Cheng Rushan helped Cheng Yunzhi improve the exhibition room, while Jiang Lin studied with Dabao and Xiaobao.

Yan Runzhi and others couldn’t sew until after the second day of the second month, as the elders believed it would poke the dragon’s eye, affecting the rain, so they gathered to sing, chat, and dance together.

The Yanghong Brigade also organized stilt walking for three days in a row, making the members very happy.

Jiang Lin always made time to read books.

She had finished the books on hand and wrote to Jiang Xinglei, asking him to prepare all the books from childhood to adulthood, especially two sets for middle and high school.

If she didn’t have them, she suggested buying from the junk collection.

Many people sold their textbooks right after graduation.

Although Jiang Xinglei didn’t fully agree, he dared not disobey Jiang Lin.

He thought Jiang Lin was competing with Meng Yiyi, who could attend the factory recruitment.

His sister, not willing to be outdone, wanted to study too.

On the fifteenth day, after lunch, Yan Runzhi accompanied Cheng Yunzhi, Wensheng, Dabao, and Xiaobao to the exhibition hall to prepare.

They made lanterns and guessed riddles with the children from the Yuhong class, while other primary school students also came to help.

Jiang Lin sat at the table in the east room, writing her annual plan—brick factory, embroidery workshop, studying for exams, and more.

It was her habit; she didn’t like chaos and did everything systematically, focusing on each stage.

This sense of control over her life made her feel secure.

Of course, life in the countryside was different from the city; the pace was much slower.

She felt relaxed enough now, considering there wasn’t much going on throughout the year.

As she wrote, Cheng Rushan returned from outside.

Jiang Lin leaned over to look at him. “Do you want an apple?”

Cheng Rushan washed his hands and face, took a Fuji apple, and with his pocket knife, peeled it neatly.

He didn’t waste any skin—just a thin layer. After peeling it with one swift cut, it probably wouldn’t even interest Liu Honghua to eat it.

He lifted the apple slices into a bowl and handed it to her.

Jiang Lin picked up a slice of apple and fed it to Cheng Rushan before starting to eat herself.

Cheng Rushan leaned over to see what she was writing. “Exam plan? Are you planning to take exams?”

Jiang Lin immediately responded, “Why not? Maybe I can also get into the factory through the recruitment.”

Cheng Rushan rested his left hand on the table edge, looking down at her. “Sure, but I wonder which factory Director Jiang wants to go to.”

Jiang Lin smiled, “I’ll have to think about it.”

“You said you wouldn’t go to the textile factory. Aren’t you jealous, Cheng Rushan? You’re lying! Lu Hang and Qian Bo wrote letters discussing our matter all evening.”

Cheng Rushan’s large hand gently moved on her back, then he pulled her close, resting his chin on her shoulder and blowing into her ear. “My dear, are you planning to fly away?”

Jiang Lin melted under his touch, teasingly avoiding his lips and laughing, “If you help out, maybe I’ll consider taking you along.”

Cheng Rushan leaned in to kiss her and asked, “Tell me about it.”

Jiang Lin replied, “I want to buy a tractor.”

Cheng Rushan kissed her again. “Should I help with a loan?”

Jiang Lin replied, “Money isn’t the issue, but obtaining the quota is. Following the regular procedures, who knows how many years it will take to get one.”

Trucks are expensive, while tractors are cheaper and convenient for short trips within the county.

She had already planned to cooperate with the brigade to use agricultural tools for farming.

Cheng Rushan suggested, “How about a second-hand one?”

“Sure! There’s room to pick and choose, right?” Jiang Lin teased.

“There is! Do you think I’m stout or lean?” Cheng Rushan playfully asked.

Jiang Lin poked his firm chest. “You’re definitely not stout, too sharp.”

Lean in physique and in wit, no one could fool him.

The room was warm with the stove burning.

She wore a light cotton jacket, while he only had a woolen sweater, which felt good to touch.

Cheng Rushan pulled her closer between himself and the table. “So, my wife likes simple guys? I’ll be simpler from now on.”

He kissed her and hugged her while looking at the plans in the notebook. “Your unconventional approach might just outperform those serious factories. This small brick kiln might catch up soon.”

Jiang Lin proudly said, “Exactly, it’s about self-sufficiency and not dragging our feet. We work for ourselves, not idly. Look, everyone knows how to earn money for themselves. Who’s idling? Last year, everyone made good money.”

And there’s more to sell!

Cheng Rushan’s lips brushed her cheek. “I’ll arrange everything for you tomorrow.”

His lean, strong body pressed against hers, implying more than words could say.

Jiang Lin: “Oh my, what are you doing in broad daylight?!”

She twisted her body, signaling him to behave.

Cheng Rushan refused to listen and swiftly unbuttoned her cotton jacket, pulling her onto the kang.

Jiang Lin: “Cheng Rushan, no!”

Not today!

Her mind raced as she calculated swiftly—what was before and after, what day it was now, when would she give birth if pregnant, and then there’s the month-long recovery after childbirth.

Her mind was like a calculator, pressing away rapidly.

