Chapter 71: Promising Future

Chapter 71: Promising Future

By having the trainees introduce themselves, Tang Yuan gained a general understanding of their skill levels.

Most commune and brigade leaders were sensible; they sent individuals with at least a junior high school education to learn about biogas pool construction, with a few even having a senior high school background.

However, there were always some fools who tried to take advantage by sending only their relatives or those who had given them favors, often people who hadn't even completed elementary school.

These individuals struggled not just with reading blueprints but even with basic literacy.

Such unskilled individuals also had a lot of complaints. Whenever Tang Yuan moved on to the next point, they would grumble, "Little Tang, can you explain that again? You didn't make it clear."

If they didn't understand, it meant the explanation wasn't clear enough.

Others would gesture for them to be quiet, not to disturb Teacher Tang's lecture, promising to help them catch up later.

But they insisted on having Little Tang explain it right then.

They noticed that Tang Yuan didn't like them and mocked their lack of education.

What was she so proud of? She hadn't studied much either, yet here she was, a woman teaching and building biogas pools. What made her better than them?

If they continued to complain,

Feng Chen would throw them out and have the Biogas Office notify their communes and brigades, sending them back and demanding replacements who could understand instructions.

Ji Hongyue called each commune, insisting that trainees must have a certain level of education. If they couldn't read and write properly, they shouldn't be sent to embarrass themselves.

"Is the Biogas Office a literacy class? Are we supposed to teach your commune's illiterates how to read?"

Any brigade that sent trainees who couldn't communicate clearly or read and write fluently was publicly criticized. Their names were posted on the blackboard outside the County Party Committee meeting room, and the recommending officials were held accountable.

All those without genuine skills were sent back.

Out of the original 130 trainees, only 83 remained.

The brigades that had trainees sent back urgently tried to send replacements, but Ji Hongyue rejected all requests.

He made a self-criticism to the County Party Committee, admitting that due to inexperience, too many trainees had been enrolled, making management difficult and the quality uneven.

Learning from this experience, he decided to strictly control the number of trainees for the second session, limiting it to a maximum of 40 per batch, which could fit into one large classroom without overburdening the teachers.

In just two days, Tang Yuan's voice had become hoarse from lecturing.

Feng Chen was deeply concerned, his gaze toward Ji Hongyue turning cold. He wanted to end the training early and let them learn through practical work in the spring.

Ji Hongyue adjusted the subsequent plan, reducing Tang Yuan's teaching load. Some of the current trainees showed exceptional performance and could be hired as instructors to help new trainees.

For anything they didn't understand, they could still consult Tang Yuan.

Additionally, both Ji Hongyue and Feng Chen helped share the teaching load. Feng Chen created a model of a biogas pool using clay, allowing trainees to visualize and better understand the structure.

After a week of training, some trainees could clearly explain the steps and precautions involved in constructing a biogas pool.

Tang Yuan was pleased, her eyes sparkling as she praised them, "Great job! You've been studying very hard, and all of you are doing wonderfully!"

She encouraged those who hadn't mastered the material yet, "Don't lose heart. By learning about biogas pools now, you'll be well-prepared when we start the actual construction next year. You'll know why things need to be done a certain way and the consequences of not doing them properly."

Most people didn't have Feng Chen's natural talent; they needed time to learn.

Some thought, "Even if I don't understand the theory, I can learn by watching others build it. Isn't that enough?"

But could they guarantee no problems during construction? Did they know how to solve issues that arose?

Only by understanding the theory and the reasons behind each step could they ensure every part of the process was done correctly and know how to address any issues that might arise.

Practice leads to knowledge, and knowledge guides practice.

At the end of the first phase, Ji Hongyue hosted the first summary meeting of the Biogas Office training program, attended by Xie Xingzhi.

Other attendees included Gao Sheng, Liu Guangming, and others.

Tang Yuan briefly reported on the classes, focusing on praising several outstanding trainees from various brigades. "They came here genuinely wanting to learn. The trainees are young and educated, eager to absorb knowledge."

