Wensheng immediately beamed, radiating joy. “Mom, am I awesome or what?”

Jiang Lin nodded. “Yes, you are the best.”

Wensheng jumped to the floor, excitedly announcing, “Big Dongsheng, Little Dongsheng, did you hear that? Mom said I am the best!”

Dabao and Xiaobao ran out and hugged his legs tightly. “Big Brother, where did you go? We missed you so much.” Wensheng’s earlier fierce and aggressive demeanor had made him unrecognizable to them.

Wensheng scratched his head, puzzled. “I don’t know either. I think I fell asleep. Did you see me fight the bad guys?”

Dabao and Xiaobao shook their heads. “Mom didn’t let us watch. She said it was scary.”

Wensheng: “Was it scary? I don’t know.”

Jiang Lin intentionally mentioned Cheng Fugui’s name to test him, but Wensheng had no reaction. “Who is that?”

Jiang Lin said, “He’s the big bad guy. You already defeated him. If you hear his name or see him again, it’s just fake.”

Wensheng was unfazed. “Fake, like in a play?”

Jiang Lin nodded. “Yes, really dead. Anything now is just an act, fake.”

Wensheng laughed, then noticed it was dark outside. “Wow, it’s so dark. Did I miss dinner? I’m so hungry.”

Yan Runzhi quickly said, “You went out to play and didn’t come back for dinner. We saved some for you. Come quickly.”

Everyone moved to the dining room and sat at the table with him while he ate.

Wensheng looked around, delighted. “Grandpa, Grandma, Mom… Dad… well, Dad’s out driving. And Big Dongsheng and Little Dongsheng. Our whole family is here. It’s wonderful.”

He smiled like a child, enjoying his meal of salted meat and pancakes, savoring every bite. “This is delicious. I was really hungry.”

Jiang Lin watched him with compassion.

The poor child had worked hard all morning, fainted, and missed two meals.

No wonder he was starving. “Eat slowly.”

After finishing his meal, Wensheng let out a satisfied burp and smiled. “Now I have the energy to perform for you. What should I perform today?”

His eyes sparkled with mischief. “I know, I’ll perform ‘The Tale of Loyalty and Devotion.’ Mom, you give me the cues.”

Jiang Lin had no idea what “The Tale of Loyalty and Devotion” was or what lines to provide, but Wensheng had already started singing on his own. By the end of his performance, he was smiling broadly, singing, “…Never harbor deceitful hearts, for calamity will surely follow. Don’t think there’s no retribution, for vengeance comes seeking its own.”

Listening to the lyrics, Jiang Lin guessed he was singing about Yue Fei and Qin Hui.

Yan Runzhi was clapping along, completely absorbed in the performance.

She had loved opera since she was young, and at the farm, there were some reformed opera singers.

One of them, despite being persecuted, often sang to himself when no one was around.

Both Yan Runzhi and Wensheng had listened to him a lot.

Jiang Lin realized she was the only one who didn’t understand.

Even Dabao and Xiaobao were listening attentively, thoroughly enjoying it.

After a while, Dabao and Xiaobao could repeat the lyrics, but they changed the names to Linlin and Dongsheng.

Jiang Lin: “…”

You two need to stop! What does this story have to do with me?

I’m neither Yue Fei nor Qin Hui.

…

The next day, at the county hospital’s cadre ward.

Cheng Fugui had been taken to the county hospital immediately after being slashed and having half an ear bitten off by Cheng Ruzhou.

He wasn’t in life-threatening condition, but his right arm was severely injured and unlikely to fully recover.

His left ear, though reattached, was permanently damaged.

With his head bandaged and arm in a sling, Cheng Fugui roared like an enraged beast.

The county revolutionary committee had informed him that due to his injuries and disfigurement, his chances of promotion were now slim.

This news infuriated Cheng Fugui, as he had been working hard to secure a promotion and was close to transferring to Ying County as the deputy secretary.

That position would have ensured a respectable retirement.

But now…

Cheng Ruzhou had ruined everything!

Cheng Fuwan said, “Brother, I’ll avenge you and have that brat executed! If it weren’t for that old fool Shang Weiye protecting him, I would have killed him years ago!”

Cheng Fugui replied, “Don’t be rash. What did the county say?”

Cheng Fuwan, deflated, said, “The county didn’t take it seriously. Secretary Zhao held a meeting in the village and said Cheng Ruzhou is normally well-behaved. This time, he was provoked and couldn’t control himself. They told the family to keep a close watch on him, and it won’t happen again.”

Cheng Fugui gritted his teeth in hatred, causing a sharp pain in his head.

Cheng Fuwan said, “Brother, do you think they’re targeting you on purpose? So many veterans come back with injuries and still become cadres, right?”

Cheng Fugui leaned back against the bed rail, disheartened.

How many injured veterans actually get positions in government agencies?

Most are placed in the commune, militia, or public security bureau as errand runners.

Cheng Fuwan kept rambling, “Brother, we have to find a way to get rid of that brat. Who knows when he might try to kill you again?”

