"Manufacturing gunpowder with weapons, and right in the capital—this time it happened in the suburbs. What if next time it’s in a densely populated area? The panic and harm would be unimaginable. We must prohibit armed individuals from entering the city and completely ban civilians from making gunpowder with weapons."
The meeting room buzzed with heated arguments. Meanwhile, Yang Yufen had kept vigil for two days before Old Yang finally woke up.
"How’s the chicken farm? Did they catch all those people?"
"The farm is fine. Every last one of them was caught—none escaped. Everyone’s safe, and now that you’re awake, things are even better."
Old Zhou spoke up. He couldn’t rest easy and came by every day, rushing to the hospital whenever he wasn’t cooking. Yang Yufen and Aunt Wang were the same. With Old Yang still not out of danger, they feared any emergency that might require immediate help.
"Old Yang, just focus on recovering in the hospital. We’ll bring you back to the orchard once you’re well enough to leave."
"Alright, alright. I’m awake now—what else could go wrong? You all go about your business. No need to fuss over me here."
"That’s not acceptable. We’ve already discussed it with Little Zhang. He’s been keeping watch at night these past two days, and he’ll take care of you until you’re fully recovered. We’re paying him double wages for it."
Aunt Wang explained their arrangements to Old Yang.
When Yang Yufen approached Little Zhang about the task, he agreed without hesitation the moment he heard he’d be caring for Old Yang. Even without the extra pay, he would’ve been more than willing.
He’d heard stories about every elder in the orchard and was deeply grateful for their sacrifices, which had made his current life possible. Despite the hardships his family had endured, compared to the days of being oppressed under foreign rule, his life was already so much better.
Little Zhang learned from the hospital nurses how to care for patients like Old Yang. Knowing Old Yang might be bedridden for life, he felt no resentment—only worry that he might not do well enough and cause the old man suffering.
The crackdown intensified, stricter than before. Armed forces carried out sweeping confiscations, nationwide campaigns reinforced legal education, and penalties were harshened.
"Our veterans can’t be left to be bullied. Their job security must be guaranteed."
Yang Yufen and Aunt Wang met with inspectors sent from above. The officials were satisfied with their arrangements for Old Yang and inquired about the conditions and treatment of others before leaving.
The chicken farm’s losses weren’t too severe, though a batch of white-feathered chickens had been drenched and crushed, rendering them unsellable. They were all sent to the cafeteria instead.
"Maybe we should set up a guard post at the orchard’s entrance. That way, we can spot trouble right away if anything happens."
Old Zhou suggested.
"I think we need a telephone. In situations like before, calling would’ve been much faster than sending someone to fetch help."
Aunt Wang added.
"We’ll install one—absolutely. Even if it costs a fortune, it’s worth it."
Yang Yufen nodded firmly.
"Let’s also fix the road and set up another guard post further out. In a few years, when the fruits are ready for transport, bad roads will only cause delays. We’ll have to do it sooner or later—might as well do it now."
The original dirt road had already been upgraded to gravel during the orchard’s development, widened by two meters. Now, planning for a concrete road, Yang Yufen and Aunt Wang decided to expand it to five meters—wide enough for two trucks to pass comfortably.
Deputy Director Zhao from the Agricultural Sciences Institute also came by. The road construction was closely tied to their work, especially given its scale.
"Funding for this road might be hard to secure from our institute. It’s five kilometers long, after all."
They couldn’t just pave a section—it had to connect to the main road, and five kilometers was no short distance.
"We’ll build it regardless. We’ll figure out the money, but the land approval must be secured. It’s a lot of space."
Yang Yufen spoke, her gaze fixed on Deputy Director Zhao.
"The land issue can be resolved. Most of this stretch belongs to our institute, and there aren’t any nearby villagers whose farmland would be affected."
Five kilometers… The fact that those troublemakers had targeted this remote spot showed they’d done their homework, knowing the residents were mostly elderly or disabled.
What they hadn’t counted on was that many of these people were war veterans. Faced with danger, they didn’t hesitate to spend money and prioritize lives—which was why the culprits were rounded up so thoroughly.
The earlier vandalism was likely because gunpowder was too conspicuous to use in crowded areas.
When Professor Wen brought Li Wen to visit Yang Yufen, the road construction permit had already been approved.
"Grandma, are you okay?"
Li Wen was worried. His classes at the gifted youth program had grown so intensive that there were no breaks—hands-on training was their only respite. By the time he heard the news, days had passed.
"Grandma’s fine, but Grandpa Yang suffered terribly. He’s still in the hospital."
Li Wen looked at Yang Yufen, her skin darkened by sun and wind, her hair now streaked with white.
"Grandma, you have to take care of yourself. Since we’re not here with you, don’t overwork yourself."
Holding her hand, Li Wen spoke earnestly.
"Of course, my dear grandson. Grandma still wants to see you bring glory to our country. I’ll stay healthy for that."
"It won’t be long, Grandma."
Li Wen puffed out his chest proudly.
Meanwhile, miles away, Li Wu opened the package he’d received that month and nearly despaired. His younger brother truly spared him no mercy—pushing him to skip grades, and now, even after being selected for specialized training, insisting he keep up with studies.
But when he opened the package, his disappointment turned to delight. Inside was a tape recorder and several cassettes.
Reading his brother’s letter, he realized the recorder wasn’t a gift from Grandma—Li Wen had exchanged his own rewards for it.
"Your brother’s amazing! What kind of prize is worth a tape recorder?!"
"Of course he’s amazing!"
Li Wu lifted his chin proudly.
"Can we borrow your recorder?"
"No. But if you call me ‘Big Bro,’ you can listen with me."
Li Wu tucked the recorder away. Sharing was fine—but the tapes were all in English. Misery loved company.
"Shen Li Wu! Forming gangs again?!"
Teacher Gao’s voice slithered ominously behind him.
"Whoa! Teacher Gao, you can’t sneak up on kids like a ghost—no footsteps at all!"
Li Wu jumped, feigning shock.
"You little rascal, always trying to be the boss. Seems your workload’s too light. Double today’s training."
"Teacher Gao, that’s not fair! I didn’t force anyone—it’s a fair trade, mutually agreed! You’re just taking your anger out on me. Who upset you this time?"
