After Liao Xian left, Nan Sheng assigned her subordinates to work in various towns. In Sanwei Town, apart from Chen Tian and three others, she also kept Luo Xiaoxuan, Xu Liang, and Liang Kechang by her side.
These three had distinct personalities: Luo Xiaoxuan was stubborn, Liang Kechang was fair-minded and stood out among the group, while Xu Liang was simply a good-natured man—so much so that he had nearly missed the government job opportunity because of a friend who failed the recruitment.
As for why she kept them close, Nan Sheng could only say that leaving a strong impression had its perks.
She definitely needed to leave two people in Sanwei Town, and they had to be utterly loyal to her. To this end, she held a small meeting attended only by Liu Song, Chen Tian, Deng Jun, and Su Jie.
"In a little while, I’ll be relocating to work in the county. Today’s meeting is to discuss our future direction.
First, out of the four of you, I’ll leave two here. Whoever performs exceptionally will become the decision-maker of Sanwei Town—this promotion is no empty promise.
Now, I’m giving you the chance to choose. If anyone prefers to stay or wants to challenge themselves to move up, raise your hand and let me know."
Deng Jun was the first to raise his hand, though he wasn’t vying for the leadership role.
"Director Nan, since you came to Sanwei Town, I’ve changed a lot. But I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, and I’m afraid I might hold you back if I go to the county. So, I’d like to stay in town."
Deng Jun’s admiration for Nan Sheng went without saying. He wanted to keep working by her side, but the director was rising too fast—he simply couldn’t keep up.
"Fair enough. But don’t sell yourself short. You’ve been incredibly responsible working alongside me, and I’m very satisfied with your efficiency and results. I hope to see you earn your way to the county someday."
Praise from Nan Sheng left Deng Jun dizzy with delight. The director had never complimented him before—he was practically blushing.
After him, Chen Tian also voiced his stance. "Director, I’d also like to stay in town."
With so many highly educated graduates joining their ranks, Chen Tian felt a pang of inferiority. He didn’t dare compare himself to them and figured he might not earn Nan Sheng’s trust in the county. Better to guard Sanwei Town for her and stay closer to home.
Nan Sheng acknowledged his work as well but gave both men a final reminder.
"Don’t think staying in town means no competition. If you mishandle things and can’t uphold the disciplinary committee’s work, I won’t hesitate to replace you. Understood?"
"Yes, Director!"
"Understood, Director!"
They answered in unison. Having shadowed Nan Sheng daily, they’d learned much and wouldn’t let her down.
With that settled, Nan Sheng would take five people to the county government.
Liu Song was meticulous, and Su Jie was someone she trusted—they were the ideal candidates to bring along, and both were willing to follow her to the county for better prospects.
In the following days, Nan Sheng focused on training Deng Jun and Chen Tian, ensuring they could take over smoothly after her departure.
"Mom, you’re back! What’s for dinner tonight?"
Lin Han had been gone for over a month, and Nan Sheng had officially been promoted to director of the county disciplinary committee. Once Lin Han returned, she would immediately assume her new post.
With the promotion, her responsibilities shifted significantly—she now oversaw broader directives. Apart from more meetings, her work hours became regular.
For now, Nan Sheng was giving her team time to streamline operations in each town. Once she moved to the county, she would launch a sweeping crackdown. After purging the revolutionary committee, the next targets would be other government departments.
"I bought tofu and stir-fried pork. We’ll have steamed buns with warm water for the main meal."
With the children’s school break approaching, Nan Sheng took the chance during dinner to inform them about her transfer.
"Da Wa, Qiqi, Mom will soon be working in the county. Do you want to come with me and study there, or stay here in the family quarters?"
Siqi was so startled she dropped her bun on the table. She scrambled over and clung to Nan Sheng. "I’m going with you! Don’t leave me behind!"
Nan Sheng chuckled and patted her daughter’s head. "Who said I’d leave you? I just worried you might not want to move."
Sizhe thought it over and agreed to go to the county too. Though he felt a little guilty toward his father, he’d grown used to living with his mother and didn’t want to separate.
"Mom, I’ll go with you and study in the county."
Delighted that both children wanted to join her, Nan Sheng had grown accustomed to the lively atmosphere—she’d feel out of place without Siqi’s antics.
As for Sizhe, he was even more dependable—obedient and considerate, handling chores without being asked. Aside from cooking, he rarely let Nan Sheng lift a finger at home.
"Good, it’s settled then. I’ll take you both to live in the county. Don’t worry—your dad will visit us on his days off, and if work allows, I’ll bring you back here for a few days each month."
"Mm-hmm!"
"Okay, Mom!"
Once the decision was made, the children cherished every moment with their friends. Of course, news of Nan Sheng’s transfer gradually spread.
Hua Fen even came by to ask, "You’re really going to the county? That’s so far! What will Battalion Commander Lin do alone at home?"
In this era, women naturally assumed supporting roles—considering parents, husbands, and children, but never themselves.
To most, Nan Sheng "abandoning" Lin Han for work was unacceptable, a sign of neglecting her family.
"He’ll manage just like before I joined the army. Besides, the county isn’t that far—we’ll reunite on days off."
Hua Fen was taken aback by Nan Sheng’s response. Though she didn’t fully understand, she felt an odd twinge of envy at her carefree attitude.
"Being a leader really changes things. Just thinking about my husband eating and sleeping alone, I could never bring myself to do it."
Nan Sheng knew Hua Fen meant well, but her upbringing had taught her to prioritize her own feelings over others’ expectations.
"Sister-in-law, Lin Han is a soldier—he deserves respect. But my government work serves the people too. There’s no reason for me to step back for him.
Honestly, we women shouldn’t undervalue ourselves. We have jobs and earn our own keep—we ought to live with confidence."
Hua Fen found this perspective refreshing. Now that she worked, her relationship with her husband had improved.
After work, they’d chat about amusing incidents in the barracks or bizarre encounters at the supply and marketing cooperative, drifting off to sleep without a fuss—unlike before, when petty squabbles were routine.
