Chapter Nineteenth: Though a multitude of men come, I will go

  Liu Jun left Liujiashan and moved into the commune.

  The reason is that Mr. Zhou was transferred to the commune to work. And Mr. Zhou's ability to come to the commune to work was due to Liu Jincai's proposal. Tracing back to the source, it is still related to Cui Xiuhuo's defeat in Hongqi Commune.

  That time, Vice Director Cui ate a whole table of food at the Red Flag Commune, but was still scolded by Yan Yucheng. It was tolerable because Yan had much more seniority than him. Before the Great Revolution, Yan was already the deputy director of the county committee office, and later became the head of the agricultural bureau. Cui Xiuhe was just a small worker at that time. During the Great Revolution, Cui rose rapidly to become the vice director of the county revolutionary committee, but in front of Yan Yucheng, he still felt somewhat inferior. In official circles, seniority has always been highly valued, and later-rising officials without real ability often have low prestige. Cui Xiuhe's foundation was too weak, relying entirely on Wang Benching's support. What made him most angry was being yelled at by a young whippersnapper for no reason, and he couldn't find a way to vent his anger. In the end, he had to hold in his temper, not even eating dinner, and ran away in a jeep without looking back.

  Cui Xiuhuo may be a bit incompetent, but the one behind him is not an easy person to mess with. Wang Benqing has always been protective of his subordinates, and the fact that he insisted on appointing Cui Xiuhuo, such a roughneck, as the head of the propaganda department shows something fishy.

  Wang Benqing was not a rough and rash man, but rather had a deep understanding of the situation. During the revolutionary period filled with line struggles, firmly grasping public opinion propaganda was one of the keys to victory. Cui Xiuhao was crude but good at grasping things, he was an absolutely reliable person. With him as Minister of Propaganda, Wang Benqing felt at ease.

  Cui Xiuhuo was left with a humiliated face, and Wang Benqing had no reason to let him off easily. What's strange is that after Cui Xiuhuo returned to the county with his tail between his legs, he remained calm as usual, and Wang Benqing and the County Revolutionary Committee didn't react at all.

  "When things go against the normal, they become monsters."

  This is Mr. Zhou's conclusion on this matter.

  "Isn't it going to rain?"

  Liu Jincai still has some worries.

  Yan Yucheng waved his hand and said, "When the enemy comes, we'll resist; when the flood comes, we'll dam it. No matter what tricks he uses, we'll just keep going."

  This conversation took place a month after the "Chui Suk Wai incident".

  "Wang Benqing may not have any tricks up his sleeve, but Jin Cai is a different story. After all, he's still relatively inexperienced. And as for Cui Xiuhuo, being the direct supervisor, if he tries to find fault in your work, you can't let your guard down."

  "Yes, the teacher is right."

  Yan Yucheng nodded. He was majestic and imposing, and even as the director of the small public security committee, he always showed this kind of grandeur. But this did not mean that he was rough and careless. In fact, people who were not meticulous in their thinking would never be able to survive in officialdom.

  "Jin Cai, you need to get your brain working and make the commune's propaganda work more lively and colorful, so that Cui Xiuhuo can't find a place to criticize you even if she wants to."

  "Hmm... But the central government's policy is being put forward as the highest standard in current political life, and the focus of propaganda throughout the county is on this. What should be the focus of our propaganda work? Shouldn't we also make some superficial efforts? After all, this is a central government policy."

  Liu Jincai was somewhat at a loss.

  Mr. Zhou and Yan Yuchen both looked solemn. After all, they were at a level that was too low, and their grasp of the overall situation could only be based on intuition. It was indeed difficult for them to go against the central government's policies.

  "I think it's okay to just barely get by... what do you think, teacher?"

  Mr. Zhou thought for a moment and nodded.

  He was anxious and flustered. Because he knew that a year later, at the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Party, this theoretical guideline would be formally negated. Faced with such a major issue of principle, one cannot be a wallflower. Especially after having already offended Cui Xiuhao, being a wallflower is even more unwise. Of course, if from the beginning, one had closely followed the county's steps and vigorously promoted this guideline, even if it was ultimately proven to be wrong, that would be okay. After all, subordinates obey superiors, and when disaster strikes, there is always someone higher up to take responsibility. When the time comes to change direction, following the new policy guidelines and shouting slogans will do. As long as one doesn't go too far overboard, it's unlikely to result in major calamity. This is also the strategy adopted by most communes throughout the county at present. For many years, strict organizational discipline has constrained the thinking and behavior of these people. People like Yan Yuchen, who have their own views, are absolutely exceptional among grassroots cadres.

