I Came To Pick You Up After Work
Gao Jingwei said, “Then we’ll do as Yan Caiqing says. However, regarding the wages for the laborers, the Emperor said that there would be no wages provided. This way, expenses can be saved on food and drink. I also support this, but I am concerned it might cause public resentment.”
Yan Ge smiled lightly and replied, “Is the renovation of the capital city for the Emperor alone? It is for all the people in the capital. Once the streets become wider, won’t they be walking on them? It’s only right for them to contribute. As long as we explain the reasons clearly to them, I believe they will understand. If they still have objections, that’s fine. We’ll make note of their names, and they will have to pay a toll fee every time they pass through the renovated roads in the future.”
Gao Jingwei laughed and bowed, saying, “Yan Caiqing’s words are reasonable.”
Yan Ge emphasized, “But there are two points to note: first, the laborers should work in shifts to avoid excessive fatigue and harm to their health; second, each laborer’s working time should not exceed five hours in a day; third, the meals must be good, and it’s also important to provide enough cooling herbal tea. Both the Emperor and I will secretly inspect from time to time, and if we find anyone embezzling or violating the rules, they will be immediately thrown into prison without mercy. Master Gao, you must keep your subordinates in check.”
“Yes! I will remember!” Gao Jingwei solemnly replied.
Actually, Yan Ge underestimated the submissive nature of the feudal society’s common people. As soon as they heard that the court was conscripting them for labor, they had no objections. Even those who harbored some grievances dared not voice them and buried them deep inside.
Who would dare to say anything? When they learned that they would receive three meals a day provided by the court, with each meal consisting of two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and refreshing herbal tea and mung bean soup to quench their thirst, any remaining discontent dissipated, and they all shouted, “Long live the Emperor!”
Although the capital city was the imperial city, not everyone there was wealthy. For ordinary people, having a meal with meat every three to five days was considered fortunate, while those in poorer households would only have meat during the Lunar New Year.
Not only did ordinary commoners participate in the road construction, but the merchants were also required to participate. Everyone over the age of eighteen couldn’t escape this duty. Scholars and officials were exempted, but some prominent businessmen who had status felt it was beneath them to participate in physically demanding road construction. In that case, they could contribute money and help the court hire an equal number of laborers. In summary, in whatever form, everyone had to contribute to the road construction.
Almost ninety-nine percent of the merchants paid to bring laborers from other regions. That was also acceptable as long as it ensured the court had enough workers.
The labor aspect proceeded smoothly, which pleasantly surprised Yan Ge and made him find the majority of the ancient common people quite adorable.
On the first day of work, Huangfu Yuchen showed up in a dragon carriage and a simple imperial guard. After the sound of firecrackers stopped, Huangfu Yuchen dug the first catalpa soil with a shovel, which means that the road construction will go smoothly.
All the people cheered loudly.
The road construction process was similar to modern times. It started with demolishing the existing stone-paved roads and removing all the broken stones. The tree planting workers were responsible for digging holes and planting trees in designated areas. The laborers in charge of constructing flower beds used bricks and cement to build them. The road construction workers started their work in the remaining spaces.
First, they mixed the pre-prepared mixture provided by the court with water and spread it on the ground to a thickness of about six inches, which was approximately twenty centimeters. Then, they smoothed the surface with an extremely smooth wooden board and waited for it to dry before people could walk on it.
“Xiao Ge, come here.” Huangfu Yuchen pulled Yan Ge over and raised his left foot, leaving a shallow imprint on the concrete, then switched to his right foot.
Yan Ge couldn’t help but laugh and raised his foot, leaving a pair of footprints next to Huangfu Yuchen’s footprints. The two pairs of footprints faced the same direction, moving in harmony.
A quick-thinking official immediately flattered, “The two pairs of footprints left by His Majesty and Yan Caiqing not only symbolize their sacred presence blessing the capital, but also represent their great achievements that will be celebrated for eternity!”
“Well said,” Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him indifferently. “Reward!”
The official was overjoyed. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Huangfu Yuchen still had official duties so after delivered a few inspiring words to the common people and chatting briefly with Yan Ge, he left for the palace. Yan Ge acted as his supervisor on the first day.
