Chapter 80: The First Victory of the Local Team

Jiang An’an enjoyed the couple’s warm inquiries. Once their mood settled down, she pulled the timid Dayi forward: “Chun Zhi, send my regards to my parents.”

Realizing she had just changed her name, Jiang Chun Zhi obediently took a few steps forward, knelt on the ground, and knocked her head on the floor. Too nervous, she blurted out, “Dad, good! Mom, good!”

Jiang An’an: “…”

Lin Meiru & Jiang De Gui: “…”

Suddenly becoming a father/mother at their age!

Jiang De Gui was so shocked by the honest kneeling that his mind went blank, stammering, “N-No need for such great courtesy, child, please get up.”

Someone nearby joked, “Oh! Lin Meiru has given birth to another daughter.”

Lin Meiru couldn’t let outsiders laugh at her, hands on her hips, she retorted, “Jealous? Go home and find your wife to roll in bed and have one! My Chun Zhi will work in the factory like her sister An’an in the future and earn money for me to spend.”

Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Jiang Chun Zhi seriously promised, “In the future, I’ll earn a lot of money for Sister An’an and for Mom and Dad.”

This child always put Jiang An’an first and was very grateful. Instead of being angry, Lin Meiru felt even happier.

“Let’s go home; I’ll make you both some egg soup, and your dad can wait here for the pork to be divided.”

The three of them walked home affectionately.

Jiang De Gui felt aggrieved.

But Jiang De Gui didn’t dare to say a word.

“Where did your Chun Zhi come from, anyway?” Once Lin Meiru, the fierce tigress, left, Zhu Pozi could no longer suppress her gossiping heart and boldly approached, sharing a handful of sunflower seeds with Jiang De Gui.

Seeing her so eager to know, Jiang De Gui readily launched into the story: “Chun Zhi’s biological parents were actually martyrs who fought against bandits…”

By the time the gossip spread everywhere, Jiang An’an realized her father was blowing smoke, and clarifying it was evidently useless.

The benefit was that the villagers, both adults and children, accepted Chun Zhi without any prejudice. Whenever the older kids came to play with Chun Zhi, she always found a way to include Duo Bao.

Over time, Duo Bao began to speak more and became much livelier.

Jiang Shulan noticed this and, in return for kindness, made a new outfit for Chun Zhi, moving the little girl to tears, who exclaimed that she wanted to learn skills from her older sister.

Life at home was warm and harmonious, but that’s not the focus right now.

At this moment, Jiang An’an felt very troubled: “Comrade Wu secretly ran home this morning?”

Her brow twitched; silly girl, isn’t this just… throwing herself into the net!

Little Comrade Wu wouldn’t be in danger; the trouble caused by Wu Lingyu hadn’t been resolved, and Dong Feng would definitely not let Clan Leader Wu make another mistake.

But now, while she could escape the death penalty, the living punishment would be hard to avoid. Why would Little Comrade Wu think poorly and jump back into the wolf’s den?

Sigh!

My head hurts!

After finally getting a break, I still have to be forced to work overtime; is this the responsibility of a Women’s Federation officer?

Jiang An’an felt the weight on her shoulders, so she decided to wait until after she finished this pig-killing meal before gathering the strength to go rescue the beauty.

“An’an.”

Luo Jiawang hurried over, looking serious.

Recently, many strangers had come to the village, always inquiring about the investigation team. Some people even tried to force their way into the mountains during the heavy snow, only to be tied up and brought back down by the villagers.

If someone died in the territory of the Nanxi Brigade, he, as the brigade leader, would be done for.

“Did the commune leaders let you know if this investigation team is really here to mine?” Luo Jiawang’s brows were deeply furrowed, clearly having heard some rumors.

Jiang An’an held the fragrant egg soup, smiling as she said, “No matter what the investigation team’s purpose is, we just need to do our part. The commune has already issued a statement to clarify the rumors, and the documents will reach each brigade in the next few days.”

“Besides, would the investigation team let rumors spread unchecked? They’ll surely find a way to address it.”

Luo Jiawang felt relieved; he didn’t have to run to the commune anymore, proving the benefits of having connections.

He looked around, unable to contain his curiosity, and lowered his voice to ask, “Do you know which brigade the mobile little red flag is going to?”

Jiang An’an shook her head.

Luo Jiawang wasn’t disappointed.

Having resolved a major issue, he visibly relaxed and casually praised Lin Meiru: “Do you remember the coal poisoning incident at Liu Ergu’s home?

Liu’s daughter-in-law stole two dollars from a member of the investigation team and refused to return it. Your mother, along with Zhu Pozi and a group of old ladies, made her confess on the spot and return the money.

These old ladies called themselves the grassroots Women’s Federation team and had a catchy slogan: ‘Unite women’s strength, build a dream home!’”

With the team making good progress, Jiang An’an genuinely felt happy for her mother.

After Luo Jiawang left, she called a family meeting, focusing on praising Comrade Lin Meiru.

But then she shifted her tone: “Using violence is not advisable. You’re now an organized and recognized woman comrade, and you should try to resolve issues in a civilized way.”

Lin Meiru’s cheeks were flushed, and her chest was filled with uncontrollable emotions.

At that moment, she seemed to understand the great ideals in her daughter’s heart; fighting for women’s revolutionary causes could indeed be such a fulfilling thing!

Jiang De Gui felt a pang of jealousy: “Is there no Women’s Federation organization?”

He also wanted to show off like his wife!

Jiang An’an suddenly had a new idea: “Dad can try hard to develop some strong men as the support for the small team. With a mix of men and women working together, we can truly transform the Nanxi Brigade into an advanced brigade.”

Recently, Jiang De Gui had been listening to his wife recite the law every day and had memorized quite a bit himself. He confidently patted his chest and assured, “You can count on me!”

“What about me?” Chun Zhi asked.

Duo Bao also looked up anxiously.

Jiang An’an squatted down, putting an arm around each child: “In a while, you’ll have an important task to read stories to your friends.”

Education starts from a young age; children are the main force for development and change.

The two kids had a heavy responsibility.

Duo Bao’s eyes suddenly lit up.

“Uncle Wen is drawing…”

Just as he mentioned it, Wen Hao came over holding a plate of sketchbooks: “I hope I didn’t disappoint.”

He brought over some warm ginger tea, and the strong ginger flavor quickly warmed him up.

While Jiang An’an was checking the results, he shared his thoughts: “I can contact the publisher to print it as soon as possible, and distribute it to the advanced brigades as a reward from the commune before New Year’s Eve. This way, it can also be sold before the holiday to fund next year’s Women’s Federation activities.”

This would solve two major problems at once.

Jiang An’an generously praised him: “Comrade Wen Hao, your idea is fantastic. Once this is done, I’ll immediately apply for a quota from above.”

Wen Hao’s ears turned red from shyness.

“That’s great! Since you’re not very strong, it’s best if you don’t do farm work next year. Sitting in the office would be much better,” Lin Meiru said with a big smile, genuinely proud of Wen Hao.

Wen Hao replied, “Aunt Lin, I want to buy a bicycle. Can you accompany me to the county tomorrow and help me find a publisher to print the sketchbook?”

Lin Meiru readily agreed, “No problem! Just in time, my third daughter is about to have her full-month celebration, so I need to prepare some gifts.”

After saying this, the couple cautiously looked towards Jiang An’an.