Welfare Factory

A group of women surrounded Fang Zheng as they walked into the factory area.

Naturally, the first area to visit was the textile zone.

Chen Xiaoman was squeezed in the crowd, looking around everywhere.

Seeing the spacious factory building gave her a shocking feeling. In all her years, she had never seen such a vast structure.

What met her eyes first was row upon row of uniquely shaped machinery.

Although she had never seen them before, she could roughly tell they were some kind of looms.

The surrounding walls were hung with lamp holders resembling oil lamps.

But they were actually covered with expensive crystal lamp shades!

Even ordinary female workers could use such expensive things? Chen Xiaoman felt slightly excited.

The other female workers were in much the same state.

Seeing this, Fang Zheng smiled slightly and called out loudly, "Everyone! This will be your work area from now on."

"Over the next three days, someone will provide you with training!"

"After three days, you'll be assessed based on your skill level, and one team leader will be selected from every ten people."

"Do not underestimate this team leader position. In addition to the basic wages, there are extra bonuses!"

At the mention of bonuses, everyone got excited again.

During the original recruitment, besides the basic monthly wage of one and a half taels, no other benefits had been mentioned.

Who knew there would be bonuses now? How much could the bonuses be?

Seeing their happiness, Fang Zheng wasn't in a hurry. He smiled and waited for them to finish discussing. After everyone's emotions settled, he continued.

"No open flames are allowed in the factory building. If a fire accidentally breaks out, there's a water vat under each lamp in the factory that can be used to extinguish fires immediately."

Then he let everyone explore on their own.

A large group of women began gathering around the looms, chattering and discussing.

After about the time it takes to drink tea, they were regrouped and moved to the next area.

"This is the cutting area. Part of our textile factory's production will be fabric sold directly, while another part will be made into finished clothing."

"This is the sewing area..."

After touring the main areas one by one, Fang Zheng looked at everyone with a smile. "Well, those are basically the work areas. Does anyone have any questions? Anyone with questions can raise their hand."

Chen Xiaoman had seen the entire factory and was completely satisfied.

Putting everything else aside, the cleanliness, orderliness, and clear processes of this place were remarkable. She had never encountered such working methods before. Working here would surely bring her happiness!

Hearing Fang Zheng ask for questions, Chen Xiaoman immediately raised her hand and said timidly, "Master Fang, may I ask... are you in charge here?"

Fang Zheng looked at Chen Xiaoman with a smile. "Good question! This is exactly what this official was about to say."

"Banshan Textile Factory is not managed by this official, but personally managed by our dynasty's princess!"

"When you enter the factory to work today, you're essentially working for the princess."

"This official knows the textile factory doesn't pay much, and there's a lot of gossip outside! But those people are blind. You need to take a long-term view. When life gets better and better in the future, those who didn't come will be too late to envy you!"

Instantly, the women were in an uproar.

The princess personally managing the textile factory! Such explosive news had never been mentioned in the newspapers.

Everyone's faces were flushed with excitement.

It was understandable that they didn't know, as Fang Zheng had not dared to publish this in the newspaper.

If he really had said it, there would inevitably be many more troubles. Once the textile factory produced results, it would be natural to announce it widely.

Seeing they were sufficiently excited, Fang Zheng asked again, "Does anyone else have questions?"

Someone immediately said, "Master Fang, what time each day do we work until before we can go home?"

Go home? Naive, truly naive. Once you enter the factory, you still want to go home!

Fang Zheng secretly curled his lips, then called out loudly, "Normally you can't go home when there's nothing special. You each get six days off per month! Then you can go home."

"Usually you'll eat and sleep in the factory area. Don't worry, the princess has already considered all your concerns. Come with me!"

With that, he led the group out of the factory building and marched in grand procession to other areas.

Upon reaching the dormitory area, Fang Zheng stopped and pointed at a large cluster of dormitories. "Here, from now on, this is where you'll live!"

"All your living needs can be met within the factory area! Nearby is a cafeteria where all meals are provided free, with two meals served each day."

"Your children can be settled in the dormitories, and soon we'll arrange people to help take care of them."

"Everyone just needs to focus on work and put in more overtime! Everything will be provided in the future! If you perform well, the factory will even build a special school for children's education, making it convenient for them to study and succeed!"

"Perhaps... when this official has time, I might even come to personally provide some guidance." Fang Zheng looked completely serious.

"Oh my! Master Fang personally teaching. He is so young and already a high official; he must be amazing!"

"I heard Master Fang is a jinshi! Even without wages, it would be worth it!"

"Bringing honor to our ancestors, bringing honor to our ancestors!"

Those with sons had joy practically overflowing from their faces, while those without children looked regretful, as if they'd missed out on a fortune.

Chen Xiaoman in the crowd was even more excited beyond control!

Master Fang personally providing guidance in studies! Wouldn't her son have great prospects! Coming to work as a female worker was absolutely the right choice!

Before those below could react, Fang Zheng pulled Xiao Tao beside him forward and said to everyone, "Now please have Miss Xiao Tao introduce the work regulations to you."

Since they were all female workers, it wouldn't be appropriate for Fang Zheng to explain everything. This had been arranged in advance for Xiao Tao to handle.

The reason he came personally this time was mainly because he was worried about the female workers' state of mind, given all the gossip outside.

He was now somewhat of a celebrity, so coming here to give them a shot of confidence would suffice.

After Xiao Tao stepped forward, Fang Zheng immediately pulled Li Yuanzhao to a corner where no one could see them.

Li Yuanzhao was still reluctant. "Old Fang, why are you pulling me away? I haven't finished looking!"

"The rest is women's business! It's inappropriate for us to be present. We can listen from here."

"You got all the spotlight. I wanted to say a few words too..."

"How shameless! Do you think I wanted to be stared at by a pack of wolf-like women..."

"But I wanted to be!"

"Shh...!"

While the two whispered to each other, Xiao Tao had already cleared her throat and begun speaking.

Big and small matters in Taoyuan County were usually handled by her helping Fang Zheng, so this small scene naturally didn't intimidate her.

Looking at everyone, she said, "Now I'll tell everyone about the factory benefits."

"Daily work is five hours, with a half-hour break at noon. The first month is a probationary period. If you don't meet standards during probation, you'll be paid for one month and then dismissed."

"There are also two sick leave opportunities each month. If there's an emergency at home, you can request leave promptly!"

"Our textile factory encourages overtime! Based on your work results, we'll select labor models, overtime models, and production models! Each model will receive corresponding bonuses!"

"Also! All women in the factory are prohibited from using menstrual cloths. However, there is no need to worry about any issues as the factory will provide better alternatives. Your monthly period will not interfere with your ability to work overtime."

"Factory-produced clothing is sold to everyone at half price, with one outfit purchasable per month. Pregnancy comes with additional leave and subsidies..."