  Now that Cui Xiuhao has been offended, and by shouting out "practice is the sole criterion for testing truth", Yan Yuchen nodded in agreement in front of Cui Xiuhao, it's equivalent to making clear one's own attitude towards this guideline. At this time, going to "slightly cope with it" and following the county's documents step by step would not necessarily be accepted by others. Waiting until this theoretical guideline is negated will only lead to ridicule and dissatisfaction on both sides. An excellent opportunity has been wasted in vain.

  However, persuading them is a problem.

  Liu Jun was quite quick-witted and in his past life, he was most skilled at telling lies to people's faces without blushing. However, he had never encountered a situation like this before.

  "Retreating and shrinking, even if there are thousands of people, I will go... Uncle Zhou Bo, what does this sentence from Mencius mean?"

  Liu Jun regretted it as soon as he finished speaking, this time he had overdone it. Mr. Zhou hadn't taught him the Mencius after all. His interest in Mencius was not as strong as his interest in Confucius. In comparison, Master Meng was indeed a bit less reasonable, while Master Kong was much more interesting.

  Mr. Zhou treated this as a routine inquiry from his younger brother and casually explained, "Reflecting on myself, wherever the truth is, even if there are thousands of troops and horses, I will bravely move forward... Little Jun, what do you mean by this?"

  Liu Jun had originally planned to use his old trick, give a few big intellectuals a wake-up call, and then pretend to be stupid. However, he only saw Mr. Zhou and the other two staring at him with sparkling eyes, staring so hard that his scalp felt numb, and in his heart, he secretly cried out "not good", knowing that this time he probably couldn't escape.

  "Xiao Jun... I don't think I've ever taught you 'Mencius', have I? Jin Cai, have you?"

  Liu Jincai shook his head and sighed: "You haven't even taught me, how can I teach him? I don't even fully understand the 'Mencius' myself..."

  "Uncle Zhou, Uncle Yan, Dad, don't dig deeper, I saw it myself. There are so many books here at Uncle Zhou's place, and I just happened to flip through...I think that Cui Minister from last time won't let things go easily...just like when we kids fight, if you lose, you're not satisfied in your heart and want to win back..."

  Liu Jun said as he observed their expressions. Shock and astonishment were inevitable, but after hearing the next part of the story, they all showed a look of sudden realization. Hmm... good, good! Finally found a topic that can barely be connected to "little kids".

  After finishing speaking in one breath, Liu Jun turned around by himself and wiped his sweat wildly!

  "Hmm, Xiao Jun makes a lot of sense. I think Cui Xiuhuo is enduring and not speaking out, waiting for the right moment."

  Yan Yucheng said affirmatively.

  "The question is, what opportunity is he waiting for? He's the deputy director of the county revolutionary committee, and behind him is a powerful figure named Wang Benqing. It wouldn't be hard for him to find trouble with you..."

  Mr. Zhou was somewhat perplexed.

  How to deal with Cui Xiuhuo's possible counterattack is the top priority, and the three people quickly shifted their attention from Mengzi, allowing Liu Jun to escape a disaster.

  "Is there a different opinion upstairs?"

  Yu Jincai said.

  Haha, Dad, another like!

  In Liu Jun's memory, this theoretical guideline was put forward not long after, the chief designer wrote to the Central Committee, solemnly proposing "we must use an accurate and complete ideological system to guide our whole party, army and people of the country for generations to come". The specific time is not very clear, it was around the middle of 1977. And this letter was forwarded by the Central Committee to various places. It is likely that Wang Benqing, Cui Xihe and others knew the content of this letter, and were hesitant at first, so they temporarily tolerated it without issuing a statement.

  It was just because the chief designer had not yet returned to work at that time, and the theoretical guideline proposed by the central government still occupied a dominant position within the party.

