Chapter 54 Grandpa Wang meets Grandma Yu…
Grandpa Wang was powerless against Grandma Yu. As a cadre, he couldn't very well pull out his leather belt and whip Grandma Yu, could he? If he really started a fight, his job as a revolutionary committee cadre would be over.
He pointed at Old Lady Yu, "You just wait!"
Old Mrs. Yu put her hands on her hips and spat again, "You old codger, groping around in the yard, shameless scoundrel, you dare make me wait? I'll wait here and see what you can do to me!"
Grandpa Wang's son and daughter-in-law both rushed out. The eldest daughter-in-law, Zhao Yufeng, blocked Grandpa Wang's way, saying, "Old woman Yu, what nonsense are you spouting? My father is a cadre of the Revolutionary Committee, in charge of ideological education and class struggle! You are viciously attacking the cadres of the Revolutionary Committee, undermining revolutionary unity, and openly defying the organization. This is anti-revolutionary behavior! Believe me or not, I'll call the cadres of the Revolutionary Committee right now, put a sign on you, and drag you onto the stage for a proper talk."
Old Mrs. Yu wasn't afraid at all. The Yu family had impeccable revolutionary credentials, three generations of workers, and they hadn't done anything wrong. No one could drag her away for criticism and struggle sessions. She said, "So, Revolutionary Committee cadres can touch crotches in the yard? So, they can sneak up on their daughters-in-law's walls to peep?"
Zhao Yufeng's head was spinning from her words, and she trembled with anger: "You, you're talking nonsense! You're trying to drive our whole family to our deaths..."
They were defeated and fled.
Old Mrs. Yu thought to herself, "This is nothing." She didn't point her gun at the fleeing Zhao Yufeng. Instead, she pointed at Grandpa Wang and said, "You old lecher! I'll be watching you."
Grandpa Wang's second daughter-in-law is timid and doesn't know how to talk, so she doesn't dare to come out and fight with Grandma Yu right now.
Grandpa Wang missed Jiang Yueying terribly, who was being imprisoned and criticized. If his ex-wife were alright, how could she let Old Lady Yu bully him like this? His two daughters-in-law were useless; what was the point of saying all this? He should just rush up and beat her up, pin that old hag to the ground and beat her hard.
He snorted and walked away.
He must find the gold and destroy the Yu family! When the time comes, he'll pull out his belt and give that old woman a good beating.
Grandma Yu spat again and instructed the neighbors around her: "You young women and wives, you must stay away from that old vegetable scrap, lest you get your eyes dirty."
Grandpa Wang felt a tightness in his chest, a metallic taste in his throat, and almost vomited blood from anger; he couldn't even speak clearly.
Grandma Yu strolled around the yard, and Pan Hongying came up to her and started talking.
Pan Hongying said, "Auntie, you're really amazing. You even dared to rebel against the cadres of the Revolutionary Committee."
That old geezer Wang Liren is always loitering around their doorstep, trying to eavesdrop on their conversations, hoping to find something out about their family and discover the whereabouts of their gold and silver. She's so annoyed with him, but she doesn't dare to mess with him and can only pretend not to know anything, since he is, after all, a cadre of the Revolutionary Committee.
This old woman Yu came for a day and managed to take care of Grandpa Wang perfectly.
Grandma Yu said, "We women shouldn't be afraid. If he dares to act like a hooligan, we should stand up bravely!" She wasn't familiar with the compound, but she also pulled Pan Hongying along to gossip.
Pan Hongying intentionally brought Grandma Yu and Grandpa Hu's family together, focusing on Grandpa Hu's family's affairs.
Old Mrs. Yu had learned most of what was going on in the compound. When she parted ways with Pan Hongying, she cursed inwardly that the woman was no good and that she wanted to use her as a tool. Bah!
After she returned to her room, she lay on the door panel, pondering the affairs of the courtyard. There really was gold there. Grandpa Wang, Grandpa Hu, and Fang Yong were jumping around the most excitedly, all wanting to find the gold and make a contribution. They were all keeping a close eye on the second son's family.
Did the second brother's family really find gold?
How come the second child's family is so lucky?
At the entrance of the compound, Lu Xiaoqing hid behind a tree, but Yu Songqing didn't come out. Her legs were numb from waiting. Finally, she saw Yu Songqing and rushed over to hug him.