Cheng Fugui, enduring the pain, asked, “What did the county say about the old incident?” He was irritated by Jiang Lin bringing up past grievances.

Cheng Fuwan shook his head, “Nothing about that.”

“That’s good. Go to the county public security bureau and make some arrangements. Let them find an excuse to arrest Cheng Ruzhou once things calm down.” He regretted not having dealt with him back then, never expecting their eventual vindication.

They had been too careless.

A few days later, the county sent a message: Cheng Fugui, due to his injury, was deemed unfit for strenuous work and was advised to rest and recuperate.

The deputy secretary would temporarily take over.

The incident with Cheng Ruzhou was considered an accident and would not be pursued further.

Upon hearing this news, Jiang Lin felt completely relieved.

Yan Runzhi happily shut the door, placed three thick cotton sticks in the yard as incense, and had the family take turns to bow in gratitude.

When it was Wensheng’s turn, he joked, “Bowing to the heavens and the earth!” He playfully bowed to Dabao and Xiaobao and then pulled Jiang Lin to bow.

Jiang Lin laughed, “You can only bow to the heavens and the earth with your wife, not with your mother and brothers.”

Dabao and Xiaobao then pulled Wensheng, “Let’s bow. Big brother, you be the wife.”

Jiang Lin then took Wensheng, Dabao, and Xiaobao to the brigade to express their gratitude, showing them Wensheng’s current state to put their minds at ease.

Seeing Wensheng, who now appeared even more childlike than Xiaobao, Cheng Fujun and the others felt a mix of emotions.

They didn’t say much, only ensured the promised money and grain were delivered.

For Cheng Yunzhi, Yan Runzhi, and Cheng Ruzhou, each day they received one and a half pounds of grain with the husk, two ounces of oil, ten yuan a month, one pound of meat per person per month, five pounds of cotton per year, and 15 feet of cloth per year.

Additionally, there was compensation for past property losses, converted into work points.

These work points could be exchanged with the brigade for supplies like grain and firewood.

The brigade doesn’t always slaughter pigs. The meat is bought in the name of the brigade and processed at the commune’s butchery.

They pick it up monthly.

This ensures a livelihood for the three of them even without working.

They have five mu of land.

One mu is near the village with fertile soil, while the other four mu are less fertile, at the foot of the mountain.

Jiang Lin asked the brigade about farming the land, but they didn’t care as long as it wasn’t illegal.

In this season, they can either plow the land for wheat next year’s harvest, or plant vegetables like spinach and chives that can survive the winter.

Jiang Lin, Yan Runzhi, and Cheng Yunzhi discussed what to do with these plots of land, but they had no good ideas.

Cheng Yunzhi thought, besides farming, what else could they do with the land?

They could just grow two crops themselves—wheat or corn.

It’s not profitable to grow vegetables now. Vegetables easily attract pests, and selling them to the cooperative doesn’t earn much money.

Besides, there are plenty of vegetable growers around the county town, so there’s no need to travel far to sell.

Yan Runzhi was even more clueless. She said, “Bao’er’s mother, just do whatever you think. If it doesn’t work out, discuss it with Dongsheng.”

Jiang Lin smiled and said, “Then I’ll make the decision myself. I see there’s a high demand for bricks and tiles right now. Let’s consider starting a business in this.”

Buying bricks and tiles from outside is not only expensive but also inconvenient and costly due to transportation.

If they start their own small factory, burning bricks and making cement tiles, it would be much more convenient.

With just three or four people, they could supply the nearby commune without needing to be large-scale.

Currently, bricks and tiles are in short supply, so they can sell as much as they produce without worrying about excess inventory.

Moreover, it will take several years for large-scale mechanized production to catch up.

Previously, she wanted to start but had no land. Now, with four mu of land at the mountain base, a small factory is feasible.

As for the needed sand, they can fetch river sand nearby.

Cement and coal need to be transported in.

The machinery is simple—brick kilns for bricks don’t require much, but for cement tiles, they need tile-making machines and molds.

Cheng Rushan can handle these technicalities when he returns; she’ll discuss with him and rely on his connections.

With Cheng Rushan’s support, she feels confident that any challenge can be overcome effortlessly.

Of course, they need to discuss with the brigade, get an introduction letter, and then get seals from the commune and county to make it legal, to avoid unnecessary troubles from certain units.

With their family’s rehabilitation and a good relationship with the brigade, and the prospect of solving the village’s housing problem and improving the living standards of the members, the brigade is willing to cooperate.

At the same time, officials from the county came down to investigate Shuihuai Village, preparing to write reports and set up an exhibition room.

The visitors were Zeng Hongjie and another male officer, who were arranged to stay in the courtyard previously lent to the brigade by Jiang Lin’s family.

Due to the brigade’s support for Wensheng, Jiang Lin generously let them continue using the courtyard as a guesthouse, with the brigade responsible for its maintenance.

Zeng Hongjie’s father is a university professor and her mother is a government official.

She received a good education from a young age and has insightful views on culture and art.

