Chapter 5 Chapter 5 How can I express my gratitude for such a great favor?
On the day of the wedding banquet, Jiang Xiaoci went to her uncle's house to attend the wedding banquet. Old Man Qi was very happy to have found a son-in-law who suited his taste.
Jiang Xiaoci sneaked into the bridal chamber from the banquet and stayed with her aunt. She looked particularly good today, her face was whiter than usual, and her lips were red. Jiang Xiaoci assured with a smile: "Aunt, my uncle will definitely like it. He wanted to come in a few times just now, but was dragged away by relatives to drink. He also said that his wife would not run away."
Qi Xiuzhu was so embarrassed that she took out a few pieces of crispy candies wrapped in oil paper from the cabinet beside the bed and secretly stuffed them into Jiang Xiaoci's pockets: "Take them back and eat them."
Jiang Xiaoci hid the cakes in her pocket, turned her head and looked outside the door, thinking: I can't let anyone see this, otherwise people will say that my aunt is partial to me.
She said confidently: "Aunt, uncle will have a bright future. I am the best matchmaker."
Qi Xiuzhu smiled and gently tapped her forehead: "At such a young age, you still want to be a matchmaker?"
Jiang Xiaoci is the reincarnation of a little flower demon. She is best at predicting marriages. Her uncle, aunt, and aunt and uncle at home are all so happy. She said, "I will still be a matchmaker if I have the chance."
Suddenly, after a "zizizi" sound on the radio, all the radio stations interrupted to broadcast the latest news, saying that the central government has decided to resume the college entrance examination.
Qi Xiuzhu was stunned. She held the radio in her arms and tuned two more channels to make sure the news was correct. She didn't care that she was still a bride, and ran out to say to Father Qi who was entertaining relatives and friends, "Dad, listen, it says here that the college entrance examination has been resumed!"
Qi Wanlin is the principal of a township high school. After the college entrance examination was suspended, the high school dropout rate was too high. He spent half of his time mobilizing families to let their children finish high school and get a diploma.
He was very happy to hear the news that the college entrance examination was resumed. He immediately signaled everyone to be quiet. He almost stuck to the radio and listened to the news that was playing several times. The college entrance examination was confirmed to be resumed!
Old Man Qi was as happy as if he had a live-in son-in-law. He couldn't express his inner joy at the moment. He paced around the room, laughing from time to time. The path for all poor students to rise up was restored, and he really couldn't find a way to express his incomparable happiness!
Afterwards, Qi Wanlin finally remembered something and took out the dusty ruler.
Jiang Chengping stood beside his new wife, watching his father-in-law's incoherent appearance, and found it quite funny. He joked with Qi Xiuzhu, "Dad won't be as happy as Fan Jin who passed the imperial examination, will he? Dad doesn't have to take the college entrance examination, so there's no need to be so happy, right?"
Qi Xiuzhu just felt happy. Although no one in her family took the college entrance examination, her children in the future could study and take the college entrance examination normally.
Suddenly, Father Qi's ruler pointed at Jiang Chengping's face.
Jiang Chengping was startled and hid behind his wife, saying, "Dad, even if you are happy on our wedding day, you can't hit me, right?"
Friends and relatives who were at the banquet came up to him and said, "Lao Qi, your son-in-law was just joking. It's a big day, and you don't want to have a son-in-law who comes to your house and make a fool of yourself for your relatives."
Several uncles and aunts who had originally wanted to adopt the child stood by and laughed at the joke, muttering, "Dad Qi is so happy about this good news, but no one from our family will get into college."
Father Qi separated his daughter and son-in-law, threatened Jiang Chengping, and asked, "The exam is in December. What month is it now?"
Today is Jiang Chengping's wedding day. Of course he knows the date. There are only more than 50 days left before the college entrance examination. Jiang Chengping promised: "Dad, the resumption of the college entrance examination is a great thing. You can go to school without worry. Xiuzhu and I are at home."
