Chapter 148 "Deputy Director Chen asked me to bring you..."
The debate sparked by the handbook continues to escalate within the education sector, with the name Shu Ran repeatedly mentioned amidst a vortex of praise and criticism. The atmosphere within the organization is like the weather in V City—unpredictable, fluctuating between warm and cold.
Li Weiguo's smile grew increasingly forced, and his occasional glances held a hint of schadenfreude, as if to say, "See? There's always a price to pay for showing off."
Shu Ran remained oblivious to this. She continued to bury herself in her daily work, sorting through the literacy progress data reported by various regiments and collecting feedback from the grassroots.
Amidst this turmoil, a confidential document was delivered directly to Director Han's office.
The document quickly circulated within a very limited circle: the State Education Commission planned to convene a national symposium on education work in the near future, aiming to summarize and exchange experiences from various regions and to determine the strategic direction for the next stage of education development. The meeting specifically pointed out the need to select representative regions and individuals to give exemplary presentations. Among these, the unique characteristics of border regions and the experience of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps were explicitly listed as key areas for evaluation. Attached to the document were preliminary selection criteria for candidates, emphasizing: comrades with rich practical experience, a solid foundation in grassroots work, the ability to accurately reflect the state of education in border regions, and a certain level of theoretical thinking and policy understanding.
As December approached, the winter in V City became dry and cold. Shu Ran wrapped her cotton-padded coat tighter around herself as she walked back to her dormitory from the Education Bureau.
In the office, rumors about the National Education Work Symposium were growing increasingly intense. Everyone was speculating about who would be chosen as the speaker, given the "frontier characteristics."
Shu Ran's name was mentioned frequently, accompanied by a mix of complex and difficult-to-discern gazes.
As she walked into the stairwell, a warm feeling mixed with the aroma of food wafted towards her.
"You're back? I've put a kettle of hot water on the stove for you." Zhang Yaqin poked her head out from the inner room, holding a crochet hook and yarn in her hand.
"Thank you, Sister Yaqin." Shu Ran put down her bag and rubbed her frozen hands.
Liu Hui's room door was open, and she was sitting at the table peeling radishes. When she saw Shu Ran, she called out to her, "Li Weiguo went to Secretary Zhou's office again today and stayed for half an hour."
Shu Ran went into the room, poured a cup of hot water, held it in her hands, and walked out of the building: "He's in charge of publicity, so it's normal for him to go and report on his work."
"Reporting on work?" Liu Hui scoffed. "I think it's reporting on you. Your handbook is getting too much attention, and there are quite a few envious people. I heard that the criticism materials from several eastern provinces were submitted with his help."
Shu Ran didn't reply, but walked to the stove to look. Radish soup was bubbling in the pot, with a few pieces of bone floating in the soup.
Zhang Yaqin put down her knitting and walked over, lowering her voice: "Xiao Shu, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."
"Sister Yaqin, please speak."
“I heard that the selection of a spokesperson involves not only professional competence, but also… a good family background and a clear history,” Zhang Yaqin said meaningfully.
Shu Ran quickly realized that Zhang Yaqin, who was in the archives, must have already thoroughly investigated her background.
Shu Ran looked at the rising steam from the pot and said calmly, "I know."
"Good to know." Liu Hui threw the peeled radish into the basin. "Some people can't get anything done properly, they just stab you in the back. You'd better keep a close eye on things."
Just then, a voice calling for someone came from one end of the corridor.
"Is Comrade Shu Ran here? There's a letter from her!"
Shu Ran hurried over. It was Old Wang from the gatehouse.
"It's from Beijing, a registered letter." Old Wang handed over a thick envelope.
Liu Hui leaned closer: "Oh, a letter from Beijing?"
Shu Ran didn't deny it, and took the letter, preparing to go back inside to read it. The envelope had Chen Yuanjiang's familiar handwriting. She didn't rush to open it, but instead ran her fingers along the edge of the envelope a few times.
Zhang Yaqin and Liu Hui exchanged a glance, one picked up the yarn and the other picked up the vegetable basin, and they went back into the house in tacit agreement.
Shu Ran entered the room and carefully opened the letter. Inside, besides the letter, was a simply bound booklet with a handwritten title on the cover: "A Preliminary Exploration of Comprehensive Development and Stability in Border Regions (Internal Discussion Draft)".
She first unfolded the letter.
"dye:
Seeing these words is like seeing the person in person.
I've been busy with many things in the capital and haven't been able to write to you often. I hope you understand.
