In years of famine and drought, their village even rejected fatty meat.

Chapter 94 The Highest Praise

"Is it steamed buns again for dinner tonight? Daoge'er, you're so generous!"

"As expected, Brother Dao will not let us down. We have enough steamed buns for every meal."

"Great! I can eat steamed buns again."

"..."

Everyone gathered around the rice bucket with shining eyes, waiting for the steamed buns to be distributed.

Chen Dao didn't intend to keep everyone waiting. He first gestured for Chen Cheng to distribute steamed buns to everyone, and then said, "Everyone, listen to what I have to say."

As soon as Chen Dao said this, the scene immediately fell silent. The villagers didn't even bother to eat the steamed buns they had just received, but instead pricked up their ears and waited quietly for Chen Dao to continue.

"It's a bit of a hassle to bring the food to the fields every day."

Chen Dao said, "Let's change the way we do it from now on. After everyone gets up in the morning, we can go to my house for breakfast first. After breakfast, we can go straight to the fields to work. After we finish working in the afternoon, we can go back to my house for dinner together. What do you all think?"

"no problem."

"Brother Dao's idea is good. This way we might be able to eat hot steamed buns."

"The steamed buns have gotten cold from all the way here. We should have eaten them at Daoge'er's house."

"..."

Without a second thought, everyone agreed to Chen Dao's proposal.

Chen Dao continued, "Of course, I have to say this upfront: I can give you steamed buns every day until you're full, but if anyone doesn't work hard, or even eats steamed buns in the morning and runs home instead of coming to work in the fields, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Upon hearing this, the villagers' expressions immediately turned serious.

"Don't worry, Brother Dao, if anyone dares to slack off, we will definitely not let them off the hook!"

"That's right! Brother Dao, I'll keep an eye on things for you, and absolutely no one will dare to slack off!"

"Any lazy bum who dares to slack off, we'll beat him to a pulp!"

"..."

The villagers all spoke up to make their promises. There were certainly some of them who wanted to slack off, but most of the villagers would never slack off, even if it was just to get a steamed bun.

As for those few who want to slack off, with others watching, they can't openly do so.

After all, food is so precious these days, and nobody wants to give up a job where they can have enough steamed buns to eat every day.

"Don't worry, Brother Dao."

Chen He also assured him, "I'll keep an eye on things for you. If anyone dares to slack off, I definitely won't let them off the hook!"

As the village chief, Chen He held considerable authority in the village. Upon hearing his words, the few who wanted to slack off immediately abandoned their thoughts.

There was no other way; the example of Chen Jin and his two companions was right before their eyes. The village chief really would pick up a board and beat people.

"it is good!"

Seeing that everyone had made their promises, Chen Dao said no more and said to everyone, "Then let's start eating!"

As soon as Chen Dao spoke, the villagers immediately sprang into action. Those who received steamed buns went to the side and happily ate them, while those still queuing to receive steamed buns were looking forward to their delicious taste.

…………

…………

As the sun completely set, Chen Lian finished her day's work.

Today's work wasn't tiring for her; on the contrary, she found it enjoyable. All she had to do was clean up some chicken and duck droppings and keep track of the number of chickens and ducks. She could have two steamed buns a day and receive one or two taels of silver a month. Even now, Chen Lian still felt a sense of unreality, as if she were in a dream.

Goodbye, aunties.

After saying goodbye to Wu Yun and the others at the door of Chen Dao's house, Chen Lian hurriedly returned home and met her grandmother He Xuehua, who was waiting in the living room.

He Xuehua's aged face showed some unease. Today was the day Chen Lian was to work at Chen Dao's house, and she couldn't help but worry. First, she was worried that the job was really as good as the village chief had said, and second, she was worried that Chen Lian could satisfy Chen Dao and get this hard-won job.

"grandmother."

Just then, Chen Lian's voice came, waking up the uneasy He Xuehua.

"Lian'er is back."

Just as He Xuehua was about to get up, Chen Lian quickly came out, pressed He Xuehua back into her seat, and then sat down beside her, saying, "Grandma, I'll go make you dinner."

Chen Lian, who was very familiar with the house, knew as soon as she entered that He Xuehua must not have eaten dinner, because there was not a trace of cooking in the kitchen.

"There's no rush yet."

He Xuehua shook her head and asked, "Lian'er, how did it go with your work at Daoge'er's house today?"

"It's okay!"

Chen Lian savored the lingering sweet taste of the steamed bun in her mouth and smiled, "The work at Daoge's house is not tiring at all. I feel very relaxed. Moreover, Daoge gives us steamed buns to eat, two meals a day, and we can eat until we are full every time!"

"really?"

He Xuehua couldn't help but show a hint of surprise. A job that wasn't tiring, with plenty of steamed buns and a monthly salary of one tael of silver—such a good thing was something He Xuehua really didn't dare to hope for.

"Really, Grandma!"

Chen Lian then smiled and recounted her experiences at Chen Dao's house that day: "Brother Dao is a really nice person, completely different from any rich people I've ever heard of..."

He Xuehua listened attentively to Chen Lian's story, and after listening, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Brother Dao is such a good person!"

In the past, the word "good person" had become a neutral, or even mostly derogatory, term in China.

In this world, the word "good person" is the highest praise. At this moment, He Xuehua's gratitude towards Chen Dao is completely heartfelt.

"Yes!"

Chen Lian nodded and said, "Not only is Dao Ge'er good to us, but Aunt Li and Sister Ding, who lives at Dao Ge'er's house, are also very good to us. They always greet us politely when they see us."

Chen Lian had heard from other villagers that wealthy people in the city always looked down on their servants and maids, often beating and scolding them like slaves. But Chen Dao was completely different; he treated them as equals, without any condescension.

"That's good!"

He Xuehua was completely relieved. "Lian'er, you must work hard, okay? You absolutely cannot lose this job."

This job is incredibly important for this family consisting of only an elderly person and a young girl. Their food reserves are dwindling, and even if they eat sparingly every day, they can only last about half a month. With this job, Chen Lian can eat her fill at Chen Dao's house, which will sustain them for a month. If Chen Lian loses this job...

In half a month, the family will be completely starving. At that time, the two of them will either have to shamelessly borrow food or starve to death at home.

"Grandma, I know."

Chen Lian said with a smile, "Let me tell you, Dao Ge'er's chickens are raised very well. Every single one of them has yellow feathers and looks very appealing..."

Chen Lian recounted her work at Chen Dao's house to He Xuehua as if it were a treasure trove of memories. He Xuehua listened quietly, occasionally responding with a word, without the slightest hint of impatience on her face.