Yu Songqing's hair stood on end. He took off running and disappeared in a flash, like a gust of wind.
Lu Xiaoqing: ?
She gritted her teeth in hatred. If the Yu family hadn't objected to her relationship with Yu Songqing, they might already be discussing marriage. Why would she be dating Zhao Daqing? She had even given herself to Zhao Daqing, and now she didn't know what to do.
In addition, Liu Duobao's family was also implicated when the incident happened. Her younger brother was fired from the oil pressing factory, and the whole family was ashamed.
Thinking of Zhao Jianshe's words, the Yu family is doing so well now, but it has nothing to do with her, even Yu Songqing has changed his mind...
She wrapped her face with a silk scarf and resolutely knocked on Grandpa Wang's door.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend, and she quickly became friends with the Wang family.
The quickest way to completely destroy someone is to utterly defeat them, ensuring they can never rise again. The Yu family is indeed of impeccable lineage, with three generations of impeccable conduct, leaving no room for criticism. But in this world, is there any monolithic entity?
If there's no flaw, then create one for him!
Handwriting can be imitated, statements can be fabricated, and evidence can be concocted. As long as it's convincing enough, even a lie can become the truth. If that powerful Director Xiao of the Revolutionary Committee believes it, accepts it, and approves it, then it's an ironclad case! Who would dare utter a single word of dissent?
By then, who will care whether it was originally true or false?
Lu Xiaoqing had a way of forging such a letter.
After agreeing on everything, Lu Xiaoqing wrapped her face up and quietly left the Wang family.
Yu Songqing, who happened to be returning from the restroom, saw it. Damn! What is Lu Xiaoqing trying to do?
Sneaking around with his face covered? Planning to team up with Wang Liren to take down their family?
He was truly blind back then to have thought Lu Xiaoqing was gentle and kind.
At three o'clock in the morning, Cheng Xiuying woke up and prepared to go to the food station to buy discounted pork. Old Mrs. Yu, a light sleeper, also woke up immediately. "Second daughter-in-law, you don't need to go. Give me the money and I'll queue up to buy it."
Cheng Xiuying didn't trust Old Lady Yu. She was worried that Old Lady Yu would run away with the money and meat. "It's the middle of the night. How can I let you go? If others see us, they'll scold me for being unfilial. I'll go instead."
Yu Hongding sat up in bed. "I'll go."
Cheng Xiuying pressed him down on the bed again: "I can buy good meat, so stop arguing."
Grandma Yu also got up. She was thinking about the gold and wanted to get more information out of him. She followed him to the food station and whispered, "Xiuying, you two have to hide the things well. Your father and I are old and can't take any more trouble."
Cheng Xiuying: "What are we hiding? Our family has impeccable revolutionary credentials, there's nothing to hide."
Grandma Yu: "...We, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, don't need to hide it from me. Your father and I are getting old, and we don't know if we'll ever be lucky enough to wear a gold ring in this lifetime."
Cheng Xiuying: "Aunt Wang is lucky to wear it, she's still being criticized and struggled against. Alright, Mother, let me tell you about what's going on in the compound, so you'll have a better understanding."
When the two arrived at the food station, the line was incredibly long. Some people had even laid out mats on the ground and slept there the night before. Most of the neighbors from the compound had also come! They all gathered together to chat, mainly trying to make fun of Grandpa Wang's reputation.
Aunt Hu was the most enthusiastic, she wanted Uncle Wang to step down and Uncle Hu to become a revolutionary committee cadre! She said, "Yesterday I saw a little girl with her face covered and her waist twisting as she knocked on Uncle Wang's door, and she stayed inside for about ten minutes."
Pan Hongying clicked her tongue a few times: "Grandpa Wang can still do it? I didn't believe it when Aunt Yu said that yesterday. Tsk, he's already in his thirties, how can he have a second spring?"
Aunt Hu curled her lip: "Of course! It's a disgrace to the Revolutionary Committee. And they call themselves cadres?"
Upon hearing this, Old Lady Yu immediately leaned closer and whispered, "I knew that old bastard was no good! His eyes were always darting around, always eyeing women!"