“They’ll be back for dinner.” His voice was husky and irresistibly sexy.

“But still, no.” Jiang Lin’s voice was soft but firm.

It was March 4th today.

She knew the college entrance exam was at the end of the year, so she absolutely couldn’t get pregnant this year.

If she had gotten pregnant last year, she wouldn’t have minded.

After giving birth and recovering, she could still take the exam since the policy allowed it.

But since she didn’t get pregnant last year, it’s a no-go now.

If she got pregnant now, she wouldn’t have finished the recovery by the time of the exam—too troublesome.

Besides, going to the exam with a big belly… that would be embarrassing.

And they say pregnancy makes you less sharp for three years!

If she really got pregnant and stayed less sharp for three years, how could she take the university entrance exam?

No, no, absolutely not!

Cheng Rushan looked at his wife, whose face had turned pale with fear, and he couldn’t understand what was wrong with her.

They had done it during the day before, so why was she suddenly so scared today?

“Why?” he asked, lowering his head to kiss her.

Jiang Lin struggled to regain her composure and pulled on his ear. “Da Bao and Xiao Bao are still young; it’s not the right time for them to have siblings. Besides, my career is just starting, and I don’t have time to take care of another child.”

“Your parents can take care of them, and I’ll help when I’m home,” he said, his hands skillfully and mischievously roaming around, igniting a fire wherever they touched.

“No way!” Jiang Lin tried to raise her voice, but it sounded more like a soft, coquettish protest.

Cheng Rushan frowned, looking at her with a conflicted expression.

He asked seriously, “So… are you saying we can’t do it at all, or just that you can’t get pregnant?”

His deep, dark eyes stared intently at her, making her feel a bit uneasy and unable to meet his gaze.

When he was this serious, the warmth in his eyes seemed to fade, replaced by a hint of scrutiny and doubt.

Jiang Lin felt flustered under his gaze, bit her lip, and mustered some strength. “Of course, I mean I can’t get pregnant! What are you thinking?”

He laughed, his dark eyes sparkling, and kissed the tip of her nose. “If we don’t… finish inside, you won’t get pregnant.”

Jiang Lin retorted, “That’s not scientifically accurate! If it’s during the woman’s ovulation period, there’s still a high chance of getting pregnant even if it’s outside.”

She had always tried to avoid the most dangerous days because she didn’t want to attend exams with a big belly and be pointed at by others—it would be so embarrassing.

What if I get accepted into college? I’ll have to give birth, go through postpartum recovery, take care of the baby, and breastfeed?

I’ll go crazy.

Cheng Rushan saw the terror written all over her clear eyes, as if getting pregnant was a terrifying ordeal.

He frowned slightly, thinking that he wasn’t around when she was pregnant and gave birth before.

It must have been really tough to have twins the first time.

He rolled over and lay down, pulling her into his chest.

He thought about how big cities had started family planning, and there were contraceptive products available.

He decided to look into it later to find out the safest and least harmful method.

Jiang Lin breathed a sigh of relief when she realized he wasn’t going to force anything.

She was quite satisfied with this. No matter how much he wanted it, he would usually stop if she said no.

However, sometimes he would playfully test her boundaries, and if she didn’t firmly resist, he would take it as a green light to continue his mischief.

“Alright, you’re safe,” he said, kissing her and then putting on a very aggrieved look. “But what about me?”

Jiang Lin smirked.

You’ve been single for so long before, just do what you used to do.

…

Around four o’clock, Yan Runzhi came back to cook.

Earlier, Cheng Rushan had taken Wensheng to grind some glutinous rice flour, just right for making tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings).

The sesame seeds were pounded directly with a garlic mortar until oily, then mixed with a bit of sugar, crushed peanuts, and a bit of rice flour to make the filling.

Jiang Lin greeted her and went to the brigade to discuss something.

Yan Runzhi said, “Dongsheng is back. You should go with Linlin.”

Cheng Rushan looked a bit aggrieved, “She won’t let me go with her, says I’ll get in the way.”

Jiang Lin laughed, wrapped a scarf around her neck, and said, “Nonsense, I’m leaving now.”

She went to find the brigade leaders to discuss buying a tractor together.

After buying it, it could be used for farming during busy seasons and for the brick kiln during off seasons.

To ensure fairness, they could set prices, like how much it costs per acre for plowing and sowing, and how much per mile for hauling goods.

Whoever used it would record it, and the costs would be deducted from their initial investment until each person’s investment was recouped.

After that, they would pay per use.

As for repairs, everyone would share the costs equally.

Cheng Fujun was very interested in this proposal.

To be honest, he was envious of other communes and brigades that used agricultural machinery.

But their brigade had been stuck with old ox-drawn carts for years, which was truly frustrating.

He knew why this was the case and that it had to do with Cheng Fugui.

Cheng Fugui was peculiar; not only did he fail to support his own village, but he also seemed intent on holding it back.

Perhaps it was due to the conflict between Old Secretary Shang and Cheng Fugui, or maybe it was something else.

In any case, whenever they applied to purchase agricultural machinery, the commune would refuse, or they would face all sorts of difficulties.

