I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

Chapter 399: Building a Dream Home

After successfully building affordable housing for the farmhands and allocating farmland for them to settle down in the manor, Chen Jia and Chen Jue were still concerned about improving the quality of life of the farmhands. They realized that improving the farmhands' living conditions and reducing the burden of childcare could further improve their sense of happiness in life and make them more willing to live in the manor for a long time and reproduce. So the two discussed launching a furniture points system, replacing the farmhands' existing simple furniture with old furniture from wealthy families, and increasing the childcare fees for the farmhands.

On this day, the sun shines through the window into the cozy living room of the Chen Mansion. Chen Jia and Chen Jue sit opposite each other. On the table are some drawings of furniture styles and records about the family situations of the farmhands. Chen Jia frowned slightly and spoke first: "Husband, now the farmhands have houses and fields in the manor, and their lives are much more stable. But when I visited their homes, I found that the furniture of many families is very simple, which affects the quality of life. Moreover, some farmhands are worried about having children because they are worried about the high cost of raising children. We have to think of ways to improve these situations."

Chen Jue nodded slightly, looking at the record intently, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Madam, you are very observant. I think we can launch a furniture points system, allowing farmhands to earn points through work performance and contribution to the manor, and use the points to exchange for old furniture replaced by wealthy families. These furniture can bring great improvements to the lives of farmhands with a little repair. As for childcare expenses, we can give corresponding subsidies based on the number of children and their growth stage, reduce the burden of childcare for farmhands, and encourage them to have children."

Chen Jia's eyes lit up, and she said excitedly, "My husband, these two ideas are great! The furniture points system can not only motivate farmhands to work more actively, but also allow them to use better furniture. Increasing childcare expenses can also make farmhands worry-free and more willing to have children. But how do we implement the furniture points system, and how do we determine the points standards and exchange rules?"

Chen Jue picked up a pen and wrote on the paper while saying, "Madam, the points standard can be considered from aspects such as the diligence of work, work results, and participation in the affairs of the manor. For example, farmhands who are fully present every month can get certain points, farmhands with high output and good quality in the sugar workshop can get extra points, and farmhands who actively participate in the public affairs of the manor can also get corresponding points rewards. In terms of exchange rules, different points exchange amounts are set according to the type, age and value of furniture. For example, an ordinary old wooden table may require 50 points to exchange, while a slightly better carved chair may require 100 points."

Chen Jia nodded in agreement and said, "My husband has thought it through very carefully. So how should we set the subsidy standard for childcare?"

Chen Jue thought for a moment and said, "Madam, we can stipulate that for each new child born in the farmhand's family, 5 taels of silver will be given as childcare expenses every month. After the child is one year old, the amount will increase to 8 taels of silver per month. When the child reaches school age, an additional 3 taels of silver will be added to cover the child's tuition. In this way, as the child grows up, the subsidy will also increase accordingly, so that the farmhands can get help at every stage of the child's growth."

Chen Jia smiled and said, "My husband, these standards are very reasonable. Let's tell the farmhands about these measures as soon as possible so that they can know the good news as soon as possible."

After the two men had discussed it, they summoned the farmhands to the manor's courtyard again. Chen Jia stood on the high platform, looking at the many familiar faces below, and said with a smile: "Fellow villagers, I have something good to tell you today. My husband and I have discussed that we will introduce a furniture points system for everyone, and we will also increase childcare fees."

The farmhands in the audience immediately started to talk to each other, showing their curiosity and anticipation. A young farmhand couldn't help but ask, "Madam, what is the furniture points system?"

Chen Jia patiently explained, "It's like this. From now on, as long as you perform well at work and make contributions to the manor, you can get corresponding points. These points can be used to exchange for old furniture replaced by wealthy families. These furniture are still very solid, and with a little repair, they can make everyone's home more comfortable. For example, if you work perfectly every month, you can get a certain number of points; in the sugar-making work, if the output is high and the quality is good, you can also get extra points."

An elderly farmhand smiled and said, "Madam, this is great! Our tables and chairs have been used for many years and should have been replaced long ago."

Chen Jue went on to say, "In addition, in order to allow everyone to have children without worries, we have decided to increase childcare expenses for families with children. When a child is just born, the subsidy is 5 taels of silver per month, and after the child turns one year old, it is 8 taels of silver per month. When the child reaches school age, an additional 3 taels of silver will be added."

A farmhand's wife holding her child said excitedly: "Master, Madam, you are so thoughtful! We used to worry about the high cost of raising children, but now with this subsidy, we can have children with peace of mind."

