The following days passed in peace. Teng Chun led the workers to transplant many tree and fruit seedlings from the island one after another and planted them as a pilot project in Yinwan.
Qi Jiao had shown great foresight. The previous year, she had bought twenty mu of hilly land in Yanzhi Village of Yinwan, which came in handy now.
She took the opportunity to visit Magistrate Hui in the yamen to ask about the permission for the island.
According to the laws of the Dacheng Dynasty, "Unclaimed islands belong to the state. However, if fishermen pay sufficient taxes every year, they have certain rights to use them."
Thanks to Qi Jiao, Lingle County's revenue this year had increased by more than ten times compared to previous years. She was also a major taxpayer.
For such a money - making godsend, why would the local government restrict her? Moreover, Qi Jiao and her group were the first to discover the island, and there was a simple legal principle of "first come, first served".
Magistrate Hui waved his hand grandly and told her to rest assured. He could easily secure the right to use this small island for her.
With Magistrate Hui's assurance, Qi Jiao beamed with joy. That very day, she contacted the construction team and bought materials, full of enthusiasm.
Most of the construction workers were recruited in Yinwan. Through Pei Xia's connection with Qu Si, they were all local villagers who were well - known and trustworthy.
Another particularly useful labor force was Chen Zhi and his group.
With these people, Qi Jiao had nothing to worry about.
In the dense green bamboo forest, by the blue freshwater lake, Qi Jiao pointed at the foundation and started to plan. "Well, let's build a fruit workshop here... This place is suitable for an operation room and workers' dormitories... By the way, something seems to be missing?"
What was missing?
Qi Jiao looked around. After a while, she finally remembered. She punched her right hand with her left fist and said, "Ah, I know! We're still missing a toilet!"
Qu Si and Chen Zhi, who were following and taking notes, burst into laughter.
In mid - June, the whole island was filled with the fragrance of fruits, and the trees were lush.
The spacious and clean toilet was built, and the workshop operation room and the workers' dormitories were completed one after another.
Qi Jiao invited Hui Zhenyu and Fang Yunxin, a couple, to visit the island.
The group took a carriage to the Yinwan Wharf and then a boat to the island.
Fang Yunxin also brought her baby, Shuangjiang.
Shuangjiang was over one year old and already showed remarkable intelligence. She had learned to say many words and chattered non - stop all the way, full of joy and liveliness.
Held by a maid, wearing a small yellow silk brocade outer jacket, she pointed at the newly - grown round lychees on the branches and asked, "Godmother, what's this?"
Qi Jiao smiled and picked the reddest one. She rinsed it with clean water and put it in Shuangjiang's hand. It was just the right size for Shuangjiang's chubby hand to hold tightly.
"This kind of fruit is called lychee. Later when we get to the resting place in front, godmother will make something delicious for you."
At the mention of delicious food, Shuangjiang's eyes sparkled, and she urged her parents to walk faster.
Hui Zhenyu couldn't help laughing and supported Fang Yunxin as they walked in front.
Fang Yunxin loved the scenery on the island. She took a deep breath of the fragrant air and felt much lighter all over. This kind of comfort in nature was far beyond that of the bustling but crowded capital city.
When they reached the new house in front, Fang Yunxin didn't hesitate to praise, "Jiaoniang, you've turned this desolate island into a wonderland like Penglai. I even want to stay here permanently."
Rows of neat workshops were in the front, and the exquisitely decorated and rustic self - occupied houses were in the back.
The workers' dormitories were separated from the rooms where Qi Jiao and her group lived.
There was a freshwater lake in the middle, and the self - occupied rooms were surrounded by two fences covered with fragrant herbs and creepers.
Birds chirped in the forest, the gentle breeze blew, and the faint fragrance wafted. Wasn't it a wonderland?
The workshops had already started production.
Qi Jiao had transferred some experienced workers from the original workshop in Baiyun Village. These days, they were busy picking the ripe fruits.
In addition, she had recruited a group of special boatwomen and pearl divers. After the fruits were processed, they would transport them to the shore. Usually, they could also stay on the island for living and gathering.
Most of these women were deaf - mute women from the coastal areas or widows who had a hard time making a living.
In fact, they were already very capable, with the skills of boating, fishing, and pearl diving. However, the marine environment was harsh, and it was very risky for one or a few people alone.
Qi Jiao thought these women had a tough life, so she recruited them all to the island. It was also a good match for their skills.
At first, Fang Yunxin and Hui Zhenyu were a bit puzzled. The women coming and going didn't even glance at them. They were busy moving fruits or fetching water, concentrating on their own tasks.
After Qi Jiao explained, the couple suddenly understood.
A special light flashed in Fang Yunxin's eyes. She grabbed Qi Jiao's hand and said excitedly, "Jiaoniang, you're amazing! You've given these women a new way out."
Hui Zhenyu also smiled and praised, "Jiaoniang is truly an extraordinary woman. I admire you so much."
After saying that, Hui Zhenyu told his attendant to give the permission token for the island to Qi Jiao.
It was a copper token the size of a palm. There were small characters engraved on it, stating that the island belonged to Yulin County of the Dacheng Dynasty, and the female merchant Qi Jiao had the right to use and maintain it.
Qi Jiao took the token and was overjoyed. She thanked Hui Zhenyu again and again.
She had originally thought it would be a difficult process.
Fang Yunxin looked at Qi Jiao playfully and said, "If you want to thank us, cook a delicious meal for us yourself. I haven't eaten your cooking for a long time. I'm really craving it."
After she finished speaking, Shuangjiang also looked at Qi Jiao eagerly. She looked so cute.
Qi Jiao pursed her lips and smiled, then quickly went to the big kitchen to cook delicious food for them.
——————————
The happy island trip came to an end.
Fang Yunxin had originally planned to stay on the island with Shuangjiang for a few days to let the child gain some experience.
However, there were too many insects in summer. There were countless mosquitoes in the forest, and Shuangjiang was bitten all over her face.
Fang Yunxin had no choice but to take the child back.
Qi Jiao still had a lot of other things to follow up on. She couldn't stay on the island for a long time either.
So she went back with them.
When she returned to Shiliu Alley, Qi Jiao was hot from the journey. She was just about to drink some water and take a break before going to see the children.
Unexpectedly, Hua Sanniang and the others came in from outside, looking extremely dejected. "Boss, Chunniang and the two children are missing..."
"What did you say?"
Qi Jiao stepped forward and shook her. She couldn't believe her ears. "Sanniang, don't lie to me! How could they just disappear?"
"I didn't see Chunniang's figure when I came to the store early this morning. I thought you had asked her to take the two children back to Yinwan. But at noon, when the constable came back, we found that Chunniang was missing and the two children were gone..."
Hua Sanniang looked desperate. "The constable has led people to search outside for half a day. Ge Fan, A Le and the others have also gone to look for them. Even Lady Leng and the others have gone out to search. I stayed here just to wait for you to come back."
Qi Jiao felt dizzy and her legs went weak. She almost fell to the ground.
The children, the two precious babies she had finally given birth to, were missing...
Hua Sanniang quickly supported her. "Boss, you must hold on. The little master and miss are counting on you!"
Qi Jiao bit her lower lip hard. She poured herself a cup of cold tea to calm down. "Where is Pei Xia?"
Hua Sanniang harnessed the carriage at the fastest speed in her life. Then the two of them rushed straight to the county yamen.