Aunt Hu nodded repeatedly, praising Old Lady Yu for her sharp eyes and keen mind, having seen through Old Master Wang's despicable character so clearly after only one day in the compound. She encouraged Old Lady Yu to keep up the good work and continue to mess with Old Master Wang.
Grandma Yu steered the conversation back to Grandma Hu, saying that a scoundrel like Wang Liren was not fit to be a Revolutionary Committee cadre at all. “If you ask me, this position should be your husband, Grandma Hu! Why didn’t you catch him in the act? If you had caught him red-handed, Grandpa Wang would definitely have been removed from his post.”
Aunt Hu slapped her thigh and exclaimed in regret. She hesitated for a moment and didn't call for help. "I'll keep a closer eye on things next time. Don't tell anyone, or Wang Liren will become wary of us."
Pan Hongying quickly assured her, "Don't worry, I won't say anything nonsense."
Hurry up and kill Grandpa Wang.
Grandma Yu instructed, "Keep a close eye on him. I'll help you deal with that old codger when the time comes."
Everyone immediately changed the subject, keeping the matter to themselves, hoping that Grandpa Wang would try again and catch them in the act next time.
Cheng Xiuying's lips twitched. Her mother-in-law was as cunning as a lotus root eye. No one in the compound could outsmart her. She pondered Hu Dama's words. She didn't believe that Wang Daye could have an affair with the young girl. What bad thing was he planning to do by coming to her door in the middle of the night?
Who is this little girl? Could it be Lu Xiaoqing?
Grandma Yu was chatting enthusiastically with someone, so Cheng Xiuying didn't even need to wait in line. Grandma Yu cut in front of Aunt Hu and moved a little further ahead. Cheng Xiuying simply went to run a few laps, stretch her muscles, and do some boxing.
You can't practice the Five Animal Frolics outside; this skill shouldn't be stolen by others.
As soon as it was broad daylight, the gate of the food station opened and a tractor came in, chugging along and belching black smoke. The trailer behind it was piled full of freshly slaughtered pork!
That meat was absolutely delicious!
The fat was thick and white, about two or three fingers wide, clearly from a well-fed, large pig. It was even slightly steaming, obviously freshly slaughtered and brought here.
Everyone was initially worried that the discounted pork wasn't good quality, but after just one look, they were completely reassured.
Two tall, burly men got off the tractor and carried the pork to the food station.
Cheng Xiuying spotted Cheng Xiufeng immediately and went over to him, saying, "Brother, have you come to deliver pork?"
Cheng Xiufeng grinned: "Xiuying!"
Cheng Xiuying lent a hand and helped carry the two pigs inside. Because she helped with the work, she was the first to buy the discounted pork.
As for Cheng Xiufeng and his companion, they continued to deliver fresh pork to other food stations, with each food station receiving two pigs.
Grandma Yu rushed forward. Of course she recognized Cheng Xiufeng, but how did a peasant like him become a pork delivery worker? Was he a temporary worker?
Even temporary workers are in high demand; will there still be a shortage of pork in the future?
For ordinary people, the most important thing is to have enough to eat.
Cheng Xiuying handed the food ration book to the butcher. The book listed nine people, each person 3 liang (150 grams), for a total of 2.7 jin (1.85 catties).
Cheng Xiuying selected the best fatty pork belly. The chef cut it with a knife and weighed it. It weighed exactly 2.7 jin (1.85 catties). He also gave Cheng Xiuying two large bones without any meat on them. "Comrade, thank you for your help earlier."
Cheng Xiuying put the pork and large bones into the shopping basket and left happily.
Grandma Yu asked incredulously, "Xiuying, what happened to your older brother?"
Seeing her mother-in-law's expression, Cheng Xiuying was overjoyed. Her mother-in-law had initially looked down on her for being a country girl and had made things difficult for her both openly and secretly. Now, however, her mother-in-law was a section chief, and her older brother had a stable job. She calmly and easily replied, "My brother-in-law works at the Hongxing Breeding Farm."
Grandma Yu asked tremblingly, "A temporary worker?"
Cheng Xiuying raised an eyebrow and smiled, "A full-time employee."
Grandma Yu gasped: "How could your older brother become a permanent employee? Did you help him find that job?"
“Mom, how can you think like that? It’s so hard to find a permanent job!” Cheng Xiuying said, “Next time I’ll ask my older brother how he found a job.”
