Back to the 60s: The Struggle Career of a Charmed Wife
Chapter 436 - 0346: Equivalent Exchange 4_1

Chapter 436: Chapter 0346: Equivalent Exchange 4_1

The able-bodied men who knew about the hidden cellar were carefully chosen by Wang Zhengguo and Father Lu after covert discussions - they were influential figures within their clans, as well as brothers, nephews and sons of Wang Zhengguo who kept their mouths shut and knew how to be grateful.

Every year, Wang Zhengguo would arrange for them to store the remaining grain as reserves in the cellar after distribution.

The state had regulations, which Wang Zhengguo ostensibly followed, but he contravened them in secret.

With so many mouths to feed, who would help them in times of natural or man-made disasters if they didn’t make extra preparations? What could their tiny reserve supply accomplish? Only one percent, a reserve of ten thousand catties could be set aside for every million catties of grain harvested.

It is better to rely on oneself than to rely on the heavens or the earth, leaving a way out has no downside.

There was a severe shortage of grain throughout the country. Who could guarantee that every year would bring bumper crops? Hadn’t the harvest decreased a couple of years ago? If one disaster followed another, there wouldn’t be a famine for three years.

As soon as they had finished cleaning out the granaries, four production teams came to borrow grain.

None of them were from the Dawn Commune.

There were only four production teams under the Dawn Commune: Wanglou Brigade, Caohu Brigade, Huoguang Production Team, and Red Star Brigade. Red Star Brigade was the team that Liu Jinhua from Liu Family Village belonged to.

Moreover, these four production teams belonged to three different communes.

Facing their demands, Wang Zhengguo didn’t hesitate and took them directly into the granaries to have a look at each one.

"First come, first served. You came late. Do you think our brigade has so much reserve grain to lend to you? After paying the communal grain and distributing the ration, all the reserves we saved up for years have been borrowed by the Huoguang Production Team. No, it’s not borrowed, it’s a fair exchange. Our brigade will farm two thousand acres of their land. The officials from our commune can vouch for it."

Wang Zhengguo spoke eloquently while the visitors left empty-handed, disappointed.

"People always take it for granted that others must help them, oblivious to the fact that everyone has their hands full and haven’t the leisure to do so." Wang Zhengguo shook his head, locked the granary, and slowly walked home.

With the situation of the Huoguang Production Team resolved for the time being, Wang Zhengguo set off to find Father Lu without leaving any loose ends.

Only Uncle Xu and Aunt Xu were in the cowshed, "Brother Lu went to see his grandson."

When there were no outsiders in the cowshed before, Father Lu had no choice but to stay. But now with Uncle Xu and Aunt Xu, Father Lu frequently visited his son’s house, especially since Xibao was born.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhengguo turned and headed to his niece’s house.

Under the eaves, Father Lu was holding Xibao, who was reaching out trying to grasp the icicles.

The past few days had been warm, and the melting snow dripped from the rooftops. The rooftops were not cleaned thoroughly, and the residual snow turned into icicles overnight.

The long icicles, clear and bright, under the illumination of the sun, kept dripping water.

"Xibao!" Wang Zhengguo called out.

Xibao, already very familiar with his name, turned to take a look at him, then immediately turned back to continue his attempts to grasp. Unable to reach, he straightened his body in Father Lu’s arms in an attempt to grow taller. He finally grasped the longest icicle. The feeling of cold instantly made him let go, he looked at his little hand, then at Father Lu and said, "Ah..."

Father Lu laughed, "The icicle is too cold, it can freeze your hand. Let’s go find your father and warm up by the fire."

Before the grandfather and grandson could enter the kitchen, Feng Qingxue came out, ladle in hand, "Uncle, you’re right on time. You’ll have lunch at our house. Ajiang will call Second Uncle, Third Uncle, and Aunt, Young Aunt, Sister-in-law in a bit. Let’s have a family gathering while Ajiang is home."