The reason he spoke about it on the way was that he didn't want the other village officials to know his thoughts when he got back. Qi Ergou was an exception; Zhao Dajiao was Secretary Qi's sister-in-law, and the two families were relatives with a very good relationship, always on good terms. But the others were different. Although they didn't usually have major conflicts, they weren't a united front in the village.
The world is in chaos now, so it's best to be cautious and not give others the opportunity to stab you in the back.
Secretary Qi opened the yellow notebook and said softly, "According to the documents issued by the commune, we will be criticized and denounced every two weeks, and we must write a self-criticism every week."
Upon hearing the word "criticism and struggle session," several people trembled uncontrollably; they were terrified of being tortured!
Seeing this, Secretary Qi said, "We're all honest people, unlike in the city. During the criticism sessions, I'll instruct people to be careful. You all need to cooperate; pretend you're in a lot of pain, or faint halfway there or something! That way you won't be criticized anymore..."
Old Bai's eyes lit up upon hearing this; they were lucky, this Secretary Qi was a good man. It was just a formality, so they wouldn't have to suffer too much.
Physical pain is secondary; it's the psychological humiliation that's truly unbearable!
"Thank you so much, Secretary Qi," the old man said. "You've given us old folks a way to survive!"
Secretary Qi chuckled and said, "However, let me make this clear from the start: if any of you informs us to higher-ups, then in order to protect myself..."
A professor surnamed Gu standing nearby also sensed Secretary Qi's goodwill.
Although Secretary Qi didn't finish speaking, everyone understood what he meant.
Professor Gu quickly assured him, "No, no, we're all from Nanshi. Two of us even know each other. We're not bad people; we haven't done anything heinous. My wife and I are professors at Nanjing University. We were criticized and denounced just because my wife studied in France when she was young. I defended her, and I was criticized and denounced as well. The others either came from families that were landlords or had said inappropriate things before. None of them are bad people!"
Upon hearing this, Secretary Qi looked at their files and, based on his intuition, felt that what Professor Gu said was true.
"Yes, we're not bad people...we won't betray you," the others quickly added, hoping for a peaceful life in the village. A little hardship and toil are nothing to worry about.
Seeing this, Secretary Qi nodded and said, "In that case, let's be frank. If you stay in the village honestly, I, as the secretary, won't make things difficult for you."
"We'll definitely behave and won't cause you any trouble..." the group assured them repeatedly. They weren't there to enjoy themselves; as long as the criticism wasn't too excessive, they were willing to do some work.
The previous criticism and struggle sessions had caused them great physical and mental torment.
After eating and drinking, and with Secretary Qi's words of encouragement, the seven people felt slightly relieved. Those who were energetic chatted with each other; those who weren't so energetic simply lay down and slept.
Niu Dajun, carrying He Tiantian, and Qi Xiaoyan arrived at Qijia Village a step earlier.
"You'll come with me to the village branch." The military-green packages on either side of the bicycle's back seat contained letters and newspapers. Niu Dajun left the bicycle at Qi Xiaoyan's house.
"Should we wait for my dad to come over?" Qi Xiaoyan knew that Qi Shuli was behind this and was worried that if they went over there, Qi Shuli would deny it.
Niu Dajun thought for a moment and said, "You guys come with me first. If Accountant Qi tries to cheat us, we'll go ask your dad for help."
Niu Dajun's approach was rather tactful; he used diplomacy first, then resorted to force.
"Xiao Yan, just do as Brother Dajun says," He Tiantian said. "Perhaps Secretary Qi forgot something..."
Niu Dajun may look rough, but he's not simple-minded. If he confronts Secretary Qi and Qi Shuli directly, he'll end up clashing with Qi Shuli. Even if he finds the letter, he'll still have offended Qi Shuli.
Qi Shuli has some authority in the village since he can become an accountant. He may not be able to do anything to Secretary Qi, but He Tiantian is just a young girl from out of town. It would be unwise for her to offend the local village officials rashly.
Seeing that He Tiantian understood his meaning, Niu Dajun didn't need to explain further and took He Tiantian and Qi Xiaoyan to the village branch.
When they arrived at the village branch office, the door was locked, so Niu Dajun, led by Qi Xiaoyan, went to Qi Shuli's house.
It's almost six o'clock now, not the busy season for farming, so everyone has already finished work.
Qi Xiaoyan knocked on the door and called out, "Second Uncle, Second Uncle, are you home?"
A tall, thin woman opened the door. Seeing He Tiantian, she smiled broadly and said, "Oh, it's Xiaoyan! What brings you here?" She completely ignored the newcomer and the other man she didn't know.
"Second Aunt, this is Postman Niu. He's here to see Second Uncle about something," Qi Xiaoyan said politely. Since she hadn't seen Qi Shuli, she didn't want to say too much, lest the story get distorted over time.
That's one of the downsides about country folk; too many of them love to gossip and argue.
Aunt Qi then looked at Niu Dajun. A postman? Oh my, he's a proper government employee! And this young man is quite robust. Not bad, not bad.
"Second Aunt, Second Aunt, is Second Uncle home? Comrade Niu wants to see Second Uncle about something," Qi Xiaoyan said. Second Aunt Qi's gaze was too blatant; she had ignored him earlier. Now that she knew he was a staff member, a permanent employee of the government, things were different.
“Your second uncle is home, he’s home,” Aunt Qi said. “Come in quickly, have a seat. Daya, Erya, hurry up and pour some water for Comrade Niu.”
Aunt Qi walked ahead and called out to her daughter inside the house.
Aunt Qi's expression and tone made He Tiantian roll her eyes. It sounded like a madam telling a girl to come out and entertain customers!
He Tiantian knew Qi Daya and Qi Erya, two girls who could be considered two oddballs in Qi Family Village. Qi Daya, whose real name was Qi Fenfen, was seventeen years old and currently engaged. Qi Erya, whose real name was Qi Zhenzhen, was sixteen years old. Scenes from her past life flashed through her mind, making her both laugh and cry. It's true what they say, like parents raise like children, but that's another story.
Qi Fenfen was initially reluctant when her mother called her to come out, but as soon as she came out, she saw Niu Dajun in a military green uniform. She quickly put away her impatience, poured water for him, and said, "Xiao Yan, please take the guest inside."
Qi Shuli also came out of the west room, wearing a white vest and shorts, holding a palm-leaf fan in his left hand and a pipe in his right. When he saw Niu Dajun and He Tiantian beside him, he knew that the two letters could no longer be hidden.
Qi Xiaoyan is the village party secretary's daughter. It's surprising that He Tiantian would ask Qi Xiaoyan for help; I really underestimated He Tiantian before. The girl that her nephew Qi Jianguo has his eye on is very clever; she'll be difficult to control.
But it doesn't matter, as long as we're within Qijia Village's territory, we can always find an opportunity.
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