Author: Cloud End, Source: Chinese Youth Forum
Chapter Seven (11)
The summer sun seemed diligent, rising above the horizon before five o'clock and generously showering the earth with sunlight. A gentle breeze dispersed the morning mist, sheep bleated as they left their pens, cattle slowly followed behind, and children chased each other laughing on their way to school. Ding Guangfu's loud voice called out: "Time to work!" Villagers with full but weary stomachs stepped out of their homes, and the quiet village came alive.
The commune's Secretary Zhang and the working group were coming for a meeting. Hao Qing Shan, pipe in mouth, went from house to house gathering those with positions in the brigade. These days he felt great, working hard without hesitation due to his middle peasant status no longer hindering him from taking bold actions. He had already foreseen that Yu Zhan Cang, who had used class background to suppress him, was about to make a big mistake, and the days of absolute control would soon end. He also invited several people who had not participated in the brigade affairs due to disapproval of Yu Zhan Cang’s style of work, wanting them to witness his downfall and hoping they would help him with his work.
Secretary Zhang saw all the brigade cadres had arrived and announced the start of the meeting, allowing the head of the working group, Xu Jianrong, to speak first. Xu Jianrong glanced at Yu Zhan Cang sitting on the kang bed and began her speech: "Through these few days of investigation, the working group has found many issues within the Huanghuatan Brigade regarding the treatment of educated youth that do not align with central policies. The educated youth have also raised numerous substantive issues, most of which involve Yu Zhan Cang..."
Yu Zhan Cang sat stiffly on the kang bed, pale-faced like a criminal awaiting sentencing. He understood his actions well; if no one interfered, there would be no problems. But if someone did, then it could become an issue. Used to dominating the village, he thought no one dared challenge him, never imagining that these city-sent educated youths could stir up trouble all the way to the Central Government. Afraid now, he wanted to consult Liu Secretary for advice, but Liu Secretary disappeared after appearing once. This old classmate, who incited him to harass the educated youths, turned out to be unreliable in a critical moment. Realizing his old classmate couldn't save him, Yu Zhan Cang decided to save himself by denying everything.
Xu Jianrong continued: "These are the things we’ve investigated and confirmed. Now let's have Yu Zhan Cang reflect on his actions, and everyone can help him!"
Yu Zhan Cang, seeing it was his turn, adjusted his sitting position and said: "I have opinions about these matters. What you've heard is just one side of the story. The accusations against me by the educated youths are malicious, likely because I disciplined them too strictly. It's understandable that they hate me." His tone was sarcastic.
An indignant female educated youth retorted: "You need to correct your attitude! Don't think you're always right as a good cadre!"
Yu Zhan Cang looked at the roof beam and replied: "It's enough."
Xu Jianrong thought: How shameless! She spoke sternly: "Our investigation has solid evidence. Your harassment of Wu Xiuli is unforgivable, almost qualifying as attempted rape. Labeling the educated youths' shaved heads as counter-revolutionary organizations is wrong. Beating a teenager to find materials to frame educated youths alone is enough reason for an immediate struggle session!"
Yu Zhan Cang, though still looking at the roof beam, felt nervous inside and stubbornly said: "These are trivial matters. If you say so, I can't argue."
Xu Jianrong realized Yu Zhan Cang was difficult to deal with and wouldn’t easily admit his mistakes. Although she usually avoided using political labels to pressure others, this time she felt it necessary to use them on Yu Zhan Cang. Otherwise, his limited education might lead him to resist. She said calmly yet firmly: "If you continue to oppose the Central Document with this attitude, you'll only bring suffering upon yourself. You should know that in the Caodianzi Commune, some brigade cadres have been arrested! What you've done isn't just a matter of making mistakes, it's a matter of breaking the law. Your attitude will determine two different outcomes. Think about it!"
The female educated youth added: "Yu Zhan Cang persecuting the educated youths disrupts Chairman Mao's great strategic deployment, playing the role that class enemies cannot. Your actions should be treated as counter-revolutionary under the 'One Strike Three Anti' campaign!"
