Chapter 114: Constructing Self-Watering Vegetable Planters (Part Two)

The two brothers shook their heads like rattle-drums; they had no intention of going out into the world to work. If they had been willing to do so, they would have left long ago.

"What? No, we won't go! If you dare to force us to work outside, just see if we don't jump down the mountain right now!"

The brothers made their threats in a panic, looking far more fragile than they had in the past.

"If you don't want to go work outside, then you had better work hard right here. If you refuse to labor here, I will send you to the city to work immediately."

Seeing them shrink into pathetic little cowards, Gu Xiaoyao pointed to the untilled land and urged them on with a cold, firm voice. There was no time for them to slack off now. If they wanted to loaf about, they would have to pay the price; otherwise, did they expect to be fed and housed for free every day?

"Sister, we are tilling too slowly. The others have already cleared such a large patch."

Gu Xiaoshu was anxious as he worked, wishing he could sprout three heads and six arms, though he only had one pair of hands.

"Wait a moment. I’m going to speak with the Village Chief; he still hasn't fulfilled the promise from last time!"

There was still one matter left from the competition they had helped with that had yet to be honored. Gu Xiaoyao felt that since she had put in the effort, she deserved a return.

When Village Chief Chu saw her approaching, a flash of guilt crossed his eyes. He felt ashamed of the villagers' lack of integrity. Even though she had helped them win the competition, the villagers had simply watched as Gu Xiaoyao’s mother was beaten and dragged away.

"Mrs. Chengjin, I am truly sorry. What happened to your mother was wrong of the village."

"I have already scolded them. A group of grown men, and not a single one dared to step in."

Gu Xiaoyao certainly had her own thoughts about their failure to help, but she also felt it was to be expected. Not everyone was kind-hearted enough to help others, nor was everyone willing to lend a hand.

"I didn't come here to discuss that, Village Chief. Didn't you promise that if I won the competition, you would have people help me with my work?"

Upon hearing this, Village Chief Chu let out a few noncommittal sounds, glancing toward the fields where everyone was busy. He hesitated; no one had any time to spare right now.

"This... everyone in the village is busy breaking in new land. I’m afraid no one has the time to assist you."

People in the village were unlikely to help with land reclamation, as everyone was wishing they had extra hands to claim more territory for themselves. Gu Xiaoyao looked around and noticed that all those who had joined the competition last time lowered their heads in shame.

"I understand. Since no one can help me till the fields, is there anyone in the village who is a carpenter? I would like to have him make some things for me. Surely that can be arranged?"

The Village Chief stroked his beard, thinking of a man in the village who, due to a disability in his legs, was unable to work the fields.

"There is one man. He is a master carpenter. Once we return to the village, I will speak to him. Rest assured, he will certainly help."

Having settled the matter, Gu Xiaoyao walked away. She returned to her brother’s side, looked at the unplowed earth, and rolled up her sleeves to get to work. Thanks to the improvement in her spiritual power and abilities, her physical strength was enough to match three men; in no time at all, she had dug up a large patch of ground.

Chu Qingsong and Chu Qingbai were also working more efficiently now; because Gu Xiaoyao held leverage over them, they dared not slack off. As for Lady Liu, if she didn't work, she wouldn't eat—she could simply go hungry.