Recruitment

The Doggy following behind with a wine on its back had nothing to say at the moment. While the Western Market was not lacking in wealthy guests, it was the first time the dog had seen someone so extravagant as to throw out almost two strings of coins for just a small bag of snacks.

In this day and age, copper coins were very valuable. A family could buy a bucket of grain for only ten wen, and two strings was almost enough to cover the monthly expenses of a family of three.

The Doggy was now thinking that maybe this young man could be a runner or a servant in his household since he was so generous. For the lower-class people of this era, being able to work as a servant in a wealthy household was actually a very good job.

This was not the age of selling oneself into slavery at the drop of a hat. In the Tang Dynasty, the children of respectable families insisted on signing contracts and reporting to the government's tooth row for registration.

This was a professional position that included room and board, monthly wages, and year-end bonuses. If the host was in a good mood or the work was done well, one could even receive rewards.

As Zhang Nuo walked along with a cheerful mood, the Doggy secretly thought about how to make this extravagant young man his employer.

The Western Market was not far from the Kai Hua District where Zhang Nuo lived, so he almost floated back home with great excitement.

After instructing the Doggy to put down the things, Zhang Nuo immediately ran to his room in the backyard and put the bag of seeds away. Then he dragged the money box out of a corner and took out a String.

The money he had brought with him was not only for shopping, but also for the store's operating capital, which he had thrown away all at once today.

It was worth it, even if it meant risking everything he had. However, he had yet to pay the Doggy's wages.

When he returned to the front courtyard, he found the Doggy standing properly in the hall with the chair nearby but untouched. He was very satisfied with this.

Originally, he had only planned to give the dog ten coins in wages and ten coins as a reward, but now he decided to give him an extra ten coins. He liked this kind of sensible .

After receiving his wages and reward, the Doggy naturally thanked him profusely and thought to himself, "This is indeed an extravagant employer."

Seeing that Zhang Nuo was in a good mood, the Doggy took the initiative to inquire,

"Young master, do you need any help? I am a local from Chang'an City with a clean background, dexterous hands and feet, and can handle any work."

Zhang Nuo was surprised to see that the Doggy was actually asking for a job.

But he had been thinking of finding some help. Occasionally, when guests came, he would be busy in the kitchen with no one to watch the front.

Moreover, if he locked the door, he would be the only one in the entire front and back courtyard. If it were someone else, they would probably scare themselves to death.

However, finding a servant was not that simple. If he didn't ask the right questions and signed the contract with the government, he would be in trouble.

"What is your name, age, and where do you live? How many people are there in your family?"

Upon hearing Zhang Nuo's inquiry, Doggy's eyes brightened. Instead of rejecting outright, he asked about his family's situation.

"In response to Sir, my family name is Zhang, but I have no given name. People just call me Doggy. I'm sixteen years old, and we live in the Heping Fang district. After my father's passing, my family consists of an elderly mother and a younger sister. Currently, my mother and sister do laundry and help in the kitchen to earn a living, while I run errands in the West Market. Although it is tough, we are managing to get by."

Zhang Nuo did not expect to meet a relative today. Upon hearing that Doggy's mother and sister still work hard to earn a living, he realized that their life was not easy.

After some thought, Zhang Nuo asked,

"If you were to work for me, how much would you charge per month?"

Doggy was thrilled at the prospect of being hired. However, he knew that this was the final hurdle, and he couldn't afford to mess it up. He quickly composed himself and replied,

"If you can provide me with food and shelter, Sir, I would be content with a monthly salary of 500 coins."

Zhang Nuo did not expect the amount to be so low. He was unaware that the monthly income for a ninth-ranked official like himself amounted to only a little over two strings after various deductions.

He had only calculated the amount based on his current income. From what he could see, he earned more than ten guan per month and would earn more in the future. If that were the case, he could even hire more people.

After some consideration, Zhang Nuo thought of the scenes he had seen on TV dramas where young maidservants massaged the master's legs, served tea, and did the laundry. Such a life seemed pleasant enough.

With Doggy's mother and sister joining them, they could have someone to cook, do laundry, and clean the house.

Besides, he was often too lazy to cook for himself, and now he had someone to do it for him.

Although Zhang Nuo had been a restaurant owner and a chef, he viewed cooking as merely a trade to make a living. Not many people enjoyed working in the kitchen, smelling like grease and smoke all day long.

He was looking forward to having someone else to take care of his daily needs.

Excited about the prospect of a better life, Zhang Nuo smiled and said,

"The salary is reasonable. Since we share the same family name, it must be fate that we have met. Please bring your mother and sister along. I need a chef and a maidservant. If it suits you, I will take your entire family in."

Doggy was overjoyed. Not only had he found a job, but he had also found work for his mother and sister. He thanked Zhang Nuo and hurried back home.

He was not worried about Zhang Nuo disliking his mother and sister. His mother was virtuous and hardworking, and his sister was both nimble-fingered and pretty. If only she were a bit plumper, there would be plenty of people vying to propose to her. After working at Zhang Nuo's mansion for a year or two, she might become a beautiful woman, and perhaps Zhang Nuo would take her as his concubine. That would make their family very happy indeed.

When people encounter happy events, they feel refreshed, and at this moment, the Doggy's heart felt as if it was on fire. Without catching his breath, he ran straight home.

When he got home, his mother and younger sister had just returned from completing their chores at someone else's house.

The Doggy panted and said,

"Mother, little sister, hurry up and change into clean clothes. I have found a good job for our whole family. The employer is waiting for us at his home right now. Let's quickly get ready and go there."

Without waiting for his mother or sister to ask, he quickly explained today's events and emphasized the generous and kind nature of the employer, Zhang Nuo.

The Doggy's mother was also delighted after hearing the news, thanking the heavens and hurrying to bring her sister inside to change their clothes.

Soon, the Doggy's mother and sister emerged, looking renewed from head to toe.

Although their clothes were old, they were well-washed and their hair was neatly styled.

After packing up, the Doggy's family hurried to Zhang Nuo's place.

When Zhang Nuo saw the family of three, he was impressed. Everyone has a desire for beauty, and for the same price, Zhang Nuo was naturally willing to hire those who looked pleasing to his eyes.

Although the Doggy's mother and sister were not stunning beauties, they were at least clean and presentable. Especially his sister, with her big eyes and pointed chin, she might not be considered a great beauty in the Tang Dynasty, but in the future, she would undoubtedly be a beauty.

After asking some questions and testing the skills of the madam, the Doggy's mother, Zhang Nuo successfully hired the family of three with an offer of free room and board plus 1,300 coins per month.

It was pitiful that the madam and her daughter only earned 600 coins per month combined.

But the Doggy had more work to do. From now on, all the purchasing, transportation, cleaning, serving dishes, and even guarding the door would be his responsibility.

After signing the contract at the government office, the doggy's family happily received the moving-in fee from Zhang Nuo and went home to pack their belongings.

Zhang Nuo returned home confidently, despite having spent several strings that day. His good days were just beginning.