The Liu Family had already heard the noise from the courtyard. As Qin Yao walked through the open gate, Mrs. Zhang called to her from the main house,
"Come here and sit; what brings you out here at midday? Aren't you going to rest at home for a bit?"
Qin Yao always believed in keeping resources within the family. Liu the carpenter was in charge of the waterwheel, while she was tasked with making two large stone mills and a stone roller. One person couldn't possibly handle it all quickly enough.
She entered the main house but didn't sit down, leaned on her shoulder pole, and explained her purpose.
"Liu the carpenter and I are going to build a water mill for Lower River Village. I'm short a few hands. Eldest brother, second brother, youngest brother—do you have time these days to help me make the stone mills?"
