novelraw Chapter 108: So Many Idle People
Chapter 108: So Many Idle People
Chapter 108: So Many Idle People Date: 2025-07-08In the horse-drawn carriage, Wen Gu was contemplating the matters he had to handle today when he was suddenly called out to.
He could vaguely discern who it was by the voice and initially had no intention of responding.
Chang Shun, who was driving, said to Wen Gu in a tense voice, "There are quite a few people watching outside."
A lot of people?
Wen Gu's interest was immediately piqued! He lifted the curtain to take a look.
Two young men stood in front of him. One was robust and strong, named Zhao Kun.
When he first arrived in Xin Prefecture City, he was said to have been clamoring to go to the front lines to fight monsters. Unfortunately, his mind wasn't sharp or cautious enough.
His family, worried he'd go out and get himself killed, didn't dare to let him out. The result of his pent-up energy was that he was always involved in brawls between the young men of the Zhao and Shen families.
Wen Gu had heard Shen Qing and Shen Liu curse him many times, so he remembered him vividly.
The other man, Zhao Mu, appeared refined and cultured.He was always among those who sneakily went to Qingyun District to poach talent!
However, Wen Gu's attention wasn't on them. He stopped the horse-drawn carriage, got out, and surveyed the surroundings.
The sky was somewhat gloomy, and the wind still carried a chill. Yet, at this moment, figures were moving on the courtyard walls, by the doorframes, and at the corners of the courtyard.
Some people who had built second-story houses had gone to higher ground to peer this way.
How leisurely!
Zhao Kun had only called out "Wen Gu" once, and so many onlookers had appeared.
After the New Year, although various places in the city had become busy, there were still many people in Zhaohui District who were idle enough to pick their toes at home. It was likely that Zhaohui District had the most idle people in all of Xin Prefecture City.
He rarely came to Zhaohui District; he didn't realize there were so many idle people here!
Wen Gu almost burst out laughing. It was only *almost*, as he didn't laugh out loud, but he certainly smiled.
However, to those in front of him, Wen Gu's sudden smile might seem to carry a different meaning.
Zhao Kun gritted his teeth.
"Provocation, it's definitely provocation!" He raised a hand, pointing at Wen Gu, his hand trembling, whether from the cold or anger, he didn't know.
Zhao Mu, standing beside him, pressed Zhao Kun's arm down.
Unlike these martial men with fighting on their minds, he considered things more carefully and had also recognized the guards beside Wen Gu. Fighting was definitely out of the question.
If a real fight broke out, their side would be the one at a disadvantage. He was more concerned about Wen Gu's purpose for being here.
Under the gaze of numerous eyes, Zhao Mu carefully considered what to say so as not to escalate the situation, yet not undermine their own dignity.
At this moment, Wen Gu gave them a polite bow, a gesture of acknowledgement and greeting.
Although Wen Gu wore a smile, the smile, though seemingly courteous and polite, felt somehow off to Zhao Mu and Zhao Kun.
Before they could react, Second Grandfather Zhao, who had received the news, hurried over with his old, stiff legs, supported by a family servant.
He waved his cane, knocking Zhao Kun and Zhao Mu aside with two swift strikes, and walked towards Wen Gu, calling out warmly, "Foreman Wen!"
Wen Gu's expression became more sincere.
"Why have you come, Old Master? The weather is cold outside, why don't you get into the carriage and sit for a while?"
"No need, no need, my house isn't far from here," said Second Grandfather Zhao.
Since that was the case, Wen Gu didn't get back into the carriage and walked forward with Second Grandfather Zhao. As for Zhao Kun, Zhao Mu, and the lingering gazes from the surroundings, Wen Gu paid them no mind.
He was here on business today, not to stir up trouble. In this Zhaohui District, there were quite a few people who were either watching the fun or itching to cause trouble.
They were all idle! With their time and energy, instead of causing trouble, why not pursue their careers? Look at He Wenyu; he wouldn't have such idle time to watch a spectacle!
He Wenyu, who was buried in work at Centai Academy, suddenly sneezed.
The courtyard where Second Grandfather Zhao lived was indeed not far.
The snow had not yet melted, but the roads had been cleared, with the snow swept to the sides. The sounds of children running could be heard, and some called out "Second Grandfather" and "Second Grandfather Zhao" upon seeing the old gentleman.
Although it was still cold outside, it was a rare time for relaxation. People who couldn't stay at home, from children to adults, would visit others or be out and about.
