Chapter 62: Sharing Secrets

Chapter 62: Sharing Secrets

The sky in late autumn is exceptionally high and vast, the stars shining brighter, but it also makes the mountains appear even darker. Strange sounds echo through the forest, somewhat eerie.

However, with Feng Chen by their side, not only was Tang Yuan unafraid, but Ji Hongyue also felt a sense of security.

Feng Chen built a large bonfire outside the cave to keep warm and drive away the cold. They could also roast sweet potatoes, walnuts, pine nuts, and chestnuts.

The nights in late autumn are cold, especially in the mountains, where the front of the body feels warm from the fire while the back remains chilly.

Feng Chen sat behind Tang Yuan, shielding her from the wind. If she got tired or cold, she could lean into his embrace.

Tang Yuan chatted with Ji Hongyue, while Feng Chen helped her crack walnuts and pine nuts.

The three monkeys sat nearby, munching on pine nuts and occasionally chirping, seemingly laughing at someone.

Ji Hongyue recounted the events of recent days and sighed, "Things I struggled to accomplish before were settled with just one article."

Tang Yuan shook her head, "We can't think that the first nine buns were wasted just because the tenth one filled us up."

Without those first nine buns, the last one would have been the first.

Without the efforts of Ji Hongyue, Tang Bingde, and the other members, her article would have been just another piece.

She knew that Tang Bingde and others had been working hard to reduce the burden on the farmers and advocate for reducing the cotton quota to grow more suitable crops. However, as the team leader, his voice was too weak, overshadowed by Secretary Liu and Liu Guangming.

She knew that Ji Hongyue harbored ambitions, wanting to make a difference and expose the corruption, but he was alone and nearly lost his life.

She had always wondered what else she could do besides teaching the team how to farm and grow medicinal herbs.

The article was a spur-of-the-moment idea, triggered by Secretary Liu and Chief Zhao's disapproval of dressing Feng Chen. She wrote it to subtly challenge them.

Writing solely about hairstyles wouldn't work; it wasn't the era of fashion trends.

So she combined the innovative rice cultivation of Forward Team with the new hairstyles, writing about the team members, labor, and party policies, all while subtly hinting at the need for a shift in planting structures.

It was like making dumplings just for the vinegar.

The results exceeded expectations, a case of unintentional success, ultimately benefiting the team.

This was an unexpected gain, yet also an inevitable outcome, thanks to Ji Hongyue's dedication and ability to seize every opportunity.

She smiled, "With the adjustment in the industrial structure, things will be much better for the team."

Not growing cotton won't make things easier, farming is like that—there's always work to be done to put food on the table.

But without the low-yield, time-consuming cotton, they could cultivate more profitable crops.

This way, everyone has hope, less pressure, and naturally lives more comfortably.

Ji Hongyue was already sleepy and asked Feng Chen with half-closed eyes, "After the team adjusts its planting structure and income increases, will you still farm this land in the mountains?"

To Ji Hongyue, the mountains were pleasant but inconvenient due to poor transportation and lack of supplies, making them unsuitable for living.

Moreover, since Feng Chen could hunt and gather herbs for money, he didn't necessarily need to farm.

Farming was not only tiring but also time-consuming, tying him to the land.

Feng Chen paused in cracking the pine nut, looking down at Tang Yuan in his arms. She was also sleepy, her eyelashes lowered, turning her head when she heard Ji Hongyue's voice.

Feng Chen: "Of course, we'll keep farming."

Farming was his obsession, something he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

He came from the apocalypse, with no interest in power, fame, wealth, or beauty. He sought stability.

Having something to do, enough food, and the person he loved.

The land gave him peace and emotional stability, keeping him grounded and unaffected by memories of his past life.

Here, in this valley, he and Tang Yuan had their own little world, and he enjoyed being with her.

In his past life, when he was the only survivor, there was a sense of despair.

Now, living here together, there was a sense of happiness.

He gave Ji Hongyue a look that said, "This is our secret valley, Yuan and me."

Ji Hongyue understood instantly, feeling a bit envious.

He really shouldn't have asked; why did he enjoy torturing himself so much?

Despite Feng Chen's generally quiet demeanor, he always found ways to show his pride and joy.

Seeing the way he looked at Tang Yuan, a man... well, never mind, he'd better go to sleep.

Feng Chen and Tang Yuan did not immediately leave with Ji Hongyue but kept him around to help for a few more days.

