bookpub Chapter 36 The Beginnings of Laziness
Chapter 36 The Beginnings of Laziness
Karl never compromised on the lord's demands, and it was precisely this quality that made Richard quite satisfied with him.
It would be even more perfect if it didn't have so many quirky questions.
After accepting the task, Karl suddenly remembered something and his expression turned serious.
"My lord, there is one more thing I need to report to you."
"During my inspection, I discovered that one of the serfs liked to slack off while working. He would pile up a few stones and then sit on the ground, grimacing, to rest for half a day."
"Do you think we should give him a few lashes as a warning, and also to deter the others?"
...
Upon hearing this...
Richard's smile gradually faded.
She sighed softly.
A sense of helplessness welled up in my heart.
He anticipated that some serfs would slack off, but he didn't expect it to happen so quickly.
Human nature is complex, and not everyone possesses a diligent and ambitious nature. Furthermore, environmental factors can further exacerbate laziness.
Just like in poverty alleviation efforts on Earth, piglets delivered in the morning are cooked into chunks of meat by the afternoon.
Some serfs were the same; having suffered under other lords, they had long since developed the habit of slacking off.
Things were fine a few days ago.
Driven by the unknown environment and unfamiliar lords, they will deliberately put on a show for a few days, but once the initial enthusiasm wears off, they will revert to their true nature.
Relying solely on work points as rewards and the promises of free citizens is ultimately insufficient to shake off such deeply ingrained laziness.
Do you really think all the other lords are whip-wielding fanatics?
It was a last resort.
...
"No need to use a whip."
Richard turned his head to look at the iron hammer swinging in mid-air, striking the stone bricks, his tone calm and indifferent.
"Deduct his work points for today and cancel his food rations. Since food exchange hasn't been opened yet, let him go hungry."
Karl frowned slightly.
"If he goes hungry for a day, he won't have the strength to continue working tomorrow, wouldn't his situation be even worse?"
Richard shook his head.
"He won't die from being hungry for a day. If he can wake up tomorrow and work hard even on an empty stomach, it means he still knows the seriousness of the matter. This will teach him a lesson more effectively than whipping him a few times."
"But if he's lazy again tomorrow, or even uses being hungry and weak as an excuse, then he'll be kept hungry until he's willing to work."
"Chiffon was willing to provide serfs with a working environment where they were well-fed and clothed, and also offered them the opportunity to become free citizens."
"In this respect, we have far surpassed other territories. If anyone still does not appreciate it, then they cannot blame me."
"Let him starve to death."
The significance of the work point system is that I don't force you; you get what you want if you're willing to work, and you get nothing if you're not.
Diligent people should be rewarded, and those who are good or bad should be distinguished and those who are lazy should be punished.
Furthermore.
The vast majority of serfs were willing to change their fate.
Just like this morning.
As soon as dawn broke, many serfs, without needing to be urged, would excitedly run off to work after finishing their breakfast.
Only those who still have aspirations for the future can stand out in the wilderness and ultimately be embraced by chiffon.
Wade, Aaron, and Ted were selected for the online roster because Richard saw their diligence and initiative.
This list isn't so easy to get on.
Even though there was a severe shortage of stone and timber resources to build more houses, Richard did not just find anyone to fill the last spot.
but.
Once someone is on this list, Richard will be responsible for training them to the end.
...
Carl watched Richard's retreating figure.
A chill ran through me.
I instantly understood his intention.
After the incident last night where the slave-catching team was killed, he still thought that the lord was like the leader of the Wolf Riders, the kind of person who was extremely protective of his own.
Now it seems...
Half and half.
He protects those who are willing to follow under his banner, and if some people fall behind and are abandoned, he will ruthlessly abandon them.
Take, for example, that lazy serf; the feeling of hunger was far more unbearable than physical suffering.
but.
This approach effectively targets potential lazy individuals without affecting the motivation of other serfs.
As long as it's not a stupid donkey.
Then you'll know what choice to make.
"Understood, sir. I will go and inform the other guards to keep a close watch."
Done.
Carl prepared to turn and leave.
But Richard suddenly called out to him.
"etc."
He paused for a long time.
He then slowly opened his mouth.
"You must be careful to distinguish between those who are genuinely slacking off and those who are taking a break because they are not feeling well."
"Yes, ma'am."
...
Richard was in a bad mood after this incident, and he had originally planned to go fishing again today.
Thinking about it now...
Let's soak up some sun.
He also wanted to see firsthand the progress and condition of the serfs building the wall, and select a group of usable people from among them.
Not only the walls, but many things in the camp are changing little by little.
Yesterday, Irving took fifty serfs into the Black Pine Forest, and the timber and firewood they cut down were piled up into a small mountain.
He also made some long tables and benches, which were neatly arranged in the open space, finally providing the serfs with a decent place to rest.
Otherwise, you have to stand or sit on the ground to eat, which looks terrible.
According to Richard, Irving even had a deck chair specially made for him.
The frame is made of thick, round wood, which is baked and polished to a perfect smoothness. The armrests and backrest are wrapped in tanned cowhide, and the backrest is covered with a layer of soft cashmere. It is so comfortable that you don't want to move when you lie down.
Maid Martha stood by, holding a silver wine jug. Richard gently swirled his wine glass, the rich aroma of the wine mingling with the warm spring breeze as it brushed against his face, making him feel slightly tipsy and intoxicated.
He squinted, his gaze shifting from the hammer to the busy serfs not far away.
Some people choose gravel.
Some are mixed with clay.
Some were responsible for building the structure.
Everyone performed their duties diligently, and although their linen clothes were soaked with sweat, most of them were hardworking and conscientious.
Watching these hardworking figures, as diligent as bees, Richard's displeasure gradually dissipated.
This is chiffon cake.
It is also his home.
From a barren wasteland to a place that is beginning to take shape, every little change brings him comfort.
...
"master."
A soft voice rang out, and Nicole walked over carrying a small silver pot, her pretty face beaming with a smile.
"This is freshly squeezed carrot juice that I made, with a little honey added. I'd like you to try it."
Richard took the silver pot and sipped it.
The juice is sweet and refreshing.
He nodded in satisfaction and smiled:
"That's right, Lina taught you to cook, didn't she? Besides carrot juice, can you make anything else?"
Upon hearing this, Nicole looked puzzled.
"Sir, aren't all vegetables and fruits juiced in the same way?"
Richard chuckled, his tone laced with a hint of teasing and amusement.
"Who said that?"
"There's a really special way to juice juice. If you'd like to learn, you can come to my room tonight."
Nicole's cheeks flushed instantly, while Martha covered her mouth and chuckled.
Although they didn't know exactly what "squeezing something else" meant, the experiences of Lina, Betty, and Celia were right before their eyes.
This naturally explains what the phrase "come to the room tonight" means.
Nicole gripped the small silver pot tightly, her eyes filled with shyness and anticipation, and whispered in response:
"I..."
"I want to learn."
Richard burst into laughter!