Not only did they learn about biogas pools, but they were also interested in ecological agriculture and enjoyed discussing these topics with her after class.

One such trainee was Li Guodong from Donghu Brigade, sent by Captain Song from Shiban Village.

Captain Song didn't send his own children but instead chose a primary school math teacher with a good educational background.

Ji Hongyue also submitted a more reasonable training plan. During the off-season, theoretical training on biogas pools would be conducted, lasting seven days with forty trainees per session.

When the ground thawed in the spring, practical training would begin, with selected brigades serving as training sites. Teachers would guide trainees in constructing biogas pools on-site, lasting fifteen to twenty days. Trainees would bring their own food and arrange accommodation with the brigades, limited by the brigades' capacity.

This required trainees to be educated, humble, and willing to engage in physical labor, ruling out pampered cadres' children seeking easy credentials.

The four most outstanding trainees from the first session were hired as instructors to help new trainees.

The second batch of trainees was much more consistent, mostly with a junior high school education and no illiterates. Those who hadn't learned in the first session continued in the second until they mastered the material or the training ended.

By early December, the training program concluded, and the trainees returned home. Tang Yuan and Feng Chen also prepared to return to Tangjia Village.

After being away for over twenty days, she missed home dearly.

Once homesick, the urge to return was irresistible.

Xie Xingzhi offered to treat them to dinner, but Tang Yuan politely declined. How could they let the county magistrate treat them? Besides, they had shared many meals together already, often chatting in the cafeteria, which had led to speculation about their relationship.

Feng Chen packed their luggage, and the mules, well-fed during their stay, were in excellent condition, better than they had been at the brigade.

Ji Hongyue gave them their wages plus training and lecture subsidies, each receiving sixty-three yuan, along with some tickets.

And a radio!

Tang Yuan's eyes lit up. "Did you buy it?"

Ji Hongyue smiled. "No, this is your reward for being selected as an outstanding worker."

The commendation ceremony was scheduled for the following spring. Since Tang Yuan and Feng Chen wanted to buy a radio for Feng Nai, Ji Hongyue had arranged for the prize in advance.

Tang Yuan didn't hesitate to accept it. The radio wasn't large but could run on both direct and alternating current, making it quite advanced.

Tang Yuan asked him, "Are you going home to spend New Year's with your parents?"

Ji Hongyue nodded. "Yes, I'll be back right after the holiday to start the field training sessions."

Tang Yuan said, "Then come by Tangjia Village before you leave. We'll prepare some gifts for your aunt and uncle to take with you."

Ji Hongyue initially didn't want to, but seeing Tang Yuan's sparkling eyes, he nodded again. "Alright. But don't prepare too much; I can't carry it all."

He wasn't like Feng Chen, who had endless strength.

Tang Yuan replied, "Mountain goods are precious. They're for your aunt and uncle, not for you."

Ji Hongyue laughed, helping them load their luggage into the vehicle and adding the purchased daily necessities.

Tang Yuan said, "I'll go say goodbye to the office."

She ran off to the office. Although her relationship with Gao Sheng, Liu Guangming, and others was average, she got along well with other staff members.

The biogas office and agricultural group shared the same office space, as they were part of the same team.

As Tang Yuan passed by Gao Sheng's office, she caught a glimpse of a woman sobbing inside. Gao Sheng looked at a loss for words.

She had already walked a few steps past but slowly turned back. The woman seemed familiar.

She stood still, looking back, and just as the woman turned her head, it was—Xiao Yulan?

Ah, who is Xiao Yulan to Gao Sheng?

She quickly withdrew her head, afraid of being seen by Xiao Yulan.

Xiao Yulan sniffled, "Second Uncle, you must stand up for me. Gao Peng, he... he's no good, he's messing around with other women..."

"Yulan!" Gao Sheng immediately interrupted her, coughed, and put on his authoritative demeanor. "Go back first. I'll visit tonight and talk to him properly."

Xiao Yulan: "Second Uncle, you can't keep signing those notes for him. He won't learn!"