Ji Hongyue had brought some wheat seeds into the mountains, which he later hid under a big tree when he couldn't carry them anymore.

Feng Chen retrieved the wheat seeds based on Ji Hongyue's instructions and directly sowed them in the freshly plowed fields.

Tang Yuan said that they didn't need to plant too much wheat in the mountains, suggesting it could serve as a seed trial field, focusing mainly on medicinal herbs.

The valley's area was limited, and Feng Chen had already cleared most of the available land. To expand further, they would need to go to distant smaller valleys and slopes.

Expanding too much would be too much for one person to manage, and she didn't want him to overwork.

They stored the rice in a dry cave higher up, taking only some seeds back to exchange with the team.

As soon as the three of them emerged from the mountains, they were spotted by villagers working in the cotton fields, who shouted, "They're back! They're back!"

The shout was relayed across the distance, and soon the echoes of "They're back!" filled the air.

It startled Tang Yuan.

It felt like they were being hunted down.

Soon, someone on a bicycle rushed over to greet them. Upon arrival, they found it was Tang Aiguo with a few unfamiliar faces.

The group introduced themselves warmly; they were Chen Fada and Captain Shan, among others.

"Officer Ji, little Tang Yuan, we've been waiting for days. Why did it take you so long to come back from visiting relatives?"

Tang Yuan: "…"

Makes it sound like I'm Officer Ji's daughter.

What's this about visiting relatives?

Why does it feel like everything has changed since we went into the mountains?

Chen Fada and the others had come to seek Officer Ji and Tang Yuan's help in planning the rice paddies for next year.

They had low-lying areas and fertile farmland near water sources.

Tang Yuan: "Captain, it's not necessary to grow rice. Growing rice is actually more labor-intensive and troublesome than growing wheat."

In Tangjia Village, they had no choice, but if there were alternatives, growing wheat would be much easier.

Yet, these two captains were determined to follow this trend.

One of the men who came with Chen Fada said, "Little girl, you don't know anything. Stay out of the men's farming business."

Upon hearing this, Feng Chen and Ji Hongyue both turned to look at him, one with a cold stare and the other with a chilly gaze, neither friendly.

He was used to being domineering in the production team and at home, but now, facing the imposing presence of Feng Chen and Officer Ji, he shrank back and hid behind Chen Fada.

Ji Hongyue: "Captains, if you have any questions, ask Tang Yuan. She knows more than I do."

Everyone was stunned. Was that really true?

The people from Tangjia Village looked puzzled. Didn't everyone say Tang Yuan learned from Officer Ji? How could she be better than him?

Seeing Chen Fada's side losing face, Captain Shan quickly jumped in, "Miss Tang Yuan, when you have time, come visit our brigade. Everyone in our brigade is very genuine."

We wouldn't make a fuss if we needed something.

Chen Fada glared at the young captain who had come with him and began praising Tang Yuan as well.

Old Tang had said that if they wanted to grow rice, they should consult Officer Ji and Tang Yuan.

Tang Yuan didn't refuse, "Everyone, it's getting dark. Let's talk about it tomorrow."

The others agreed, and Captain Shan loudly invited Tang Yuan to their brigade first.

Tang Yuan agreed.

When Tang Bingde heard that Tang Yuan and Feng Chen had returned, he sent Tang Aiguo and his brother with a bag of rice.

This was rice they had husked and pounded themselves.

Rice was simpler to eat than flour, but it wasn't any easier to obtain.

First, they had to husk the rice to remove the outer hull, then pound it to remove the bran, resulting in white rice.

Brown rice couldn't be processed directly with a mill or grinding stone; it required pounding with wooden tools.

These methods were taught to Dad Tang by Tang Yuan.

Dad Tang and the village carpenter made a wooden rice husker together and found a round-bottomed stone trough and a round-ended wooden stick for pounding rice.

Tang Aiguo and Tang Aidang, along with a group of strong young men, spent two days pounding rice but only managed to produce less than two hundred pounds, exhausting them thoroughly.

Tang Bingde organized a rotation for the villagers to see the rice and distributed half a bowl to each household to try steaming or boiling rice porridge.

Previously, rice was a rare delicacy, and some villagers had never even heard of it, let alone tasted it.

Now that their own brigade had grown rice, they felt incredibly proud.

Some newborns in the village were even named Rice, Rice Flower, Rice Ear, and Rice.

Rice flour could also be used to make many delicious dishes, but Tang Yuan didn't have time for that. For dinner, she stewed smoked meat and steamed rice.

