Ding Jiachang did not miss the chance to add to the joy of his in-laws.

He was the first to congratulate Fang Dihua and the others.

“Congratulations, in-laws! You’re truly the most prominent figures in our commune.”

Fang Dihua modestly replied, “Oh, it’s nothing. We’re just living our lives normally. It’s the leadership’s kindness.”

She also thanked Ding Jiachang for the grains and oil he had sent.

Ding Jiachang said, “No need for that. The Secretary has invited you, so please go ahead. I’ll find time to have a drink with Old Lu later.”

Upon meeting, Fang Dihua expressed her intention to return the condolence payment to the government.

This was something they had planned from the beginning.

With Lu Shaotang’s return, they intended to return the 800 yuan condolence payment to the government.

Director Qin and the others were taken aback.

They hadn’t expected anyone to be so selfless, willing to return such a substantial amount of money.

It truly demonstrated their advanced mindset!

Director Qin said, “We do have documents regarding Comrade Lu, but there was no mention of the condolence payment.”

The deputy director suggested calling the county to inquire.

Director Qin immediately made a call to the County Revolutionary Committee.

A short while later, after consulting with several leaders, they decided that the condolence payment would be converted into a bonus and still be awarded to Lu Shaotang’s family.

Director Qin relayed this message to Fang Dihua and Lin Shu.

“Eldest sister-in-law, this is now a bonus, not condolence money. It’s a reward for the family. You and Shaotang’s spouse have worked hard.”

After saying this, he even saluted them.

Fang Dihua and Lin Shu quickly returned the salute.

Fang Dihua couldn’t hide her joy and almost burst into laughter.

Her son was safe, and they received an additional 800 yuan as a reward.

How could she not be happy?

Director Qin and others also expressed their gratitude to Lin Shu and the others for their efforts in purchasing the tractors.

Though it seemed that Lin Shu and Lu Da’s relationship with the tractor factory was minor, it was actually Guo Factory Director’s consideration that had helped them secure the approval for four tractors.

Other communes couldn’t even get two.

Director Qin didn’t really believe it was just due to his own influence; it was thanks to their relationships.

The bicycle reward seemed relatively minor compared to this.

Lin Shu humbly replied that it was all thanks to the leadership and the support of the commune members.

If they hadn’t actively paid the grain tax, they wouldn’t have been able to apply for the tractors.

While they were chatting enthusiastically, Secretary Jing hurriedly arrived on his bicycle, carrying a load of pork on the backseat and handlebars.

Today, the commune’s slaughtering team had distributed pork, and Secretary Qin had instructed his secretary to deliver the meat to the key contributors.

The festive atmosphere continued as everyone celebrated their achievements and the unexpected rewards.

He wanted to take some back as rewards for the Lu family.

Five pounds of pork belly, half a rack of ribs, ten pounds of pork, and some pig offal.

In total, it was about forty pounds of meat, including bones and meat.

Fang Dihua was delighted and couldn’t stop smiling. As long as it wasn’t illegal, she was happy with any reward.

Fang Dihua called over Lu Dage and Lu Da to carry it.

Lu Dage was a bit reluctant to carry it, fearing it would affect his dignity and reputation.

Fang Dihua shot him a glance, and he obediently packed the meat into bags and carried them on his shoulder.

Before leaving, Lin Shu couldn’t help but ask Secretary Jing, “Why didn’t my family, Lin Jiacun, win the award for advanced individuals?”

Everyone had come to the commune to watch the event, and many from Lin Jiacun were there.

She had even greeted Zhou Weimin and the others but didn’t see her own family.

Secretary Jing whispered, “Sister-in-law, they were originally on the list, but some leaders felt… well, because of Lin Yue’s divorce, it might not be good for their image. So, they couldn’t be selected for advanced families and individuals. But don’t worry, their rewards are still significant, considering the tractor driver’s great contribution to the autumn harvest.”

Hearing there were still rewards, Lin Shu was fine with it.

She wasn’t after public accolades, but practical benefits.