  This matter, Liu Jincai had already vaguely guessed a little clue, Yan Yucheng and others would also know sooner or later. It's not necessary for Liu Jun to come and talk nonsense now.

  Yan Yucheng's heroic spirit surged up again, and with a wave of his hand, he said: "Xiao Jun is right, self-reflection and contraction, even if there are thousands of people, I will go. No matter what Wang Benqing and Cui Xiuhao mean, as long as it is the right thing, we must insist on it."

  Liu Jinchai was also a straightforward person, and immediately said: "Right, he has his own clever plan, I have my old idea. Director, let's just openly declare it and create momentum first."

  Hehe, that's what my dad was like in his past life. After becoming a government official, he tried hard to adapt to the rules of the bureaucracy. But when it came time for him to take action, his stubborn temper flared up again.

  Looking at the two directors with a heroic demeanor, Mr. Zhou smiled and shook his head slightly. As for being stubborn, even if Yan Yucheng and Liu Jinchang were combined, they might not be able to match this hard-boned professor's temper.

  However, Professor Comrade watched coldly for only a few seconds, and Deputy Director Liu's eyes turned again, and his main intention was placed on his head: "Mr. Zhou, this matter still needs your strong support."

  "Oh? What support can I give you?"

  Mr. Zhou felt quite surprised.

  "If I'm going to clash with the county propaganda department, my theoretical foundation is far from enough. It's only okay if you personally back me up."

  Yan Yucheng's eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh, saying: "Yes, teacher, when it comes to writing articles and discussing theories, no one in Xiangyang County can match you."

  "Not just Xiangyang County, but the entire N Province, I'm afraid no one can match."

  Liu Jun's whole body was covered in goosebumps. How did this happen? Yan Yucheng and Liu Jincai started flattering him, but they didn't even leave a mark! What a masterful performance! Taking another sneak peek at the gentleman, the beaded sweat on his forehead finally all fell to the ground.

  All I saw was Mr. with his eyes slightly closed, a calm and composed expression.

  It's indeed the case that as a former professor of the provincial party school, he is quite capable of discussing theories and writing articles, and can be said to be "a worthy opponent"!

  Mr. Tao was intoxicated for a long time, and only then did he slightly sigh: "My current identity is probably not suitable to be on your formal stage."

  Although the commune is small, it is also a primary political power institution and cannot casually employ "reactionary academic authorities" with historical legacy issues.

  "That's okay. Doesn't our commune have a cultural troupe? Mr. Zhou, you're quite the all-around talent, playing wind and string instruments and singing - you'd definitely qualify for the troupe. It's just that this would be a bit of a demotion for someone of your stature as a professor - I don't know if you'd be willing to make do with it temporarily?"

  Yan Yucheng burst out laughing: "Look at this situation, the policy will definitely change, and Teacher's return to work in the provincial city is only a matter of time. We'd better hurry up and make as much as we can before Teacher returns to the provincial city, haha..."

  The cultural troupe of the commune is not considered a formal unit, but its members are paid work points according to their physical labor. Each time they perform in the countryside, they also receive some food subsidies.

  Mr. Zhou and his wife are both counted as half laborers in the production team, living a tight life. It is proposed that Mr. Zhou join the cultural work team, which can also be considered a kind of indirect help, killing two birds with one stone.

  "Oh, Uncle is going to the commune, I'll go with him..."

  Liu Jun cheered up.

  It's not that he dislikes Liujiashan, but rather likes the commune more. Comparatively speaking, Liujiashan is still more fun. However, Liu Jun had made up his mind once and for all to never again enter the gates of elementary school after following Mr. Zhou to the commune. This job of sitting in the classroom with a group of brats, hands behind his back, grinding away at his buttocks, really isn't very enjoyable. Having done it once in his past life was already enough.

  With Liu Jun's current display of knowledge, it is likely that Liu Jin would not be stubborn to the point of insisting his son return to elementary school.

  Everything went as Liu Jun wished, and after arriving at the commune, Mr. Zhou settled down, and Liu Jun lived with his elder sister Liu Hua. Liu Jincai naturally also mentioned the transfer, Liu Jun briefly stated the reason, and he indeed did not insist on it anymore. Except for continuing to study with Mr. Zhou for two hours every day, the rest of the time was left to himself. It was quite leisurely and comfortable. What excited Liu Jun even more was that he had actually found a way to make money.

