Clan Cultivation: Starting with Building an Island Immortal City

After a long while, he slowly began: ”Natural disasters and man-made calamities are not the fault of the people. Being displaced is a great suffering in this world. Since our Li Family is a prominent clan in Linhai City, enjoying this Foundation thanks to the goodwill of our neighbors, at this extraordinary time, we must act.”

He looked around at everyone: ”Currently, after our Li Family took over the Lin Family’s businesses, all the estates, mines, workshops, and wharves require a large workforce to operate at full capacity. Previously, there was often a shortage of labor, and many industries could not fully realize their potential. Now that displaced people have arrived, though it is a calamity, it is also an opportunity.”

”I intend to set up porridge stalls at the gathering points of the displaced people outside the city, serving porridge twice daily, first to alleviate their hunger and stabilize their morale. This matter will be overseen by Uncle Zhong, who will select capable individuals to handle it. The rice and grain will be drawn from the Family’s public funds. It is essential that the displaced people receive hot porridge and feel the goodwill of our Li Family.”

”Three days later, when the displaced people have settled a little, each manager will go there to openly recruit able-bodied young men according to the needs of their respective industries. Those with artisan skills will be prioritized, and anyone with a clean background who is willing to endure hardship can be hired. Wages and treatment can be at market rates, or even slightly better, to ensure they settle down and serve our Li Family. In this way, we will both resolve the plight of the displaced people and fill the labor shortages in our various industries, strengthening the Family’s Foundation. What do you all think?”

As soon as these words were spoken, the managers were first stunned, then their eyes lit up.

Uncle Zhong was the first to applaud: ”Eldest Young Master is benevolent! This is a strategy that achieves both good deeds and strengthens the Family! I will do my utmost to manage the porridge kitchen!”

Lei Heng laughed heartily: ”Good! The Escort Agency needs some good prospects! If we can pick out some strong-boned, clean-background individuals from among them and train them well, they will be fine young men to protect our Li Family’s trade routes in the future!”

Zhao Zhiyuan fiddled with his abacus, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness: ”This is a great act of kindness. With ample manpower, the productivity of all industries can increase. In the long run, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. The accounting office will handle wage calculations and record-keeping.”

Li Qinghe also nodded: ”Seamen for the ships can also be recruited. Among these displaced people, there must be some who are familiar with water and have been to sea.”

Everyone echoed their agreement, and the atmosphere became lively once more.

”Since that is the case,” Li Qingshan stood up, making the final decision, ”we will proceed with this plan. Uncle Zhong, start the porridge stall matter immediately. Everyone, attend to your duties. In three days, recruit manpower as needed. Remember, treat people with sincerity, manage with strictness, and do not let any trouble arise.”

”Yes, Eldest Young Master!”

Everyone responded in unison, cupped their hands to receive the order, and quickly departed, each becoming busy with their tasks.

Li Qingshan stood alone in the hall, gazing at the sun rising higher outside the window, yet he felt no sense of ease.

Li Qingchuan’s abnormality and the turmoil in the Central Plains were like two hidden stones, weighing heavily on his heart.

The Family was thriving, but internal and external hidden worries had quietly emerged.

With his father away, he needed to bear this burden more steadily.

Outside the city, the Li Family’s benevolent act was about to begin.

And the landscape of Linhai City might also quietly change due to these displaced people who had traveled a long distance.