At this point, Yu Zhan Cang became truly obedient, smoking cigarette after cigarette. The large political labels overwhelmed him, making his heart race and body heat up.
Secretary Zhang, with his slow baritone voice, announced: "Now I declare the decision of the Commune Revolutionary Committee... Based on the errors committed by Yu Zhan Cang, it is decided to suspend him from work and place him under review." He had long been dissatisfied with this incapable cadre who only talked big and threw around political labels, and this was a good opportunity to remove him.
Although Secretary Zhang's words were not loud, they struck Yu Zhan Cang like a heavy bomb, causing panic. His eyes moved from the roof beam down to his legs. He had thought such a working group wouldn't stay long, and once they left, he'd still be untouchable. He didn't expect the commune to take real action this time. His spirit collapsed, leaving him powerless to resist. Having always used political labels to oppress others, he now understood their power. Muttering, he said: "In dealing with the educated youths, I made mistakes, but not as serious as you claim. Remember, Qi Guojian beat me, Secretary Zhang, you know that!"
He pitifully looked at Secretary Zhang. Being suspended meant losing his position as director, but he couldn't risk going to prison. He hoped other cadres in the brigade would speak up for him, saying a good word. But all he saw were cold faces with pipes in their mouths.
Secretary Zhang gave Yu Zhan Cang a contemptuous look and said: "That depends on your attitude. Go home and write a sincere self-criticism, digging deep into the root causes. We adopt an attitude of curing the disease and saving the person, not simply destroying anyone. We hope you don't avoid major issues and lightly recognize your mistakes. Concealing them won't work. Alright, go home and write your self-criticism."
Yu Zhan Cang slowly got off the kang bed, the man who once made the whole village tremble now walking obediently towards the door like a tame donkey. At the door, he paused and said: "I admit my mistakes and will self-criticize, but the educated youths also made mistakes!" Even at this point, he didn't forget about the educated youths.
Before Xu Jianrong could respond, the female educated youth interrupted: "Now is the time for you to recognize your own mistakes. If the educated youths made mistakes, there will naturally be someone to handle it!"
Yu Zhan Cang dejectedly walked out of the door, filled with resentment towards the working group and the educated youths. However, he lacked the strength to fight back and could only obediently write his self-criticism.
Xu Jianrong sighed deeply: Finally, the work in the Huanghua Brigade was over. Supporting these children far from home strengthened their resolve, improving their difficult situations and striking a blow against the evil forces in the countryside. She felt a sense of satisfaction. Strictly speaking, Yu Zhan Cang's behavior warranted legal punishment, but due to Wu Xiuli's background and Qi Guojian's family issues, she couldn't advocate too much for those with problematic backgrounds. Removing Yu Zhan Cang from his position as the brigade revolutionary committee chairman was sufficient to achieve her goal.
The next day, Xu Jianrong brought Xing Li to visit Wu Xiuli. Xing Li, who once went to the countryside full of passion, was now unrecognizable - her face pale, her eyes vacant, devoid of her former vitality. If she didn't speak, no one would guess she was an educated youth. The mental and physical torment had transformed her into a rural woman lacking food and clothing.
"How did you end up like this?" Wu Xiuli widened her clear eyes in surprise, not expecting Xing Li to have changed so much in just over a year.
Xing Li hadn't spoken yet, but tears already streamed down her face. Seeing her old classmate who always listened to her lectures was like seeing a family member. At this moment, she felt somewhat guilty towards Wu Xiuli and regretted her initial choice. With these intertwined emotions, she could only cry.
"Don't cry anymore," Wu Xiuli said, her own eyes reddening despite her reluctance to cry.
Seeing the two girls crying, Xu Jianrong's maternal heart ached, and tears welled up in her eyes. She didn't immediately console the two humiliated girls, letting them cry freely to release their pain.
"Waaah!" Little Qing woke up, unable to endure any longer without her mother's nipple. Her cries stopped the adults' tears, and Wu Xiuli wiped her eyes and picked up Little Qing.
Xing Li cried even harder, perhaps reminded of her child who died shortly after birth.
"Don't cry. From now on, we'll be together and it'll be fine," Wu Xiuli struggled to find better words to comfort Xing Li.