Grandma Yu was in a daze. Her second son's wife had become a cadre, and her peasant brother had become a formal employee at the breeding farm.
When the two returned home, Yu Jiajia had just finished brushing her teeth. She ran over to look at the meat Cheng Xiuying had bought and praised, "Mom, you're so capable! You managed to buy such good pork! And two big pork bones too! Mom, you've worked so hard! Did you get up early?"
Cheng Xiuying was touched: "My dear, Mom is not tired at all. I'll make pork fritters for you later."
Yu Jiajia: "Wow, great! Mom needs to eat more to nourish herself!"
Grandma Yu's teeth ached from listening to this, and she pouted from the side, thinking, "She really has a mouth that's not wasted."
While everyone was there, Yu Songqing told them about Lu Xiaoqing's visit to the Wang family in the middle of the night.
Cheng Xiuying was speechless; she had actually guessed right.
Yu Jiamin clicked her tongue: "Even without love, hatred can arise. Are they plotting with Grandpa Wang to harm our family?"
Yu Songqing felt very guilty, saying, "It was my fault for not recognizing the right person."
Grandma Yu's eyes widened as she listened to Yu Songqing's romantic history. Just like his father, he was hopelessly infatuated with love. However, Yu Songqing had come to his senses, while his father hadn't.
Cheng Xiuying scoffed, "Two idiots together can't come up with anything interesting. Lu Xiaoqing had better not go to the Wang family's house at night anymore, or she's finished. Jiamin, go cook."
That's the end of that.
It was Yu Jiamin's turn to make breakfast. Cheng Xiuying set aside half a pound of pork to make pork dumplings. Yu Jiamin deftly washed the pork, finely chopped it into minced meat on the cutting board, and then chopped up the scallions and soaked shiitake mushrooms, mixing them with the minced meat. Then she sprinkled salt and soy sauce on top for seasoning.
She then kneaded the dough again, scooped up a large spoonful of fragrant pork and mushroom filling, placed it in the center of the dough, and skillfully pinched the edges closed to form a plump round cake.
Brush a thin layer of oil on the bottom of the pan, heat it up, and then place the pork sandwiches in the pan. Fry them over low heat, and soon the pan will emit an enticing sizzling sound.
Yu Jiajia pulled her second brother along to wash the astragalus root. Actually, honey-processed astragalus root is better, as it releases its medicinal properties more effectively, but they didn't have any honey at home, so they just dried it directly. After washing the astragalus root, they sliced it diagonally, keeping a few older plants separately for their own use.
Then spread them out on a winnowing basket and put them in the sun to dry. I dare not leave them outside, for fear that someone who knows their stuff will steal them. These weigh several dozen kilograms in total, and after drying, they will yield about five kilograms. They sell for one yuan and twenty cents per kilogram, and I can also sell them to the health station for three yuan.
After the two finished their work, they saw Cheng Xiuying come out of the main room. She was wearing new clothes: a light blue shirt, dark blue trousers, a brown leather belt around her waist, a red armband on her sleeve, and a factory badge on her chest. She exuded an air of unquestionable seriousness and power.
The moment she came out, the atmosphere in the entire courtyard froze.
Cheng Xiuying actually became an official?
Pan Hongying happened to be returning with pork. She looked at Cheng Xiuying incredulously: "Xiuying, you...you've become the head of the security department?"
Cheng Xiuying straightened the factory badge on her chest and nodded to her: "Yes."
Yu Jiajia said sweetly, "Aunt Pan, my mom was promoted to head of the security department yesterday."
Pan Hongying felt as if she had been shot in the chest. They were all the same kind of workers, so how did Cheng Xiuying become an official, and the head of the security department at that! Her monthly salary must be ninety yuan.
The most shocked person was Grandpa Wang, who hadn't even heard the news. His arch-nemesis, Cheng Xiuying, had suddenly become a section-level cadre in the steel rolling mill! Look at that crisp cadre uniform, she looked so impressive!
He was so angry that he didn't even want to eat breakfast.
Cheng Xiuying waved her hand casually: "Alright, everyone disperse and go about your business. If we meet again, just call me Xiuying as before. There's no need to call me Section Chief."
Pan Hongying gritted her teeth: "Section Chief Cheng..."