Once a section of the road was completed, burlap bags were laid on top. After a while, water was poured over the bags to reduce the likelihood of the road surface cracking. Pouring water over the burlap allowed the water to slowly seep in, and it didn’t need to be done too frequently.
Several women who also volunteered to help with the work inserted sticks into the soil at the side of the road and tied colorful ropes between them, forbidding pedestrians from stepping on the road surface before it dried.
“It’s so smooth,” the commoners praised. “After this, we won’t have to worry about the road being difficult to walk on when we push our carts to sell things.”
“Yes, even I have been arranged to work here in about ten days. There isn’t much work to do in the fields recently, so I think I’ll come and help. I just hope they’ll accept me,” someone agreed.
Yan Ge happened to hear this and replied, “Of course they will. The more people participate, the faster the roads will be built.”
“Really, Yan Caiqing!”
“Yes,” Yan Ge nodded. “If you want to help, you can go and register at any place where the imperial edict is posted. However, even if you work more, you will only get to eat, there won’t be any wages given.”
The middle-aged woman smiled kindly, “Since we volunteered to work, we certainly don’t want any wages. Thank you, Yan Caiqing. We’ll go now.”
“Yan Caiqing, do you know when this new road will be ready for use?” another commoner asked.
Yan Ge replied, “In the hot weather of June, it will take about four or five days for it to dry and be ready for use.”
Soldiers on patrol approached, striking a gong as they said, “The villagers who are here to watch the excitement, disperse immediately to avoid blocking the road. The villagers who are here to watch the excitement, disperse…”
The crowd of commoners gradually dispersed and continued with their own tasks.
Yan Ge went to the company and worked until lunchtime before returning to the construction site. He specifically went to inspect the lunch and found that it consisted of two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and it tasted quite good. He nodded in approval.
The first day of construction went very smoothly. On the second day, Yan Ge didn’t go but went to the temporary football field instead. The official football field had already been built, but the transplanted grass needed more time to grow.
When Yan Caiqing initially announced the formation of a football team, many people signed up.
Gao Feng and Gao Jingwei inspected their health and physical condition according to Yan Ge’s requirements and selected only fifty individuals. After preliminary training, these fifty individuals would continue to be assessed, and ultimately, only eighteen would be chosen, with eleven on the field and the remaining seven as substitutes.
Although they weren’t quite sure what this football team was all about, Gao Feng and Gao Yun had mentioned that those who made the final selection would not only receive a monthly stipend but also special uniforms. As a result, the competition among the participants was fierce. No matter what they did, being selected meant glory.
When Yan Ge arrived, a match was already underway on the field. One team wore black outfits while the other wore gray. These were their own clothes for now; there were no official team uniforms. The ball they used was woven from bamboo strips.
The players were still not very familiar with the rules, and it was common for them to use their hands or hold the ball when they were in a hurry. Gao Feng and Gao Yun’s whistles frequently rang out.
Yan Ge found it both amusing and helpless as he watched from the side. He had already simplified the rules as much as possible.
“Stop! Stop!” After several days of training with no improvement, Gao Yun became frustrated. “Listen up, anyone who pushes or touches the ball with their hands will receive a punishment. If you commit an offense, you’ll receive a palm strike. This is to ensure that you all learn your lesson!”
Gao Yun played the role of the stern instructor, while Gao Feng played the more lenient one. “Alright, alright, don’t worry too much. Let’s start again.”
As the whistle sounded, the match resumed. The players’ reactions seemed slightly delayed as they constantly reminded themselves not to use their hands. Some even ran with their hands behind their backs to restrain themselves. Nevertheless, the game was much more enjoyable to watch than before. After a while, the players started getting used to the prohibition on using their hands and gradually let go, increasing the pace of their competition.
After the first half, Yan Ge called Gao Feng and Gao Yun over.
“Young Master, you’re here.”
Yan Ge said, “I’ve watched them, and their skills are quite good. However, we need to make the most of our time. The capital city won’t have just our football team. Compared to the other teams, we’ve already taken the lead, and I hope they won’t disappoint me. Tomorrow, I’ll have the notice posted.”
