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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 would directly meet with the Xi Po Dian community for on-site research, creating 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, so it would not be appropriate for him to go. This meant that the personnel could only be chosen from Jiang Ruming and Mao Weiguo. Jiang Ruming knew that as a county-level official, he would not be taken seriously in the provincial government compound, and there were still significant uncertainties about whether this plan would go as expected. If they returned empty-handed, it wouldn’t be too bad; however, if the provincial leaders formed 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 Wei Guo has rich grassroots work experience; how about we have Comrade Wei Guo lead the team?”
Since Li Gaoqiang couldn’t go and Jiang Ruming didn’t want to go, it seemed that Mao Weiguo had no choice but to take on the task. With both the higher-ups in agreement, Mao Weiguo could only nod in acceptance.
To be honest, anyone could sit around discussing ideas, but when it came time for action, Mao Weiguo felt quite anxious. After all, he was going to meet a deputy provincial leader about significant issues!
But now that it had come to this, he had no choice but to accept it.
After dinner, Mao Weiguo pulled Hu Ruoyun into his study for a late-night discussion. They continued talking until they were nearly finished when his daughter came in several times with tea and water. Finally stretching his back, he said, “Alright, let’s leave it at this for now. You write a letter to Vice Governor Wang tomorrow; I’ll head to Xi Po Dian for town research!”
He then called Mao Na to help Hu Ruoyun tidy up the bed.
It was already close to eleven at night. Mao Jie and his mother Zhang Xiuzhen had long gone to bed. After seeing her father finish washing up, Mao Na returned to her room. Once the lights in the house were out, Hu Ruoyun pretended to be busy writing at the desk when she said, “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 that all the lights were off in every room. Upon returning to the study, she playfully wrapped her arms around the girl who was still pretending to be focused: “Don’t be upset anymore; come on, smile!”
Mao Na feigned trying to break free but was lifted by Hu Ruoyun and seated in a chair: “You’ve gained some weight lately; you’re so heavy!”
Mao Na then wrapped her arms around Hu Ruoyun’s neck: “Nonsense! I’ve been thinking about you so much that I’ve lost weight…”
After all, being at home allowed them a brief moment of relief from their longing before parting ways again. With Hu Ruoyun’s help, Mao Na unfolded a folding bed and brought over bedding and pillows before settling down.
They exchanged goodnights and fell asleep without further conversation.
The next morning after breakfast, the driver and Zhang Qiang came to pick up Mao Weiguo. Since she had matters to attend to, Hu Ruoyun didn’t get a chance to talk much with Zhang Qiang.
Zhang Xiuzhen had also gone 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 was already set to start working at the Electric Power Bureau through coordination between Mao Weiguo and Zhang Xiuzhen. 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 parents? Let’s all go together to the Electric Power Bureau?”
Hu Ruoyun replied, “Forget it; if that happens, Sister Mona and I won’t have any way forward!”
Indeed, starting off depending on others would not sit well with anyone; even if Mao Na didn’t say anything, Comrade Zhang Xiuzhen would surely have her thoughts on it.
As they faced some practical issues that her mother had mentioned, Mao Na began to feel a bit uneasy. If Hu Ruoyun did not have a clear direction or feasible plan, the relationship between the two of them would inevitably come under real pressure.
No matter how pure love may be, it should not be ethereal or insubstantial; ultimately, it must integrate into tangible aspects of life such as careers, work, housing, vehicles, and the everyday necessities of life.
Hu Ruoyun wrote a letter to Wang Hongbin, the Vice Governor's secretary, Qi Shu Ming, combining the materials provided by Mao Weiguo. He pointed out that the burdens on farmers were complex and heavy, with issues like arbitrary fees, unauthorized fundraising, fines, and various levies... the list was extensive... and the resulting conflicts were already beginning to surface.
He requested Vice Governor Wang to pay attention and provide an opportunity for a face-to-face report regarding the situation in Annan.
Hu Ruoyun understood that this issue was far too significant; it was not just an Annan problem nor merely a Jiangbei Province issue.
In fact, to further alleviate the burdens on farmers and regulate rural charging practices, the country began piloting rural tax reforms in 2000 and gradually expanded these trials to certain provinces and cities starting in 2001.
They initiated "three cancellations, two adjustments, and one reform."
The "three cancellations" referred to abolishing administrative charges specifically levied on farmers for rural education fundraising and government funds; eliminating slaughter taxes; and abolishing uniform regulations for labor accumulation and compulsory labor. The "two adjustments" involved adjusting current Agricultural Tax policies and agricultural specialty tax policies. The "one reform" referred to reforming the existing methods of collection and use of village retention funds.
He truly did not know whether this issue would attract Vice Governor Wang's attention at this time.
In his letter, he also left his home phone number for Mao Weiguo (who was conducting research in the field with no one in the office).
The letter was sent directly from Annan County City, which would arrive 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 feedback for some time now, but because this situation was at a national level, related departments were hesitant to take action lightly.
Whether in movies, novels, or reality, there are always many coincidences and serendipitous moments. Here, under the protagonist's halo effect, the author must also arrange something similar.
Agriculture and rural affairs fell under Wang Hongbin's jurisdiction. Qi Shu Ming had also forwarded materials regarding the heavy burdens on farmers before, but what was on paper did not convey the situation as vividly.
Originally, there had been plans to arrange a field investigation soon, but due to numerous pressing matters, those plans had been temporarily shelved.
As a secretary, Qi Shu Ming always maintained synchronization with his superior. Upon receiving Hu Ruoyun's letter, he reported it immediately.
Vice Governor Wang read it carefully and remarked to his secretary: "Xiao Qi, this young fellow seems to have developed quite an addiction to advocating for the people..."
Qi Shu Ming quickly responded with understanding: "Chief, then I'll set up a time with him!"
When the call reached Mao Weiguo's home three days later, during which Mao Na, Mao Jie, and Hu Ruoyun had toured Annan County—visiting Donghu during the day, Forest Park, Folk Museum; exploring Daokou Ancient Town at night; even taking a trip to Jinan City for a day of fun...
Mao Na had let loose; even with Mao Jie nearby, she could not resist holding hands with Hu Ruoyun.
Mao Jie protested several times: "Sister, can you two please consider my feelings...?"
On the fourth day, when there was really nothing left to explore by noon, Zhang Xiuzhen finished work and brought several children together to make dumplings.
Mao Weiguo had been away on a research trip for several days, leaving Ouyang Xiaxue to call Mao Na and complain, "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 comforted her, "Dad said he would be back by noon today..." Then, lowering her voice with a mischievous smile, she added, "Your belly is already so big; 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 in the house. Mao Na wiped her hands covered in flour and picked up the receiver. "Hello—"
A male voice came from the other end, "Hello, I'm looking for Hu Ruoyun!"
Mao Na, puzzled, handed the receiver to Hu Ruoyun. "Why is your call coming to our house?"
Hu Ruoyun felt a rush of excitement; the worries that had plagued him for days could finally be set aside. He had left this number in his letter to Qi Shu Ming, and now that someone was calling, it meant Vice Governor Wang had likely agreed to their meeting.
This was far more reliable than trying to schedule an appointment and resorting to a backup plan of showing up unannounced!
He picked up the phone, and sure enough, it was Qi Shu Ming on the line: "Vice Governor will have half an hour available tomorrow at 3 PM. We hope you can arrive on time!"
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