Even if the application was approved, they couldn’t buy the machinery because it required an official approval, and without that, money was useless.

If they had a tractor for plowing and planting, who would want to drive mules and oxen?

Who would want to exhaust themselves to make up for a lack of labor?

Men weren’t enough, so women had to step in.

Seven or eight people couldn’t match one ox, and pulling those ropes would make their shoulders blister.

Anyone who had farmed knew this all too well.

Denying them agricultural machinery was truly malicious!

Now that Cheng Fugui was out of the picture, they had the chance to make their own decisions.

Cheng Fujun, Cheng Fuli, and several production team leaders all agreed unanimously: buy it!

They discussed and wrote up the document, with the brigade leaders, Jiang Lin, Cheng Yunzhi, and Sun Qinghui, among others, signing and stamping it. There were even witnesses.

With Cheng Rushan’s reputation, she wasn’t afraid of anyone trying to cheat her.

She was quite comfortable in her role as the small boss.

At least no one would intentionally cause trouble, no hooligans would demand protection fees, and no unscrupulous competitors would play dirty.

Everyone in the commune knew about Cheng Rushan’s intimidating reputation—driving Cheng Xinda mad and toppling Cheng Fugui.

That was enough to command respect.

Within a few days, Cheng Rushan managed to secure a second-hand tractor.

It came from a brigade in the county that was selling it off.

Their commune was planning to buy large agricultural machinery collectively, allowing the brigade to focus on large-scale farming without individual hassle.

To raise money for this, they decided to sell their Forward-35 tractor.

This tractor, bought in 1969, had cost them over twenty thousand yuan and could easily last another twenty years.

Now, with more advanced technology and reduced costs, a new tractor along with a set of agricultural machinery would cost at least sixteen or seventeen thousand yuan.

The sellers were willing to let it go for five thousand yuan, including a set of agricultural machinery and a trailer.

After discussing it with the brigade, Jiang Lin and the others decided it was acceptable.

Buying a brand-new tractor would have been too much of a financial burden for their brigade.

Bringing the tractor back also meant they wouldn’t need to spend money sending people to learn how to drive and repair it, as Cheng Rushan could teach them himself.

They selected five or six young men, along with Jiang Lin, to learn. Naturally, Jiang Lin learned the fastest, given that she already knew how to drive and just needed to get familiar with the new vehicle.

Learning to drive was straightforward, but the hardest part was learning how to repair the tractor—identifying issues and knowing how to fix them.

Once Jiang Lin mastered it, the brigade decided to appoint her as the temporary head of the Yanghong Brigade’s tractor team, leading five young men to plow and plant the fields.

After finishing the spring planting, they could take the tractor to the brick kiln and focus on making bricks and tiles.

On the second day of the second lunar month, when the dragon raises its head, and spring begins, the brigade tied red cloth around their strongest black and yellow oxen and led them to the fields for spring plowing.

This year, they also decorated the tractor with red cloth.

A group of officials led the way, followed by men, women, and children, all cheering as they went to watch the tractor and the oxen compete in plowing the fields.

Jiang Lin took off her cotton-padded coat and put on a sweater, slipped into her handmade work overalls, tied a handkerchief around her hair, donned rubber boots, and white gloves, transforming into a charming yet spirited female tractor driver.

Wensheng and the boys, Da Bao and Xiao Bao, were particularly excited and kept complimenting how good she looked.

Xiao Bao said, “My Linlin will drive a big truck with Dongsheng in the future, and we’ll catch a T-Rex on the road…”

“No more T-Rexes now! They went extinct ages ago!” Da Bao interrupted him.

Wensheng exclaimed, “Mom looks beautiful!”

Cheng Rushan acted as Jiang Lin’s assistant, helping her with the tractor.

If she could handle it easily today, he would feel at ease to go out afterward.

The tractor was a wheeled agricultural machine with a hand-cranked start and a canopy, though the glass was long broken, leaving only a roof with straw curtains for shade.

Hand-cranked tractors weren’t easy to operate, and Cheng Rushan wanted to start it for her, but Jiang Lin pushed him away. “No need, I’ll do it myself!”

Everyone watched with wide eyes as Jiang Lin grabbed the crank and started the iron beast.

She gripped the handle with one hand and turned it vigorously a few times until the tractor roared to life, puffing out black smoke.

They all cheered, “Wow, Comrade Jiang is really strong!”

Jiang Lin climbed into the driver’s seat and waved at Wensheng, Da Bao, and Xiao Bao.

“Mom, I want to get on too!” Wensheng and the boys were eager to join.

Xiao Bao tried to climb up but was lifted down by Cheng Rushan, who then handed him to Wensheng.

Cheng Rushan got on the tractor and leaned next to Jiang Lin, one hand on the back of her seat.

Jiang Lin, sitting steadily, looked up at Cheng Rushan with a radiant smile, fluttering her eyelashes and motioning him to bend down.

Cheng Rushan leaned down, hearing his wife chuckle softly, “Let’s go, I, the emperor, will lead you to conquer the land!”

Cheng Rushan: “… Yes, Your Majesty the Empress.”