Gao Feng replied, “Don’t worry, Young Master. After observing for three more days at most, we’ll finalize the selection.”
Yan Ge said, “Start by choosing the top thirty-six candidates. Those who aren’t selected will receive a subsidy of 500 coins each.”
“Yes.”
The next day, a large crowd gathered in front of the notice board at the entrance of the First Company. They eagerly read the announcement.
“Capital City Cup Football Tournament: To promote the spirit of sports, cooperation, and foster a sense of competition, the First Company will hold a large-scale football tournament on August 15. The top three teams will be awarded the Gold Cup, Silver Cup, and Bronze Cup as recognition. The First Company has already formed a football team called the Yunxiao Team. We welcome sports enthusiasts from the capital city to form football teams and compete with us. To provide a more visual explanation of the football tournament, two days from now, the First Company’s Yunxiao Team will have an intense competition against the Yunxiao Second Team. Everyone is welcome to come and watch. The address is as follows…”
“A football tournament? What’s football?”
“Never heard of it, but it seems interesting. We must go and watch.”
……
In the office, Yan Ge leaned over the desk and quickly wrote down the rules of the tournament. Once he finished, he would have them printed.
Deng Mande reminded him, and only then did he realize it was time to leave work. He put down his pen, stood up, and stretched lazily. “I’ll leave it to you here.”
“Don’t worry, Young Master.”
With a briefcase in hand, Yan Ge strolled leisurely towards the entrance. Not far from the gate, he saw a very handsome man with a smile on his lips, clearly waiting for him.
Feeling pleasantly surprised, he quickened his pace. “Why are you here?”
This wasn’t the first time Huangfu Yuchen had come to his company, but it was definitely the first time he waited for him after work. The feeling of being valued warmed Yan Ge’s heart.
Deng Mande opened the lid of the food box.
“I came to pick you up after work,” Huangfu Yuchen took the bag from Yan Ge’s hand and handed him the bowl of soup. “It’s hot weather, so have a bowl of mung bean soup first.”
I Came To Pick You Up After Work
Gao Jingwei said, “Then we’ll do as Yan Caiqing says. However, regarding the wages for the laborers, the Emperor said that there would be no wages provided. This way, expenses can be saved on food and drink. I also support this, but I am concerned it might cause public resentment.”
Yan Ge smiled lightly and replied, “Is the renovation of the capital city for the Emperor alone? It is for all the people in the capital. Once the streets become wider, won’t they be walking on them? It’s only right for them to contribute. As long as we explain the reasons clearly to them, I believe they will understand. If they still have objections, that’s fine. We’ll make note of their names, and they will have to pay a toll fee every time they pass through the renovated roads in the future.”
Gao Jingwei laughed and bowed, saying, “Yan Caiqing’s words are reasonable.”
Yan Ge emphasized, “But there are two points to note: first, the laborers should work in shifts to avoid excessive fatigue and harm to their health; second, each laborer’s working time should not exceed five hours in a day; third, the meals must be good, and it’s also important to provide enough cooling herbal tea. Both the Emperor and I will secretly inspect from time to time, and if we find anyone embezzling or violating the rules, they will be immediately thrown into prison without mercy. Master Gao, you must keep your subordinates in check.”
“Yes! I will remember!” Gao Jingwei solemnly replied.
Actually, Yan Ge underestimated the submissive nature of the feudal society’s common people. As soon as they heard that the court was conscripting them for labor, they had no objections. Even those who harbored some grievances dared not voice them and buried them deep inside.
Who would dare to say anything? When they learned that they would receive three meals a day provided by the court, with each meal consisting of two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and refreshing herbal tea and mung bean soup to quench their thirst, any remaining discontent dissipated, and they all shouted, “Long live the Emperor!”
Although the capital city was the imperial city, not everyone there was wealthy. For ordinary people, having a meal with meat every three to five days was considered fortunate, while those in poorer households would only have meat during the Lunar New Year.
