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Jiang Ruming and Mao Weiguo went to Li Gaoqiang's office, where Mao Weiguo discussed the general opinions he had talked about with Hu Ruoyun with two leaders.
With Mao Weiguo leading, Zhang Qiang was tasked to directly meet with the Xi Po Dian community for on-site research, aiming to create objective and solid written materials. Once everything was ready, the county would take the materials and community representatives to Jiangcheng to report in detail to the provincial leaders.
However, there was another issue: who would lead the team? In principle, Secretary Li was responsible for overseeing all work, making his participation inappropriate. Thus, the choice fell between Jiang Ruming and Mao Weiguo. Jiang Ruming knew that as a county-level official, he would not hold much weight in the Provincial Government courtyard. Moreover, there were significant uncertainties about whether this plan would proceed as expected. If they returned empty-handed, it wouldn’t be too concerning; however, if the provincial leaders had negative opinions, the consequences could be severe.
It is human instinct to seek fortune and avoid misfortune.
At that moment, he said to Li Gaoqiang, “Secretary Li, Comrade Weiguo has rich grassroots work experience; why don’t we have Comrade Weiguo lead the team?”
Since Li Gaoqiang couldn’t go and Jiang Ruming didn’t want to go either, it seemed that Mao Weiguo had no choice but to step up. With both the leader and deputy leader in agreement, Mao Weiguo could only nod in acceptance.
To be honest, anyone could talk about theories, but when it came to action, Mao Weiguo felt quite anxious. After all, they were going to meet a vice provincial leader regarding serious issues!
But at this point, he had no choice but to accept it.
After dinner, Mao Weiguo pulled Hu Ruoyun into his study for a late-night discussion. They talked until late into the night, and only when his daughter came in several times with tea did he stretch and say, “Alright, let’s leave it at that for now. You write a letter to Vice Governor Wang tomorrow; I’ll head to Xi Po Dian for township research!”
He then called for Mao Na to help Hu Ruoyun tidy up the bedding.
It was nearly eleven o'clock at night; Mao Jie and his mother Zhang Xiuzhen had long since gone to bed. After seeing her father finish washing up, Mao Na returned to her room. Only then did Hu Ruoyun pretend to be busy writing at the desk and said playfully, “Why don’t you just sit there and write all night? That way I won’t have to clean up!”
Hu Ruoyun took a quick trip to the bathroom and noticed all the lights were off in every room when she returned. She then playfully grabbed the girl who was still pretending to be busy: “Don’t be mad anymore; come on, smile!”
Mao Na pretended to struggle but was lifted by Hu Ruoyun and sat on a chair: “You’ve gained weight lately; you’re so heavy!”
Mao Na wrapped her arms around Hu Ruoyun's neck: “Nonsense! I’ve lost weight just thinking about you…”
After a brief moment of easing their longing for each other at home, they parted ways again. With Hu Ruoyun's help, Mao Na unfolded a folding bed and brought over blankets and pillows before settling down.
They exchanged goodnights and went to sleep without further conversation.
The next day after breakfast, the driver and Zhang Qiang came to pick up Mao Weiguo. Since she had matters to attend to, Hu Ruoyun didn’t have much time to talk with Zhang Qiang.
Zhang Xiuzhen also went off to work, leaving only Mao Jie, Mao Na, and Hu Ruoyun at home.
Mao Jie mentioned that he felt his exam results were average but had already coordinated with Mao Weiguo and Zhang Xiuzhen about starting work at the Electric Power Bureau. He then asked Hu Ruoyun how she was doing. She replied, “You know how my studies are…”
Mao Jie suggested, “How about I talk to my mom and dad? Let’s all go to the Electric Power Bureau together?”
Hu Ruoyun responded, “Forget it; if that happens, Sister Mona and I won’t be able to move forward at all!”
Indeed, starting off relying on others would raise concerns—even if Mao Na didn’t say anything, Comrade Zhang Xiuzhen would definitely have her thoughts on it.
Mao Na was beginning to feel uneasy about some practical issues her mother had mentioned. If Hu Ruoyun did not have a clear direction or feasible plan, their relationship would inevitably face real-world pressures.
No matter how pure love may be, it should not be abstract or ethereal; ultimately, it must integrate into tangible aspects of life such as careers, homes, cars, and the everyday necessities of life.
