on the employer’s character.
Generous employers gave good benefits to their workers. On the other hand, some stingy employers didn’t give any at all, while others, restrained by public opinion, grudgingly doled out money or goods but found ways to skimp wherever they could. For example, Lian Manman had heard people in the village say that a certain grain store owner was particularly stingy; he announced that he was giving his workers a certain amount of high-quality rice for the festival but actually gave them moldy rice full of dirt from the bottom of the silo, earning his workers’ complaints and the neighbors’ gossip behind his back.
In the Lian’s shop, there were now three hall-runners, a kitchen helper, and Old Man Wu, who cleaned the latrine every day. Each of these five people received one pound of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), one pound of meat, and one pound of wine.
Such welfare was not at all inferior even when compared with the large shops in Qingyang Town.
"What about Lady Zhao’s share then?" Lady Zhang asked about what should be given to Lady Zhao.
"The same, I suppose," Lian Manman thought for a moment, then said. Since they all worked in the shop, it was better to treat everyone equally. If they wished, they could make it up to Lady Zhao later, which would be more appropriate.
Moreover, when Lady Zhao had been asked to work in the shop, it was not only to provide her and her daughter some covert support, but also for the Lian Family to gain some benefit.
"The stuff she brings back won’t end up being eaten by the two of them," Lady Zhang sighed.
"This year should be better. The day before yesterday, I heard Old Uncle Huang say that, up in the mountains, they also give out things for the festival. Although it’s not as much as what our shop gives, my second uncle, third uncle, Brother Erlang, and Brother Sanlang, they will get four shares. With more goods, they should be able to let them eat some," Lian Manman then said.
"Then let’s give Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou their share of zongzi as well," Shouxin said.
"That works," Lian Manman nodded.
The family discussed how many zongzi they should give to Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou.
"Let’s do five yellow rice zongzi and five white rice zongzi," Lian Manman suggested. Ten zongzi would be exactly two pounds.
Lady Zhang heard this and glanced at Shouxin.
"Since your grandmother also made zongzi, giving these out is fine... maybe, we should add some pork?" Lady Zhang proposed tentatively.
"Then let’s add another pound of pork," Lian Manman said, "During the festival, the meat shops in town sell out of pork, and it’s a good thing we reserved some in advance, just enough for our shop... Let’s settle for these for now. With just this much, we’ll already rank well in our village."
"How about we add a jar of wine for your grandfather?" Shouxin hesitated for a moment before suggesting.
Shouxin spoke up, and after thinking for a while, Lian Manman agreed.
"Lady Chiang has been coming to help us a lot these days," Lady Zhang said, "It’s not always obvious, but Lady Chiang is really good at kitchen chores, no worse than Xiu E. We also owe her thanks for helping with the zongzi these few days."
Lady Zhang implied whether they should give something extra to Lady Chiang.
"I don’t think that’s necessary," Lian Manman shook her head, "My sister-in-law is helping us secretly, without her family knowing. Let’s not mention it, to avoid gossip... She has her own calculations."
"What calculations? It’s all for getting something for Niuniu to eat," Lady Zhang said, "You’re right, better not to bring it up."
Niuniu, still young, used to sometimes get special treats at home. However, since Zhao Xiue moved back, competing for everything, Niuniu’s special treats were canceled. Living in the same courtyard and wanting to secretly make some extra food for Niuniu became impossible for Lady Chiang.
The day Lady Chiang came to help, she really put in a lot of effort and charmed Lady Zhang with her talk, who ended up very happy. Afterwards, Lady Zhang offered her a meal, but Lady Chiang refused no matter what. She said that she had not informed her family and that it was her own idea to come, so staying for a meal wouldn’t be right.
Lian Manman then gave a glutinous rice zongzi to Niuniu to eat.
Lady Chiang didn’t refuse.
After that, every day they made zongzi, Lady Chiang would bring Niuniu along. Lady Zhang offered them meals, which Lady Chiang always declined, but she never refused when it was for Niuniu. However, she only allowed Niuniu to eat in the shop and never agreed to take any food home.