Not only did ordinary commoners participate in the road construction, but the merchants were also required to participate. Everyone over the age of eighteen couldn’t escape this duty. Scholars and officials were exempted, but some prominent businessmen who had status felt it was beneath them to participate in physically demanding road construction. In that case, they could contribute money and help the court hire an equal number of laborers. In summary, in whatever form, everyone had to contribute to the road construction.
Almost ninety-nine percent of the merchants paid to bring laborers from other regions. That was also acceptable as long as it ensured the court had enough workers.
The labor aspect proceeded smoothly, which pleasantly surprised Yan Ge and made him find the majority of the ancient common people quite adorable.
On the first day of work, Huangfu Yuchen showed up in a dragon carriage and a simple imperial guard. After the sound of firecrackers stopped, Huangfu Yuchen dug the first catalpa soil with a shovel, which means that the road construction will go smoothly.
All the people cheered loudly.
The road construction process was similar to modern times. It started with demolishing the existing stone-paved roads and removing all the broken stones. The tree planting workers were responsible for digging holes and planting trees in designated areas. The laborers in charge of constructing flower beds used bricks and cement to build them. The road construction workers started their work in the remaining spaces.
First, they mixed the pre-prepared mixture provided by the court with water and spread it on the ground to a thickness of about six inches, which was approximately twenty centimeters. Then, they smoothed the surface with an extremely smooth wooden board and waited for it to dry before people could walk on it.
“Xiao Ge, come here.” Huangfu Yuchen pulled Yan Ge over and raised his left foot, leaving a shallow imprint on the concrete, then switched to his right foot.
Yan Ge couldn’t help but laugh and raised his foot, leaving a pair of footprints next to Huangfu Yuchen’s footprints. The two pairs of footprints faced the same direction, moving in harmony.
A quick-thinking official immediately flattered, “The two pairs of footprints left by His Majesty and Yan Caiqing not only symbolize their sacred presence blessing the capital, but also represent their great achievements that will be celebrated for eternity!”
“Well said,” Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him indifferently. “Reward!”
The official was overjoyed. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Huangfu Yuchen still had official duties so after delivered a few inspiring words to the common people and chatting briefly with Yan Ge, he left for the palace. Yan Ge acted as his supervisor on the first day.
Once a section of the road was completed, burlap bags were laid on top. After a while, water was poured over the bags to reduce the likelihood of the road surface cracking. Pouring water over the burlap allowed the water to slowly seep in, and it didn’t need to be done too frequently.
Several women who also volunteered to help with the work inserted sticks into the soil at the side of the road and tied colorful ropes between them, forbidding pedestrians from stepping on the road surface before it dried.
“It’s so smooth,” the commoners praised. “After this, we won’t have to worry about the road being difficult to walk on when we push our carts to sell things.”
“Yes, even I have been arranged to work here in about ten days. There isn’t much work to do in the fields recently, so I think I’ll come and help. I just hope they’ll accept me,” someone agreed.
Yan Ge happened to hear this and replied, “Of course they will. The more people participate, the faster the roads will be built.”
“Really, Yan Caiqing!”
“Yes,” Yan Ge nodded. “If you want to help, you can go and register at any place where the imperial edict is posted. However, even if you work more, you will only get to eat, there won’t be any wages given.”
The middle-aged woman smiled kindly, “Since we volunteered to work, we certainly don’t want any wages. Thank you, Yan Caiqing. We’ll go now.”
“Yan Caiqing, do you know when this new road will be ready for use?” another commoner asked.
Yan Ge replied, “In the hot weather of June, it will take about four or five days for it to dry and be ready for use.”
Soldiers on patrol approached, striking a gong as they said, “The villagers who are here to watch the excitement, disperse immediately to avoid blocking the road. The villagers who are here to watch the excitement, disperse…”
The crowd of commoners gradually dispersed and continued with their own tasks.
Yan Ge went to the company and worked until lunchtime before returning to the construction site. He specifically went to inspect the lunch and found that it consisted of two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and it tasted quite good. He nodded in approval.
The first day of construction went very smoothly. On the second day, Yan Ge didn’t go but went to the temporary football field instead. The official football field had already been built, but the transplanted grass needed more time to grow.
When Yan Caiqing initially announced the formation of a football team, many people signed up.
