In the past, when food supplies were sufficient, many urban residents preferred buying refined grains, such as flour and rice. Flour could be used to make dumplings or noodles, making it a popular choice. However, typically, only 30-40% of the allocated rations could be used to buy refined grains, with the remainder exchanged for coarse grains.

For example, 10 pounds of refined grain coupons could be converted into 30 pounds of coarse grains. Under these conditions, an individual’s ration of about 30 pounds per month could stretch to 60-70 pounds if mostly coarse grains were chosen.

This was sufficient for families with children and the elderly, especially in rural areas, to scrape by.

However, during times of famine, reduced rations left even urban residents struggling to eat enough. People prioritized quantity over quality, often trading refined grains for coarse grains just to fill their stomachs.

National grain coupons worked differently. Unlike local coupons, they weren’t tied to a specific quota. In normal times, holding national grain coupons meant you could buy any grain you wanted, with the exchange rate calculated accordingly. But during a famine, when everyone sought coarse grains, families like the Luo family—who hadn’t frequently bought grain before—were unsure how far Luo Cheng’s 50-pound coupon allocation could stretch.

If Luo Cheng were still serving in the army, particularly in the logistics and procurement department, he might have had access to military grain coupons, also called military grain certificates. These had no restrictions on refined or coarse grains and allowed purchases based solely on market ratios. However, they were region-specific. Since Luo Cheng had retired, he received national grain coupons instead.

National grain coupons were highly valued because they allowed unrestricted purchases. Even during a famine year, you could buy whatever grain you wanted without limitation. This flexibility made them extremely rare at the local level. For example, in Longyang Town, even government officials typically couldn’t obtain a single national grain coupon unless there was a special reason.

The town’s grain station was located near the main road leading to Yian, making it accessible by vehicle. It had designated public service areas for selling and purchasing grain, while the storage warehouses remained off-limits to most people.

Due to the famine, the grain station was heavily guarded. Few townspeople or villagers came to buy grain since most lacked coupons. When people did come, they usually used up their entire ration quota in a single visit.

When Luo Cheng arrived with his father Luo Wen and younger brother, they were immediately questioned. Upon learning they were from a local brigade and had come to purchase grain, the grain station staff called for an accountant to assist them.

“You’re using national grain coupons? Is your son a retired soldier? Do you have proof of his service?”

Seeing the national grain coupons, the staff were astonished. Such coupons were almost unheard of in rural areas, but they recognized their value.

Technically, national grain coupons didn’t require proof of service. Refusing to honor them would be akin to refusing legal currency, a serious offense. However, the staff’s questions weren’t meant to obstruct but rather to offer some consideration to the local residents.

“Comrade, here’s my discharge certificate for you to review.”

Luo Cheng always carried his discharge certificate. In an era without ID cards, travelers often needed letters of introduction, and those with jobs carried work permits. For retired soldiers, discharge certificates served as their primary identification and were widely recognized.

“Comrade, just so you know, once these national grain coupons are used, we cannot return them.”

The staff treated Luo Cheng with respect, both because of the coupons and his status as a retired soldier. They explained this to ensure he wouldn’t regret using the coupons, as they would be immediately forwarded to higher authorities upon collection.

“I understand,” Luo Cheng replied without hesitation. He had no other use for the coupons—his priority was buying grain for his family and relatives during the famine. However, he set aside a few pounds’ worth for emergencies, such as buying vegetarian buns for his grandmother.

Seeing Luo Cheng’s decisiveness, the staff assured him they’d provide a bit more grain than the standard exchange rate, out of respect for his service. They hinted that rules could be flexible; if he didn’t require an official receipt, they could offer him 60 pounds’ worth instead of the standard 50.

This arrangement involved a bit of under-the-table maneuvering. The grain station would internally account for the excess using local or regional grain coupons, effectively subsidizing the extra amount.

Luo Cheng and his father opted to forgo the receipt. After all, what mattered was the grain itself. The grain station even allowed them to choose their preferred types of grain.

With 50 pounds of national grain coupons, Luo Cheng could buy 60 pounds of refined grains, 180 pounds of coarse grains, or a mix. Sweet potatoes were also available at a rate of 5 pounds per pound of coarse grain, but there was a limit to prevent hoarding. Households could exchange up to 5 pounds of coarse grain for 25 pounds of sweet potatoes per ration book.

Since Luo Cheng didn’t have a ration book and was using national grain coupons, the grain station made a rare exception. They allowed him to exchange a portion of his coupons for 150 pounds of sweet potatoes while restricting the remainder to other grains to ensure fairness for other buyers.

After some discussion, the Luo family settled on a mix:

150 pounds of sweet potatoes

5 pounds of rice

5 pounds of white flour

The rest in cornmeal, millet, and soybeans, per Luo Wen’s preference for coarse grains to stretch their supply.

Their three bags couldn’t hold all the grain, so they purchased large sacks from the grain station, each capable of holding over 100 pounds.

Many people from older generations likely lived on sweet potatoes during this era. While eating them every day might sound monotonous, having enough food at all was a blessing. During desperate times, people even resorted to eating roots and bark to survive.