80: The end of part-time job - establishment

Ten days later, a new monthly salary system, crucial for the entire Medicine Field, was implemented.

The basic monthly salary of four taels of silver for Medicine Farmers remained unchanged, but a commission was added; the more Spiritual Plants cultivated, the greater the reward.

Chief Steward Jiang thoughtfully set the baseline quantity that everyone had to complete at the level before his reforms.

As for the nearly half a tael of silver commission that resulted from the post-reform increase, it was considered a bonus for the lower-level Medicine Farmers.

As the old saying goes, 'money makes the mare go.'

Upon hearing about the 'more work, more pay' system, the men in the Medicine Field, one by one, awoke from their stupor, their eyes gleaming with the hunger of famished tigers, turning green.

Chatting and sunbathing? Non-existent.

Gathering to watch the excitement? Non-existent.

Everyone devoted themselves entirely to their plots, displaying an astonishing diligence.

They loosened the soil in the morning and again in the afternoon, never falling behind on watering, almost wishing they could plant themselves in the ground first.

With this money, they could buy Cultivation Techniques to Cultivate in the Council Hall, and eat Medicinal Cuisine at Tianyuan Residence. Stronger Cultivation could lead to becoming a steward or an Elder.

Facts proved that given the opportunity to strive, no one truly wished to 'lie flat.'

Once the lower-ranking individuals had a clear path for advancement, the era of fervent medicine cultivation officially began.

"No pushing, line up, one by one!"

"If you don't follow the rules, I'll hit someone!" Xiang Jie produced a wooden stick and slammed it onto the ground with a thud.

"Lord Xiang, we can line up, but please tell those in front to hurry up!"

"That's right, we're all busy in the fields, we can't afford delays."

... The side courtyard next to the Council Hall, which was no longer inhabited, had become a dedicated area for answering Medicine Farmers' questions, and it was bustling with noise.

Lei He sat in the hall, wiping sweat from his forehead. His clean white handkerchief had turned slightly yellow in the middle from frequent use.

A stack of books lay on the table; he had retrieved them from next door that morning.

From sun-loving to shade-loving, from Snake Tongue Orchid to qi gathering grass, the range of questions was too vast and extensive.

Some techniques he had almost forgotten required him to consult books before he could answer the people below.

To his left was a long queue of people, all there to ask questions.

Despite each person being limited to one question per day, from morning roll call to evening rest, he hadn't had a moment's break all day.

The benefit of such high-intensity work was a stronger grasp of the Medicine Field, but the downside was, it was damn tiring!

They had never endured such hardship before; it was even more arduous than when they were Medicine Farmers.

Being tired was one thing, but the main point was that the pressure was also considerable.

Because someone on the right was specifically responsible for record-keeping, they dared not speak carelessly or perfunctorily.

Who asked a question, when, and what was asked?

Who was on duty for roll call, and how did they answer?

According to Chief Steward Jiang's requirements, all these details had to be recorded for future investigation and evidence.

During future inspections, if a Medicine Farmer repeatedly failed to learn from the same issue, they would be fined!

If an Elder answered haphazardly, even if only once.

Sorry, because you are an Elder, you must set an example, and you will also be fined!

"Alright, next." Lei He waved his hand wearily.

As soon as he spoke, the next Medicine Farmer immediately stepped forward, respectfully cupping his hands:

"Elder Lei, I live at the foot of the mountain. The qi gathering grass matures quickly, but it doesn't bear much fruit. How should I deal with it?"

"Lay sand and soil underneath for drainage; it's too damp. The qi gathering grass has shallow roots and must use fine sand."

"This one thanks Elder."

"Next!"

... Jiang Hanwen stood on the upper floor of the Council Hall, looking down at the lively side courtyard, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

It's so lively; Elder Du should be very pleased to see this, right?

Beyond the bustling surface, Jiang Hanwen saw more.

Monetary incentives alone were not enough. There were only a few positions for Elders and stewards. Initially, everyone would be highly motivated, but after a period, they would realize that while they worked hard, others also worked hard, so why should they get the important position?

At that point, the disappointment from being beaten down by life would inevitably lead to gloom.

Pessimism is like an infectious disease; once it has a source, it will spread.

Just like in student days, a dispirited youth, seeing society clearly, could tear open the dirty essence beneath the splendid facade.

Little did they know, maturing too early was not necessarily a good thing.

Extreme intelligence brings harm; this double-edged sword of maturity could also inadvertently kill one's drive, thereby losing the joy of life.

Since striving upwards has limitations, then give them a hope that extends downwards, the ultimate goal for workers—a permanent position!

"Distribute this. From now on, unless there are major issues, I will only come for the end-of-month Council meeting."

Jiang Hanwen took out a 'Spark Plan' from a drawer and handed it to Wu Shen.

From today onwards, he could be a hands-off manager.

"Yes."

After Jiang Hanwen left, Wu Shen opened the pages of the book to examine them closely, and as he turned the pages, his pupils gradually widened.

What a brilliant overt scheme of binding interests!

As long as each Medicine Farmer consistently maintained high production, they could have their son, apprentice, or designated person take over their position. If the production remained constant within three years, the handover could occur.

The hired temporary worker became a permanent contract that could be passed down as a family heirloom.

Wu Shen tilted his head, looking through the window at the still bustling side courtyard.

The weight of this book was no less significant than the grand introduction of the commission system. In the future, this kind of liveliness would likely be the norm.

In the envisioned future, even if those above couldn't grasp the general direction of Spiritual Plants.

As long as these two cornerstones laid by his teacher remained unchanged, the Zhuang family's Medicine Field could preserve its foundation for a hundred years!

"What a pity, he's only at the ninth level of Mortal Transformation."

Wu Shen sighed. Such great talent shouldn't remain in a small place like the Zhuang family. If he had a larger stage, he would surely dominate.

It's just a pity that at around forty years old, he's still in the Mortal Transformation Realm. Even if he could Break through to Qi Induction in the future and gain thirty more years of life, this life would probably be it.

If Jiang Hanwen were here and heard his thoughts, he would surely burst out cursing, "Who the hell are you cursing? I'm going to live forever, what the hell do you know..."

Twenty days later, the agreed-upon succession time arrived.

The six Elders, one by one, took action against the black-robed guards who were to succeed them.

Wu Shen, Lei He, and Song Shuming all Broke through to the seventh level of Mortal Transformation, continuing to hold their Elder authority.

The remaining three did not Break through and could only receive thirty percent of their monthly salary while doing one hundred percent of the work.

In the Council Hall, Song Shuming and the other two looked at the empty main seat with bitter smiles.

Comparing oneself to others can be infuriating.

The position of Grand Steward, which many fought tooth and nail for, some preferred to sleep at home rather than come to preside over "work."

Wu Shen looked helplessly at the two of them.

"Teacher said that he would come once for the end-of-month Council meeting, and for other times, he would let the three of us handle it ourselves."

"Understood," Song Shuming nodded, taking out a piece of paper from his embrace, on which his ideas for this meeting were recorded.

"Regarding the side courtyard, I want to compile the questions asked by the people below into a booklet, make it into a book, and distribute it to them. This way, we can save some time running back and forth."

"I agree." Wu Shen was the first to nod. Spending little money to achieve great things—this is what an Elder should do.

"I have an objection!"

The two turned to look at Lei He, as if to say, "What trick are you up to now, young man?"