Chapter 83: Truly a Remarkable Talent

After Chu Cuihua listened to Chu Yun, she stopped picking up firewood herself and turned her attention to the people under Chu Wencai’s supervision. As expected, she noticed that their group was well-organized, with clear divisions of labor; almost everyone who could work was occupied, not even the children were idle, and now the water was nearly boiling.

In contrast, her own group had people playing around, boasting, or wasting time on pointless tasks. So far, they had only just gathered enough firewood and finished building the stove, but hadn’t yet fetched any water.

She felt deeply ashamed. “Lord Earl, I understand what needs to be done now.”

Chu Yun smiled, “That’s good. But remember, you must only consult the middle household leaders, not the small household ones.”

Chu Cuihua replied with a smile, “Yes, Lord Earl.”

With that, she went off to find three middle household leaders and instructed them to organize their small household leaders, mobilizing those under their care. She urged them to ensure that everyone capable of working was assigned a task, rather than idly waiting for a meal, and encouraged them to learn from Chu Wencai’s group.

After these arrangements, her group no longer had anyone simply waiting for food; the pace of meal preparation immediately quickened.

The twenty-odd households under Chu Lefu’s supervision hadn’t been the slowest earlier, mainly because he was lucky—the people he managed were younger and more diligent. Yet his management had significant flaws: he lacked initiative in mobilizing people, and it was always the industrious ones who pointed out where help was needed, making his leadership somewhat passive.

Still, the man was clever.

After observing Chu Yun’s conversation with Chu Cuihua and seeing the rapid improvement in meal preparation among her twenty-odd households, he glanced over at Chu Wencai, who remained in the lead.

It didn’t take him long to grasp the reason behind this.

He quickly called over three middle household leaders and discussed with them how to divide the cooking tasks and mobilize personnel to increase efficiency and speed.

Once their discussion concluded, the middle household leaders went to organize their small household leaders, and actively mobilized everyone, making the division of labor more rational.

Suddenly, the speed of meal preparation among Chu Lefu’s twenty-odd households increased dramatically.

In no time, they caught up with Chu Cuihua’s group and nearly overtook Chu Wencai’s.

Chu Yun watched all this, his smile tinged with deep satisfaction.

During the meal, he summoned the three major household leaders and said, “This time, Chu Wencai’s group was the fastest, Chu Lefu’s was second, and Chu Cuihua’s was third. I’d like to hear why you think these results occurred.”

After listening, Chu Wencai spoke up, “Lord Earl, our group was fastest because, from start to finish, I had the middle household leaders call on the small household leaders to actively mobilize people, making sure everyone capable of work was assigned a task.”

Chu Yun nodded, “It’s good that you understand your strengths. But do you know why Chu Lefu’s group nearly caught up with yours? They started far behind.”

Chu Wencai replied, “Their people are the most industrious and proactive, with almost no one slacking off, which is their first advantage. This kept them from being too slow initially, even though their personnel mobilization was less rational. Later, they started actively mobilizing, and their speed increased rapidly. They nearly surpassed us because their division of labor became more logical, allowing several tasks to proceed simultaneously and reach completion in one step, unlike us, who finished tasks one at a time.”

Chu Yun smiled, “As expected from a scholar—you see things clearly and your analysis makes sense.”

He then turned to Chu Lefu, “You surprised me as well. I believe next time your group will be the first to finish.”

Chu Wencai interjected, “That’s not necessarily so.”

Hearing this, Chu Yun looked at him, “Are you so confident? Remember, Chu Lefu’s people are the most diligent and proactive.”

Chu Wencai grinned smugly, “Of course I’m confident, because I’ve already noticed the issue with irrational division of labor, and I’ve thought of more improvements.”

Chu Yun said, “In that case, share your ideas now. Don’t forget, you’re all working for me.”

On hearing this, Chu Wencai felt somewhat embarrassed and hurriedly said, “Lord Earl, I think Chu Lefu’s division of labor is already quite good, but if we make the workflow even more rational, the speed will surely improve.”

“Additionally, I believe we can also do better in mobilizing personnel.”

“We should have the middle household leaders call the small household leaders to conduct a detailed survey, learn each person’s strengths, and assign them to the tasks where they are most suited.”

“That way, not only will everyone have something to do, but they’ll be doing what they are best at. When people work in their areas of expertise, they find it easier and more enjoyable, which will surely boost efficiency.”

Chu Yun was momentarily stunned upon hearing this.

Clap! Clap!

He came to his senses and applauded without reservation, praising, “The scholar speaks very well!”

Chu Lefu and Chu Cuihua followed suit, applauding and agreeing that Chu Wencai had spoken wisely.

Chu Wencai smiled with a hint of pride.

But Chu Yun, watching him, grew increasingly fond of him; his gaze was like one who had caught sight of a beauty bathing in the river, his heart filled with delight.

He cared little for Chu Wencai’s proud demeanor, for the scholar’s words had aligned with the most advanced management practices of the twenty-first century.

Indeed, a rare talent!

He felt he needed someone like this.

With that in mind, Chu Yun turned to Chu Lefu and said, “You are very clever and capable, which is why your division of labor was more rational than Chu Wencai’s. Now, explain your method to Chu Wencai and Chu Cuihua, and let Chu Wencai help analyze how to make the workflow even more efficient.”

Chu Cuihua, hearing this, couldn’t help but ask, “Lord Earl, what about me?”

Chu Yun replied, “You need to work harder, use your mind more and your hands less. For now, listen to their discussion and learn from it. I hope next time, you’ll surpass them and finish first, because I believe you’re a very capable person.”

“Yes, Lord Earl,” Chu Cuihua answered.

Yet she felt indignant within, secretly vowing to win next time.

This was precisely the effect Chu Yun wished for.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have first dampened her spirits and then encouraged her, using a mix of criticism and praise to regulate her emotions.

The three major household leaders then began their discussion.

Once their debate was nearly complete, they summoned their respective middle household leaders, instructing them to organize the small household leaders and investigate everyone’s strengths.