Chen Jia smiled and said: "Everyone live peacefully in the manor and work hard. We are a family. If there are any difficulties, we will solve them together. I hope everyone's life will be more prosperous and there will be more laughter and joy in the manor."

After the announcement, Chen Jia and Chen Jue immediately started preparing for the implementation of the furniture points system. Chen Jue arranged for people to contact the wealthy families in the city and purchase their replaced old furniture. Chen Jia organized people to formulate a detailed process for points recording and redemption.

Chen Jue said to the farmhand in charge of purchasing furniture: "When you go to talk to those wealthy families, you must choose furniture of good quality and good style. As for the price, it's okay as long as it's reasonable. Don't be too fussy. But make sure the furniture is not seriously damaged, because we will have to arrange for craftsmen to repair it after it comes back."

The farmhand nodded and said, "Master, rest assured, I will select carefully and ensure the quality."

Chen Jia said to the long-term worker in charge of points management: "This points record is related to everyone's vital interests, and must be taken seriously. Every increase or decrease in points must be recorded clearly and announced regularly so that everyone can see their own points situation."

The farmhand said seriously: "Madam, rest assured, I will keep good records and ensure fairness and justice."

In the process of purchasing furniture, some minor problems were encountered. Some wealthy families were worried that selling old furniture to the manor would affect their reputation. After Chen Jue learned about it, he went to communicate with these wealthy families in person.

Chen Jue said to a wealthy businessman, "Master Zhang, you see, these old furnitures in your house not only take up space, but also get damaged easily after a long time. Selling them to us can free up space for you, and on the other hand, these furnitures can improve the lives of the farmhands. Moreover, you are doing good deeds and accumulating blessings."

Mr. Zhang thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Chen, you are right. In that case, I will sell these old furniture to you."

As the furniture was purchased, Chen Jia and Chen Jue arranged for craftsmen to repair and refurbish the furniture. Chen Jia said to the craftsmen: "Masters, these furniture are for the long-term workers, so they must be repaired to be solid and beautiful. Paint what needs to be painted, reinforce what needs to be reinforced, so that everyone can be satisfied."

The craftsmen responded one after another: "Don't worry, Madam, we will repair it carefully."

While the furniture was being repaired, the points system was also officially implemented. At the end of each month, Chen Jia and Chen Jue would organize a meeting for the farmhands to announce everyone's points.

Chen Jia stood on the stage and said, "Fellow villagers, this is everyone's score for this month, all posted on this board. You can come and have a look, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions."

A farmhand looked at his points and said happily, "I have been fully present this month and helped repair public facilities, so my points are much higher than last month. If I save more, I can get a new cabinet."

At the same time, after the farmhands learned about the increase in childcare fees, many families began to plan their family plans. One farmhand said to Chen Jue: "Master, you and your wife have increased our childcare fees, and we feel much more at ease. My wife and I have discussed it and decided to have another child, so that our family can be lively in the future."

Chen Jue smiled and said, "Great! More children means more blessings. When the child is born, we will pay the childcare fee as promised. If you need any help, just ask."

A few months later, the first batch of repaired furniture was ready for exchange. Chen Jia and Chen Jue organized a lively furniture exchange event in the warehouse of the manor.

Chen Jia smiled and said to everyone: "Fellow villagers, today is the day for our first furniture exchange. Everyone can choose the furniture they like according to their points."

The farmhands lined up excitedly, looking at the neatly arranged furniture in the warehouse, their faces filled with joy. One farmhand exchanged his points for an old wooden bed and said excitedly: "This bed looks really solid. I don't have to worry about the bed creaking when I sleep in the future. Thank you, sir and madam."

As time went by, more and more farmhands exchanged their points for the furniture they wanted, and the environment of their homes was greatly improved. The increase in childcare expenses also led to more and more newborns in the manor, and the joyful laughter of children filled the air.

Chen Jia looked at the lively scene in the manor and said to Chen Jue, "My husband, seeing everyone is so happy now, our efforts have not been in vain."

Chen Jue smiled and said, "My lady, this is the result of our joint efforts. As long as the farmhands live well, the manor will become more and more prosperous."

Under the careful care of Chen Jia and Chen Jue, the farmhands' lives in the manor became more and more fulfilling, and their sense of belonging to the manor became stronger and stronger. They worked together with Chen Jia and Chen Jue to make the manor full of vitality and become a warm big family.