I know everything about you. The publication of the handbook has inevitably sparked heated discussions. With fame comes slander. However, I know your heart; you will not be burdened by fleeting fame, nor swayed by rumors. The path you have paved yourself amidst countless thorns, and its value cannot be presumptuously judged by those who merely engage in armchair theorizing.
Recently, I participated in a discussion with our former leader about a grand vision concerning the long-term foundation of the border regions. Its breadth of vision and depth of planning far surpasses the simple border defense of the past. At its core are education to solidify the border and cultural integration. Whenever this is discussed, I picture you, in the Gobi Desert, among the yurts, tenaciously sowing the seeds of knowledge. The cause you have dedicated yourself to has a significance far beyond our imagination, inextricably linked to the grand plan of the nation.
I heard you may be attending a conference in Beijing; this is a great honor and a significant responsibility. If the time permits, I hope to meet you then. There are many things I wish to tell you in person.
Enclosed is an internal discussion draft for your reference only. Please keep it safe after reading and do not distribute it. Some of the ideas in it may corroborate your own thoughts.
Take care of yourself, and don't worry about me.
"Handwritten from the Distant Frontier"
Shu Ran picked up the booklet and opened it. Inside were neatly handwritten notes in pen, covering various aspects of frontier culture and education. In the section on strengthening the border through culture and education, she saw the highlighted viewpoints. These viewpoints coincided with the core ideas of her handbook, her speech at the exchange meeting, and even her understanding as a time traveler based on her experiences in the future.
She noticed that the article repeatedly mentioned "pilot projects," "exploring experiences," and "grassroots pioneering spirit."
She seemed to have grasped a bit of the underlying logic. Chen Yuanjiang showed her this not just for reference. He was telling her the direction of the wind, and also reminding her—her work, her manual, and she herself might have entered into a broader, more strategic vision.
She has always believed in the significance of her work, but she has never felt so strongly that her efforts could resonate with the national-level border development plan.
He understood her, even better than she understood the significance of her career.
Shu Ran carefully put the letter and booklet into the bottom of the camphor wood chest and locked it. Then she picked up the thermos and poured herself a basin of hot water.
The steam from the foot bath enveloped her face. She picked up the soap and began to wash her hands. The water temperature was just right, and her chaotic thoughts gradually settled.
The next day, Shu Ran went to work as usual. She didn't mention the internal discussion draft to anyone.
When Li Weiguo saw her, he put on his usual smile: "Comrade Shu Ran is here? Perfect timing, Secretary Zhou wants you to go to his office."
Shu Ran nodded: "Okay, I'll go after I put my things down."
Secretary Zhou's office was much warmer than outside. He sat behind his desk, holding a document in his hand.
"Xiao Shu, have a seat." Secretary Zhou gestured to the chair opposite him. "You've heard about the National Education Work Symposium, haven't you?"
"I've heard some of what my colleagues have been saying about it." Shu Ran sat down, her posture upright.
"Hmm." Secretary Zhou pushed the materials over. "These are the preliminary selection criteria and requirements. Our bureau, including those above us, recognizes your abilities. Your handbook has a significant impact and is a plus."
Shu Ran took the materials but didn't look at them immediately: "Thank you for the organization's recognition. I just did what I was supposed to do."
“However,” Secretary Zhou changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious, “as you know, the selection of delegates for such national conferences is extremely rigorous. In addition to professional competence, political reliability and personal history must also undergo the most stringent scrutiny.”
His gaze fell on Shu Ran. "Your family situation is clearly written in your file. Normally, it's not a big problem at the grassroots level. But at this level, it's inevitable that some people will use it against you. You should be prepared."
Shu Ran raised her head, her eyes calm: "Secretary Zhou, I understand. I cannot change my background, but I can prove my loyalty to the country and the cause of education in the border regions with my actions. My work, my handbook, and the feedback from so many grassroots comrades and students are my answers."
Secretary Zhou looked at her for a while, then nodded: "It's good that you have this awareness. Take the materials back and review them carefully, and prepare them according to the requirements. During this period, you need to be more cautious in your work and not give others any leverage against you."
"Yes, I understand."
Back in his office, Li Weiguo asked, seemingly casually, "Did Secretary Zhou call you in about the symposium?"
"Yes, the secretary encouraged me to prepare carefully." Shu Ran said casually, sitting down to start processing the documents.
Wang Juan leaned closer and whispered, "Shu Ran, I heard... someone seems to have passed something up to higher-ups, about some things you did when you were working at the grassroots level."
Shu Ran continued turning the pages: "Every single thing I did at the grassroots level can withstand scrutiny."
“But…” Wang Juan was a little anxious.
