MTLNOVEL Chapter 336: 336. Knocking
The brothers who went out from the village said that the outside is still very chaotic. This time, they encountered highway robbers. If they weren't strong enough, they might have been captured and locked up as fodder.
Hearing their description... many families couldn't even have their evening meal last night, it was disgusting.
The people from Li Village are a good example. If it were easy outside, they wouldn't have clung to the opportunity to join Hua Village and go up the mountain together.
Everyone in Hua Village is very content. Now they've solved the most important problem aside from food, and they feel a sense of security!
Every gaze towards Hua Chengtian is fiery. Luckily, Hua Chengtian is already married with children; otherwise, many families would surely propose themselves.
"Alright, everyone feels assured now, right? Let's not just stand around, we've seen the goods. If anyone needs to trade, go ahead and trade. If you want to buy, go ahead and buy."
"Yes, yes, yes, we're all eager and can't wait, let's get started quickly."
Some old ladies shouted as well, mainly because the salt at home was indeed running low, and they planned to store more this time.
Everyone tacitly agreed not to ask how the salt was made, maintaining the balance well. Even the few unruly ones in the village kept quiet, which made the old man very satisfied.
However, what's necessary to say must still be said.
"Before we start, I must remind everyone that salt is forbidden to be privately traded. We must keep our mouths tightly shut. Otherwise, if the authorities find out, no one can escape. Understood?"
"Don't worry, village chief. We all know. We will definitely keep our mouths shut."
Everyone in the village benefits from this; no one is a fool. Hua Chengtian worked so hard for everyone; the village chief's family doesn't even lack salt. Everyone remembers this kindness, and no one is a fool.
"Hua Man is right; he speaks for us old folks. Everyone must remember, who brought the good life to our village? Look at Li Village, and those who sought refuge with us; what is their village like now? Everyone should be aware of it. Our Hua Village is full of good people; we cannot be ungrateful, harming others and ourselves. Let me say it first, if anyone betrays the village, don't blame us old folks for turning our backs. I believe you all understand the consequences."
Several elders also spoke up, sternly addressing the villagers, especially the few troublemakers.
They are experienced, illiterate in big words, but with decades of life experience that is precious.
Now it seems the flood disaster has passed, but the situation outside remains very dire.
Shanggu Town encountered a good official who squeezed out some seeds for the people, but that's all. There's no sign of relief food, and people from other places aren't fleeing either, indicating the disaster isn't improving, which suggests the court can't handle the people's affairs or is overwhelmed.
After all, according to Luo Song, the disaster seems widespread, affecting several neighboring states of Lingyun State. If true, the world is truly chaotic, making the old folks very anxious.
Having finally found a refuge, achieving self-sufficiency, benefiting descendants, they won't allow anyone to ruin it.
Hence, when speaking harshly, no one holds back, making everyone aware of the gravity of the situation.
Not only did the sudden sternness of the elders frighten everyone, but even the mere thought of the consequences made everyone's hearts tremble. Considering their current life compared to the outside people's misery, everyone nodded firmly, determined not to speak recklessly.
They must also watch over the new members of Hua Village, aware that the salt lake's secret must not leak out. No one would ponder much about the refined salt, at most marveling at Hua Village's deep roots.
Seeing that everyone understood, the elders relaxed their expressions.
"Alright, as long as everyone understands. After all, we are one community; if one prospers, all prosper; if one is harmed, all are harmed. In these tough times, we must hold together, with a common goal. I, Hua Man, have no great skills, but as long as the village needs me for a day, I will do my best to ensure everyone lives well."
Seeing the atmosphere was right, Hua Man began to rally everyone.
After a stern warning, a sweet incentive is needed to better unite the people.
"Let's listen to the village chief, unite and live well!"
The villagers were invigorated by these words and began to shout.
"Yes, yes..." Supportive voices echoed.
"Good, that's right for us Hua Villagers. Alright, not much more to say, everyone is anxious. If needed, start trading now."
After speaking, he looked at his grandchildren: "Yun Ao, Yun Xiang, you brothers record. Little Four, Jin'er, you handle weighing and receiving goods."
"Yes, grandpa."
As soon as he finished, the four children's eyes lit up with smiles, and everyone eagerly lined up.
Some young men, who were close with Hua's brothers, helped out, including Luo Song. They moved baskets of goods, sorting them.
They brought out items one by one, including the much-needed salt, sugar, and various seasonings. Each item's appearance made the women in line smile with joy, especially upon seeing even brown sugar was available.
As for food, it wasn't every household's focus; despite over a year passing, thanks to the village chief, every household had plenty to last two to three years if they economized, plus the new crop was planted, expected in months. Thus, attention was more on essential supplies, especially salt and sugar.
Surprisingly, refined salt wasn't as expensive as expected—just ten percent more than coarse salt. Unlike food, which needs flavor, a pound of salt could last months with thrift. Calculating this, it wasn't costly, and everyone could afford it.
Also, they could trade goods, if prices matched.
Trading home-collected eggs, homemade sauce, pickles, self-woven linen, bamboo, etc., for goods. This was the preferred option for most families, conserving silver and feeling at ease.