Chapter 38 Harvest Season

  In the depths of autumn, Rose Manor suddenly became lively. "The master is above, please receive a bow from below!" Chen Jintan led the way and knelt down, followed by his brothers who were covered in dust and hastily knelt down as well. Wan'er was shocked at this scene. Deng Zixuan personally helped Chen Jintan up and said: "Wan'er, don't be surprised, they are the sworn brothers I told you about who have returned. This time, I sent them out to recruit more men. It's not strange that you don't recognize them, as they were sent out before our marriage." Then Deng Zixuan introduced each of his brothers one by one, and everyone bowed to Wan'er again.

  "Mr. Deng! The personnel have all been settled, and they are all living in the Baishiwan School. This time, I recruited 35 people from Jiangbei to report for duty." Bai Sheng replied: "Young Master Deng, we recruited 405 people in Hunan, basically meeting the recruitment requirements!" Deng Zixuan smiled: "You guys have worked hard, you didn't attend my wedding during this period of time. My brother and I offer our deepest apologies. Let's set up wine and dishes immediately, first to entertain you brothers and wash away the dust, secondly to make up for the wedding feast."

  After a few cups of wine, the atmosphere gradually warmed up. Deng Zixuan said: "Brother Chen, you weren't here for a while, I built several houses on the east side of the manor. Your house is a three-entry courtyard, and the others are two-entry courtyards. Not long ago, I brought your sister-in-law over, and she has already settled down. Sister-in-law is now five months pregnant, and Wanyu often goes to take care of her." Chen Jintan was overjoyed when he heard this: "Haha! I really didn't expect it, my wife is pregnant!" "Big brother! Congratulations! Congratulations!" The brothers all raised their glasses.

  After Wan'er left, the brothers began to liven up. Deng Zixuan asked: "Why didn't Wu Bao with long legs come back?" Fang Caizhen couldn't ask in front of Wan'er, and the brothers also couldn't discuss it in detail in front of her. Then Chen Jintang told the story of their trip to Jiangbei from start to finish. "Haha! Brother Chen did a great job, and the significance of Baitu Village is even greater. From now on, we have another important stronghold in Jiangbei." After listening to Bai Sheng's report, Deng Zixuan said: "Brother Bai, I didn't misjudge you. In the future, you can be in charge of one side by yourself. Leave that point for He Shi, and next year we can continue to recruit people. Since Brother Man Cang likes that woman, I agree!" "Thank you, Master Deng!" Zhang Man Cang was overjoyed.

  Deng Zixuan and his brothers made merry with wine, sharing some interesting stories and changes that had taken place in the past half year. The shocking changes left everyone excited and stirred. When Deng Zixuan saw that everyone had drunk enough, he said: "Brothers, you're all tired from traveling, go back to your own houses to rest! Don't get it wrong, the names on the doors of the houses are all yours." "Yes, sir!" Zhang Man Cang replied. Deng Zixuan smiled and said: "You go to the school and bring your heart's desire back to the house. Remember, no sleeping together before the wedding, after a while I'll agree to hold a wedding for you!" Bai Sheng, Leng Yifei, and Wan Chuan heard this and secretly rejoiced.

  Deng Zixuan returned to the house, and Wanyu was surprised and asked: "Husband, why did you recruit so many people?" Deng Zixuan smiled and said: "Running a school requires people, otherwise it's not called a school. In the future, I will be running large factories, and factories need qualified technical workers. They are all preparing for the factories of the future, this is called 'preparing for the rainy day'!" "Brother-in-law, you really think ahead, but your brothers look quite scary, what's their background?" Biying asked. "Look at their appearance, they all look fierce!" Danxia echoed.

  "You two are very curious, so this time I'll let you understand clearly. You two will marry one of these men!" Deng Zixuan's smile disappeared. Biying and Danxia were shocked to hear that their husband was going to marry them off to such rough men, and the two women looked at Wanyan with pitiful eyes. Deng Zixuan didn't wait for Wanyan to speak and said first: "Madam, these few people are my sworn brothers, Biying is promised to Bai Sheng, Danxia is promised to Leng Yifei. Also, you can choose one of the maids in the mansion to be married off to Wan Chuan, this matter is up to you, it's settled!" Deng Zixuan said and walked out of the room.