Shu Ran turned to look at her and smiled, "It's alright, the innocent will clear themselves. After we finish checking the data we have, we'll go to the next literacy site this afternoon."
Her calm demeanor left Wang Juan somewhat puzzled.
A few days later, Shu Ran took the initiative to go to see Director Han.
"Director, I have an idea regarding the selection of a spokesperson." Shu Ran placed her outline on the table. "I want to use the cases in the manual to focus on how we consolidate literacy achievements and enhance the national identity of the masses through survival education and cultural integration in the special environment of the border region. This is not only an education issue, but also a prerequisite for long-term stability and security in the border region."
Director Han carefully examined the outline, his eyes growing brighter and brighter: "Hmm, this is a good angle. It's grounded in reality and aligns with the overall situation. Xiao Shu, just prepare according to this approach. If you need any support, just let me know."
As Shu Ran left the director's office, she ran into Li Weiguo in the corridor.
"Comrade Shu Ran, have you finished talking with the director?" Li Weiguo asked with a smile.
"We've finished talking, and I've reported on our preparation plan," Shu Ran said in a normal tone.
"Oh? I wonder what the thought process is? I'd like to learn from it."
Shu Ran stopped and looked at him, then suddenly smiled: "Isn't Team Leader Li always concerned about the theoretical depth of the 'Handbook'? This is perfect opportunity. I plan to elaborate on it from the perspective of consolidating education at the borders. Perhaps it can even respond to those criticisms from before."
Li Weiguo's smile froze for a moment.
Shu Ran didn't say anything more, nodded, and turned to leave.
*
As the year draws to a close, the atmosphere within the Education Bureau is becoming increasingly delicate. Details regarding the selection of a spokesperson are becoming more specific, and Shu Ran's name is being mentioned more and more frequently.
That afternoon, Shu Ran was organizing data on the effectiveness of literacy campaigns reported from grassroots levels when her phone rang.
Wang Juan answered the phone, listened for a couple of sentences, covered the receiver, and lowered her voice to say to Shu Ran, "Sister Shu, it's for you. It's the security department of X Division."
Shu Ran's heart skipped a beat. She quickly went over and took the phone: "Hello, this is Shu Ran."
The person on the other end of the phone wasn't Chen Yuanjiang, but a slightly unfamiliar male voice: "Hello, Comrade Shu Ran, this is Xiao Liu, an officer from the Division's Security Department. Deputy Director Chen asked me to pass on a message to you."
"Speaking."
“Deputy Director Chen said everything is going smoothly for him, so please don’t worry. Also, he reminded you that the weather has been changing a lot lately, so please keep warm and also… pay attention to the security of your door.” Xiao Liu lowered his voice even further, “Especially some personal belongings that you left in the usual place, you should check them to see if anything is missing.”
Shu Ran's fingers tightened slightly as she gripped the microphone: "Thank you, I understand. Thank you for your help, Officer Liu."
"You're welcome, it's my pleasure."
After hanging up the phone, Shu Ran stood there, processing those few words. Chen Yuanjiang was doing well; this was a way of letting her know he was safe. "The weather is changing a lot, be careful to keep warm" was the usual concern. The key was what followed—"Be careful of the house," "Personal belongings," "The usual place," "Has anything been lost?"
Her heart sank. Chen Yuanjiang was subtly warning her that some things might have touched upon her past in the Production and Construction Corps. That "old place" could refer to the livestock company, or it could refer to her dormitory at the division headquarters. And "personal belongings"... that was too broad a range; it could be any fragment of her writing, or anything given to her by others.
She walked back to her seat, sat down, and continued checking the data, her expression calm.
After returning to the dormitory after get off work, Zhang Yaqin and Liu Hui were talking about something in the hallway.
"Xiao Shu, you don't look well. Are you too tired?" Zhang Yaqin asked with concern.
"It's nothing, Sister Yaqin, she's probably just a little chilly." Shu Ran poured a cup of hot water.
As Liu Hui leaned against the door, sewing shoe soles, she said, "I heard that the selection team will arrive in our province next week. Their first stop is our V City."
Shu Ran paused in her drinking motion: "So fast?"
“That’s right.” Liu Hui looked up. “That’s why I saw Li Weiguo run up there several times today.”
Zhang Yaqin sighed: "At this time, I'm afraid someone will try to trip me up."
Shu Ran nodded without saying anything and went back to her room.
She works at the grassroots level; what could possibly be used against her?
Her background as a capitalist family is an open secret. Her conflict with Zhou Qiaozhen in the company? That was a personal dispute, and she was in the right.