Su Man clutched her heart. Yu Jiajia had become the daughter of a leader, and the distance between them was growing ever wider, now unattainable, something she could only look up to. She followed her mother home, dumbfounded. Su's mother was incredibly envious. "She used to be so quiet and unassuming, and now she's a section chief! How did she manage to gain power?" Looking at her daughter and son, she slapped her thigh. Why hadn't she thought of that before? She said, "You two need to work harder, go and fawn over her more. None of the Yu siblings are married yet."
Su Rui rolled her eyes. "Mom, where do you get your confidence? Look at my face, and then look at Su Man's face. Trying harder won't help. A person should know their own limitations."
“My son is good in every way!” Mother Su said, “Besides, even a good girl is hard to deal with. As long as you have perseverance, you can even grind an iron rod into a needle.”
Su Rui: "Mom, do you want me to die? Do you want Cheng Tiequan to beat me to death with one punch?"
Su's mother: ...
Su Man took this to heart. She thought Yu Songqing was old-fashioned and easy to coax. Since Lu Xiaoqing could coax him, she could too. Besides, she and Yu Jiajia were good friends, so Jiajia would definitely not object and might even help.
-
The Yu family began their meal, with each person receiving two pork dumplings and a bowl of vegetable and mushroom soup.
The Yu family has been eating exceptionally well these days. Having seen their share of the finer things in life, they all agree that the pork pie is delicious and the mushroom soup is incredibly flavorful. Grandpa Yu and Grandma Yu are especially astonished. One bite of the pork pie and they are utterly amazed – it's so delicious! How did they manage to fry it so crispy? The filling is fragrant and fresh, and it's so delicious, it's like their mouths are overflowing with oil! It's pure bliss. The mushroom soup is also incredibly good; it's so fresh it'll make your tongue fall off!
Old Yu buried his head in his food, thinking how nice his second son's family was.
Grandma Yu held a pork box in her hand. She ate half of it, but couldn't bear to eat any more. She carefully put it aside for Huaiyuan to eat, and she would just drink the soup.
Cheng Xiuying: "Mom, if you're not hungry, give it to Hongding. Hongding works hard."
Yu Hongding was moved and was about to speak when he heard Old Lady Yu say, "I... I'll save it for lunch."
Grandma Yu couldn't bear to give the good stuff to her second son.
Yu Hongding knew without even trying what Old Lady Yu wanted to do with the saved food; he had been used to it since childhood, so he wasn't particularly saddened.
Cheng Xiuying: "There will be food for lunch." Don't try to take the good stuff to the eldest son's family.
When Grandma Yu saw Cheng Xiuying in her cadre uniform, she felt inexplicably timid and lacked confidence: "I can eat it."
She couldn't give the pork pies to her grandson, and she couldn't bear to leave them for Yu Hongding. After finishing two pork pies, she drank a big bowl of incredibly delicious mushroom soup.
My dear grandson, it's not that Grandma doesn't want to keep it for you, it's that you, as his second grandma, won't let the old lady take care of it for you.
Yu Jiajia ate one pork fritter and drank a bowl of soup. She gave the other pork fritter to Cheng Xiuying, saying, "Mom, you eat more. I'm full."
Cheng Xiuying: "You've only eaten one, how far are you going? Hurry up and finish it."
Yu Jiajia broke a pork box in half, ate a small half, and gave the rest to Cheng Xiuying.
She was telling the truth; she was truly full. Her appetite wasn't as large as before, her body was full of nutrients, and she didn't get hungry as easily.
Grandma Yu: "If you can't finish it all, I can still eat a little more."
Cheng Xiuying: "...Don't overeat and make yourself sick, I'll eat it."
Yu Jiajia smiled sweetly and continued eating the pork box.
After they finished eating, Grandma Yu said, "Xiuying, leave some extra food for me. I'll cook dinner."
Cheng Xiuying said, "You don't have to worry about anything at home. You're too idle, so just eat some melon seeds and chat with people." How could she dare to let Grandma Yu cook dinner? Even if she dared to cook, she wouldn't dare to eat it.
What if Grandma Yu spits in her food?
After all, she had done this before.
She left some grain and vegetables for Grandma Yu, and also gave her a little over an ounce of pork.
