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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 along with representatives from the community 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 overall 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 understood that as a county-level official, he would not be taken seriously at the Provincial Government compound, and there were still many uncertainties about whether this plan would proceed as expected. If they returned empty-handed, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but if the provincial leaders formed negative opinions, the consequences could be severe.
It is human instinct to seek good fortune and avoid misfortune.
At that moment, he said to Li Gaoqiang, "Secretary Li, Comrade Weiguo has rich grassroots work experience; how about we let Comrade Weiguo lead the team?"
Since Li Gaoqiang could not go and Jiang Ruming did not want to go, it seemed that Mao Weiguo had no choice but to take on the task. With both the leader and deputy leader in agreement, Mao Weiguo could only nod in agreement.
To be honest, anyone could talk about theories, but when it came to action, Mao Weiguo felt quite anxious. After all, he was going to meet a vice provincial leader about a significant issue!
But now that things had come to 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. It wasn't until his daughter came in several times with tea that he stretched and 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 township research!"
He then called for Mao Na to help Hu Ruoyun tidy up the bed.
It was nearly eleven at night. Mao Jie and his mother Zhang Xiuzhen had long gone to bed. After Mao Na saw her father finish washing up and return to his room, she lingered a bit before pretending to be busy writing at the desk. Hu Ruoyun teased her, "Why don't you just sit there and write all night? That way I won't have to clean up!"
Hu Ruoyun took a trip to the bathroom and noticed all the lights were out in the other rooms when she returned. She playfully wrapped her arms around the girl who was still pretending to be busy: "Don't be upset anymore; come on, smile!"
Mao Na pretended to struggle but was lifted by Hu Ruoyun and placed on a chair: "You've gained weight lately; you're so heavy!"
Mao Na hugged her neck in response: "Nonsense! I've lost weight just thinking about you..."
After all, being at home allowed them some relief from their longing before parting ways again. With Hu Ruoyun's help, Mao Na unfolded a folding bed and brought over blankets and pillows until everything was settled.
They exchanged goodnights and went to sleep 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 left for 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 to secure a job 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 parents? We can all go together to the Electric Power Bureau."
Hu Ruoyun responded firmly, "Forget it; if that happens, Sister Mona and I won’t have any way forward!"
Indeed, starting off relying on others would raise concerns—even if Mao Na didn’t say anything, Comrade Zhang Xiuzhen would surely have 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 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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