Her relationship with Chen Yuanjiang? It's now an open secret, and the organization is aware of it. Her unconventional approach to founding the school? It was successful and received recognition from higher authorities.
What are some of her private remarks? She has always been very cautious.
Or perhaps the overly advanced ideas in that handbook were taken out of context?
She carefully reviewed every detail of her actions, assessing the risks. Finally, her gaze fell upon the internal discussion document at the bottom of the box.
She had to prepare for the worst.
She immediately took out the booklet from the bottom of the box, along with all the letters Chen Yuanjiang had written. She went to the stove and struck a match.
The paper curled and turned black in the flames, eventually turning to ash. After it was burned, she used a stove hook to stir the ash and mix it into the coal ash.
The day before the selection team arrived in V City, the Education Bureau held its final preparatory meeting.
In the conference room, Secretary Zhou and Director Han sat at the head of the table, with heads of various departments, as well as key personnel such as Shu Ran and Li Weiguo, all present.
Secretary Zhou's expression was serious: "This selection is not only related to Comrade Shu Ran personally, but also to the image and performance of our entire education system! Everyone must be on high alert to ensure that nothing goes wrong!"
Director Han added, "The reception, the report, the materials—every step must be flawless. In particular, Comrade Shu Ran's speech must highlight our unique characteristics and achievements while also conforming to the directives from above."
Li Weiguo immediately replied, "Secretary and Director, rest assured! Our entire group will cooperate fully to ensure the preparations are thorough. I also helped review Comrade Shu Ran's speech several times and offered some suggestions for revision to ensure the political direction is absolutely correct."
Shu Ran raised her eyes and looked at Li Weiguo, her tone calm: "Thank you for your concern, Team Leader Li. The speech was prepared based on the actual situation at the grassroots level and Director Han's guidance. The core viewpoints and data have been repeatedly verified. If Team Leader Li feels that any part of the political direction is not correct, you can point it out specifically, and we can discuss it on the spot."
She made it clear that the control over the manuscript rested with her and Director Han.
Li Weiguo smiled and said, "Comrade Shu Ran, please don't misunderstand. I'm just offering some suggestions. The general direction is definitely correct."
Director Han glanced at the two of them and smoothed things over, "Alright, it's all for work. Shu Ran, I trust your draft. Tomorrow, just speak as you've prepared, be factual, and clearly and thoroughly explain the characteristics of education in our border regions!"
"Yes, Director." Shu Ran nodded.
After the meeting, Shu Ran was kept behind by Secretary Zhou for a private conversation.
"Xiao Shu, sit down." Secretary Zhou rubbed his temples, looking somewhat tired. "Tomorrow is crucial. I know you're under a lot of pressure, but we must ensure everything goes perfectly and there can be no mistakes."
"I understand, Secretary."
"In addition," Secretary Zhou lowered his voice, "when people from above come, besides the official selection committee, there may also be... people from other channels who will be listening in or trying to find out what's going on. Just keep that in mind and perform normally."
Shu Ran's heart skipped a beat. Chen Yuanjiang's warning and Secretary Zhou's hint both came true.
"Thank you for the reminder, Secretary. I know what to do."
As I came out of the conference room, Li Weiguo was waiting at the corner of the corridor.
"Comrade Shu Ran," he said, his face devoid of a smile, "tomorrow is a big occasion, representing the face of our entire organization. When you speak, you must be careful about what you say and what you don't. Don't say anything inappropriate just to stand out."
Shu Ran stopped and looked at him. "Team Leader Li, what do you think is inappropriate? Is it inappropriate to truthfully reflect the difficulties at the grassroots level, or is it inappropriate to share the effective methods we've figured out?"
Li Weiguo frowned: "That's not what I meant..."
“Team Leader Li,” Shu Ran interrupted him, “after all these years in the frontier, my biggest takeaway is that nothing here can be achieved through empty talk; we must be grounded in reality. What I’m going to talk about tomorrow is the experience gained by countless educators and ordinary people on this land. If this isn’t appropriate, then what is?”
Li Weiguo sighed, "I know you know what you're doing, so I won't remind you."
Shu Ran nodded. "Thank you for your concern, team leader."
Back in the office, Wang Juan approached with a worried look: "Sister Shu, I just heard that Team Leader Li seems to be..."
Shu Ran patted her shoulder: "It's okay. We just need to do what we're supposed to do."
She sat down and took out her speech. She knew the contents of the speech by heart. She just needed some peace and quiet.
Tomorrow, she will not only face the selection panel's assessment, but may also face a tough battle.
But she wasn't afraid. Her foundation lay at the grassroots level, achievements that no one could erase.
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