  Biying and Danxia looked at Yuanyu, tears streaming down their faces. Yuanyu sighed and said: "I originally thought I could marry you off to scholars or the like, but I didn't expect it to be like this. Your husband has already spoken and cannot change his mind, so you two should just accept your fate! Besides, you haven't left Rose Manor, we can still see each other every day. Don't worry, I will definitely make your wedding a grand one." Biying and Danxia couldn't help but sob.

  The next morning, Deng Zixuan led the brothers to Baishatan. Baishatan was divided into two parts: the eastern part was the factory area and the western part was the school district. The two areas were completely blocked by high walls, making it impossible to see what was inside. At present, the ironworkshop had moved into the factory area, but construction was still ongoing inside the factory area. The school district had been completed. Above the main gate of the school, "Yu Ren Academy" was written, and there was a shadow wall in front of the gate, which blocked the view.

  Entering the courtyard, there are two rows of bungalows around, divided into teaching and living areas. In the middle of the courtyard, there is a garden and a pavilion where students can relax during their free time. The adjacent courtyard is separated by a low wall, and on the other side is a large football field. At this moment, these young recruits who had been resting for a night were strolling around in twos and threes, admiring the scenery of the courtyard, with the sound of laughter from young people coming from all directions.

  Perhaps Deng Zixuan's aura was intimidating, and soon the young people discovered that a prominent figure had arrived. "Everyone gather at the Caochang!" "Everyone gather at the Caochang!" Accompanied by Chen Jintang and Bai Sheng's loud shouts, the young men hurriedly rushed to the Caochang. The Caochang had a stone platform about one meter high, with a flagpole on one side of the platform. At this time, Deng Zixuan and Chen Jintang climbed onto the platform, Deng Zixuan stood upright with his hands behind his back and his legs crossed, while Chen Jintang looked at him with a serious expression. Bai Sheng, Leng Yifei, Zhang Manchuang, and Wan Chuan stood on one side of the platform waiting quietly.

  Deng Zixuan saw the commotion below and felt extremely delighted. In a few days, these people would be his brave and fierce generals. Although they looked young and even naive now, in a few years they would become powerful warriors. At this time, Chen Jintang took out the name list and said: "Everyone quiet!" The noise stopped. "Below are ten teams, according to the order of calling names, gather at the designated location, the first team leader is He Meng..." Bai Sheng, Leng Yifei, Zhang Manchuang, Wan Chuan stepped forward to organize the formation.

  Along with the roll call, 10 squads appeared, and the selected team leaders stood in front. Although the formation was not neat, they all had a vigorous spirit, and the young faces showed an excited expression. At this moment, two horse-drawn carriages entered the courtyard, loaded with clothes and shoes. Chen Jintang shouted loudly: "Now we will distribute clothes and shoes to you, and hold the opening ceremony later. You go back now and change into new clothes and shoes immediately, and come back half an hour later, standing in your current formation."

  As soon as the words fell, this group of young people rushed back to their dormitory like a swarm of bees. Looking at the chaotic scene, Chen Jintang said helplessly: "Mr. Deng, it takes time to train!" "The heavy responsibility of training is on your shoulders, don't worry, be patient, I think half a year later we will see the situation we want to see!" A satisfied smile appeared on Deng Zixuan's face.

  Half an hour later, the young men were dressed in new Yuanbao cloth shoes, black velvet pants and white jackets, lined up again with a completely new look. Chen Jintang shouted loudly: "From now on, Mr. Deng is your master, he is your breadwinner! Everyone kneel down! Be loyal to Mr. Deng!" The young men knelt down in unison, still somewhat chaotic. "Now please instruct us, Mr. Deng!" Chen Jintang shouted loudly.

  Deng Zixuan faintly revealed a smile and said: "Today, our Yu Ren Academy is officially holding its opening ceremony. You will undergo three years of formal education here. As the imperial court has opened up to the West, you will learn Western things, so you will receive brand new modern education here. Don't worry, all expenses for your stay here are completely free. Now I promulgate the school rules, after the implementation of the school rules, you must unconditionally execute them. Those who violate the school rules will be expelled from school without exception. First, all actions listen to the instructor's command..."

