Ye Xinyan was employing modern labor practices. In ancient times, people didn't take a three-day break; from New Year's Eve to the fifteenth day was the New Year celebration. Because the rest period was so long and to avoid drawing too much attention to their employment methods, workers who worked in both businesses were paid an additional fifty percent of their wages for the sixteen days and another fifty percent from the first to the fifth day of the lunar year.
Although ancient folks valued celebrating the New Year, the reality of tough and difficult lives couldn't be ignored. Once Ye Xinyan announced her arrangement, the workers' spirits immediately soared, with most indicating they had no plans to rest. Only a few who lived far away would return home for a few days before hurrying back to work. Some even volunteered to cover the shifts of those who were resting, willing to work for all twelve shichen.
