Chapter 19 Sending a Talisman

Jiang Li had just finished cleaning when Peng Zhigang came to call the new educated youth. “I’ll take you to the brigade leader’s house to pay the rent.  Each of you will also receive a 30-kilogram advance of grain.

” New arrivals usually didn’t bring grain; the brigade wouldn’t let them starve, so they would receive an advance.  This grain wasn’t free; they would have to repay it with work points or money later.  Jiang Li and the others followed Peng Zhigang to Li Changping’s house.

  It was a short walk.  Peng Zhigang told Li Changping that three of the new educated youth had rented rooms. Li Changping was delighted; each room cost two yuan, so three rooms were six yuan.  With another old educated youth renting a room, the brigade would earn eight yuan a month. This was a good income for the brigade.

Jiang Li and the others paid the rent.  They would pay monthly. Each new educated youth received 30 kilograms of grain: 10 kilograms of fine grain and 20 kilograms of coarse grain. They could buy more fine grain if they wanted.

 The brigade’s grain prices were reasonable and didn’t require coupons. Jiang Li thought 10 kilograms of fine grain wasn’t enough and bought an additional 20 kilograms of rice and 10 kilograms of flour. Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong did the same.  As they were about to leave, Jiang Li heard worried voices from Li Changping’s house. “Oh, dear, Zhian’s condition is worse. He’s taken fever medicine, but his fever won’t go down.

 What should we do? Should we take him to the hospital? Don’t let him get brain damage.” It was Li Changping’s wife, Wu Meixia.  Zhian was Li Changping’s grandson. The child had been to the commune clinic and was given fever medicine, but his fever hadn’t subsided; it was getting worse.  He might get brain damage.

 Li Changping couldn’t bear to see his grandson suffer.  He decided to take him to the county hospital.  Going to the county would be troublesome and expensive, but the child’s health was most important. Li Changping said, “Quickly bring Zhian out; let’s go to the county hospital.” His son, Li Guobing, and daughter-in-law, Xu Hongmei, carried the child out.

Their faces were pale and tired; they hadn’t slept well worrying about their son.  Except for Jiang Li, the other new educated youth didn’t care and left.

 Seeing Jiang Li staying, Peng Zhigang said, “Jiang Zhiqing, what are you doing?  Aren’t you leaving with us?” Jiang Li said, “You go ahead; I have something to tell the brigade leader.” Peng Zhigang said, “Shall I help you carry some grain?” He wanted to impress Jiang Li. Jiang Li refused. “No, I can carry it myself.

” Peng Zhigang wanted to say that it was a lot of grain; could she carry it? But remembering how she had carried several large packages when she arrived, he didn’t say anything.  Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong looked at Jiang Li but didn’t ask any questions and left.

 After Li Changping’s son and daughter-in-law carried the child out, his wife took their money and coupons.  Jiang Li stopped them. “Brigade leader, wait. I have something to tell you.” Li Changping had a good impression of Jiang Li.

He thought she had a question and said, “Jiang Zhiqing, unless it’s important, tell me later. Ask the other educated youth if you can.” Jiang Li explained, “Brigade leader, it’s about your grandson.” Li Changping was surprised. Jiang Li looked around, then whispered, “Your grandson doesn’t need to go to the county hospital; it’s useless.” Li Changping frowned. Jiang Li explained, “Your grandson isn’t sick; he’s scared.

 Normal medicine won’t work.  I know you don’t believe in these things, but if you trust me, I’ll give you this talisman. Burn it into water and give it to your grandson.” Jiang Li gave him an exorcism talisman.

 “If you don’t believe me, you can take him to the county hospital. If it doesn’t work, use the talisman. Don’t delay his treatment.”