Hu Ruoyun wrote a letter to Wang Hong Bin, the Deputy Governor's secretary, Qi Shu Ming. In the letter, he referenced materials provided by Mao Weiguo, highlighting that the burdens on farmers were complex and heavy. Issues like arbitrary fees, unauthorized fundraising, fines, and various levies were numerous and had begun to spark conflicts.
He requested Vice Governor Wang's attention and an opportunity for a face-to-face report regarding the situation in Annan.
Hu Ruoyun knew that this issue was too significant; it was not just a problem for Annan but also for Jiangbei Province as a whole.
In fact, to further alleviate the burdens on farmers and regulate rural charging behaviors, the country initiated pilot reforms in rural taxation starting in 2000 and gradually expanded these trials to several provinces and cities from 2001 onwards.
This began with "three cancellations, two adjustments, and one reform." The "three cancellations" referred to the elimination of administrative fees specifically levied on farmers for rural education fundraising and other government funds; the cancellation of the slaughter tax; and the abolishment of uniform regulations on labor accumulation and compulsory work. The "two adjustments" involved revising existing Agricultural Tax policies and adjusting agricultural specialty tax policies. The "one reform" referred to reforming the current methods of village retention collection and usage.
He truly did not know if this issue would capture Vice Governor Wang's attention at this time.
In his letter, he also left his home phone number for Mao Weiguo since Mao Weiguo was out conducting research and there was no one in his office.
The letter was sent directly from Annan County City, which would ensure it arrived at the Provincial Capital two days earlier than if it had been sent from Gaoqiao Town.
In reality, relevant departments in Jiangbei Province had been receiving similar reports for some time now; however, given the national scope of this issue, related departments were hesitant to take action.
Whether in movies, novels, or reality, there are always many coincidences and serendipitous events. Here, under the protagonist's halo, the author must arrange something similar.
Agriculture and rural affairs fell under Wang Hongbin's jurisdiction. Vice Governor Wang's secretary Qi Shu Ming had also forwarded materials regarding the heavy burdens on farmers but found that written documents were not as impactful as firsthand observations.
Originally, there were plans to conduct research soon, but due to numerous pressing matters, those plans had been temporarily shelved.
As a secretary, Qi Shu Ming maintained a constant connection with his superior. Upon receiving Hu Ruoyun's letter, he promptly reported it to Vice Governor Wang.
Vice Governor Wang read it carefully and said to his secretary, "Xiao Qi, this young man seems to have developed a bit of an addiction to advocating for the people..."
Qi Shu Ming immediately responded with understanding, "Chief, then I will set up a time with him!"
When the call reached Mao Weiguo’s home three days later, Mao Na, Mao Jie, and Hu Ruoyun had already explored Annan County thoroughly. They visited Donghu during the day, Forest Park, Folk Museum, and even spent an entire day in Jinan City having fun at night in Daokou Ancient Town.
Mao Na had relaxed her guard; even with Mao Jie nearby, she could not resist holding hands with Hu Ruoyun.
Mao Jie protested several times: "Sister, could you two please consider my feelings a bit...?"
On the fourth day, they had run out of places to visit. At noon, Zhang Xiuzhen finished work and began making dumplings with several children.
Mao Weiguo had been away on a research trip for several days, leaving Ouyang Xiaxue to complain to Mao Na over the phone, "Where has your dad taken my husband? He hasn't been home for days, and now it's just my mom keeping me company..."
Mao Na tried to comfort her, saying, "My dad called and said he would be back by noon today..."
Then she lowered her voice and teased, "Your belly is so big now; you can only look but not eat. Why are you still thinking about your husband?"
As noon approached, Mao Weiguo returned home, looking weary from his travels. Just before twelve o'clock, the phone rang. Mao Na wiped the flour off her hands and picked up the receiver. "Hello—"
On the other end was a male voice: "Hello, I'm looking for Hu Ruoyun!"
Mao Na, puzzled, handed the phone to Hu Ruoyun. "Why is your call coming through to our house?"
Hu Ruoyun felt a rush of excitement; the worries of the past few days could finally be set aside. He had left this number in a letter to Qi Shu Ming, and now that they were calling, it meant Vice Governor Wang had likely agreed to their meeting.
This was far more reliable than trying to arrange an appointment or resorting to Plan B by showing up unannounced!
He picked up the phone, and indeed it was Qi Shu Ming on the line: "Vice Governor will have half an hour available tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock. We hope you can arrive on time!"
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