Chapter 194

The more pressing concern was the safety of her family. Given the unstable times and fickle human nature, the villagers of Shanshui Village, who had enough to eat, drink, and live, were the most stable group. They shared a common goal with her: protecting their families and their livestock.

Shuiqing realized that her efforts to ensure collective prosperity in Shanshui Village had been the right move. If the villagers were in dire straits like the refugees, they wouldn’t be so keen on seeking her opinion; they would only be thinking about how to seize food to fill their families’ bellies.

Reflecting on her management and work experiences in Huaguo, she said, “We can’t afford to relax our guard during the day or night. We must have people on watch at all times. If we spot any drifters, we can alert everyone in time.

“Since we need to guard both day and night, one shift won’t be enough; it would be too exhausting. My suggestion is to split into four shifts: morning, afternoon, first half of the night, and second half of the night, alternating in cycles so that no one gets too tired.”

Six-hour shifts, patrolling the village perimeter, would be easy for the sturdy village men. Wang Guifen nodded, “It’s not exhausting work. I think we can handle it.”

Shuiqing hadn’t intended for the women to participate. Although it was the off-season for farming and the men had little to do, the women’s tasks were numerous and ongoing. They had to feed the chickens, ducks, and geese, gather pig fodder, wash clothes, cook, clean, mend clothes, and weave straw shoes. After patrolling, the men could sleep, but the women would still have plenty of work to do.

Zhao Lan, understanding this, looked at her sister-in-law and then at Shuiqing, but said nothing. If the women also participated, they’d have more work waiting for them when they returned. There were only so many able-bodied men in the village. Relying solely on them meant they’d be working continuously without rest.

Feeling her brain couldn’t come up with a good solution, Zhao Lan looked to Shuiqing, believing she would know what to do. Shuiqing always seemed to think quickly.

Shuiqing spoke, “We have enough men; there’s no need for the women. Shanshui Village has about four hundred people, roughly half men and half women. That gives us about two hundred men.

“Excluding the very old and the children, those above forty and below twelve, we should have around a hundred and thirty to forty men.

“With ten men per group, we can form thirteen or fourteen groups. With four groups per day, it would be four days before they need to take a shift again, each shift only lasting three hours. Don’t you think that’s more than sufficient?”

Working one shift every four days for six hours each time, with no pay, seemed like an ideal arrangement. Moreover, although there was no salary, this was about protecting their family and property, a far more compelling reason to put in the effort.

Wang Guifen and Zhao Lan listened to Shuiqing’s detailed explanation, their eyes widening with each word. Shuiqing’s reasoning made perfect sense, but how did she come up with these numbers and divisions so quickly? Just thinking about it gave them a headache.

Wang Guifen decided to spare herself the mental strain and asked directly, “Are boys over twelve included?”

Forty and below was one thing, but boys over twelve could be mischievous and rowdy. Would they be up to the task?

Zhao Lan thought it was a good idea and smiled, “Sister-in-law, those boys are always causing trouble with nothing to do. Giving them a task might actually make them excel. They don’t want to nap at noon or sleep at night, always wandering around. This job might suit them perfectly.”

Wang Guifen found this reasoning sound but still had reservations. Though a thirteen-year-old boy could be considered half a laborer, this task was important, and she feared they might be too playful to do it well.

Shuiqing wasn’t worried; one never knows a child’s potential until they are given responsibility. However, for safety and mutual supervision, she suggested, “When assigning specific roles, we can pair an older person with a younger one.

“The older ones are more stable and mature, while the younger ones are quick and agile. They can work together effectively.”

This time, both Wang Guifen and Zhao Lan nodded in agreement.

They felt that this model was excellent.

Those half-grown boys, aren’t they agile and lively?

They roam around the mountains every day, playing with dogs and cats, and are the most familiar with avoiding beatings.

Seeing that the two women had no objections, Shuiqing continued, “In addition, the sandbags that were built to block floods at the village entrance before can be left intact and used to block refugees and bandits in the future.”

The village entrance is a crucial place. We can also send people to guard there. Once there is an unusual situation, they can notify the entire village first and use a bronze gong to make a sound.

The old village chief’s family has a bronze gong, which can be heard throughout the village when struck.

Inspired by this, she also bought one in the mall. If needed later, she could buy a few more. She said they were stored before.

However, there’s no rush, and they can have Fan Jin take care of it.

Wang Guifen and Zhao Lan looked at Shuiqing’s eyes, shining brightly. They even thought that Shuiqing was more outstanding than their own men!

Finally, Shuiqing humbly said, “I just said it casually. If you think it’s not feasible, follow the old village chief’s opinion.

Also, my ideas are limited, and we still need everyone’s wisdom to improve the plan together.”

At this point, Wang Guifen and Zhao Lan added another advantage to Shuiqing: modesty!

Unlike the men in the village who are always boasting and talking nonsense.

The two hurried back home, still out of breath, and told the old man exactly what Shuiqing had said.

After listening, the old village chief’s eyes lit up with an old, solemn look.

He used to think that Jin was smart, although not decisive enough, but fair in handling things and making the village better.

Now he realized that the one who could make the village better was Hu Shuiqing. She was more suitable for leading the village, although no woman had ever been the village chief…

But there was also an empress in history, and a small village was not necessarily impossible…

Li Wen praised beside him.

Li Wu repeatedly praised the thoughtfulness of the water.

Li Qiang thought the arrangement was reasonable, not tiring people and not affecting normal activities.

The old village chief sorted out his chaotic thoughts and ordered his three sons, “Go to the homes of every family in the village and find someone who can make a decision to come and discuss it, not many people, just one per household.”

Because it is not Hu Shuiqing’s home, too many people will appear crowded.

Li Wen’s three brothers responded and soon came back with a large group of people. Everyone was very active—they saw the disaster and danger outside, and after returning, every household had a sense of crisis.

Now they are better off, living in tile houses, barely enough food, and the key is also potatoes and ge roots on the mountain. These are symbols of hope.

They also stocked up a lot of supplies yesterday, and every family is not affected by the flood, even better than in previous years. In this case, who can not worry?