Chapter 217: Preparing for Exams

Wang Qian understood that the conflict arose due to the scarcity of water. “Mom, why can’t everyone use the water? We all live in the same area, right?”

Wang Zhenhe explained as he held his daughter, “Silly girl, even though we live in the same area, there’s a river that separates two different brigades. Deciding who gets the water first is crucial. If one brigade uses all the water, the rice paddies in the other brigade will wither. After the autumn harvest, we have to contribute to the public grain supply. If it were just one brigade, it would be manageable, but with two brigades, each has to contribute separately. If the rice paddies in our brigade dry up, where will the public grain come from? It would have to be deducted from our own supplies, and our brigade would suffer. It’s all about livelihood. If it weren’t for the drought, who would go looking for fights? Many people have been injured, and even if they recover, they’ll still suffer.”

Wang Qian, now understanding the details, couldn’t help but sigh. “Dad, can’t the reservoir release more water? Our entire area is experiencing a drought. At this rate, even the well water will dry up. Can’t something be done?”

As he carried his daughter into the house, Wang Zhenhe replied, “The large reservoir isn’t managed by our commune. It’s for supplying drinking water to the city. Even if we wanted to use it for irrigation, we’d have to communicate with the water management authorities. There should be news in a couple of days. I heard from your grandpa, the team leader, that the situation has been reported, and we should have a response soon. Let’s wait a little longer; these two days won’t make much of a difference.”

Later that evening, Left Zhanshan and Wu Changyong brought back news that the injured individuals had been taken to the hospital. The elementary school students’ injuries weren’t severe, and the blood was mostly from adults. The most severe injury was a broken rib, and the others were various minor injuries. Thankfully, no one had died, which made Wang Qian feel fortunate.

She inquired, “Grandpa, did they mention how to deal with those involved?”

“Detention and compensation. There are only a few of the troublemakers left; the injured are still in the hospital. These people were impatient. I heard today that they will release water tomorrow. You won’t have to fetch water from our place to the mountain in the future,” replied Wu Changyong.

This news brought undeniable joy, and Wang Zhenhe was overjoyed. Even though they had been carrying water and farming every day, it hadn’t been yielding much. The prospect of water being released meant that the water could flow through the previously constructed channels, both from the river and their own reservoir, saving both labor and effort.

The next day, as they headed up the mountain, they indeed saw water flowing slowly through the channels. All the commune members cheered, knowing that their food supply for the year was assured.

“What are you all standing around for? Hurry up and start farming. Now that the water has arrived, why wait for someone else to help us farm?” instructed the former team leader, Liu Changlin, as he urged everyone to start working. Although he understood their excitement, he knew that time was of the essence during the farming season. They needed to seize the opportunity and start planting; any delay would affect their autumn harvest.

“Team leader, we’ll start working right away. We are excited because we have mostly dry fields. If we had fields like those downstream, they’d have suffered injuries, and now that the water has arrived, do you think they’ll compensate us?” one person said, prompting a rebuke from the team leader. The individual quickly ran off to start working in the fields. Liu Changlin bent down to inspect the moist soil beneath his feet, a smile creeping onto his face.

Although crops thrive with the help of fertilizer, without water, everything would be in vain. With water now available, everything depended on the diligence of the commune members.

The fields on the mountainside were all planted within a few days. After days of hard work, the commune members could finally take a day off to rest.

As the countdown for Mingcheng’s high school entrance exam began, Hao Lianchun took full responsibility for the family’s meals, especially for Mingcheng, whom old Chen and others frequently helped by preparing special dishes.

When Wang Qian learned that only eight people from their junior high school had been admitted to the county’s high school last year, she couldn’t help but worry for her brother. Unlike her, who had memories from her past life, Mingcheng had advanced through sheer effort, jumping grades slowly. The level of competition for high school entrance exams was as intense as that for civil service exams.

Zhang Lan, concerned about the pressure her son might be feeling, never inquired about his grades. Instead, she occasionally helped Hao Lianchun prepare some delicacies for him.

As Mingcheng was about to take his entrance exam, Wang Qian had a question. “Mom, will brother take the high school entrance exam here in the countryside or in the city?”

Zhang Lan had already asked Mingcheng this question. In the past, teachers from the countryside would come to monitor the exams, but this year, things had changed. Students were required to go to the city for the exams. The school had also sought the students’ opinions. Those with relatives in the city could stay with them, while those without had to pay for the school’s arrangement.

“We’ll go to the county for the exams. I’m thinking of having your brother stay in your grandmother Zuo’s hoyse. Staying in a hotel isn’t as comfortable as being at home. It will also be good for your elder brother to have some company. I’ll go there to cook for them. It will only be for a couple of days, so it won’t be too long,” Zhang Lan said, determined to accompany her son for the exam. Wang Qian had no objections to this plan, as having an adult to look after her brother would ensure he could focus on the exam.

“Mom, you can take the vegetables from me. At least it will help provide some nutrition for brother and the others,” Wang Qian said.