Gao Sheng took a deep breath and gestured for her to lower her voice. "Quiet down, don't talk nonsense!"

Xiao Yulan was angry. They had no children, and he blamed her for being infertile. When she suggested he get checked, he said he would find another woman to bear a child.

At the time, she thought he was just trying to upset her, but now she realized it was true!

He had been cheating on her all along, even before their marriage!

His second uncle had always helped smooth things over for him.

Gao Peng had been spoiled by his uncle, using his name to mess around outside, either with women from the theater troupe or seducing girls from other units.

In the past, it was just about extramarital affairs, but now a pregnant woman had shown up claiming to be carrying Gao Peng's child and demanding responsibility!

Gao Peng, that shameless man, wanted her to be more understanding and let the woman stay as a second wife.

She refused!

Gao Sheng was also in a bind. He could be ruthless with outsiders, but not with his nephew.

Recently, his work had been going poorly, and the extra income from illicit activities had been cut off.

Since the law doesn't punish everyone, the County Party Committee hadn't publicly criticized anyone or imposed penalties. However, once Xie Xingzhi regained power, he corrected these issues, and Gao Sheng couldn't benefit anymore.

Without the gray income, relying solely on his salary made him uncomfortable.

Moreover, Ji Hongyue was gaining prominence, overshadowing him completely. And Ji Hongyue was a decade younger, leaving him no chance for promotion.

Unless Ji Hongyue was promoted or removed, which wouldn't happen in three years, and as long as he kept performing well, he wouldn't be dismissed.

He feared he had no chance within the next few years!

It was frustrating, so frustrating.

And at this critical moment, his troublesome nephew caused more trouble.

How could he have spent years without getting anyone pregnant, only for his wife to become pregnant and then a mistress to show up with a baby bump?

If his wife weren't pregnant, he could divorce her and marry the pregnant woman. Now both were expecting.

It was a headache!

This niece-in-law was introduced by him to his nephew. He thought her beauty and figure would keep his nephew interested.

Little did he know.

Tang Yuan bid farewell to the office staff, passing by Gao Sheng's office. She walked with her head held high, pretending she hadn't overheard anything.

Gao Sheng felt uneasy as she passed by. Did Xiao Yulan say something inappropriate? Could Tang Yuan have heard it? If she reported his nephew's affairs... No, it absolutely couldn't be known!

Tang Yuan bit her lip, suppressing her excitement as she left the building, running to Feng Chen and grabbing his arm, blinking her big eyes: Feng Chen, big gossip!

Ji Hongyue: "What are you up to? You look so mysterious."

Tang Yuan chuckled. "Nothing, go back to work. We're leaving now."

Ji Hongyue felt there was something, but since Tang Yuan refused to say anything, he knew she wouldn't tell him.

By the end of the winter solstice, the water froze on contact. Feng Chen folded a quilt and laid it in the cart, then carried Tang Yuan onto it, wrapping her in a military overcoat and placing a blanket around her legs.

He also tucked a hot water bottle and a hand warmer into the blanket for her warmth.

Tang Yuan held the hot water bottle and called out to Feng Chen, "Come up here, we can share the cover."

Feng Chen smiled contentedly at how bundled up she was. "Once we leave the city."

He shouted, and the donkey started moving on its own, not needing to be led.

As they left the County Party Committee compound, Tang Yuan exclaimed, "Shouldn't we let Uncle Feng know?"

Feng Chen: "Didn't we tell him the day before yesterday?"

The two had come to the county for training and visited Uncle Feng at the County Hospital several times, having meals with him.

At first, Tang Yuan wanted to take him to a restaurant, but Uncle Feng refused, saying it was expensive and not very tasty, preferring the hospital cafeteria's stir-fries.

Uncle Feng was particularly pleased about their newspaper coverage, helping the team build biogas tanks, and getting paid by the County Biogas Office. He patted Feng Chen on the shoulder, his eyes welling up, repeating, "Good, good, you have such a wonderful wife and job; your parents can finally rest easy."