Xu Jianrong fully understood Xing Li's current feelings. She smoothed Xing Li's messy hair and said: "Don't dwell in regret forever. The past is over, treat it like a nightmare. In the future, carefully consider every action instead of acting on impulse. Remember this painful lesson. Come here to face life again. You have fellow townspeople here who care for you. Though they may be social youths, their essence is good. Xiao Wu has benefited greatly from their help living among them. I considered this when assigning you here."
Wu Xiuli deeply agreed: "Though these people differ in educational level, they all have kind and upright hearts. Staying with them gives a sense of security."
Although Xing Li had stopped crying, she remained in a sorrowful mood. Her remorseful heart wasn't something a few words could console. Her past actions could only be described as naive and immature, possibly driven by invisible vanity.
"I'm so stupid. Why did I fall for him?" Xing Li finally spoke her first words since entering the room, indicating that her remorse would accompany her for life.
"Ah..." Xu Jianrong sighed deeply. She knew that young women inexperienced in worldly matters, having suffered severe psychological damage, could not be consoled quickly with profound or emotional teachings. Only with the passage of time would the shadows in their hearts gradually fade.
That evening, Xu Jianrong visited the male educated youths' quarters. The working group would move to another educated youth site tomorrow, and she wanted to give these male educated youths a proper farewell.
All the pent-up grievances in their hearts had been vented, and the educated youths were in high spirits. They thanked both the Central Document and this mother-like working group leader.
Xu Jianrong habitually smoothed her loose bangs and smiled kindly: "My work in Huanghuatan has come to an end, and I'll be moving on to other places tomorrow. This Central Document specifically issued for the educated youths shows concern for you, but I must tell you not to think that just because higher-ups support you, you don't need to humbly accept re-education and act like special members. Through visiting several teams, I've found that some educated youths have made mistakes, even serious ones—refusing to participate in labor, stealing, fighting, and even a few with very inappropriate lifestyles. This is unacceptable, and superiors won't defend such behavior."
"You can trust us; we won't do anything to disappoint you," Zheng Dageng assured her first.
Xu Jianrong smiled and said: "Disappointing me isn't the main issue; mainly, don't betray Chairman Mao's care for you."
Lin Jiefang adjusted his glasses and echoed what Red Guards often said: "Chairman Mao supports us, and we strive for him. With a relaxed political environment and superior care, we have no reason not to settle down in the countryside. We should understand the nation's difficulties." He still believed that sending educated youths to the countryside was a temporary measure.
Xu Jianrong immediately became serious: "Little Lin, be careful with your words. Look at the bigger picture. How can you say the nation has difficulties? There were many unhealthy statements in the materials Yu Zhan Cang gathered on you. Fortunately, the Central Document helped, otherwise those statements could have caused trouble. Making mistakes through words isn't worth it." She clearly understood that educated youths had many grievances, and some of their words had a degree of truth, but as a party cadre, she couldn't publicly support such views.
Lin Jiefang smiled and said: "You're right. I'll definitely be more careful in the future."
Despite only a few days of contact, everyone felt close to Xu Jianrong. It wasn't just because she brought the Central Document but also because of her maternal heart and understanding of the educated youths. Therefore, everyone opened up to her, not seeing her as a superior cadre but as a trusted family member. Over the days, she attentively listened to everyone's speeches, answered questions, and gently criticized extreme language and unhealthy thoughts, avoiding political jargon. She believed that these children, coming from cities to the countryside, inevitably harbored dissatisfaction, and expressing it privately was understandable and shouldn't be treated as a political issue. In an era where everyone was on edge and distrustful, her work attitude was commendable. Xu Jianrong discussed at length with everyone, focusing mostly on the nation's and educated youths' futures. The future was bright, which was the premise. Simultaneously, she was aware that the rosy situation only existed in newspapers, while reality was fraught with concerns. Nevertheless, as a party member, she believed the nation would improve, and everything would get better eventually. These children would all find their rightful place.
