Chapter 617 - 611_1
Zhang Guo continued amid the atmosphere, "Furthermore, Dongjia has also promised that apart from providing three meals a day, he will pay us wages for our labor. It’s just that he can’t make the turnover right now, and we have to wait until the dividends from the store come in before he can distribute it to everyone. This doesn’t just provide us with a way to live, even our future hopes are secured. Otherwise, even if we manage to seize some food today and survive for the moment, what about later? What are we supposed to do in the future? We can’t keep living by looting. Besides, the Court is currently busy dealing with the situation in the disaster-stricken areas and has no time to pay attention to us. By the time they start to take account, what good end could there be for us if we continue in this way? These points I’m sure everyone can think of without me having to say them."
The refugees buzzed with excitement again when Zhang Guo mentioned Lin Yue providing food, lodging, and even wages. But this time it wasn’t with the fury of wanting to storm in; instead, it was the joy of seeing hope. Hearing what Zhang Guo said later, they were even more ashamed of their previous thoughts. It seemed that the Zhao Family was indeed as everyone said, a family that accumulated merits and kindness, not only feeding them but also unwilling to bully or exploit them. In such times, they would be willing to do the work without pay, even if wages were not given.
"What’s there to say? When he’s offering such good terms, if we make a fuss or have any demands, we would be ungrateful. Zhang family lad, go and tell the Family Head that we accept his terms. We thank him for giving everyone a way to survive. We’ll remember this kindness and will surely work hard in the future, never deceiving or shirking," the old man said gratefully, and many others echoed his words, all expressing their gratitude for the homeowner’s actions. Naturally, there were also those who were not successful in stirring up trouble and bore resentment.
"Don’t let this Zhang lad fool you! He says he will pay us wages later, but who knows? If the family head drags his feet later and doesn’t pay up, what can we do? In the end, it’s just a trick to pacify us for a while, and he will definitely not make good on it. I think this Zhang lad has been bought over by the family, reaping personal benefits while scheming against us. Once our forces are dispersed, we won’t pose a threat to them, and then just wait for them to turn around and deal with us. It would be better to rush in now— I’ve heard the male master of this house is a sea merchant with a lot of wealth in his residence. If we rob it clean, we can all survive!"
As Jian San spoke, greed was unmistakable on his face, as if he saw countless gold and jewels just within reach, waiting for him to just grab them. Hearing Jian San say this, indeed, a small part of the refugees hesitated. Some thought that even if wages were not given, at least having food to eat was fine. Others, like Jian San, were blinded by wealth and easily swayed by his words.
Zhang Guo saw that things were almost settled, and Jian San was still trying to create trouble, boiling with anger at this scoundrel, "Jian San, I think you’re the one with ulterior motives. You’ve been inciting others to do bad things and stirring up trouble. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re plotting! You’re not considering everyone’s welfare; you just want to persuade us to act according to your plans and take the opportunity to fish in troubled waters and make a fortune.