While organizing information about the Cheng family, she interviewed several villagers, especially those who knew about the events from earlier years.

She felt it was a pity that many ancient books in the Cheng family were destroyed by fire.

She enjoyed chatting with Cheng Yunzhi and even borrowed articles Cheng Yunzhi wrote about Yunye Lake.

The Cheng family members also liked her, and they cooperated well with her work.

By August 14th, Jiang Lin had accumulated a lot of embroidered items and planned to take them to the county supply and marketing cooperative the next morning, hoping Tao Zhen would help sell them.

She spread them out on the dining table for everyone to admire, including Zeng Hongjie.

Jiang Lin explained some modern embroidery styles to Yan Runzhi, suggesting improvements like satin stitch, thick thread embroidery, and fresh and artistic styles.

Although she wasn’t a professional, Jiang Lin understood what girls liked—everything beautiful, lovely, artistic, and fresh.

Yan Runzhi quickly caught on and taught Mrs. Shang and Qingxing because it was simple and they could produce quickly and well.

A snow-white handkerchief with a cluster of small daisies, bellflowers, or foxtails; a white or light blue vest with a little embroidery—these were enough to delight any girl.

Various small handbags were even more filled with girlish charm.

Zeng Hongjie picked out many items, saying she would take them back to distribute, ensuring she wouldn’t lose out.

Jiang Lin smiled and said, “It’s quite simple. You can try embroidering some yourself.”

Zeng Hongjie raised an eyebrow. “Who has time to embroider? Buying is more practical.”

She pulled out a sketch paper and handed it to Jiang Lin. “It’s for you.”

Jiang Lin glanced at it, surprised to see a drawing of herself. “When did you draw this?”

Zeng Hongjie replied casually, “Just took a glance at you and remembered. Drawing it was easy.”

Jiang Lin smiled and said, “Thank you for the compliment, Ms. Zeng.”

Zeng Hongjie also smiled.

Just then, Wensheng returned with Da Bao and Xiao Bao from outside.

He was strong, carrying one in each arm, all three covered in mud and grass.

Wensheng’s hair was particularly messy, already cut unevenly and now even more disheveled.

Zeng Hongjie propped her chin on her hand, watching Cheng Ruzhou come in.

She had never seen a man like him before, blending innocence and maturity in such a unique way.

He was very handsome, but unmistakably masculine with distinct features like his eyebrows, nose, and lips.

She thought their family was truly blessed by heaven—not only did he have a strong physique, but also handsome looks.

She stared at Wensheng for a bit too long and he noticed, immediately muttering something to Da Bao and Xiao Bao as they went off to the side.

“Is she a witch?” he asked.

Da Bao replied, “She’s Ms. Zeng, a good person, and our ally.”

Xiao Bao added, “She bought Mom’s handkerchiefs and paid for them, she’s a friend.”

Wensheng nodded.

In fact, Zeng Hongjie had visited several times before, but Wensheng wasn’t sensitive to outsiders; even if he saw them many times, he mostly just had an impression.

For those who left a deeper impression, he remembered them slightly better as either “witch” or “ally.”

Zeng Hongjie picked out her favorites, buying about twenty yuan worth this time.

Jiang Lin was used to her generous nature. “Since you gave me a painting, I’ll give you a vest in return.”

Zeng Hongjie shook her head. “No need, these are enough. I gave you the painting just because I thought you looked nice.”

Only now did Wensheng and his sons see the painting, all saying it looked good.

Zeng Hongjie smiled. “You guys look good too. I’ll paint something for you later.”

Wensheng shook his head. “No need, we have photos.”

Zeng Hongjie had taken several photos of him and Jiang Lin, already handing them over.

Wensheng loved them so much he carried them everywhere, afraid someone might steal them.

Yan Runzhi said it was easier to lose them if he brought them along, but keeping them at home in a stable place made them easier to find.

That night, Jiang Lin invited Zeng Hongjie to stay for dinner.

For dinner, Yan Runzhi made scallion oil layered cakes, thick with the aroma of scallion oil and crispy layers, each bite offering a different feeling.

She also fried radish balls, sweet and delicious, making Wensheng and his sons happily clap their hands.

Despite having eaten many delicious dishes, Zeng Hongjie praised Yan Runzhi’s cooking skills endlessly.

She laughed, “Jiang Lin, you’re really lucky.”

Jiang Lin chuckled, realizing how fortunate she was, either by crossing time and space or just good fortune.

She even started to miss Cheng Rushan, wondering what he was doing now.

“Ms. Zeng, please have some more.”

Zeng Hongjie said, “You’re calling me by my name, but you still call me Ms. Zeng? You can call me Xiao Jie.”

When girls called each other by nicknames, it meant they had reached a new level of friendship—they could be called good friends.

After dinner, Jiang Lin took Wensheng and his sons out for a walk.

At the intersection, as they parted ways, Zeng Hongjie glanced at Wensheng and said to Jiang Lin, “Shouldn’t we check on Wensheng’s illness? Can it be cured?”