Seeing that his son-in-law didn't understand, Father Qi made it clear: "Your mother boasted to me that you are one of the few high school graduates in Dahe Village. Now go to school right now and don't waste a single day."
When Jiang Chengping was in high school, all universities were recommended and no one studied hard. They just muddled through and got a diploma. Besides, he was already 25 years old, so why would he take an exam?
"Dad, I've graduated for so many years now, and I've already given back all the knowledge I learned to my teacher. I can't do this."
Father Qi pretended to hit him: "You kid, you have no idea what the college entrance examination means. If you can get into college, you can be assigned a job after graduation, and you can become a city dweller who eats commercial grain. There are ready-made books at home. Take the books and review them now. I want to see you being lazy. Don't blame me for hitting you."
The relatives who were watching the fun were suddenly awakened by Old Man Qi's words.
Yes, who doesn’t want to have a scholar in the family? Not to mention changing the fate of the family, it can also change one’s own fate. The college entrance examination is really not much time away, and families with children of the right age who can take the college entrance examination are all excited.
Jiang Chengping looked at the high school textbooks that his father-in-law had brought out and frowned bitterly. The banquet wasn't over yet, so did he really have to pore over the books?
He looked at Qi Yuzhu for help: "Wife, please persuade Dad."
Qi Xiuzhu was very happy and advised Jiang Chengping: "The policy this year is very relaxed. If you don't take the exam this year, who knows what the policy will be next year. Listen to Dad. I will clean up a study room for you."
Jiang Xiaoci was infected by everyone's great joy and wanted to bring this good news back home. She said goodbye to Old Man Qi, uncle, and aunt, then ran back to Dahe Village.
…
The village chief of Dahe Village also has a radio at home and has already learned the news that the college entrance examination has been resumed. The joy of the whole village is no less than that of Caishi Village.
The village chief is attending a wedding banquet at Jiang Xiaoci's house today, so many people came over and asked what to do next? Yu Changqing is now Wu Hehua's son-in-law and a member of Dahe Village. He did not expect that the village chief would ask him for decision.
"Changqing, you are from a big city and have experience. Tell me what our village should do?"
Studying is equally important for urban and rural students. Yu Changqing said: "What is the most lacking after the resumption of the college entrance examination? It is teaching staff and teaching materials. Village chief, you should quickly arrange for people to go to the county bookstore as quickly as possible to buy whatever materials you can, and then organize a study class to gather everyone together to focus on review. Even if you can't pass the exam this year, the college entrance examination will not be suspended after it is resumed, and you can take it next year!"
Indeed, the village chief said, "You young and educated people are the ones who can come up with reliable rules. Just follow what Yu Zhiqing said. The village office will advance the money first. If anyone needs to review for the college entrance examination, the teaching materials will be shared equally and deducted from next year's work points. Don't waste time and go to the county town to grab the materials!"
The arrangements were made with great fanfare, and the whole village was as happy as if it were New Year's Day. Jiang Xiaoci saw her uncle-in-law standing dejectedly in the corner, looking at those who met the requirements for reference. His expression was so pitiful. Her aunt accompanied him silently, and she looked so sad. They were getting married, so why were they not happy?
Jiang Xiaoci didn't understand and asked, "Uncle, you are only two years older than my uncle. If he can take the exam, can you take it too?"
Yu Changqing felt bitter: "With my family background, I am not even qualified to apply for the exam."
Jiang Hongyu felt very upset when she heard this, and whispered to Wu Hehua, "Changqing is such a good person and has so much knowledge, why can't he take the exam? Mom, this is really unfair."
Wu Hehua had just heard from Jiang Xiaoci that Jiang Chengping was being scolded by his father-in-law and had to start reviewing his studies today.
She was happy but also sad for her son-in-law. She said, "Don't worry. Wait until everything is arranged. I'll ask the village chief. Xiaoci said that you and Changqing will have a better life. The news of the resumption of the college entrance examination came on the day of your wedding. This is a good sign."
