Chapter 49: The Reporter Arrives

Luo Jiawang chimed in, “How is that possible? The weather has been good for the past few years, and thanks to the good leadership of the secretary and the director, we have had enough grain every year, and the fat pigs are big and good.”

The other brigade leaders nodded in agreement.

Then someone asked, “What are we lacking in our commune?”

Jiang An’an held up a finger, “We lack the spirit of reform, we lack a sense of spirit!”

Everyone looked at each other, confused.

“The Hongguang Commune responded to the call for reform and spontaneously established a brick factory. This spirit has given the commune members a rosy complexion, they even walk with their heads held high. I heard they are expanding the factory this year.”

Jiang An’an continued to administer the strong medicine, “We are all members of Yunzhou County, don’t you want to be outdone year after year? I, for one, am not satisfied!”

“Not satisfied! They just have a brick factory, what’s so great about that?”

“But we don’t have any factories, how can we compare to them?”

“Listen to what Jiang An’an has to say, she must have a way!”

“Yes, Cadre Jiang, quickly tell us how to win against the Hongguang Brigade, we’ll listen to you.”

In just ten minutes, the brigade leaders’ attitude towards Jiang An’an had undergone a dramatic change, leaving Gao Xiuhua and Chen Xingtong speechless.

Jiang An’an didn’t beat around the bush, she said righteously, “Chairman Mao said that women can hold up half the sky, an advanced commune must follow the party and listen to the party, have a spirit of reform and innovation, and be a pioneer in promoting civilized customs.

The Hongguang Commune has reformed its productive forces, while our Red Flag Commune has reformed its ideology and politics, eliminated old systems and feudalism. Everyone here, you are the pioneers who dare to fire the first shot in Yunzhou County to “guarantee women’s rights”!”

“Well said!”

A loud round of applause came from behind.

The reporters arrived late.

“You must be Comrade Jiang An’an? You are truly a woman who is not inferior to men, your ideological awareness is high.” The middle-aged man who spoke had a receding hairline, wore a faded Zhongshan suit, had dark skin, and his face was wrinkled with the marks of time.

He looked old, but his eyes were bright and sharp, radiating a piercing light.

Gao Xiuhua was surprised, “Editor Wen, why did you come in person?”

She blushed with excitement, this was a big shot she had only seen in the newspaper!

Wen?

After the initial shock, Jiang An’an’s smile deepened. Before sending out the invitations, she had done some research and learned that the editor-in-chief of the provincial official authority newspaper was indeed surnamed Wen, a former military man and a local cadre at the county level, his influence was much higher than in later generations.

Originally, she had invited every reporter with a broad net approach, sending out copies to reporters in the city, province, and even the capital, but she didn’t expect to catch the editor-in-chief of the provincial newspaper!

“Thank you for your recognition, the Women’s Federation is moving forward with the strength and courage of women, it’s all thanks to Director Gao and the commune leaders.” Jiang An’an said modestly.

Hearing this, the leaders who were praised all smiled.

Editor Wen looked deeply at the young woman, her face still youthful, full of vigor, but she was already a seasoned professional in her dealings with people, no wonder she could write such thought-provoking articles and say such inspiring words.

“Did we come too late? Did the lecture end?” Editor Wen explained, “The car broke down on the way, it took us a lot of time.”

As soon as he said this, the eyes of all the cadres and commune members turned to Jiang An’an again, she had actually invited a reporter.

The Red Flag Commune was going to be reported, what a great honor!

Chen Xingtong quickly chimed in, “Although we missed the lecture this time, the young intellectuals present have recorded the content and can provide materials. Editor Wen, why don’t you stay at the commune for two days, tomorrow there will be a legal education lecture by the Public Security Bureau, and the day after tomorrow we will attend the evening party with the people.”

Editor Wen nodded.

“By the way, Cadre Jiang, your article published in the Capital Newspaper has been successfully published. Especially the sentence “Women are challenging traditional gender roles and prejudices with their strength and courage” is very brilliant.” He took out a newspaper and a brown paper-wrapped manuscript fee from his briefcase and handed it to Jiang An’an.

There was a loud gasp from the crowd.

Jiang An’an had expected this, but seeing her name printed in the newspaper, she still felt a surge of excitement.

The article was published in the center of the newspaper, it was hard to miss. This newspaper came at the right time, not only could it completely shut down all the divorce rumors, but it could also provide support for the upcoming rural visits.

“My goodness, this is the Capital Newspaper, An’an, you’re amazing.” Gao Xiuhua gave her a thumbs up, the article also mentioned that the director of the Yunzhou County Women’s Federation helped enthusiastically, and she felt a surge of pride.

Chen Xingtong was once again grateful that he had never targeted Jiang An’an, no, Secretary Zhang had already offended her thoroughly for him.

“The General Newspaper highly praised Comrade Jiang Shulan’s revolutionary spirit and specially asked me to deliver a ceramic jar, is Comrade Jiang Shulan here?” Editor Wen looked around.

Soon, Jiang Shulan was pushed out by the commune members, her expression was still dazed. She subconsciously looked at her younger sister, who gave her an encouraging look, and she felt inexplicably reassured.

Holding the brand new ceramic jar, Jiang Shulan straightened her back and replied, borrowing the words from her speech, “I am not only doing this for myself and my child, but also to set an example for all women.”

Luo Jiawang’s eyes widened, that was the ceramic jar he had been longing for! He decided that he would launch a legal education campaign in his brigade as soon as he got back.

Editor Wen clapped, “Director Chen, the direction of reform in your Red Flag Commune this year is very good, the commune members’ thinking is progressive, good!”

Chen Xingtong’s mouth stretched to his ears.

“Editor Wen, why don’t we go to the auditorium to look at the manuscripts now?” Gao Xiuhua suggested.

Mentioning business, Editor Wen nodded immediately and left with her.

After the reporters left, Chen Xingtong said to the dumbfounded brigade leaders, “Go back, the higher authorities attach great importance to this reform, anyone who dares to hold back will be punished!”

The brigade leaders were full of enthusiasm, they couldn’t wait to go back, their feet flew quickly, and they disappeared in a flash.

“Cadre Jiang!”

Chen Xingtong called out to Jiang An’an, and said dryly, “I never intended to make things difficult for you.”

Jiang An’an lightly hummed and nodded, “Secretary Yang told me that Director Chen sometimes has a stubborn temper, but he is honest, kind, and principled.”

Chen Xingtong: ?

“Secretary Yang actually praised me?”

Jiang An’an looked righteous, “Yes, Secretary Yang often says that as long as it’s for the benefit of the commune, even if he asks Director Chen to be responsible for the rural inspection of the brigades below, he is willing to do it. He is a down-to-earth person who serves the people.”

Just as Secretary Jin and Secretary Yang walked over together, Chen Xingtong straightened his back, his mouth moving faster than his brain, “That’s right, I’ll take charge of the rural inspection, and I will definitely strongly encourage the commune members to strengthen their legal education.”

He couldn’t let Yang have all the good things, he wanted to show the county magistrate who was the real doer in the Red Flag Commune!