Dad Tang refused to eat rice, preferring coarse grain buns instead, "I feel like rice doesn't fill me up."

He could eat five coarse grain buns and feel full, but with rice, he'd need several bowls, and he wouldn't feel satisfied after just one.

Tang Yuan smiled, "That's a matter of dietary habits. In the south, people say they can't get full from eating noodles; they need rice."

Whenever she mentioned new things her family hadn't heard before, they assumed she learned them from Ji Hongyue.

Feng Chen simply added another piece of information to his speculations about Tang Yuan's background without saying anything aloud.

Ji Hongyue maintained an air of knowing everything but keeping silent, ready to shield her whenever necessary.

The next morning, Captain Shan personally drove a mule cart to pick up Tang Yuan and Ji Hongyue. He brought a bag of large buns, some with egg filling and others with shredded radish and meat, clearly showing how much effort he put into inviting the officers for guidance.

The group arrived at the low-lying area of Xiangyang Brigade.

This autumn has been unusually dry, and even the usual low-lying areas have drained without accumulating water, but this area is still waterlogged.

The surroundings are covered with wild grass, reeds, calamus, and water smartweed.

White reed flowers sway in the autumn breeze, the dark brown calamus stalks add a rustic charm, and white birds rest among them.

Tang Yuan exclaimed, "Captain Shan, was this originally a river? Did you fill it to create farmland?"

This isn't just farmland that's naturally low and holds water; it's clearly an old riverbed.

Captain Shan coughed, "Since 1958, we've been farming here."

Tang Yuan understood—it must have been filled during those two years of the Great Leap Forward.

There should be a meadow here in Xiangyang Brigade, with low-lying terrain that retains water year-round. To increase farmland, they brought in soil to fill it.

In drought years, there's no problem, but in wet years, this place turns into a swamp.

In wet years, the groundwater is particularly abundant, and despite constantly adding new soil, the groundwater seeps out, turning it into mud.

She sincerely suggested, "Captain Shan, water sources are as important as land. If the groundwater here is rich, why not dig an artificial river for irrigation, fish farming, and duck raising?"

Once the household responsibility system is implemented, you'll realize that sideline businesses are more profitable than farming.

Chen Fada felt a bit schadenfreudic, "Oh, look at how eager you were, and now it turns out you can't even farm here."

Our own brigade is better; good food doesn't fear being late.

Captain Shan was somewhat disappointed, "Then, could you help us find a suitable spot for rice cultivation?"

Tang Yuan didn't refuse and spent half a day touring the area with Ji Hongyue on a mule cart.

Unfortunately, due to the terrain of Xiangyang Brigade, there was no suitable land for rice cultivation.

Their farmland is higher than the old riverbed, so to retain water, they would need artificial irrigation.

Watering dry fields is already troublesome; imagine what it would be like for paddy fields?

Of course, if they had money, they could buy water wheels, diesel pumps, or even custom-made water wheels.

But Xiangyang Brigade has no money; they are poorer than Tangjia Village, unable to come up with even two hundred yuan in cash. Otherwise, they wouldn't be so eager to plant rice just because of its high yield.

A water wheel with accessories and digging channels would cost several hundred yuan, and one wouldn't be enough.

Diesel is too expensive and hard to get approved, and diesel pumps are even more costly than water wheels.

Several water wheels would be needed, and their efficiency is low. Transforming dry fields into paddy fields would be too costly.

Captain Shan struggled for a long time, proposing many improvements, but Tang Yuan and Ji Hongyue rejected them all.

They weren't stopping them from planting rice; they were suggesting that it wasn't suitable and would only add trouble, making it counterproductive.

Tang Yuan comforted the disappointed captain, "Captain Shan, you really should make good use of that low-lying area instead of leaving it idle."

It's a waste to leave it idle; better to dig an artificial river where you can grow lotus and water caltrops, raise fish and shrimp.

She analyzed the situation for Captain Shan: constant filling and seepage indicate abundant groundwater, and digging might reveal a spring.

Having a pond with a large spring would be a great fortune, especially since local water resources aren't abundant, and some brigades suffer from chronic water shortages.

Captain Shan was moved and immediately organized people to start digging.

After planting wheat, there are no urgent agricultural tasks left, so the brigade usually organizes drainage ditch clearing, mat weaving, basket making, and carpentry before the snow and frost set in.

Cold temperatures mean they don't clear the riverbeds of silt.

Clearly, Captain Shan's actions have become more decisive since the rain damaged the wheat.