…
In the afternoon, Old Man Qi came to Dahe Village to discuss the resumption of the college entrance examination.
Father Qi said, "We need to integrate resources and work together. You should count how many people in Dahe Village meet the requirements to take the college entrance examination this time, and gather them together in the township high school to review. Changqing should also go. With him taking the lead, everyone will definitely be more motivated to study."
Wu Hehua was delighted and asked quickly, "Changqing has a family background problem. Can he take the exam?"
Qi Wanlin came here after asking around, and said, "I went to the county education bureau to ask, and he is a live-in son-in-law. Hurry up and register his household registration in your house so that he can take the exam."
This news was like a life-saving straw, pulling Yu Changqing out of his predicament.
In this way, those who were able to take the college entrance examination in several nearby villages were concentrated in the township high school, where they were tutored by school teachers and reviewed together. For a time, the township high school was packed, and at mealtime, the students were surrounded by family members who brought them meals.
…
Jiang Xiaoci accompanied her aunt and her sister-in-law to the countryside every day to deliver meals to her uncle and aunt, one meal at noon and one meal at night. A few days later, the school had separate bunk beds for boys and girls, so those who had to travel a long distance did not go home.
The review atmosphere was tense and intense. Everyone studied until one or two in the middle of the night, and got up at five or six in the morning to study hard under the lamp. The supply and marketing cooperatives did not have enough candles and lamp oil to sell, so every household collected some lighting tools and sent them to the school.
Time passed quickly and it was December. On the day of the college entrance examination, millions of candidates from all over the country entered the examination room. Jiang Xiaoci was waiting outside the examination room like everyone else. Her grandmother, aunt, and Old Man Qi were all very anxious.
Only Jiang Xiaoci was not in a hurry. She felt that her uncle and aunt were so hardworking that it didn't matter if they failed the exam because they had already tried their best.
After the scores were estimated, Yu Changqing's grades were good enough for him to be admitted to the capital, and Jiang Chengping's grades were good enough for him to be admitted to a university in the provincial capital. With two college students in one family, Wu Hehua was so happy that she almost went crazy and said that her ancestors were so happy.
Two of the educated youth were admitted. He Zhiqing, who had the best relationship with Yu Changqing, also passed the exam and returned to the capital. He Zhiqing and Jiang Chengping had already received their admission letters, but Yu Changqing's letter had not yet arrived.
He was very nervous and had a vague feeling that something unexpected was going to happen.
Soon, Father Qi helped to find out. His tone was filled with anger and helplessness: "I asked a friend in the county education bureau, and they said that a letter of complaint was written from the capital, saying that my father was a reactionary, saying that someone like him could not be admitted to the college entrance examination, and they also wanted to hold the county education bureau accountable for how it reviewed the case."
Yu Changqing couldn't listen any longer: "I knew they would never let me return to the capital."
…
For several days in a row, the atmosphere at home was extremely tense. No one dared to speak loudly, for fear that any word would hit Yu Changqing's sore spot.
Jiang Xiaoci was particularly worried and asked Gu Wenying: "Mom, my uncle has passed the exam, why can't we let him go? Can't we go to the capital to complain?"
Gu Wenying sighed silently in her heart. Her daughter's mental state was several years younger than her actual age. She had no idea how complicated this matter was.
She said, "It's not as simple as you think. If someone in our family can go to the capital, there might be a chance of a turnaround. Remember, don't say anything like there is still hope in front of your uncle. Don't give him any more unrealistic hopes."
This year, in order to take care of Yu Changqing's mood, the family lived a quiet life. After the New Year, the educated youth returned to the city one after another. Yu Changqing's best friend He Zhiqing prepared to return to the city early.
He Zhiqing felt sorry for Yu Changqing and assured him: "Don't worry, when I return to Beijing and get a firm foothold, one day I will be able to help you."