Gao Feng and Gao Jingwei inspected their health and physical condition according to Yan Ge’s requirements and selected only fifty individuals. After preliminary training, these fifty individuals would continue to be assessed, and ultimately, only eighteen would be chosen, with eleven on the field and the remaining seven as substitutes.
Although they weren’t quite sure what this football team was all about, Gao Feng and Gao Yun had mentioned that those who made the final selection would not only receive a monthly stipend but also special uniforms. As a result, the competition among the participants was fierce. No matter what they did, being selected meant glory.
When Yan Ge arrived, a match was already underway on the field. One team wore black outfits while the other wore gray. These were their own clothes for now; there were no official team uniforms. The ball they used was woven from bamboo strips.
The players were still not very familiar with the rules, and it was common for them to use their hands or hold the ball when they were in a hurry. Gao Feng and Gao Yun’s whistles frequently rang out.
Yan Ge found it both amusing and helpless as he watched from the side. He had already simplified the rules as much as possible.
“Stop! Stop!” After several days of training with no improvement, Gao Yun became frustrated. “Listen up, anyone who pushes or touches the ball with their hands will receive a punishment. If you commit an offense, you’ll receive a palm strike. This is to ensure that you all learn your lesson!”
Gao Yun played the role of the stern instructor, while Gao Feng played the more lenient one. “Alright, alright, don’t worry too much. Let’s start again.”
As the whistle sounded, the match resumed. The players’ reactions seemed slightly delayed as they constantly reminded themselves not to use their hands. Some even ran with their hands behind their backs to restrain themselves. Nevertheless, the game was much more enjoyable to watch than before. After a while, the players started getting used to the prohibition on using their hands and gradually let go, increasing the pace of their competition.
After the first half, Yan Ge called Gao Feng and Gao Yun over.
“Young Master, you’re here.”
Yan Ge said, “I’ve watched them, and their skills are quite good. However, we need to make the most of our time. The capital city won’t have just our football team. Compared to the other teams, we’ve already taken the lead, and I hope they won’t disappoint me. Tomorrow, I’ll have the notice posted.”
Gao Feng replied, “Don’t worry, Young Master. After observing for three more days at most, we’ll finalize the selection.”
Yan Ge said, “Start by choosing the top thirty-six candidates. Those who aren’t selected will receive a subsidy of 500 coins each.”
“Yes.”
The next day, a large crowd gathered in front of the notice board at the entrance of the First Company. They eagerly read the announcement.
“Capital City Cup Football Tournament: To promote the spirit of sports, cooperation, and foster a sense of competition, the First Company will hold a large-scale football tournament on August 15. The top three teams will be awarded the Gold Cup, Silver Cup, and Bronze Cup as recognition. The First Company has already formed a football team called the Yunxiao Team. We welcome sports enthusiasts from the capital city to form football teams and compete with us. To provide a more visual explanation of the football tournament, two days from now, the First Company’s Yunxiao Team will have an intense competition against the Yunxiao Second Team. Everyone is welcome to come and watch. The address is as follows…”
“A football tournament? What’s football?”
“Never heard of it, but it seems interesting. We must go and watch.”
……
In the office, Yan Ge leaned over the desk and quickly wrote down the rules of the tournament. Once he finished, he would have them printed.
Deng Mande reminded him, and only then did he realize it was time to leave work. He put down his pen, stood up, and stretched lazily. “I’ll leave it to you here.”
“Don’t worry, Young Master.”
With a briefcase in hand, Yan Ge strolled leisurely towards the entrance. Not far from the gate, he saw a very handsome man with a smile on his lips, clearly waiting for him.
Feeling pleasantly surprised, he quickened his pace. “Why are you here?”
This wasn’t the first time Huangfu Yuchen had come to his company, but it was definitely the first time he waited for him after work. The feeling of being valued warmed Yan Ge’s heart.
Deng Mande opened the lid of the food box.
“I came to pick you up after work,” Huangfu Yuchen took the bag from Yan Ge’s hand and handed him the bowl of soup. “It’s hot weather, so have a bowl of mung bean soup first.”