She thanked Secretary Jing.

Secretary Jing also puffed out his chest proudly, “Sister-in-law, look at my new clothes. Aren’t they impressive?”

These were the clothes Lin Shu had just made a few days ago, so they were indeed impressive.

Lin Shu gave a thumbs up, “Secretary Jing, I hope to attend your wedding next spring.”

He was currently matchmaking.

Secretary Jing smiled, “Thank you for your good wishes.”

After leaving the commune courtyard, they saw the commune members flocking to the market and the supply and marketing cooperative to buy New Year goods.

The market wasn’t too special, mostly just common items like earthenware pots, basins, baskets, and mats.

Some people quietly swapped eggs and grain, but most New Year goods had to be bought from the supply and marketing cooperative.

At this time, the cooperative was packed!

Many people reportedly queued from morning until noon without getting what they wanted.

Fang Dihua felt secretly pleased.

She had anticipated this and had exchanged as many tickets as possible for goods, buying a variety of things early on for the New Year.

They had come on foot, but they were going back with a brand-new bicycle.

Not a bus ticket, but a real, rideable bicycle!

In the biting cold wind, the Lu family was filled with joy and excitement.

Everyone unanimously decided to let Fang Dihua ride the bicycle first.

Panpan was sitting on the front beam of the bicycle, with Tiantian and Xu Xiaoyou sitting behind her.

The three children were on the bicycle, but they created the aura of a jeep, constantly shouting and making noise.

Fang Dihua reminded Panpan, “Be careful not to get a stomachache from all this wind.”

Lu Hehuan discussed with Fang Dihua whether they should get a share of the meat rewarded by the commune.

After all, they had just given meat to the elder sister’s family.

Mother had given the elder sister’s family three ribs and a piece of meat, which made the elder sister’s father very happy.

If she could also bring home a piece of meat, her mother-in-law and Xu Shihua would be pleased.

Fang Dihua replied, “What are you dreaming about? Your elder sister sends grain and oil to the family every month. What have you sent to your family?”

Of course, she didn’t want to give meat to her daughter but didn’t forbid her daughter from bringing Xu Xiaoyou home to eat.

She even hinted that Xu Xiaoyou could bring Lu Hehuan over to eat meat in the coming days.

Zhang Peijin also attended the award ceremony but didn’t win an advanced award.

He used to think it was extremely difficult to be selected as an advanced individual, especially for barefoot doctors, as it seemed nearly impossible for him.

So, he never aspired to it and would always say it was very hard to win, especially if you weren’t connected.

However, Old Lu had been selected in just six months and received such a large reward.

When he returned to the village with the Lu family, he felt a mix of emotions. He envied and admired Old Lu but also felt a tinge of jealousy.

Most of all, he felt admiration and envy.

He had no real medical skills and had only learned how to diagnose common illnesses and prescribe medication during training.

He felt quite insecure about his abilities.

His uncle, Lao Chang, constantly boasted about him being a miraculous doctor, which left him feeling unsure of how to live up to it.

He found that Old Lu had the demeanor of an elder, was dignified, didn’t speak out of turn, and subtly gave him advice.

Once, Zhang Peijin prescribed the wrong medicine, and Old man Lu quietly reminded him.

Although the medication wouldn’t harm anyone and the commune members didn’t know any better, Zhang Peijin still felt uneasy and later took the initiative to learn from Old Lu.

Old man Lu was a generous person who taught him everything he knew without reservation.

Now, Zhang Peijin’s medical skills have greatly improved compared to before.

A doctor doesn’t need to be omnipotent; being skilled in one area can be impressive.

Zhang Peijin felt he should continue learning from Old Lu to strive for being recognized as an advanced individual through his own abilities.

When they returned to the village…

Just as they were heading home, they happened to run into Old Lu, who was returning.

Seeing all the prizes, Old Lu laughed heartily.

He immediately took a teacup from his grandson’s hands and handed it to Zhang Peijin, saying with a smile, “Dr. Zhang, we’re colleagues. My recognition as advanced also has your contribution. Here, this teacup is for you.”