  Things are like this, next to the commune there is a small repair shop, everything from sewing machines, radios, bicycles and even flashlights, all household appliances can be repaired.

  The owner of the repair shop is a disabled person with inconvenient legs and feet, named Fang Wentuo.

  Such a repair shop should not have existed at all, in 1977, there was no concept of individual households. Only because Fang Wentao is a disabled person and has some kinship with Zhang Deputy Director of the commune, he was allowed to make a living by turning a blind eye.

  Liu Jun would often run to his repair shop to play during his free time. As a result, he found that there were several radios in his store. After asking, he realized that they were sent by others for repair, but he had not attended school and had limited knowledge of radio. To put it this way, his three-legged cat's radio repair skills were just enough to fix the radios that didn't work. However, since he opened a repair shop, people sent him broken radios, and he couldn't refuse them. So, he would try his luck, and if he was lucky, he could fix them and charge a fee. If he really couldn't fix them, he would have to return them to their owners.

  That day, he saw him sweating profusely fiddling with a "Red Lantern" radio, and after fiddling for half a day, the thing refused to produce normal sounds. Liu Jun was itchy at the time and said, "Fang brother, let me try."

  Fang Wencheng was furious and depressed. If he hadn't recognized him as Deputy Director Liu's son, he would have probably turned against him immediately.

  Think about it, a 7 or 8 year old kid, actually dared to say that he wants to repair the radio, how can he not be out of his mind? That "Red Light" radio was a floor-standing model, placed there was even taller than Liu Jun, very majestic, at that time it was an extraordinary luxury.

  Despite having Deputy Director Liu as his backing, Fang Wenchu still waved his hand with great displeasure and said, "Don't be naughty, kid."

  Liu Jun was both amused and annoyed, with his arms crossed, saying: "If I were to fix it, what would you say?"

  "If you fix it, I'll give you a dollar."

  One yuan is not a small amount. I estimate that he will repair this radio and the cost of labor will be around five yuan.

  "Does one's words count?"

  Fang Wen was furious and hastily pulled out a dollar bill, slapping it on the table: "As long as you fix it, this dollar is yours."

  "Okay, wait for me."

  Fang Wen stared blankly as Liu Jun walked out, unaware of what he was going to do. It wasn't until she saw Liu Jun bring over a multimeter that she revealed a look of surprise: "Little Jun, you really know how to fix things?"

  Liu Jun didn't bother to waste words with him, telling him to step aside. With a flick of his sleeve, he brought out the skills he had accumulated over the years. Just as Fang Wentao was dazzled and confused, the radio suddenly started playing the pleasant sound of "Central People's Broadcasting Station". Liu Jun also ignored Fang Wentao, who was staring blankly, put away the multimeter, picked up the one-dollar bill, and walked out the door with a smile.

  "Xiao Jun, Xiao Jun, wait a minute..."

  "What's wrong, having second thoughts?"

  "No way, no way, how can that be? I'm a man of my word, I keep my promises..."

  "Alright then, I'm off, going to buy some sweets to eat."

  "Don't be in such a hurry... Xiao Jun, who did you learn this from?"

  "My dad used to be a repair technician."

  "No wonder, no wonder... Ah, Xiao Jun, I want to discuss something with you..."

  "What's up, tell me."

  "You... can you teach me how to fix radios? Don't worry, I won't let you teach for nothing, I'll give you another dollar to buy some candy, okay?"

  Liu Jun originally agreed, but his attitude was very displeasing. What's the matter with him? He wants to be a disciple and yet treat his master like a child, what a ridiculous guy.

  "Haha, you're thinking beautifully. You think you can learn from a master for just one dollar?"

  Fang Wen's face turned red.

  "Alright, from now on, I'll help you fix these wireless radios. We'll split the repair cost 50/50, how's that?"

  "That... is fine!"

  Look at him, he must have made up his mind to steal the skills. But that's nothing, a few dollars now, maybe it's useful. Can't rely on this repair skill for a lifetime? If so, Liu Jun would be the most incompetent traverser in history, and it's better to buy a piece of tofu and hit himself to death.