As it was getting late, Xu Jianrong gave everyone her final instructions: "I'll be moving to another educated youth site tomorrow. I hope you face reality with an optimistic mindset and positive spirit. Life is tough, but you're all young. Suffering a bit when young isn't necessarily bad—it can increase knowledge and strengthen willpower."
She shifted the topic to address everyone's concerns: "You're all reaching marriage age. If conditions allow, you should consider starting families. Those two girls in the other room are excellent, though they've endured hardships. If possible, I hope they can find happiness among you." She smiled after saying this. In the dim light, it was hard to see everyone's expressions. She added: "Of course, it must be based on mutual affection."
"We're all bachelors except Ma Yongshun," Zheng Dageng started to say "virgins" but thought it inappropriate and quickly corrected himself.
Xu Jianrong smiled: "Having a marital history shouldn't be seen as a stain. The key is whether there's affection between the two. Yes, feelings need to be cultivated over time, not formed overnight. My words are just for reference."
"You haven't married either, and Sister Wu hasn't chosen you!" He Xiaqun disliked any disparaging remarks about Wu Xiuli.
Zheng Dageng wanted to argue but refrained in front of Xu Jianrong, merely saying: "Don't talk nonsense. I have no such intention." He actually hoped Xu Jianrong would assign him someone.
With little time, Xu Jianrong could only entrust her good wishes to the future. Otherwise, she would have liked to arrange marriages for the two unfortunate girls.
In the morning, Xu Jianrong was leaving. She specially asked Qi Guojian to drive the ox cart to send her. She felt there was still much to discuss with this quiet educated youth. All the educated youths, along with Secretary Hao and Captain Qi, came to bid farewell to Xu Jianrong, parting with deep reluctance. Xing Li, rescued from hardship by Xu Jianrong, was already sobbing uncontrollably. Wu Xiuli's eyes were also red-rimmed. Xu Jianrong held their hands and consoled them: "Don't cry. I'll visit you again. Things have improved now, and there are so many good people around you. Live well." Unable to find better words to console the two unfortunate girls, she patted Little Qing's cheek in Wu Xiuli's arms and said: "You don't need to see me off with the baby. Everyone go back!" After shaking hands with everyone, she turned and walked toward the ox cart. She didn't want to see the two girls' tears in this parting scene, fearing she herself wouldn't be able to leave if she stayed any longer.
The ox cart slowly moved on the country road, the wooden wheels creaking. Qi Guojian symbolically flicked his whip twice on the ox's rump.
Xu Jianrong spoke earnestly: "In these days, I've noticed that your prestige among the educated youths is high, and your reputation among the villagers is good. You've put effort and endured hardship in caring for Wu Xiuli, and now with Xing Li, I hope you'll also contribute. This girl has suffered as much as Wu Xiuli and shouldn't be made to suffer further. What worries me is her ex-husband potentially causing trouble, so you all need to be vigilant."
Qi Guojian flicked the ox and said: "Rest assured. As long as we're here, we won't let Xing Li be bullied. Though we don't know each other well, we're fellow townspeople, and being a fellow townsman means more to me than anything else."
Xu Jianrong smoothed her wind-tousled hair and said: "Your care for Wu Xiuli has deeply moved our working group. I'll report your deeds upward, hoping the superiors praise you as a good example. However, Wu Xiuli's background and the child being Bai Haitao's make it unsuitable for publicity." Xu Jianrong helplessly shook her head.
Qi Guojian smiled faintly and said: "Whether praised or not doesn't matter. None of us sought praise when we cared for her. Since fate has brought us together, we can't abandon her. Any Tianjin fellow townsman would do the same."
Xu Jianrong nodded contentedly. She had a good impression of Qi Guojian. The young man was kind-hearted, resolute, and righteous. Many villagers in Huanghuatan spoke highly of him except for Yu Zhan Cang. For a youth from a big city to earn such praise from villagers was not easy. This time, Xu Jianrong strongly recommended him as a role model among the educated youths but was rejected due to his father's reasons. She felt sorry for Qi Guojian and didn't tell him, fearing he would feel disappointed. Actually, Xu Jianrong worried unnecessarily. Qi Guojian didn't value being in the spotlight.
(To be continued)