Chapter 38

Mid-August, 1958.

It had been a full month since Xu Wanchun took the college entrance exam.

September was just around the corner, but her admission letter still hadn’t arrived.

Rumors started spreading around the village. Even Xu Hehua, as her mother, was beginning to panic.

Not that she doubted her daughter’s ability—she just worried something beyond their control had happened.

Like a lost test paper. Or worse—someone changing names, maliciously replacing her.

Even though her mind was filled with worst-case scenarios, and she often spent sleepless nights tossing and turning, Xu Hehua never let her daughter see her panic.

In contrast, Xu Wanchun herself was as calm as an old dog.

Because she knew very well: the delay was due to the intense political screening during this sensitive period.

She’d even read a report in later years saying some students didn’t get their admissions until a month after classes started, all because of the political review.

Right now was only mid-August. It wasn’t even late yet.

Besides, she still had to pass the medical exam before getting the official admission letter.

But judging from the timing, it should be soon…

So instead of worrying, she was already thinking about going into the hills in the afternoon to gather herbs again, even as she joined the elders for a communal lunch.

Once she left for Shanghai, carefree herb-picking like this would be impossible.

Oh—and she had to remind her mother to continue bartering for dried vegetables in the village.

Like daikon, wood ear mushrooms, matsutake, porcini… Though most could only be stored for a year or so.

Still, with enough stock, she and the elders wouldn’t go hungry during the tough three years ahead.

“…Hey, did you guys hear? The Liming Production Team claims their autumn harvest yield is 3,000 jin per mu. Should we tell the old Secretary we’ll report 3,500?”

“No way. The old Secretary will never agree. Just report the real number.”

“But if we end up at the bottom of the commune, we’ll be publicly criticized. That’d be so embarrassing.”

“Why are you so worried? The Secretary’s the one in charge.”

“Exactly. Come on, let’s just eat. Communal meals are the best—you can eat till you’re full…”

No matter the era, food always sparked the most enthusiasm.

In just a short while, several groups of villagers passed by the four of them.

But their conversations left a bad taste.

Xu Hehua couldn’t help but grumble, “Always trying to cut corners. No wonder people are working less and less.”

Su Nan didn’t know how to respond. She simply patted her friend in comfort.

Xu Wanchun said nothing either—but in her heart, she consoled herself: At least once I’m in Shanghai, I won’t have to see this nonsense anymore…

The communal mess hall used to be the Xu family’s ancestral hall.

Built with pooled funds from the entire Xu clan, it was one of the few decent brick-and-tile buildings in the village.

Now, it served as a dining area.

The four of them joined the queue with bowls in hand.

Whether while waiting or getting their food, Xu Wanchun remained the center of attention.

The villagers were simple and honest folk—most didn’t bother hiding their feelings.

Some, soft-hearted, looked at her with pity.

Others, jealous and small-minded, gathered to gossip, casting glances her way from time to time.

Their faces practically screamed, We’re talking behind your back.

Xu Wanchun didn’t really mind, but the adults with her felt awful.

Su Nan, carrying her food, suggested, “Why don’t we just eat at home?”

Before Xu Wanchun could respond, they heard urgent hoofbeats outside the mess hall.

Half a month ago, Xu Limin had become the new militia captain. He now rode up on horseback and shouted loudly, “Peach Blossom! You passed! You got into college! The commune’s Party Secretary came in person—they’re waiting to take you to the military department for your physical!”

In an instant, the entire hall fell silent—so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Because she’d been mentally prepared, Xu Wanchun quickly responded, “I’ll go after I finish eating.”

But Xu Limin wouldn’t have it. Face darkened from the sun, he strode over, “My dear auntie, the Secretary’s still waiting.”

Alright then… Xu Wanchun slid her bowl toward her frozen mother. “Mom, take this home for me. I’ll be back soon.”

With that, she calmly followed Uncle Limin out the door.

When the sound of hooves rang out again outside, the previously silent dining hall instantly exploded into a flurry of excitement!

“She passed! Peach Blossom really got into college!”

“Goodness me, I was just thinking earlier that maybe she didn’t do well, since the admission letter was taking so long. I was wondering if I should find a way to comfort our little Dr. Xu!”

“She’s the first college student from our village!”

“What do you mean from our village? She’s the first from the whole region!”

“That’s not true. I heard Dr. Cao’s boy is also a college student, so Peach Blossom would be the second.”

“Nonsense. Dr. Cao isn’t even from our village.”

“Exactly! Dr. Cao was just staying in our village for a while—he came and went as he pleased. Didn’t the army take him away to be a military doctor back in March?”

Indeed, after obtaining his Western medicine certification, Cao Xiu had contacted his older brother for help connecting him to the right people. By March of that year, he had already successfully relocated to Shanghai for his new post.

Su Nan and Wu Yuzhen hadn’t gone with him. They wanted to stay and support Xu Wanchun through her college entrance exam.

Now, they were just waiting for the girl to pass the physical exam and receive her admission letter so they could reunite with their loved one in Shanghai.

Thinking about this, the smile on Su Nan’s face grew even wider. She patted her best friend, who was now tearing up from happiness, and whispered, “Come on, before everyone reacts, let’s slip away.”