Grandma Yu was surprised to have pork for lunch. Her second son's wife was so generous. The food was really good. She happily saw her second son's family off to work, saying, "Don't worry about going to work. Leave the family to me."
Cheng Xiuying: "Mother, I'm leaving the family to you."
The family went to work. Cheng Xiuying rode her little green bike with Yu Jiajia on the back, while Yu Hongding rode Yu Songqing on the back. However, they had to wait until they reached the gate to get on the bikes, as there was a threshold in the yard.
Yu Jiamin got to ride another old-fashioned bicycle. She was quite happy, as owning a car meant she wouldn't have to squeeze onto the bus anymore.
As Yu Songqing watched his bike ride further and further away, he felt a pang of sadness; his bike was no longer his bike.
As they passed the second courtyard, a figure stumbled and ran towards them. Yu Songqing nimbly dodged, and the figure, sobbing, stumbled and rushed past.
He looked at his car with a sigh, not even recognizing who it was.
Yu Jiajia glanced back and saw Su Man crying. But she didn't pay much attention; there was no need to take things too seriously with her plastic best friends.
The two arrived at the door and sat on the back of the bicycle. Yu Songqing watched Yu Jiamin's back and wondered when he would be able to save up enough money to buy another bicycle.
Sigh, it's all his fault for being so foolish before, actually angering Cheng Xiuying for Lu Xiaoqing.
They arrived at the factory quickly. Yu Jiajia went to the office and heard Section Chief Chen encouraging everyone to participate in the summer sports meet. He said that cadres should set an example and everyone should sign up for one sport.
Running, relay races, long jump, high jump, shuttlecock kicking, rope skipping, tug-of-war, table tennis, etc. The prizes are also very generous, including certificates, towels, enamel mugs, washbasins, notebooks, pens, etc.
Section Chief Chen said, "Jiajia, you should sign up first."
Yu Jiajia likes lively events, and she is quite fast and has rope skipping skills, so she decisively signed up for the 100-meter sprint, relay race, one-minute fancy rope skipping competition, and long rope skipping competition.
Yu Jiajia set a good example, and everyone followed suit by signing up for their favorite projects.
Yu Jiajia began to look forward to Wednesday.
Today we're putting together another blackboard bulletin board, the theme being the Summer Games. Liu Weidong will handle the text, and she'll be in charge of the illustrations. I also saw Section Chief Cheng on patrol; she had a stern face, more authoritative than usual, walked with a brisk pace, and stood ramrod straight. The most eye-catching thing was the brown leather holster at her waist! Under the sunlight, the leather gleamed, the strap was tightly fastened, and there really was a gun inside!
However, this gun cannot be taken back; after get off work, it must be returned to the factory's armory and locked securely.
Yu Jiajia truly felt the difference in the head of the security department.
Cheng Xiuying smiled at Yu Jiajia and continued leading her men on patrol.
Yu Jiajia: "My mom is so imposing! She looks so powerful!"
Liu Weidong, who had just been thinking about how to invite Yu Jiajia to dinner with impure intentions, was now a little timid: "Of course! With such a majestic presence, even petty scoundrels will be deterred after a walk around like this."
Yu Jiajia spent the day drinking tea and reading the newspaper, and time flew by.
When he got home, Yu Hongding told him some good news: he would be going to Beijing with Engineer Chen for an exchange program, which was an excellent learning opportunity! They would be leaving tomorrow morning, and the train tickets were already bought. This was the first time he had had such an opportunity.
Everyone was happy for Yu Hongding.
Cheng Xiuying packed clothes for Yu Hongding and gave him money and cloth coupons, saying, "When we get to the capital, I'll buy Sibao a nice outfit."
Yu Hongding: "I'll buy one outfit for you and one for Sibao."
He only got this opportunity because Si Bao saved Chen Dongsheng! Otherwise, why would Engineer Chen have taken him on?
Cheng Xiuying laughed: "I always wear cadre uniforms to work, so I don't have the chance to wear other clothes."
Yu Jiajia: "Buy Mom a dress! She can wear it when she's not working." She took out thirty yuan, "I'll pay for it!"
Cheng Xiuying stuffed Yu Jiajia's money into her pocket: "Keep it, your parents have money."
The more Yu Jiajia offered, the less Cheng Xiuying wanted!
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