This kind of cold weather was actually safer, as they wouldn't dare let young children out when it got warmer. Wen Gu looked at the snowdrifts outside the house and courtyard, where there were traces of children or teenagers playing.
Second Grandfather Zhao paid no attention to other matters. Upon meeting, he kept telling Wen Gu how hard his grandson, Zhao Han, had been working lately, to the point of neglecting his meals and sleep.
In reality, the old gentleman also knew that the work progress was slow and was worried that Wen Gu might be displeased. So, he explained their difficulties and his grandson's recent efforts.
"Han'er has lost a lot of weight. I, this old man, don't have any other skills, so I can only stew soup for him every day to replenish his strength."
After entering the house, Zhao Han, with a look of guilt, brought out all the drawing drafts from the past few days for Wen Gu to review.
Wen Gu flipped through the drafts.
The progress was indeed slow. Looking at the tired Zhao Han, even three meals of nourishing soup a day wouldn't suffice! Wen Gu did not criticize him directly, but said with regret: "I had originally thought that before the merchant caravan arrived, my cousin could spare some time to help review it."
Second Grandfather Zhao and Zhao Han immediately showed expressions of distress. Although there were people responsible for reviewing the picture album, someone else reviewing it was completely different from the Young Master Zhao reviewing it himself! Second Grandfather Zhao also hoped his grandson would interact more with the Young Master and increase his presence!
A silence fell in the room.
Wen Gu put down the drafts and continued, "We can try to improve efficiency. I have a suggestion; I don't know if it's suitable."
The dimmed eyes of the grandfather and grandson immediately lit up again!
Second Grandfather Zhao said eagerly, "Foreman Wen, just say it!"
"Younger Brother Han studied under a teacher before; he must have many classmates and friends. You can invite them to help with the work."
Wen Gu picked up a drawing draft and explained it to the grandfather and grandson.
"Han'er is the main artist, but he doesn't need to be personally responsible for every step… You can break down some of this work into multiple steps and assign them to suitable people.
Whoever is skilled in a particular area can be assigned to complete it… This way, efficiency can be greatly improved, and Han'er won't be overworked. While the drafts are important, your health failing is not an option!"
Wen Gu spoke sincerely, and the grandfather and grandson nodded in agreement.
Precisely! They didn't want to miss this opportunity, yet they were worried about not being able to complete it and also concerned about their health failing. Wen Gu's suggestion was very feasible for them.
Second Grandfather Zhao had his own considerations. Wen Gu said that his grandson was the "main artist," which meant he would receive the primary credit.
As long as this remained unchanged and the task was completed on time, they could "eat meat" while giving others "some soup."
Wen Gu then looked at Zhao Han.
"If this first volume of our picture album is well-received, there will surely be more volumes to come, and the workload will certainly be greater. It might be difficult for Han'er alone to bear it.
Why not start cultivating a support team now? For you, it's also a new opportunity for growth and a test!"
Second Grandfather Zhao's old eyes gleamed, as if he had thought of something. This seemingly ordinary picture album hid opportunities and could also serve as their stepping stone! Zhao Han, at this moment, was also full of confidence.
He just wanted to achieve results quickly and gain the approval of Young Master Zhao. He clenched his fists and said, "I'll go find people right away!"
"Don't rush.
I see you haven't had a good rest lately. Why not relax your energy first and plan carefully."
Wen Gu patted Zhao Han on the shoulder.
"The task ahead is very challenging, but sharpening the axe does not hinder the chopping of wood.
Start after you've prepared. In the near future, more people will see our picture album and recognize your talent.
All your hard work will become a medal of honor in your life!"
Zhao Han felt a surge of passion. The ambition that had been suppressed by numerous difficulties during this time swelled up like waves again! What he desired most was for his talent and ability to be recognized! He would give his all! He'd call for help! Call for more people! Get all his friends to come! Then, he would personally take the completed drafts for Young Master Zhao's review! Zhao Han could already envision his brilliant future!
Wen Gu stayed for a little longer, helping them plan.
He politely declined Second Grandfather Zhao's invitation to stay for a meal and took his leave. The "people" he suggested Zhao Han and Second Grandfather Zhao find would not be those who spent their days fighting and watching spectacles.
Zhao Han would likely seek out young people. These younger Zhao family members or relatives of the Zhao family had not participated in the group fights between the Zhao and Shen families and did not have strong negative emotions towards the Shen family or its members.
It was best to bring these young people in to work… and improve together.
(End of Chapter)