Uncle De watched Teacher Zhou walk away, then turned to leave with Chen Lan. As they walked, he whispered, "Xiao Lan, based on what Teacher Zhou just said, they’ll probably finish their work tomorrow and all five of them will leave here to return to the imperial capital the day after."
Chen Lan nodded. "Yes! They’ll likely all be gone by the day after tomorrow. We've been together for several months, and we've gotten used to seeing them every day. It’s sudden, and I’ll truly miss them."
Uncle De continued, "Xiao Lan, are we really going to pay them?"
Chen Lan nodded again. "Of course. We agreed on this before coming to Changbai Mountain! However, it's not us paying them; it's the valley that's advancing their wages. Of course, we need to make it clear to them this time: the valley is everyone's home, not a private property of any individual. This is very important and must be clarified. We need to let them know they are working for themselves, not for others. This payment is just an advance on the valley's income for next year. This year's income from the valley has already been given away. We can only advance next year's."
Uncle De visibly relaxed. "Xiao Lan, with you saying it like that, I feel reassured! You and Uncle Fu were worried. We’ve donated all our assets, how can we still have money to pay people? Won’t we become landlords and rich peasants again?"
Chen Lan thought for a moment. "Uncle De, I didn't explain this clearly. At the time, I was so focused on rushing here to catch the planting season that I didn't bother with these small sums and various expenses. Of course, since we promised them housing, clothes, and food, that won't change. As long as everyone works hard and doesn't slack off, the valley will cover food and lodging. This decision won't change for at least twenty-seven or twenty-eight years. Alas! Let's just consider it compensation for them traveling such a long distance to be here with us, keeping us company in this remote corner!"
She paused and continued, "After all, they are the pillars of their families and need to send money back home to support their families and make a living. Uncle De, please take some time today to calculate their wages for these past few months!"
Uncle De smiled. "You are truly kind-hearted. I hope they all appreciate our kindness and don't turn out to be ungrateful wretches."
Chen Lan smiled indifferently. "If they turn out to be ungrateful, they will suffer greatly. For us, it will only be a bit troublesome! At worst, we'll find another place. Changbai Mountain may not have many things, but there are plenty of valleys like this."
She took a breath and continued, "I dare say, no matter where they go, they won't find a place like our valley that provides food, lodging, and wages. Unless they have a screw loose? If that's the case, then there's nothing I can do."
Uncle De chuckled at Chen Lan's words. "That's true. You can't guard against thieves forever. By the way, Xiao Lan, what standard should we use to calculate their wages?"
Chen Lan replied in a distressed tone. "Uncle De, to be honest, I'm struggling with this right now. If we give them too little, they really need the money to support their families, and we can't bear to. If we give them too much, I'm afraid some people might take advantage of us. What do you think is a reasonable monthly wage for them?"
Uncle De thought for a moment. "Xiao Lan, your concern is valid! How about this: don't dwell on it anymore, and don't bother with this small matter. I'll go discuss the wages with Uncle Fu. I guarantee that the money they earn here in Changbai Mountain will be more than what they earn in the imperial capital. It will definitely not be less. Just as you said, let's consider it compensation for keeping us company."
Chen Lan said casually, "Thinking about it, there's really nothing to dwell on. In a few more years, these silver dollars and silver pieces will be worthless. We don't need to go out and buy things, so keeping them is useless; they'll just become a pile of junk in the end. While they are still useful, let's give them a little more as wages so they can properly settle their family matters. After all, this place was overgrown with weeds when we arrived, and they have made significant contributions to how the valley looks now. However, Uncle De, you must make it clear to them that this is a one-time thing. How you explain it to them is up to you and Uncle Fu."
Uncle De was greatly surprised and asked loudly, "Xiao Lan, is that true? In a few years, silver dollars and silver pieces will really be worthless?"
Chen Lan looked at Uncle De with surprise and nodded, replying, "Yes, absolutely true. Grandpa said so. They will become less and less valuable as time goes on."
Chen Lan then teased, "What? Uncle De, are you hiding some secret stash of money? I'm going to tell Mama Cui."
Uncle De hurriedly stopped her. "You child, what nonsense are you spouting? It's not me hiding money, it's Madam! Ah! No, it's Mother-in-law. Ah! I'm all mixed up. It's your mother-in-law. When she came from home, she gave me all silver dollars and silver. No, I must go and discuss this with her and spend all this money as soon as possible, otherwise, it will truly become a pile of junk, and she'll cry her eyes out."
Saying this, he walked away without waiting for Chen Lan's reaction.
Chen Lan shook her head and smiled, thinking that her mother-in-law could really save money. She still had Ming Wei's dowry and some of their family's assets in her system's warehouse, intended for Ming Zhe's future marriage and children. As for the property that rightfully belonged to the twins, Chen Lan had never thought of claiming it. What did she lack? Why would she fight for such things? Wasn't she afraid of damaging their harmony? There was no need.
As Chen Lan walked, she unintentionally reached the temporary kitchen. At this moment, she remembered a problem that everyone had overlooked: the winter in Changbai Mountain lasts for as long as half a year. How would everyone solve the problem of eating during these six months? They couldn't possibly eat in the temporary sheds outside like they did now. That would be impossible! With temperatures of minus twenty or thirty degrees Celsius outside, people would freeze solid, let alone the food. The chopsticks would probably freeze to the dishes. Thinking of this, organizing everyone to go up the mountain to chop firewood for the winter became even more urgent.
Chen Lan looked at the sky. Fortunately, it was still a clear day. Why not take everyone up the mountain today to chop some firewood, or even pick some mushrooms? She could use her system's warehouse to transport more firewood back for storage. There were many children at home, and they were still young and couldn't withstand the cold.
Just as Chen Lan was about to call Ming Wei and the others to go up the mountain, she saw them busy preparing lunch. She thought about it and decided against it! After all, they had been busy since morning without a break. It was rare for them to have some time to sit down, pick vegetables, and chat. Chen Lan turned and headed towards the mountain, deciding not to ask them to chop firewood together. She would chop firewood by herself; she could do it faster and carry more.