Chapter 207 - 207 Chapter 207 Giving Up
207 Chapter 207 Giving Up
After he left, Zhou Ying turned around and went to the kitchen. At noon, she told Gu Chengrui not to make any more house calls in the afternoon.
In the evening, Zhou Huaiming came over with County Mayor Kong for a free meal. After the two were sure that Manager Liu would come to pick them up later, they rushed to the carriage that took them to the village.
Of course, on the way there, the couple also found out that Qiao Lansheng and the others had been cleaned up. The couple immediately heaved a sigh of relief as it was tiring to be on guard against them every day.
When they reached home, Zhou Ying had prepared some snacks and tea while Gu Chengrui invited the village chief and the patriarch over.
When the patriarch and the village chief learned from Gu Chengrui that Zhou Huaiming had come for the waterwheel’s drawing, they were somewhat reluctant. After all, this was a way to make a fortune. Now that it had been cut off, they were not happy to accept it.
However, they also knew this wasn’t a good year, and many families in the country may not make it to the next. In order to save thousands of families, they could only bear the pain and part with their treasures.
Maybe they could even get some reward for the village.
They knelt when meeting Zhou Huaiming and County Mayor Kong without needing Gu Chengrui to introduce them; they had already met them when the restaurant opened. “We commoners, Qian Pinggui (Gu Qingzhi), greet General Zhou and Lord Kong.”
“Do get up, all of you. Are you the village chief and the head of the Gu clan?” Zhou Huaiming asked.
“Yes, I’m the village chief.” The village chief took a step forward.
“I, Gu Qingzhi, am the Gu clan’s patriarch.” The patriarch took a step forward.
“Have a seat.” Zhou Huaiming pointed at the two seats that Zhou Ying had prepared.
“Thank you, General.” The two saluted again before they walked over and sat down.
Zhou Huaiming asked them how many days it would take to make a waterwheel and finally said, “I think Brother Gu has already told you what I want to say. So let me know what you think.”
The patriarch and village chief immediately sang a high tune when they heard this. “This is a good thing for the country and the people. We fully support it.”
“I won’t say much then.
“The county will quickly promote waterwheels, and you can continue making them, but the price must be lowered. The profit of each waterwheel must not exceed five taels.
“As for the money you have received, the county will pay it back. You don’t need to refund them.” County Mayor Kong chimed in.
“So, we’re making waterwheels for the county?” The village chief raised his head and asked the two officials.
“Yes, except for your current orders, the rest will be distributed throughout the county.
“Understood. What about the transportation?”
“Since it’s done by you, it’s up to you to install it,” Wang Yao continued. “So, you can make the arrangements. The county won’t interfere.”
“Thank you, Lord Kong.” The village chief heaved a sigh of relief. At least they could earn some money from the installation and transportation.
After exchanging a few polite words, the group went to the workshop to get the blueprint.
After Manager Liu and a few carpenters visited the waterwheel, the group of people sent them out of the village.
“Sigh, we’ve only sold eight units so far. If I had known that this day would come so quickly, we would have made a few more overnight.” Second Uncle Gu grumbled glumly.
“You should be content that we can still continue to do this.” The patriarch glared at him.
“I think it’s a good thing. This way, the grain production of the entire north will increase, and our days will improve.” Gu Chengrui replied.
“That’s true. Based on this year’s situation, if it doesn’t rain, there will definitely be a reduction in production. If water can be supplied, at least we can have some harvest.” The village chief nodded in agreement.