The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 513 - 511 Timber

Chapter 513: Chapter 511 Timber

Wang Yongzhu nodded. "And what about the timber and tiles?" she asked.

"The tiles are from a kiln factory more than a dozen miles away. They specialize in those blue roof tiles, and they have only two kilns, not that big. If we hurry, they should be able to supply us. There’s another kiln factory outside the town that makes those bright red tiles. They look pretty and auspicious, but unfortunately, they’re all pre-ordered and can’t spare the capacity to make ours. I’ve settled on the blue tiles," Song Chongjin said, glancing at Wang Yongzhu.

The people nearby, through Master Chiang’s hands, mostly preferred the red tiles, finding them attractive and auspicious. A glance at the rooftops would show a striking red, quite eye-catching!

Song Chongjin was worried that Wang Yongzhu might also favor the red tiles, yet he had chosen blue, so he proceeded with caution.

Wang Yongzhu smiled. "The blue tiles are just fine. The red ones are too ostentatious for my taste," she said.

Relieved, Song Chongjin continued, "As for the lumber, we are near Dahei Mountain, where we lack for nothing in terms of timber. I heard from my uncle that the family has long been prepared with the wood needed for Fourth Brother and your marriage. Some time ago, when they were talking about building the house, my uncle had also scouted for beams in the mountains, but we need a lot and it’s not quickly gathered. Not to mention, the timber from the shops outside can be problematic not only in quality, but also in transport. So I was thinking, why not just pay the villagers to buy it? It would be cheaper, and it would let them profit some, reducing the complaints from the gossipers."

From what he said, Song Chongjin had already been briefed on the village rumors of the past few days upon his return.

But it was a good idea. Nowadays, in Qilidun, who didn’t have some timber stored away? Those who couldn’t use it immediately could sell it to the Wang Family—an effortless business. After selling, they could go cut more next spring.

After some thought, Wang Yongzhu summoned Wang Yonggui and entrusted this task to him.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yonggui slapped his chest and promised he would certainly buy good-quality timber for the family.

When he found the time, Wang Yonggui consulted with Master Chiang about how much timber the family needed. With a definitive answer and after checking the stockpile of their own timber, he had a clear idea.

Back in the village, he went to the construction site and shared the news. Instantly, the place was abuzz.

Which family didn’t have a few logs stashed away? Usually, they just sat idle, unused for now. If they could be sold to the Wang Family, wouldn’t that mean easy money?

Quite a few men immediately stated they had some and could sell it at a lower price.

Some, impatient, started to bid on the spot, and the surrounding people, hearing this, got anxious too and began to lower their prices. After all, this timber only cost them labor, and a peasant’s labor was the least valued.

Everyone was afraid that the Wang Family would choose someone else’s timber over theirs, creating a chaotic uproar for a time.

Wang Yonggui, if he really put his mind to it, had the means. He waited calmly until the bidding settled down and then he had a clear idea of the market prices and what people were willing to accept.

He also noted down the names of those who had timber and were willing to sell. Then he spoke up, explaining that the family needed timber for the beams, which required high standards. He specified the dimensions and type—pine or fir were best for beams; other types would not do.

Told those with such timber to bring it to the Wang Family Courtyard the next morning, they would be paid by the piece, assuring them that he would treat them fairly.

Upon hearing this, the villagers all knew what was expected. They thought about checking their own timber stock that evening to see if any matched the criteria. As for the price, since the Wang Family had promised not to shortchange anyone, not many were worried.

The following morning, a long line formed outside the Wang Family Courtyard. Wang Yonggui was dragged directly out of his bed, and with the blow of the cold wind, he finally woke up.

Upon hearing that the wood sellers had arrived at the door, there was no choice but to get dressed and come out, only to be surrounded by people.

Master Chiang and his brothers had gotten up early and, seeing this scene, also gathered around to watch the excitement.

With Master Chiang and his brothers keeping an eye out, the wood they picked was all straight, with the length and thickness being quite uniform, all fir and pine.

Wang Yonggui kept his word, offering a fair middle-range price within an acceptable range for everyone.

He paid them on the spot; the men who sold the wood tossed their money to their wives who had followed them, then shook their hands and went into the Wang Family Courtyard for breakfast.

The meals served at the Wang Family the previous day had amazed everyone who came to help.

The flatbreads made from a mixture of wheat and sorghum were as big as a grown man’s fist, guaranteed to fill one up. The dish was fatty meat stewed with radishes, with the glistening meat sliced thickly, frying in their own fat until the edges curled into a ladle shape, becoming semi-transparent, and then adding homemade bean sauce, making it both salty and aromatic.

With one bite, it was tender and smooth; the radish had fully absorbed the meat fat and broth. The radish, struck by frost, tasted crisp and sweet, pairing perfectly with the meat.

When men helped out at other people’s homes on other days, they were used to simple dishes of radishes or cabbage with a few slices of meat for flavor, which was already quite good.

But where could you find generosity like that of the Wang Family? At first, the men were a bit reserved, but after the meat hit their stomachs, they couldn’t control themselves, each one opening up and eating until they were round and full.

Especially with the next dish, a mixed fish stew with tofu, the fish weren’t large, about the size of a palm. After being braised in bean sauce, water and tofu were added to simmer. In this weather, the hot and steaming stew was so good that after finishing a bowl, they almost swallowed their tongues.

The two big baskets of flatbread brought to the worksite were almost not enough.

After eating, everyone felt uncomfortable just sitting around; the Wang Family was generous and sincere, so the people who came to help didn’t spare their strength. By the end of the day, no one slacked off, feeling they had to earn the meat and fish soup tofu they had eaten.

During the breakfast break, Master Chiang found a moment to approach Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu, who were sitting in a corner, each holding a bowl of watery rice. Wang Yongzhu also had a bowl of tender steamed egg custard specially made by Old Granny Zhang, along with a plate of pickles, chatting as they ate.

Seeing Master Chiang approaching, they quickly stood up, "Master Chiang, is there something you want to discuss?"

Master Chiang whispered, "I noticed among the wood they delivered today, there are a couple of good pieces. It’s a bit of a waste to use them for beams. If you have some spare cash, you might consider buying them to make a wardrobe or something; it would be quite presentable and impressive."

After dealing with the Wang Family for a few days, he had realized that the Wang Family girl was the decision-maker here, and that Song Chongjin’s household was also under her management. Knowing they weren’t short of money, he came to give them a heads-up.

Song Chongjin raised an eyebrow, "What good wood?"

Master Chiang lowered his voice even more, "It looks like one might be chicken wing wood, and the other seems to be rosewood. These types make for much finer furniture than fir, cypress, or camphor wood. Many officials and noble patrons in the city look specifically for these types of wood for their daughters’ dowry furniture, I hear."

"Chicken wing wood is slightly inferior, but rosewood is a fine material. If you need it, you might want to stock up on a few pieces when you see them."