Chapter 418: The wages of Ming Dynasty craftsmen must not be delayed

The sky over Yingtian Prefecture was gloomy, and lead-gray clouds weighed heavily over the city walls.

It was like a huge lead plate that could collapse at any time.

It brings a heavier sense of oppression to this ancient city.

Zhu Gang stood under the Yingtian Prefecture city wall which had not yet been fully repaired, looking at the ruins in front of him, his heart full of worry.

The bricks and stones on the broken wall were uneven, and in some places there were still traces of the blackening of past wars, as if silently telling of the disaster that had been suffered.

The originally sturdy battlements on the city wall are now incomplete.

He looked like an old man with missing front teeth, with a sense of desolation and vicissitudes.

Zhu Gang knew very well that if this difficult problem could not be solved as soon as possible, the city wall repair project would be difficult to complete on time.

This is not just a matter of a city wall. It is like the guardian god of Yingtian Prefecture and concerns the safety of this world.

To put it in a broader sense, it is a matter of reputation for the Ming Dynasty, and we cannot afford to be careless in the slightest.

Zhu Gang gritted his teeth secretly and made up his mind.

“Humph, no way!
I can’t just sit there and wait, I have to take the initiative and build this city wall properly!”

Zhu Gang decided to take action again without delay.

He waved his hand and took a few trusted men with him.

Thus he embarked on a journey, traveling tirelessly between various towns.

Along the way, the autumn wind was bleak and the chill was growing.

The cold wind in late autumn whistled past like a sharp blade.

The wind made the dead branches on the roadside make a “humming” sound, as if those dead branches were also complaining about the sufferings of the world.

The fields were desolate, with only a few withered yellow weeds swaying tenaciously in the wind.

It seemed as if it was trying its best to show a glimmer of life.

Occasionally a few jackdaws fly across the sky, making quack sounds.

The sound echoed in the silent wilderness, adding a sense of desolation and loneliness.

Every time he arrived at a town, Zhu Gang had no intention of appreciating the scenery along the way.

He always anxiously inquired about the location of the local craftsmen’s guild, and then rushed there with his confidants.

After finding the head of the guild, Zhu Gang didn’t even bother to rest.

He hurried forward, bowed, and earnestly asked for help in gathering many craftsmen, saying that he had important matters to discuss.

Soon, the craftsmen gathered one after another.

At this time, the light in the guild room was a little dim, with a few oil lamps in the corner, flickering with weak flames.

The light and shadows swayed on the wall, as if they were also uneasy about this unknown discussion.

Zhu Gang stood in front of everyone, looking at each craftsman with sincere and firm eyes.

He cleared his throat and slowly said, “Dear craftsmen, I know that you have concerns about coming to Yingtian Prefecture to participate in the city wall restoration project.

Speaking of this, it’s not everyone’s fault.”

Zhu Gang sighed slightly, his face full of helplessness.

“Of course, although some unpleasant things did happen before, I am here today to assure you all.

Today, the public security in Yingtian Prefecture has been greatly improved.

Our soldiers patrol the city day and night to ensure everyone’s safety.”

As Zhu Gang spoke, he gestured with his hands, as if he wanted the craftsmen to see the patrolling soldiers with their own eyes.

“Besides, this city wall restoration project is a matter of great importance to our national economy and people’s livelihood.

If it can be completed smoothly, it will not only bring benefits to the people of Yingtian Prefecture.

That will add glory to our entire Ming Dynasty, and it is a great merit!”

Zhu Gang’s voice became louder and louder, and his eyes were filled with eager anticipation. At this moment, an elderly craftsman slowly stood up.

His face was full of worry, and he frowned and said, “Your Highness, we also know the importance of this project.

But I heard before that some craftsmen’s wages were robbed.

This incident has caused panic among the people and everyone is really scared.

I’m afraid that I’ll run into this terrible thing again when I go to Yingtian Prefecture.”

When Zhu Gang heard this, he hurried forward.

He grabbed the old master’s hand, patted his chest and assured him: “Old master, just put your mind at ease!
Those things that happened before will never happen again.

I have already arranged for someone to be responsible for everyone’s daily safety matters.

If anyone dares to harm you again…

Humph, I will punish you severely and will never let you off easily!”

Zhu Gang paused, and then continued, “As for wages, I, Zhu Gang, guarantee with my integrity that I will never owe you a single cent.

We will only pay you according to what we promised before, and we will also give you additional rewards based on the progress of the project and your performance.

Let everyone work hard and earn a lot of money! “

Zhu Gang’s words were spoken with such sincerity and heartfelt feeling.

After hearing this, the craftsmen present couldn’t help but feel a little moved.

The worry on many people’s faces faded a little.

However, a few craftsmen in the crowd were still not reassured, and another slightly younger craftsman stepped forward and asked, “Your Highness, what you said is indeed good to hear.

But if something goes wrong, what will we ordinary people do?”

Zhu Gang smiled slightly and patiently explained: “Master, rest assured, I came here this time to solve all the problems in advance.

In addition to arranging special personnel to protect you, your wages will be paid on time and in full.

I will also arrange special accommodation for everyone in Yingtian Prefecture so that everyone can live in peace.

In addition, during the construction of the Yingtianfu city wall, there were special people delivering water and food to everyone every day.

Ensure that everyone can concentrate on their work without being disturbed by other trivial matters. “

After hearing this, the craftsmen began to whisper to each other, and many of them had a thoughtful look on their faces.

Seeing this, Zhu Gang quickly struck while the iron was hot, “Masters, think about it, if this city wall is repaired, it will be able to protect the safety of Yingtian Prefecture.

Your family, relatives and friends can also benefit from it.

This is a great thing. I hope everyone can join me in contributing to Yingtian Prefecture and the Ming Dynasty!”

At this time, an old craftsman with gray hair stood up and said in a loud voice: “Since Your Highness is so sincere, we must know what is good for us.

I have been in this business for most of my life.

I can’t say anything else, but I do have the skills to repair the city wall.

I am willing to go with Your Highness and contribute to the repair of this city wall!”

With the old craftsman taking the lead, many craftsmen responded.

“Yes, let’s follow His Highness!”

Thanks to Zhu Gang’s unremitting efforts, a group of craftsmen were finally moved by his sincerity.

Some of the craftsmen were willing to follow Zhu Gang to Yingtian Prefecture to participate in the city wall restoration project.

As the number of craftsmen gradually increased, the city wall restoration project was finally able to proceed steadily again.

But who would have thought that this troublesome matter would be like a tail that could not be shaken off.

Just as the problem of craftsmen was solved, the problem of funding shortage emerged again, still haunting the city wall restoration project that Zhu Gang was in charge of.

(End of this chapter)