Tang Yuan understood that Uncle Feng was relieved himself, as he had been worried about his nephew’s lack of direction.

Now seeing Feng Chen settled down and working, he could finally put aside his guilt towards his younger brother.

Neither Tang Yuan nor Feng Chen felt Uncle Feng owed them anything, and they wanted him to feel at ease.

In subsequent meals with Uncle Feng, they were more relaxed, treating him like an elder who took care of them, without any formality.

This made Uncle Feng comfortable, and they felt at ease too.

For those who feared they might benefit from their connections, they kept their distance. For elders who liked them, they approached with respect.

The essence of human relationships is comfort, not just benefits.

However, they didn’t visit Uncle Feng’s home again, even though he had tentatively invited them once. Feng Chen declined, citing the busyness of the Biogas Office, and Uncle Feng didn’t invite them again, only asking them to drop by the hospital when they had time, which Feng Chen agreed to.

With the training program ending, Tang Yuan and Feng Chen had already informed Uncle Feng about going home two days ago.

Uncle Feng also asked them to deliver some money to Old Feng and mentioned he would return home for the New Year, asking them to inform Old Feng.

Feng Chen thought it wasn’t necessary to inform Uncle Feng again, but Tang Yuan felt it would be good to greet him, making him feel respected.

This would make Uncle Feng more comfortable, as sometimes the greetings and visits from younger generations are what elders seek.

Naturally, Feng Chen listened to her and steered the donkey toward the People's Hospital.

Before reaching the hospital, they unexpectedly ran into Yang Shujuan on the road.

Yang Shujuan was carrying a red nylon net bag filled with several packets of pastries, apples, and two cans of preserved fruit.

Seeing Feng Chen and Tang Yuan, she said, "You’ve been in the county for days, why haven’t you come for dinner? Do you think my cooking is bad?"

Feng Chen raised an eyebrow slightly and replied calmly, "No, there’s a lot of work in the county, and we’re busy, so we couldn’t make it."

Yang Shujuan nearly exploded with anger. If you’re so busy, why do you keep going to the County Hospital to eat with Old Feng? Even if you’re busy, you still have time for dinner and sleep.

I think it’s not about time, but about heart.

Tang Yuan, fearing that Feng Chen would upset Auntie and make Uncle Feng uncomfortable, quickly said, "Auntie, I’m really sorry. I thought you were busy, so we didn’t want to disturb you."

Yang Shujuan’s forced smile faltered, and she laughed sarcastically. "Now that you’ve become successful, you’re too busy to remember me. Come, stay at our place tonight. I’ll cook something nice for you. I bought some gifts for the old lady, you can take them back."

Feng Chen remained unmoved, and the donkey stood still, its mane rippling in the cold wind.

"Auntie, we’ll take the gifts to Grandma, but there’s no need to trouble you with a meal."

Yang Shujuan almost fainted with anger.

If you don’t come for dinner, how will you hear about my matters or help with them? How much has your uncle done for you?

That biogas tank project might have been arranged by Old Feng.

When Yang Shujuan first saw Tang Yuan in the newspaper, she didn’t recognize her. She looked down on rural people, especially poor relatives from her husband’s side, and never associated the famous person in the newspaper with her husband’s poor relatives.

Only when her colleagues excitedly discussed the article did she realize Tangjia Village was her husband’s hometown.

She had no real memory of Tangjia Village except for the pigs in the pigsty, which would root under the toilet, disgusting and frightening.

To win her husband’s heart, she visited once during the New Year after marriage, but stopped after giving birth to her eldest son.

Over the years, she rarely went to her husband’s village, finding it far, tiring, dirty, and smelly. Her husband occasionally visited alone, and if she acted up, he went less often, and the children never went.

Unexpectedly, that idle nephew became successful, helping the team build biogas tanks and being hired as a technical advisor for the County Biogas Office.

This is a proper county job, isn’t it?

This is the kind of job she had planned for her daughter, who would graduate from high school next year. In those days, jobs were scarce and hard to secure.