  Deng Zixuan spoke for a full hour, covering almost every aspect. In an office at school, several of us sat down. Deng Zixuan said: "Now I announce the appointment, Brother Chen as the principal of Yuren Academy, Brother Bai as the teaching director, and you few as instructors." Several people stood up to accept the order. Deng Zixuan continued: "Brother Chen, I have invited 10 teachers, students study in the morning, and conduct military training in the afternoon. Every Sunday is a day off for self-study activities, but it is not allowed to leave the school privately."

  Chen Jintang nodded, and Deng Zixuan continued: "The residence of the teachers is inside the manor. After they finish their classes, we immediately send them to the manor. Military training must not be seen by them, otherwise it will bring huge trouble. In addition, shooting training will be conducted in the western mountain forest. I have purchased 1,000 rifles from Charlie's Yihe Yanghang, which is sufficient for training."

  "Mr. Deng, don't worry! I'll be careful." "Regarding military theory, I've basically indoctrinated you all, if there's anything you don't understand, ask me anytime, and during training, constantly summarize your experiences, day by day, gradually forming a complete training outline. Also, when discovering good seedlings, carefully cultivate them, make thorough preparations. The few of you can't always serve as instructors, once conditions are ripe, you'll have to command troops, so quickly cultivate a batch of instructors."

  The brothers were very excited to hear this, and Chen Jintang made a suggestion: "Mr. Deng, among the students recruited this time, there are dozens of 30-year-old scholars who have fallen on hard times. I think we can concentrate them together for intense training, and later let them take charge as instructors. However, Mr. Deng may need to take out some time to give them special guidance." "This is no problem, tomorrow the Yuren Academy will officially start classes. Chen brother, you lead the brothers to carefully study this, I'll be busy in the ironwork shop across the way for a while, if there's any difficulty just come find me!" Deng Zixuan said, and then together with Chen Jintang checked on the students' dormitories and cafeteria, instructing that they must let the students eat well and sleep well.

  Deng Zixuan walked out of the school and headed to the manor, passing by the threshing ground. He saw that dozens of grain warehouses around the threshing ground were being capped, and he couldn't help but order his servants to stop the carriage. Deng Zixuan jumped down from the carriage, and Zhang the steward hurried over, saying: "Young master, aren't you busy with matters at the school? How did you end up here?" "I just happened to pass by and take a look," Deng Zixuan said with great interest as he inspected the scene.

  "Master! The granary is being built exactly as you instructed, and it's estimated that it will be completed in 10 days. The grain harvested from the estate can be stored soon, and I've also arranged for people to purchase grain from the surrounding areas. By the end of the year, we'll strive to fill the warehouse, and after the Lunar New Year, we'll officially start trading on the market." Zhang the steward said with a smile. Deng Zixuan looked at the bustling scene without saying a word.

  "Master, you instructed to set up a pig farm, chicken farm and duck farm by the river. They have all been built and we've hired people and bought livestock. Would you like to take a look?" "Forget it, I won't go see pigs and chickens being raised. All I know is that large-scale farming has high returns and low costs!" Deng Zixuan shook his head.

  "Brother-in-law, don't worry! I'll do a good job! Oh, right! The glass greenhouse you ordered to be built, the tenant said that next year they can try it out. The experienced tenant who cultivates the land said that if we can guarantee the seedlings are strong and healthy, production will definitely increase, but they're also not sure in their hearts!" Deng Zixuan thought for a moment and said: "This is a foreign method, I think next year we'll open half of the big fields to cultivate seedlings and half glass greenhouses to cultivate seedlings. After the first season's rice harvest, we can see which one is better. Let the facts speak for themselves!" "Brother-in-law's words are always golden and never wrong!" Zhang the housekeeper flattered.

  After a while, Yuanyu personally took charge and arranged for Biying, Danxia, and another maid named Ziyun to be married to Bai Sheng, Leng Yifei, and Wan Chuan respectively. Together with Zhang Manchuang's couple, the four new couples were happily married. The wedding was unusually lively, just like Chinese New Year. The Gao family had never been so prosperous before, and all of this was thanks to Deng Zixuan's efforts. On the day of the wedding, Gao Juren publicly announced that from now on, everything in Rose Garden would be handed over to his brother-in-law, and he would spend the rest of his days in retirement.