Farmhouse life after traveling back to ancient times

But if the government is willing to take the lead, there may still be an opportunity to implement it.

Du Wenxiu looked up at Mrs. Cheng who had already taken her seat, only to see her looking at him with a smile.

"That day when I went to Madam Du's house to deliver clothes, I wanted to find an opportunity to discuss this matter, but unfortunately Madam Du is very busy, so we can't sit down and talk about it until today."

Du Wenxiu smiled at her but did not answer.

Zhong Muqing said: "If only the common people were to do this, it would probably not be easy."

"And what this county wants to resolve right now is not the family disputes, but the issue of 'old age with a supporter' that Madam Du mentioned yesterday."

Madam Cheng sat up straight and pretended to listen carefully.

"What did Madam Du think yesterday? Why don't you tell me first?"

Du Wenxiu was just speaking out of turn yesterday.

But later, after discussing it with Yue Niang, I felt that this matter was still feasible.

If the government can take the lead, it may be more feasible.

She looked at Yue Niang, who gave her an encouraging look, which made her feel more at ease.

"The wages of women in my workshop have risen to 80 wen a day. Although it is still not as much as men, it is still enough to live if they live frugally."

"Like Jiang Shuimei, raising three children and two adults, she can still save some money."

Even though the salary was so little, she didn't know how Jiang Shuimei saved it.

"Yesterday I was just talking about that. Actually I don't have any ideas that can be implemented yet. Now I have to throw out some ideas to stimulate others' thinking."

Looking around, Du Wenxiu felt a little nervous when she saw County Magistrate Zhong and Madam Cheng looking at her intently.

After going over the draft in her mind, she spoke:

"I will first throw out some ideas and tell you what I think. I hope County Magistrate Zhong and Madam Cheng will discuss them with me."

"It has been less than a year since our workshop was built. If we can keep it going for a long time, when the women workers in the workshop can no longer do their jobs, they will receive monthly wages according to their length of service."

"The amount of money is calculated based on the number of years you work in my workshop. The longer you work, the more you get. It's called 'pension'."

These words made everyone present fall into deep thought, and Du Wenxiu said:

"It's just my family that's doing this, so it will only benefit the people in the workshop. But if the court steps in and issues a decree, it's hard to say whether it will be accomplished."

"Long live our emperor, and may his foundation last forever. If this can be accomplished, I think it will be smoother and more reliable."

To be honest, Du Wenxiu had no idea what to say after this lengthy speech, he just wanted to throw out some ideas to stimulate discussion.

Yesterday she boasted that she was just talking nonsense. It's okay to do it quietly at home, but if the news spreads...

In this ancient imperial autocracy, if you say that the welfare in your workshop is better than that provided by the emperor to officials, will you be targeted?

What does it matter whether they live forever or last forever? As long as we can ensure our own safety, that’s enough.

Let's talk to Zhong Muqing today and see if it works.

She had no idea whether this could be done or how well it could be done.

"I will report Madam Du's proposal to the court and His Majesty. It is hard to say whether it will succeed or not."

Zhong Muqing stroked his beard and spoke very seriously.

Madam Cheng smiled and looked at Du Wenxiu: "No wonder Madam Du has such a big business, she really thinks more thoroughly than us."

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. Madam Cheng, thank you for your compliment." Du Wenxiu said modestly.

Madam Cheng continued, "If this matter is put on hold for now, I have something I would like to ask Madam Du and Madam An to discuss with me."

Zhong Muqing looked at Du Wenxiu, and Du Wenxiu had no choice but to express his opinion and ask Madam Cheng to tell him about it.

"I heard that Madam Du's workshop has become a pharmacy. If the women workers in the workshop go to see a doctor, the consultation will be free and they will be paid with the cost price of the medicine. Is that true?"

Madam Cheng asked curiously, the teardrop-shaped gold beads on her ears swaying, looking very cute.

It seems that this lady is only in her twenties...

Du Wenxiu was stunned, but Yue Niang answered: "This is true. My pharmacy is run by Cheng Niang, a female doctor from Ci'an Hall. Her medical skills are well-known."

"I believe it." Mrs. Cheng said with a smile.

"I have come here today with the intention of discussing something with the two ladies, and I would also like to ask County Magistrate Zhong to be a witness."

"Madam Cheng, please tell me what you have to say." Du Wenxiu said with a smile.

"I would like to join hands with the two ladies to set up a Xiuhuitang that provides services exclusively for women. I wonder if the two ladies are interested?"

Du Wenxiu and Yue Niang looked at each other, and Yue Niang couldn't help but sit up straight: "Madam Cheng, do you have any general ideas? Why not tell me about it."

Madam Cheng smiled and said, "Then I will first tell you my thoughts and try to stimulate discussion."

"Women have always been in a weak position. They obey their fathers at home, their husbands after marriage, and their sons after their husbands die. But few people have ever asked women what kind of life they want to live."

"I have no intention of changing the world, but I want to do my best to help some sisters to rely on and support each other."

"Xiuhui Hall can be used as a public hall, where the sisters can sell their own products, and they can also buy what they need here..."

"Oh, Madam Cheng is so clever!" Yue Niang exclaimed, with a look of surprise on her face.

She looked at Du Wenxiu and said, "If there are women who are beaten at home, they can rent a house in Xiuhuitang at a low price until they can afford a house outside."

"If you need medical treatment for an illness, you can go to our workshop and find Madam Cheng to get the medicine at cost price. It's really good."

Du Wenxiu stopped smiling and looked at Zhong Muqing who was silent beside him.

"I wonder if County Magistrate Zhong supports the establishment of Xiuhuitang?"

She felt that although this seemed easy to do, it was actually fraught with danger if one thought about it carefully, and Zhong Muqing might not support it.

It's simple. No one is a fool. It's too risky for women at the lower level to do such things.

They were unable to provide strong support to the woman, nor did they have the strength to back the organization.

If Zhong Muqing supported it with a silly smile on his face, it meant that he was either a fool or he had bad intentions and wanted them to back off.

As expected, Zhong Muqing stroked his beard and pondered, "When Madam Cheng discussed this matter with me, I clearly rejected it."

"But, County Magistrate Zhong..." Madam Cheng was unwilling to give in and wanted to fight for it, but County Magistrate Zhong waved his hand to stop her.

Du Wenxiu looked around, and having a clear idea in his mind, he said:

"If County Magistrate Zhong thinks that Xiuhuitang's business is not acceptable, is it necessary for us to continue running Wenyuefang's pharmacy?"

Zhong Muqing laughed and said:

"These two things cannot be compared. If Xiuhuitang does not have a noble person of status to back it up, once it is established, I am afraid it will be like a locust and destroy the foundation that all the ladies have worked so hard to build."

"Besides, it might bring trouble to our county, and we will have to lose our seventh-rank position."

"But the reputation of Wenyuefang Pharmacy is something the owner has built himself. Even if the owner provides convenience to the women working there, it is just out of kindness."