At the time, it took her and Old Feng a great deal of effort, money, and favors to arrange for their eldest son to become an intern at the County Hospital.

But which leader doesn't have children or relatives?

They all want to arrange positions for their younger generations, so naturally, there aren't many spots left for others.

Giving Old Feng an extra spot was already due to his years as an accountant. The other option would be for him to retire and let his daughter take over.

But how could his daughter's salary match his? Of course, that wouldn't work.

As for her job at the train station, since many positions don't require specialized skills, they've been filled long ago, with plenty of relatives of leaders still in line.

She is just an ordinary worker; how could she have the ability to arrange a position for her child?

Going to the logistics department to unload goods?

Her daughter's petite frame wouldn't handle that.

As for working as a textile factory worker, she isn't willing to let her daughter do that either.

She wanted to gather the whole family's efforts to send her daughter to an administrative internship, turning into a junior clerk after the trial period.

Administrative positions aren't easy to get into; you can't secure one without spending a considerable amount.

She wanted Old Feng to use the connections of Dean Jiang's husband, Ding Shangyi, so she always urged her daughter Feng Yi to play with Dean Jiang's daughter, who happens to be her classmate.

Dean Jiang's daughter went straight into an administrative position after graduation. Wouldn't it be perfect if her daughter went along to keep her company?

But Old Feng said the chances were slim and didn't want her daughter to be a mere follower. He preferred they remain simple friends.

She was quite angry at Old Feng's attitude, thinking he didn't care about their daughter. Did he want her to go to the countryside?

How could he be so heartless?

He usually treats their daughter well and doesn't favor boys over girls. Why does he show his true colors at critical moments?

She then denied her own judgment. Old Feng loves their daughter and wouldn't really send her to the countryside, perhaps wanting her to get closer to Grandma?

When they first got married, he mentioned that his mother envied those with daughters and wished she had one herself.

That's even more unacceptable!

Wouldn't their daughter learn bad habits if she went to the countryside?

Look at those educated youths who returned; they all became rowdy.

She later heard that Tang Yuan and Feng Chen joined the Biogas Office and became technical advisors, and she eagerly wanted to talk to Old Feng about it.

But Old Feng was rather indifferent, and she immediately realized what was going on, igniting a fire of anger within her.

Good old Old Feng, knowing his nephew and niece-in-law were successful but not telling her. Was he trying to avoid her benefiting from their success?

Why can only nephews benefit from uncles, not the other way around?

She knew that when she brought it up with Old Feng that day, he feigned surprise, "Send Feng Yi to the Biogas Office? I heard they'll need to go to the countryside to dig biogas pits. Could she endure such hardship?"

She didn't believe him, "The digging will be done by the villagers. Why would the office staff need to do it? Isn't Tang Yuan also involved? As her sister-in-law, shouldn't she help her sister?"

She pressured Old Feng to mention it to Feng Chen and Tang Yuan, but he kept saying "next time."

It dragged on for almost a month, and the training program was about to end.

She couldn't hold back any longer and decided to take matters into her own hands.

Actually, her pride and self-respect made her somewhat reluctant to seek help from Feng Chen and Tang Yuan. She used to think that the rural in-laws and nephews were burdens, hoping they wouldn't drag her family down.

She never thought she'd need Feng Chen's help one day.

But now she did.

Feeling embarrassed, she did a lot of mental preparation, not wanting to go to the County Party Committee for fear of being ridiculed. She only pushed Old Feng, and eventually, it dragged until the day Tang Yuan and Feng Chen returned home.

On the last day, she gritted her teeth and came.

Seeing Feng Chen's attitude, she was quite angry.

Your uncle helped you so much; now that you're useful, shouldn't you offer help without being asked?

Shouldn't your aunt have to beg you?

Are you feeling smug?

She took a deep breath and said, "Feng Yi misses you both a lot. She asked when you're coming over for dinner and wants to visit Grandma in the countryside."

At this moment, the mule snorted, growing impatient.