Yu Changqing had already accepted his fate, so he cheered himself up and encouraged the other party: "Your family doesn't want you to go back either. Now that you have passed the exam and are back, they will never treat you well. You must persevere. I'm fine now. My mother and my wife are taking special care of my mood. I have to cheer up and not let them worry anymore."
…
As he sent his good friend off towards his future, Yu Changqing found a place, covered his face, and cried silently.
Jiang Xiaoci saw her aunt biting her lips and crying silently in a corner where her uncle couldn't see her. When she turned around, her grandmother and mother were also crying silently.
At this moment, Jiang Xiaoci particularly hated those people who did bad things in the capital. She ran to the village entrance, hoping that her father would come back soon. She felt that her father would definitely find a way.
…
He Zhiqing and the last batch of educated youth from the village who were returning to the city were about to say goodbye at the station. Everyone was still lamenting about Yu Zhiqing: "It's such a pity for Yu Zhiqing. He did so well in the exam, but in the end, his family played tricks on him and he couldn't go back."
Another said: "That is his fate. In fact, you should think about it this way. If he really goes back, the wife he married in the countryside will definitely be abandoned by him."
He Zhiqing felt uncomfortable after hearing this. Yu Changqing was the most loyal man and would never abandon his wife.
He didn't want to say much. Just then, a staff member from the County Education Bureau who was about to go out on business recognized them and asked, "You are the educated youth from Dahe Commune, right? Are any of you going back later?"
He Zhiqing nodded: "Yes, is there anything you want to take back?"
If so, he could go back again.
The person from the Education Bureau smiled and said, "There is a great event in Dahe Village. The father of Yu Changqing, who got the first place in the city, has been rehabilitated. Who of you can take this good news back first? I will go to the city to submit the supplementary enrollment materials for him and congratulate him when I come back!"
He Zhiqing didn't even bother to buy the train ticket. He left his luggage at the station and hurried back to Dahe Village to bring the good news as soon as possible.
He Zhiqing returned to Dahe Village and came to Wu Hehua's house. Yu Changqing was feeling sad alone. Seeing his friend's happy face, he cheered up and asked with a smile: "Why, you can't bear to leave me? Why did you come back again?"
He Zhiqing hit him on the shoulder fiercely: "You have made a good marriage, your wife is so lucky!"
Yu Changqing didn't know what other happy news there could be, so he asked, "Why are you keeping us in suspense? What's the matter?"
He Zhiqing was really happy for his good friend: "Yu Changqing, your great fortune has come. Your father has been rehabilitated. You can participate in the second round of supplementary enrollment. The county education bureau is processing your materials. You can participate in the supplementary enrollment and return to the capital!"
…
Yu Changqing thought about it and couldn't imagine that his father had any friends who could withstand the pressure from those relatives in the family and redress his father's name in such a short time.
He was afraid that his friend was just bluffing him, so he kept asking, "Aren't you lying to me?"
He Zhiqing smiled so much that his eyes were filled with tears: "Yu Changqing, how could I lie to you about something like this? It's true. Go to the county town right now and call your father's farm to confirm it."
Not only Yu Changqing was confused, but Wu Hehua's family was also bewildered. Then they were filled with great joy. Who could have thought that there would be such a bright day after all? Wu Hehua urged Yu Changqing to go to the county to inquire about the situation.
The whole family waited anxiously. In the afternoon, Yu Changqing and Old Man Qi came back together. Yu Changqing couldn't hide his joy. He excitedly held Jiang Hongyu's hands and trembled as he said the good news: "Hongyu, my father has really been rehabilitated!"
He spoke incoherently: "I'll go pick him up now. After picking up my father, I'll come pick you up and we'll go to the capital together!"
Jiang Hongyu cried with joy, she was truly happy for him.
Wu Hehua turned her face away and wiped the corners of her eyes with her apron. Oh my god, her family had also received such a good thing. Maybe Jiang Xiaoci was blessed. She hurriedly asked her son-in-law, "Who gave the in-laws a fair return? Such a great favor, no matter how much we thank them, it is not enough."
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