Chapter 385: Da Jing Noble Consort’s Maiden Family

The leaden gray clouds hang low, bringing a rare coolness to the scorching summer.

Today, at the Fufeng County cement factory site, thousands of laborers, craftsmen, and newly joined tens of thousands of migrants all gathered in the open space of the newly built pig farm, with various noises betraying their undeniable excitement.

Zhao Zun stands on a temporary pinewood stage, fingers gently tapping the account book in his hand.

Next to him, Han Lei is leaning forward and whispering with Hua Tianyou, her goose-yellow dress lightly swaying in the wind.

The trusted aides led by Xiao Zhengfei stand in a line behind them, ensuring their safety.

In one corner of the stage are neatly stacked hundreds of sets of brand new bedding items, complete with sheets and quilts.

In the crowd below, several young craftsmen are on tiptoe, pointing to the blue-gray cement building cluster in the distance, their voices trembling with excitement.

“Did you see? Those are glass windows! I heard even the toilets inside are made of porcelain!”

“Of course I know, those houses are built by us.”

“The Prince said today houses will be distributed, but who knows who will get one. I really envy them.”

“Silence!”

Xiao Zhengfei led the trusted aides to shout in unison, the clashing of armor instantly quieting the scene.

Zhao Zun has specially donned his princely robe today to show his status.

He steps forward, clears his throat, and raised the account book marked with ballpoint pen sketches, his voice loud like a bell.

“Do you know why I am making such great efforts in construction here?” Without waiting for the people below to answer, Zhao Zun asked and answered himself: “It’s to let every hardworking citizen of Canzhou live and work in peace and contentment! Today, the first batch of three hundred houses will be distributed according to labor points.”

The crowd below instantly burst into an uproar.

The new migrant, Mr Wang, tugged at the sleeve of the craftsman beside him, urgently asking, “How are these labor points calculated?”

The craftsman proudly puffed out his chest: “Every day when we finish work, the foreman makes a record. The Prince said it would be calculated based on how much work was done that day.”

“That’s great, once I accumulate enough labor points, I can also have a house.” Mr Wang was extremely excited.

From drifting all the way from Jingzhou to here, aside from the nobles’ residences being built of wood, he saw the houses the people lived in by the roadside were either thatched huts or made of mud.

Because of this, a heavy rain can render them homeless.

But after they came here for a few days, they toured the houses and roads, which were built with something called cement, incredibly durable.

Although waiting in line for calculations based on labor points, those cement houses are built for them, the people.

The Prince and Princess Consort also distributed basic living supplies for them, how could they not be excited?

Han Lei, at this moment, rose and gently stroked the heap of cotton bedding next to her with fingers like scallion stalks.

Yun Su and Yun Juan, sunlight pierced through the clouds, making the gold hairpin at her temple shine with brilliance.

“Those who received the keys to their homes, each household will receive a set of bedding such as cotton quilts.” Her voice was as mild and melodious as pearls falling on a jade plate, “Additionally, a ceramic pot, some bowls, and chopsticks.”

As Zhao Zun began to call names, the crowd kept exploding in cheers.

“Yang Dazhu, No. 1 house in the East District.”

Yang Dazhu, with a dark complexion, staggered up the stage, his calloused hands just about to touch the bedding, suddenly recoiled to rub furiously on his lapel.

Han Lei lightly laughed at this: “Mr. Yang, no need for ceremony, these are the rewards for your labor.”

Yang Dazhu suddenly dropped to his knees, his forehead knocking heavily on the wooden stage: “Prince, Princess Consort, great kindness and virtue, I finally have a home…”

“Mr. Yang, go queue over there!” Han Lei smiled: “Later, Mr. Hua will take you all to see your new house. If anything is lacking, it will be improved step by step in the future.”

“Yes! Thank you, Princess Consort.”

Yang Dazhu, holding the key and bedding supplies, happily went down to queue.

Zhao Zun continued to call names: “Zhou Wu, No. 2 house in the East District.”

…

Each time a name is called to the stage, Han Lei and Hua Tianyou are responsible for distributing bedding supplies, and Zhao Ling’er records.

The homeless finally have places to live, and the Prince and Princess Consort have prepared such complete household goods for them.

Those who received houses were moved to tears, bowing to express their gratitude.

Watching the last laborer who received a new house walk off the stage, Zhao Zun smiled contentedly.

He took a deep breath and shouted: “Everyone, you are all contributors to the development of Canzhou. Although we’re experiencing some difficulties now, homes are still being built continuously. As long as everyone works hard, more work equals more gain. One day, you all will receive your own house and live a happy life.”