While Mingcheng and the others were taking their exams, Wang Qian still had to attend classes. She dared not skip classes this time, but she did contribute vegetables from her space, which not only saved money but also provided tasty food for her brother.

The next day at work, Zhang Lan shared her plan with Wang Juan, resolving Wang Juan’s major issue. “Sister, that’s great! I feel much more at ease having you to look after them. Our Mingshan may not study as well as Mingcheng, but at least he’s put in a lot of effort. Even if he doesn’t get to pass the exam, just being there and take it is meaningful,” said Wang Juan.

Like all parents, Wang Juan hoped for the best for her children. She too wished for a miracle, but that was ultimately up to fate.

When Mingcheng filled out his college preferences, he chose exclusively high schools. Many students at their school applied to vocational schools since there were no more exams after high school. At this time, the college entrance examination had not yet been reinstated, but Mingcheng was confident in its restoration, especially after his sister’s encouraging words. The day before their departure to the city, Zhang Lan brought along a large bag filled with vegetables and even took a hen from the house for the two of them to ensure they didn’t go without during their stay.

Wang Juan only felt at ease once she saw them off at the station. It was the first time for Wang Mingshan to go to the city. Sitting in the car, he looked around excitedly, while Mingcheng had already closed his eyes to rest.

The contrast between the calm demeanor of the elder son and the lively nature of the elder nephew was stark. Zhang Lan gently embraced her son, who sat quietly by her side.

After the excitement subsided, Wang Mingshan began to feel uncomfortable. “Auntie, I feel sick in my stomach, and I feel like I’m going to be sick,” he said.

At that moment, Zhang Lan felt extremely fortunate to have followed her daughter’s advice and obtained some pills from Ye Zhichun. The pills came in handy as soon as they boarded the car. “Mingshan, take this medicine. You’ll feel better soon. You’re probably experiencing motion sickness,” she reassured him.

After taking the medicine, Wang Mingshan quieted down. Seeing her nephew calm down, Zhang Lan felt relieved. Having him vomit in the car would have been quite unpleasant.

After getting off the car, Wang Mingshan still felt a bit woozy, but he was getting better. Once he was on solid ground, he felt much more comfortable than being in the car.

“Mom, you and big brother can go back first. I’ll go check out the area and see the school where the exam will take place. We can’t afford to go to the wrong place tomorrow,” Mingcheng suggested.

Although Zhang Lan wanted to accompany her son, she still had a lot of things to carry, and her nephew wasn’t familiar with the area. “Mingcheng, how about this afternoon? I’ll go with you to take a look. You’re not familiar with the place, so it’s better not to go alone and risk getting lost.”

Mingcheng, with a confident smile, replied, “Mom, I’ve already noted the location from my last visit. I won’t get lost. Besides, I’ll be living and studying here in the future. You can’t always accompany me. You take big brother home and prepare dinner. I’ll be back soon.”

Watching her son walk away, Zhang Lan suddenly felt that her child had grown up and no longer needed her constant concern.

Upon arriving at the Zuo family’s small courtyard with Wang Mingshan, they found that it had been tidied up a few days ago, so it only needed a quick wipe.

Wang Mingshan, visiting for the first time, looked around with curiosity. “Aunt, this courtyard is so small, and the house is tiny. It’s not as big as our house.”

It was his first time in the city, and he didn’t realize that the Zuo family’s small courtyard was already quite nice. Many families in the city had three generations living together in a single house.

“Wang Mingshan, why don’t you lie down on the kang for a while? I’ll tidy up first, and then I’ll prepare lunch for you,” Zhang Lan suggested.

Wang Mingshan shook his head. Despite feeling a bit queasy from the car ride, he wasn’t too tired. “Aunt, I’m fine. I just need to sit for a bit, and I can help with the cleaning. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can have our meal. I’ve been craving the food you make,” he said eagerly.

Recovered and eagerly anticipating a meal, Wang Mingshan couldn’t help but feel hungry. After all, his aunt had brought a whole chicken for them to enjoy.

At noon, when Mingcheng returned, Zhang Lan had already prepared the meal, and the entire courtyard was filled with an enticing aroma. Wang Mingshan had been salivating over the food, but they had to wait until Mingcheng arrived.

“How did it go, Mingcheng? Did you check out the exam venue?” Zhang Lan asked, concerned.

Mingcheng nodded. “Yes, I’ve seen it. It’s a bit far from where we live, but if we leave early, there shouldn’t be a problem. Also, could you bring us a bottle of water tomorrow, just in case, as it’s hot out,” he suggested.

Zhang Lan agreed, as she had heard her daughter mention this before. “Okay, after you finish your meal, rest at home for a bit. I’ll buy some fruit for you later.”

The next morning, Zhang Lan woke up early to prepare breakfast for the two children. She cooked steamed buns and porridge, served each of them two eggs, and added two side dishes of pickled vegetables. She also packed some pills, water, and two peaches into their bags.

Before leaving, Mingcheng asked his elder cousin to double-check that he had all his exam materials and his admission ticket.

Watching Wang Mingshan pack his bag, Zhang Lan felt reassured and then left for the exam venue with the two boys.