The next day, they found suitable land for rice cultivation in Yueshan Brigade, about a hundred acres.

However, most of these acres are relatively infertile and need gradual improvement.

So only about fifty to sixty acres are suitable for rice cultivation.

Tang Yuan willingly shared some scientific farming techniques with Captain Shan and Captain Chen, holding nothing back.

For plots with severe pest problems, they should spread lime and plow deeply during winter to kill pests.

Although many know that spreading lime can kill pests, few dare to do it without proper guidance.

How much lime should be used?

Too much leaves residue that can burn crops, while too little won't kill pests.

Tang Yuan taught them to first spread straw, chopped wheat stalks, or green grass and leaves, then sprinkle lime, and finally plow the land.

This method not only kills pests but also enriches the soil.

The key is to measure the amount of lime accurately.

When Tang Yuan explained the technical points, Captain Shan and Captain Chen, like schoolchildren, used their rough, blackened fingers to jot down notes with tiny pencil stubs on their hand-rolled cigarette papers.

If they couldn't read well, they called on accompanying production team leaders and accountants to listen carefully and record every word.

Ji Hongyue reassured them, "Don't worry; I'll help you organize everything and copy it down later."

While Tang Yuan explained, he didn't miss a thing, taking rapid notes with his fountain pen in his notebook.

When the event ended, Captain Shan and Captain Chen surrounded Tang Yuan, insisting that they would follow her and Cadre Ji in the future and asking for more guidance.

Tang Yuan readily agreed.

The next day, Chen Fada personally delivered two baskets—one full of pomegranates and another of red dates. Captain Shan also brought a basket of taros, along with apples and persimmons.

Tang Yuan tried to refuse multiple times, but they left the baskets and hurriedly drove away.

This enthusiasm from these two captains also stirred Tang Bingde.

They only asked the Fish Immortal for some guidance, yet they sent such good things.

Their own brigade had successfully grown rice, yielding over 340 jin per mu, which was higher than other crops. This year's food distribution was much more generous.

Besides, rice is much tastier than coarse grains!

They must show their appreciation!

Tang Bingde did not make a unilateral decision but sought advice from Secretary Liu, the accountant, and the five Revolutionary Committee members.

"Those two brigades sent those good things just because they were given some guidance. Shouldn't we do something too?"

Accountant Liu, who was Secretary Liu's cousin, naturally looked to Secretary Liu.

Secretary Liu seemed to have aged several years after the rice incident.

He wasn't against growing rice; after all, it had a high yield, and if successful, the commune members wouldn't go hungry, which was a good thing.

However, after the brigade replaced cotton with rice, his son Guangming's situation in the county became somewhat delicate. Guangming said some leaders started to pick on him.

His son blamed him for not actively trying to stop the brigade from growing rice, as it wasn't essential. Because of this, he refused to let his grandson Jinbao visit the countryside.

Secretary Liu and his wife missed their grandson dearly.

Secretary Liu: "Ah, about this matter, Captain, you decide."

Usually, if someone doesn't enthusiastically agree but merely says okay, it means they're not willing. His lukewarm response of "you decide" was a refusal, even hinting at dissatisfaction.

How could Tang Bingde, who had worked with him for so many years, not understand?

But Tang Bingde chose not to indulge him, as he heard from Tang Yuan that there would be more benefits to come.

He couldn't afford to disappoint the Fish Immortal and needed to continue receiving support from her.

He said, "We all saw how much rice we harvested. This winter, we can distribute more food, ensuring everyone has enough to eat until the wheat harvest next spring."

Even an extra hundred jin of food would allow them to enjoy better meals during the New Year.

Moreover, he planned to improve other plots and expand rice cultivation.

Growing rice wouldn't interfere with wheat planting; it just required more effort from the commune members to manage irrigation properly.

The timing wasn't an issue since rice seedlings were planted early, and plowing and irrigating after harvesting wheat didn't delay transplanting.

Growing rice wouldn't affect wheat planting, meaning they could reduce the amount of coarse grains.

In the future, they could focus on wheat, rice, and corn while reducing the cultivation of sweet potatoes, sorghum, and beans. When sweet potatoes and sorghum could be used as feed and beans as oilseed, it would mean they truly had enough food.

These decisions didn't require Secretary Liu's approval.

Without wasting time, he said, "Let's vote. Those who disagree, raise your hands."

Secretary Liu held his breath, assuming those who agreed would raise their hands, so he kept his arms crossed.