Feng Chen thought, even the mule doesn't believe what you're saying.

He replied, "Then come visit us in the countryside during the New Year. My grandmother will be happy to see you."

Feng Chen holds grudges. He wouldn't even talk to someone who resembles his past-life enemy. How could he forget the cold reception he received when he first brought Tang Yuan to his uncle's house?

Whoever disrespects his wife will never receive respect from him.

And he meant it.

Yang Shujuan laughed awkwardly, "Tang Yuan?"

Tang Yuan, holding a hot water bag, felt the cold wind without Feng Chen shielding her. The chilly breeze penetrated the quilt. "Just say what you need to say directly. What's the point of pretending to invite us for dinner?"

She smiled and said, "Aunt, we still need to find a place to stay on the way. It's too late and dark to continue, so we'll be leaving now. Welcome to come celebrate the New Year in the countryside."

She waved her hand, and Feng Chen called out. The donkey immediately trotted off, not even stopping to greet Uncle Feng, who would surely understand.

Yang Shujuan was so angry she almost dropped the gifts she was holding.

After enduring the cold wind for a while, she carried the gifts to Director Jiang's house.

Speaking of prestigious families in the county, none could surpass Director Jiang and his wife.

Both of them were locals with large extended families. Unlike Secretary Cui and County Chief Xie, who were transferred here and would eventually leave, this couple had deep roots.

They had arranged good jobs for their relatives.

For example, there was no County Newspaper office before, but they created one just to employ their nephew, specifically to write flattering reports about the leaders.

Yang Shujuan felt no disdain, only envy. Power truly was advantageous.

Back then, someone introduced her to a man surnamed Ding. Why did she choose Old Feng, a poor young man?

She refused to admit it, but Ding Shangyi wouldn't have considered her either. She couldn't reach the influential local families, and those she could reach were distant branches with little benefit, always having to please the main family.

At that time, she matched with other workers, but she didn't want a crude worker; she wanted an educated man, so she chose the scholarly but poor young man.

Though he was poor, he could rely on his own abilities to become an accountant at the County Hospital and stay in the city, becoming a city dweller.

By marrying him, she thought she could control him.

But the poor young man grew up and took root in the city, making him less controllable.

She bore him children, yet he still cared deeply for his suffering mother in the countryside and his unremarkable nephew.

Oh, his nephew is now successful, and he now feels quite proud in front of her.

Even though he doesn't show it, she can imagine how proud he is.

The way he looks at her makes her feel like he's boasting, as if saying: Look, what do you think? My nephew is successful, not the useless loafer you always call him. He's more accomplished than your nephew.

Feng Chen and Tang Yuan didn't care about Yang Shujuan's mood. Ever since her attitude towards them during their first visit to Uncle Feng's home, they chose to keep their distance.

No expectations mean no disappointment.

Without emotional investment, there's no anger.

The next day, they returned home under the setting sun. The women cooking at home greeted them loudly as they passed by.

These women, who once looked down on them, now felt honored to greet them.

Feng Chen carried their luggage on his shoulder and held Tang Yuan's hand as they walked home together.

When they arrived, Daya was washing Old Feng's hair.

The old lady directed Daya, "Scratch behind my ear, ah, that's comfortable. Scratch the back of my head, yes, right there..."

Daya giggled, "Grandma Feng, why don't we go to the bathhouse tomorrow? They have hot water all the time, it's so warm."

The old lady replied, "You go, I won't. I'm not going to undress in front of others and give them a chance to laugh at me."

Daya said, "It's okay, I'll make sure only the other grandmas are there when you go in."

The old lady responded, "That's even worse. I have no interest in seeing a bunch of wrinkly old ladies undressed. It's too ugly."

Feng Chen, standing at the door, was speechless.

Tang Yuan buried her head in his shoulder, laughing uncontrollably. No wonder Grandma goes to watch people dig the biogas pool every day. Back then, it wasn't cold, and many people worked shirtless. Turns out Grandma was there to look at muscles.