Chapter 54 - Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Childhood Friend_l (1/2)

Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Childhood Friend_l

Translator: 549690339

Two days later, the three Jiang brothers returned from hunting in the South Mountain, their backpacks filled with wild chickens and hares.

Jiang Sanlang was also carrying a hefty roe deer on his shoulder, attracting a crowd of villagers to come and gawk.

At this moment, a skinny man timidly approached Jiang Sanlang and quietly asked, “Sanlang, does your family still need furniture made?”

Jiang Sanlang saw that it was his childhood companion Wang Ke and suddenly recalled that Sun Licheng had taken people to collect their grain taxes two days ago, and nodded subconsciously, “Yes.”

Satisfaction spreading across his face, Wang Ke tentatively asked, “Sanlang, I…

I also know carpentry. I made the doors and windows for your house. What if… I help your family make furniture?”

Jiang Sanlang thought for a second before nodding, “Alright.”

His family needed furniture anyway and the wood had already been bought; it was all stacked up in the new brick and tile house.

Wang Ke was so thrilled that he nearly knelt down in front of Jiang Sanlang.

“I will start working tomorrow then, alright?”

Jiang Sanlang patted Wang Ke’s shoulder and smiled, “Sure, but I can’t pay you much.”

Hiring a carpenter to make furniture at home meant providing him with two meals a day. Hence, without having to deduce Wang Ke’s intentions, Jiang Sanlang already understood.

However, he was also willing to support his childhood friend, which is why he agreed so readily.

“No problem, no problem.” Wang Ke waved his hands frantically, scratching his head awkwardly, “Just pay whatever you think is suitable.”

Early the next morning, Wang Ke arrived at South Mountain with his carpentry toolbox and also brought his two sons along as helpers.

His older son, Wang Dashan, who was thirteen, was just as dark and thin as him and knew how to measure and trim wood. His younger son, Wang Xiaoshui, who was nine, could run errands and pass things, as well as do some polishing.

Jiang Sanlang didn’t say much, simply informing Wang Ke of what furniture they needed and their measurements.

“The kitchen needs a plate cabinet, a grain cabinet, a small dining table, six benches, and a pair of water buckets.”

“The hall needs an altar table, a large square table, four chairs, and six stools.”

“The eastern room needs a dress table, two clothes boxes, a clothes rack, and a wooden bed.”

“The western room needs a wooden bed, a desk, two chairs, two clothes boxes, a bookshelf, and a dress table.’

“That’s about it for now.” Jiang Sanlang finished in one breath, and then noticed Wang Ke sketching on a piece of paper.

Upon a closer look, he had drawn all the furniture Jiang Sanlang mentioned using a charcoal pen.

Pointing to his sketches of furniture in each room, Wang Ke said, “I’ve drawn all the furniture for each room, you check if it’s correct.”

Jiang Sanlang stroked his chin and nodded repeatedly, “Yes, that’s right. As for the size, you handle it.”

Laughing, Wang Ke assured, “Sanlang, don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.’

This amount of furniture would allow him to work from winter to spring, solving the problem of food for himself and his two sons. Come springtime, when Sanlang could settle his wages, no matter the amount, it would help his family get through. Sigh.

Afterwards, Wang Ke and his two sons moved into the new house in South Mountain and started their diligent work every day, ensuring that each piece of furniture was finely crafted and smooth.

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Quan now had company. Besides preparing two meals each day, they spent the rest of their time hunting birds and rabbits with little Xiaoshui on South Mountain, providing food for everyone.

Occasionally, Jiang Sanlang would also visit, bringing them some grains and vegetables.

One day, Yingbao and Youyou joined their dad for a trip to South Mountain.

Although South Mountain seemed nearby, the winding path to climb up was more than two or three miles long.

After crossing a small stream, they finally reached the mountain.