Zhang Peijin was taken aback.

He felt undeserving of such kindness.

Usually, he helped Old Lu see some patients, and Old Lu would share the consultation fees with him.

Old Lu even reserved some of the visiting opportunities for him, allowing him to earn more.

He had always benefited from Old Man Lu’s generosity, and now, even though Old Lu was receiving an award, he still shared the prize with him.

He was deeply touched.

After the Lu family left, Old Chang scolded his nephew angrily, “He’s trying to buy you off, suppress you, and humiliate you. And you think it’s a good thing?”

Zhang Peijin replied, “Uncle, he gave me a teacup and shared his prize. How is that humiliation? If that’s humiliation, then let everyone in the world humiliate me.”

He didn’t mind receiving money or things; he actually liked it.

Old Chang was furious.

…

Lu Shaocai, who had been peeking over the wall, immediately began to wail, “Mother—”

The arriving secretary scolded, “Stop your wailing! Be quiet!”

The team leader also yelled at Lu Shaocai to shut up.

Lu Shaocai was so angry he almost fell off the wall.

He went back to the house, playing dead, and had Zhao Meifeng send a telegram to the capital, claiming he was about to die.

…

When Lin Shu and the others returned home, they were all in high spirits.

Fang Dihua said to Lin Shu, “Let’s cook the meat right away instead of curing it. Around the twentieth of the twelfth month, we’ll also slaughter a pig for the New Year. There’ll be plenty of meat to eat.”

After a whole year of hard work, these few days were eagerly awaited.

Let the family enjoy!

The children cheered happily.

Lu An even rolled on the ground in excitement, startling Lu Ping into quickly picking him up, as his clothes got dirty.

Lin Shu quickly poured some warm water to wash her hands, cut up the meat, and froze part of it.

The bones, ribs, and offal would be eaten in the next few days.

After they slaughtered the pig, they would make some cured meat and sausages to last until the next grain harvest.

The grain harvest was always exhausting, so having some meat for the family was the best.

Since every household was slaughtering pigs at the end of the year, Fang Dihua decided not to send meat to her parents’ home but to keep it for their own use.

After a year of hard work, they deserved to have a good feast.

Lu Er’s eyes gleamed.

Her family needed money this year due to high expenses, and her parents had decided to sell both pigs to the commune, not slaughtering any for themselves.

She hoped that when her family slaughtered their pig, they could give some meat to her parents.

Sending thirty pounds of meat would be enough.

This time, the commune distributed nearly forty pounds.

Giving her family eight or ten pounds… should be acceptable, right?

She tried to hint a few times, “Mother, the commune is quite generous, giving so much meat that we can’t finish it in a day.”

Fang Dihua replied, “If we can’t finish it in a day, it’ll take five days. Even when we slaughter the pigs for the New Year, it won’t be enough. Even if you gave me fifty pounds, I could eat it all!”

She knew exactly what Lu Er was thinking.

She was just deliberately ignoring it.

In the evening, Fang Dihua helped Lin Shu prepare a meal: kelp and potato stew with ribs, fermented bean curd pig trotters.

The fermented bean curd was homemade by Lin Shu.

She also blanched some spinach mixed with dried shrimp.

Spinach and chives can survive the winter in the local climate, so now the garden is bare except for spinach and chives.

However, they can’t be left exposed; they need to be covered with corn stalks or wheat chaff to protect them from the cold and frost, which works fine.

To ensure there would be vegetables for winter, Lin Shu planted a large patch of spinach and chives in early autumn.

She also planted a lot of green onions and garlic earlier, all of which were harvested in early winter.

The green onions were bundled and stored in the cabbage shed, and the garlic was braided and hung on door frames and walls, so they would have sprouted garlic shoots for New Year’s dishes.

This year, their dining table would not be monotonous and would feature a variety of dishes that many city officials’ families wouldn’t have.

Fang Dihua kept Lu Hehuan and Xu Xiaoyou for dinner.