Upon hearing that, Xu Hehua instinctively glanced at the now-boisterous dining hall. Without missing a beat, she picked up her bowl… and snuck out.

By the time the crowd snapped out of their joy and celebration, the trio had already disappeared.

—

On the other side—

Xu Wanchun, riding on Uncle Limin’s horse, quickly arrived at the old Party Secretary’s home.

To her surprise, the commune’s Party Secretary was actually waiting for her at the front gate under the scorching sun.

She dismounted at once, bowing and expressing her thanks with a face full of delighted shock.

Sure enough, the already kind Secretary looked even more pleased, his face glowing with pride as he praised her repeatedly: “You truly are a model young comrade, red-blooded and rooted in the revolution!”

Xu Wanchun was tactful: “It’s all thanks to the excellent guidance of our leaders.”

At this, the Secretary secretly mused, What a sly little fox—why is she studying medicine? She’d be better off in politics!

Of course, none of this showed on the veteran fox’s smiling face. As he took out the telegram, he shared the news: “According to this, you scored the highest in the entire province. After your physical, the province wants to arrange an interview—you’ll be featured in the provincial newspaper. Make sure you’re ready.”

Xu Wanchun wasn’t surprised at all. She nodded cooperatively: “Don’t worry, Secretary. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the selfless support of the commune leaders and the old Party Secretary.”

The meaning behind her words was clear: when it comes time for the interview, she’ll make sure to publicly thank all the right people.

They were both seasoned foxes. Having received the answer he wanted, the Party Secretary became even more genial. After offering a few more words of encouragement, he finally made to leave: “The physical exam is scheduled for the morning after tomorrow. Don’t be late. You should head to town tomorrow.”

Xu Wanchun stood up to see him off. “Thank you, Secretary. I understand.”

The Secretary waved his hand. “No need to see me off…”

Of course she would see him off. The man had braved the sweltering heat and ridden all the way from town on his bicycle.

Xu Wanchun walked with him all the way to the village entrance before finally stopping, only after the Secretary insisted repeatedly.

She stood in place, watching until his figure disappeared from sight, then turned around with the old Party Secretary who had come to see the guest off as well. On the way back, she suggested, “Grandpa, would you like to come to the city with me?”

“A real college student came out of our village!” Old Xu Jingjun, delighted and chewing on his pipe, was taken aback. “Me? What would I go for?”

Xu Wanchun smiled, “They’ll probably take photos for the interview. I was thinking, we could take a family portrait—just the three of us. The article could focus on my mother’s selfless dedication and your guidance and support.”

Top of Form

As she spoke, Xu Wanchun acted as though she hadn’t noticed the old man’s astonished expression and continued, “In these times, things change so quickly. No one knows what tomorrow will look like. If we’re all featured together in a positive piece in the provincial newspaper, it’s bound to offer us a bit more safety.”

Of course, what she didn’t say was that owing such a public favor would, in the future, ensure that after she and her mother left, with the kind of man the old Party Secretary was, as long as the newspaper remained, he would definitely look out for the rest of the Xu family.

Xu Jingjun hadn’t yet grasped the full meaning behind the little girl’s words.

At the moment, he was still dazed from being hit by such a huge surprise.

In the provincial newspaper!
No less than the provincial newspaper!

Only a fool would say no!

Xu Jingjun, shrewd as ever, quickly pieced together the long-term benefits. Overcome with gratitude and emotion, he said, “Grandpa really has to thank our Peach Blossom!”

Xu Wanchun didn’t ask for credit. With a sweet and obedient face, she replied, “It’s nothing. I always remember—it was you who personally went to the Li family village and helped me get the document proving I’d severed ties.”

Xu Jingjun hadn’t thought much of it back then, and he certainly didn’t expect an eight-year-old child to remember it all these years.

He was deeply moved—and, again, filled with a familiar pang of envy… Why should Xu Chunsheng get such a capable granddaughter?

—

Xu Wanchun had no idea the old Party Secretary was turning into a lemon from jealousy.

After seeing him home, she rushed back toward her own house.

She hadn’t gone far when Danggui came bounding up, tail wagging excitedly.

While dodging the big dog’s enthusiastic pounces, Xu Wanchun laughed and ran, the chase bringing her home flushed and sweating.

Inside, Xu Hehua was busy packing her daughter’s things for the trip. When she saw the girl come in with a glowing red face, she scolded with a smile, “You trying to roast yourself, you silly child!”

In front of her family, Xu Wanchun could relax and act childish. She deliberately leaned against her mother and said playfully, “We go through thick and thin together—so let’s sweat it out together too!”

After teasing her mom, she lunged toward her master’s wife, only for Su Nan to yelp and dodge: “Shoo, shoo! Don’t cling to me or I’ll smack you!”

Xu Hehua burst out laughing. “Alright, enough now. Stop bothering your master’s wife. Go eat—you must be starving.”

A bit hungry, Xu Wanchun rubbed her belly and headed to wash her face before the meal.

But just as she stepped out of the main hall, she turned back and said, “Mama, Master’s Wife—you two pack up too. We’re all going to the city together!”

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