But when he heard Tang Bingde's latter half—those who disagree should raise their hands—he was taken aback.

He couldn't raise his hand now; Tang Bingde had become cunning!

Thus, Tang Bingde, along with the accountant and Feimao Tui, weighed over a hundred jin of wheat as a reward for Tang Yuan and Ji Hongyue.

He then carried a loudspeaker around the village, praising their contributions and emphasizing their importance, ensuring every commune member understood and respected them.

Most commune members were grateful and appreciative.

"This year, we can distribute more rice as food, and we won't need to grow cotton anymore. All thanks to Cadre Ji and Yuan Yuan."

"Why thank Tang Yuan? Why not just thank Cadre Ji?" someone grumbled.

"If the captain says she deserves thanks, then she does. Would the captain lie?"

The captain never gives anyone face; if you weren't capable, he wouldn't say you deserved credit.

Opinions within the Tang family varied on this matter.

Tang Da Ge and Tang Da Po were delighted.

Tang Da Po was glad she had maintained a good relationship with her second uncle and aunt. Perhaps because they both suffered under their in-laws, she felt closer to the second branch.

After separating households, she and her husband grew even closer to the second uncle and aunt, not expecting any tangible benefits but benefiting emotionally. Being oppressed by her in-laws and Tang Wu's family, she often felt suffocated.

Even venting to her aunt-in-law made her feel better.

Now that her second uncle was the captain, people treated them with more respect.

Grandma Tang was pleased but didn't say anything. If her second son shone, she'd laugh heartily, but as for her rebellious granddaughter, she just hoped she wouldn't cause trouble.

She was also starting to resent Tang Yuan for being kinder to Old Feng than to her, especially after hearing Old Feng bragging about her close relationship with Tang Yuan and seeing Tang Yuan walking with Old Feng after eating meat.

Goodness, she was so jealous, more sour than a pickle barrel.

Tong Xue didn't feel much; she mostly focused on herself. Now her belly was swollen like a balloon, frighteningly large.

She was due in about a month, and her body felt heavy and uncomfortable, causing her to throw countless small tantrums at Tang Wu every day.

She also hated her mother-in-law, so seeing her jealous face only added to her annoyance.

If only they had more rice; she could eat two more bowls, couldn't she?

Tang Xiang couldn't help but go to Song Huazhang to vent: "She's just learned a bit from Ji Hongyue and thinks she's an agricultural cadre now? Doesn’t she worry about overblowing it and embarrassing herself?"

Her expression twisted with jealousy, not as sweet and serene as usual.

She was truly irritated by Tang Bingde's public praise of Tang Yuan throughout the brigade.

Song Huazhang was taken aback and tried to console her, "Xiang Xiang, there's no need to be angry. Everyone has their strengths. You are gentle, graceful, smart, and witty, more suited for city life. When we return to the city, I'll arrange a job for you in the factory’s propaganda office, where you will shine."

Tang Xiang felt comforted but still wasn't completely satisfied, after all, the college entrance exam was still four years away, and she wanted to surpass Tang Yuan immediately.

She hadn't been feeling great lately, ever since Song Huazhang's attitude towards Tang Yuan changed significantly after that half-rescue incident.

Before, he would agree with whatever she said about Tang Yuan, but now he would advise her not to compete with Tang Yuan and even praised Tang Yuan's abilities.

His words revealed his admiration for her.

She pouted, "I told you to read more and not lose your textbooks, did you take it seriously?"

Song Huazhang replied, "Don't worry, I'm studying. Once we return to the city and there are job openings, I'll definitely pass the exams."

Tang Xiang feared he might be humoring her and wanted to fully capture his heart.

Song Huazhang came from a good family and was handsome, making him popular among many female intellectuals and female classmates who constantly wrote to him offering to help him return to the city.

Sometimes Tang Xiang felt blessed and confident, while other times she felt insecure, fearing Song Huazhang might change his mind.

After much deliberation, she whispered, "I have a secret, one I’ll only tell you. I can have prophetic dreams and know future events. The college entrance exam will be restored in a couple of years. Believe me."

She didn't want to lose to Tang Yuan; she was determined to outshine her.

Tang Yuan had Ji Hongyue, but she had time travel!

Song Huazhang thought she was being overly competitive and jokingly teased, "I believe you, of course I do."

Tang Xiang was pleased.

Song Huazhang continued, "You're so beautiful and adorable, you must be a fairy sent down from heaven."

