Chapter 75: First‑of‑the‑Month Stipend Distribution

It was originally just a flash of inspiration, but Jiang Jinshi thought more about it and found the feasibility increasingly high.

First, everyone in the village knows each other well; for example, those who were called unfilial last time can be excluded in advance, and the remaining villagers are mostly diligent and simple.

Moreover, my relationship with County Magistrate Liu is good, so even if some villagers report me to Jiangcheng, I'm not afraid, and I can still filter out those who truly want to work.

Most importantly, now every household in Da Jiang Cun has no surplus grain, and life is tight.

After all, if life were good, who would be willing to turn to banditry?!

Since I think this idea is good, it must be implemented concretely, so Jiang Jinshi came up with a plan.

If I directly invite everyone to go up the mountain to become bandits, the response would be scant, and even if I brag extravagantly, it would be of no use.

Most people only flock when they see profit; if a person in the village who was originally worse off or about the same suddenly lives in splendid luxury, what would they think?

At that moment, if that person reveals he is going up the mountain to be a bandit, the situation will polarize.

Some will be jealous, report to the authorities, and look forward to seeing you locked up.

The remaining people want to get rich with you but have no connections; at this time, if Jiang Jinshi extends an invitation, they surely won't refuse.

And the perfect candidate to flaunt is already available: Huasheng!

It's Huasheng's personality that makes him unable to act, so I have to cooperate with him.

After calculating the time, tomorrow happens to be the beginning of the month, so I'll distribute the monthly stipend to everyone.

That evening, after returning to the stronghold, Jiang Jinshi found Tang Lin and asked him to tally everyone's monthly stipend.

In fact, not many receive the stipend; besides the current four squad leaders, only Tang Lin and Huasheng do.

But Jiang Jinshi thought of Luo Jin and Tang Xiao Yu, who work in logistics daily and also manage it, so he decided to give them a share, albeit a lower amount.

As for Xiao Hu, he gets no stipend; if he needs anything he'll ask me, since the two of us are basically inseparable now.

After a discussion, Tang Lin calculated, based on each person's arrival time at the stronghold, the stipend to be distributed tomorrow.

The small squad leaders all receive the same, three taels six qian per month each. Huasheng, as the stronghold doctor, gets one tael eight qian per month. Tang Lin receives the same as Huasheng. The lower amounts go to Luo Jin and Tang Xiao Yu, only nine qian per month each.

Based on Huasheng's time joining the stronghold, he can receive four hundred and eighty wen, but Jiang Jinshi feels this amount is too low to achieve the desired effect.

So Jiang Jinshi prepared to secretly add a bit more, making the villagers' eyes gleam with greed.

The plan was set, and early the next morning Jiang Jinshi gathered everyone in the stronghold, standing on the steps to commence Yangguangzhai's first "payday".

As several squad leaders and the logistics staff received their stipends, the bandits below grew excited.

Yangguangzhai is showing them through action that the previous words were not empty promises; saying that joining the stronghold ensures a full belly truly means a full belly.

Moreover, as long as one can be promoted to squad leader, there is still a stipend to receive; such days give hope!

A bandit couldn't hold back and shouted from below.

"Great Leader, how can we be promoted to squad leader."

According to Jiang Jinshi's plan, each squad is capped at fifty members; as the stronghold's population grows, the number of squad leaders will naturally increase, so Jiang Jinshi voiced the premeditated excuse.

"Each squad can have at most fifty people, so future promotions to squad leader will depend not only on contributions to the stronghold but also on each one's martial strength.

I plan to hold Yangguangzhai's martial competition next month; brothers who wish to join must start training, and the winner will become a squad leader!"

Upon hearing this, many clenched their fists in secret; the squad leader position makes them envious, not only allowing command over fifty subordinates but also granting a stipend.

Anyone with ability wants to rise above others; Jiang Jinshi's move also aims to spark fighting spirit and help him select outstanding bandits, avoiding hidden talents being overlooked.

Later Jiang Jinshi found Huasheng and said directly, "Huasheng uncle, I want to return to Da Jiang Cun for a look; will you go back?"

Huasheng's face lit up with surprise; he had just thought of this after receiving the stipend today, and didn't expect the Great Leader to ask.

"Of course, after being out these days, I miss home a bit."

"Then what are we waiting for, let's go together!" Jiang Jinshi replied with a smile.

"Alright, Great Leader, let's go!" Huasheng tucked the stipend close to his body, stood up and prepared to leave, after all he had nothing to pack.

Regarding Huasheng calling Jiang Jinshi "Great Leader", one can only say Huasheng is perceptive; if I always addressed Jiang Jinshi as uncle‑nephew in the stronghold, it would inevitably diminish his prestige.

Thus Jiang Jinshi doesn't press the issue; he knows Huasheng has pride and prefers to earn money through his own skills rather than through their relationship.

The three rode a horse along the path, with Jiang Jinshi opening the conversation first.

"Huasheng uncle, have you ever thought of bringing your aunt and two younger brothers to live in the stronghold?"

Of course! Huasheng dreams of it; at first the timing was uncertain, so he didn't dare bring his wife and children.

Now that he knows the stronghold's specifics, he longs for daily life with his wife and children on a warm bed; after work each day returning home to see his dearest, that's the life he dreams of.

Moreover, the food in the stronghold isn't bad; bluntly speaking, it's still better than at home.

But Huasheng has concerns! It's fine for him to eat and drink, but taking the stronghold's stipend and bringing his wife and children—wouldn't that be freeloading?

So after Jiang Jinshi asked the question, Huasheng hesitated and gave no answer, because he wanted his family to come but felt shy to bring it up.

Jiang Jinshi saw Huasheng's thoughts, smiled lightly and said, "Huasheng uncle, you don't need to overthink it; if you want your family to come, just let them; this stronghold is big enough, are you still afraid you'll bankrupt me?"

Huasheng's cheeks flushed a bit, clearly embarrassed.

"Great Leader, I'm just afraid my spouse coming would cause trouble for you, aren't I?"

Jiang Jinshi waved a hand, "No problem, logistics is short of people lately; let your aunt help in logistics, but I must make it clear, your aunt receives no stipend!"

Huasheng, full of gratitude, said, "Then my spouse at home also has to work; being able to feed them is enough, why would we need your stipend?!"

At this moment, Jiang Jinshi's standing in Huasheng's mind rose to an unprecedented height; not only did he give a stipend far beyond his own level, but also covered his whole family's food and drink, making him almost like a living bodhisattva.