Tang Xiang's face fell, "Song Huazhang, you don't believe me!"

She quickly swore an oath, afraid Song Huazhang wouldn't trust her.

She had kept this secret to herself, like guarding a treasure without being able to use it, which was frustrating.

She had finally gathered the courage to tell him alone, and he thought she was making it up?

She couldn't tolerate anyone doubting her, "Not only will the college entrance exam be restored, but the intellectuals will also return to the city, regardless of job openings. You can't verify things years from now, so let me tell you something immediate. The fourth Middle East war will trigger a global oil crisis next month, affecting the whole world. Someone named Ji will visit China for the sixth time, and you can check the newspapers to confirm."

Afraid Song Huazhang would doubt her, she rattled off future events, "In 1976, many significant events will happen. First, the Premier will pass away, and those four won't allow mourning. Then the Commander-in-Chief will pass away, followed by a major earthquake somewhere. After that, the leader will pass away, and someone else will take over, and those four will be overthrown.

In 1977, the college entrance exam will be restored. In 1978, the Third Plenary Session of the Twelfth National Congress will announce reforms and the implementation of the household responsibility system, dissolving the people's communes and brigades, returning the land to the farmers..."

Song Huazhang felt as if struck by lightning, one thunderbolt after another exploding in his ears. He hurriedly covered her mouth and whispered, "Stop talking!"

He turned to look around.

They stood by the riverbank, the evening sunset painting half the sky red and casting a rosy glow on the water.

After dinner, the intellectuals chatted and strolled along the riverbank, admiring the sunset, their laughter drifting over.

However, they were far enough away that Tang Xiang's words shouldn't have reached them.

He breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Tang Xiang with a mix of tension and bright eyes, whispering, "Really?"

Tang Xiang nodded firmly, "Of course, when have I ever lied to you?"

Song Huazhang's heart pounded, feeling something about to burst out of his chest.

Xiang Xiang wouldn't lie to him, and most importantly, she couldn't fabricate such detailed historical events. These terms were beyond the imagination of even a capital intellectual.

He believed her!

If what Tang Xiang said was true, then those four would fall, and their supporters would fall too.

What about those who were previously overthrown? They would surely be reinstated, wouldn't they? And they would certainly seek retribution.

This kind of back-and-forth power struggle never fails!

If that were the case...

A thought kept circling in his mind.

He could start building relationships with several leaders who were currently overthrown. Those who were once young and promising would rise to high positions, and the children of those who were once old and powerful would ascend.

He could also lay the groundwork by exposing some opportunists who would later be purged.

He instantly found a shortcut back to the city and a path to rapid advancement!

Tang Xiang was still fuming, "What does Tang Yuan have? She just relies on Ji Hongyue. I know so much more than her."

Her political science studies were quite good.

Song Huazhang's face was flushed with excitement, making him exceptionally handsome under the rosy glow of the evening sky. "Xiang Xiang, I need to take a leave and go out of town."

Tang Xiang was momentarily captivated by his handsomeness and didn't hear clearly. "What did you say?"

Song Huazhang chuckled softly. "Thank you for telling me this. I plan to visit some uncles from my past, and I think my way back to the city lies here."

Tang Xiang wanted to say there was no rush, that they would return when the college entrance exams were reinstated in 1977.

But thinking of Tang Yuan, she felt it was better to enter the city sooner; then she'd be leagues ahead of her!

That night, Song Huazhang packed his luggage, and early the next morning, Tang Xiang accompanied him to the team office to get an introduction letter.

Coincidentally, Tang Yuan and Feng Chen also came to get an introduction letter for their trip to the county.

Tang Xiang, acting like a winner in life, glanced at Tang Yuan and Feng Chen before immediately moving closer to Song Huazhang, gently reminding him to stay safe and return soon.

Tang Yuan ignored them; she and Feng Chen were going to the city with Ji Hongyue to purchase materials for building a biogas digester, as well as gas stoves, hoses, and metal valves.

With little agricultural work in winter, she planned to build a biogas digester connected to the pigsty outside the Feng family's wall.

Given the geography, Tangjia Village likely wouldn't have electricity for fifteen to twenty years, so building a biogas digester was actually quite practical.

Even if it became obsolete later, it wouldn't be a waste.

After getting the introduction letter, Tang Xiang gave Feng Chen and Tang Yuan another look filled with superiority. "We'll see!"

Tang Yuan was speechless; was this person crazy?

She shrugged indifferently. "You can watch all you want; it doesn't concern me."