Nan Sheng braced herself under the scrutinizing gazes of the crowd, forcing an air of composure.
"Thanks to the town head’s dedication to listening to the people’s concerns, and for reporting our situation to higher authorities, our town has been spared even greater losses!"
Though everyone knew Nan Sheng was buttering him up, what leader wouldn’t appreciate a subordinate who knew how to flatter while also handing him political credit? Thanks to this, he’d already caught the attention of the city officials—his future career was looking brighter than ever.
The town head waved off the praise modestly. "I only did what was expected of me. Rest assured, once the disaster passes, I’ll make sure your contributions are recognized by the higher-ups!"
It was too early to talk about rewards now. Once the crisis was over, the leadership would assess everyone’s performance—those who deserved commendation would get it, and those at fault would face consequences. There was no way he’d let Nan Sheng’s efforts go unnoticed.
"Thank you for your guidance, Leader!"
After the meeting, Nan Sheng lingered, clearly wanting to say more. Yu Feng noticed and smirked. "Out with it. I’m not going to bite you."
The village head and Lin Guozheng exchanged puzzled glances, unsure what Nan Sheng was up to.
"Town Head, lack of food will kill people, but so will this unbearable heat. I’ve heard of a method to make ice using saltpeter. It could help cool us down and preserve water. Should we propose this to the higher-ups and give it a try?"
Yu Feng’s eyes lit up. It was a solid idea—sucking on ice during the heat would be a relief. The only question was whether saltpeter was readily available and if technicians could be sent to teach them the process.
"Alright, I’ll make some calls. If there’s good news, I’ll let you know immediately."
Nan Sheng grinned. "If it works out, I hope our village gets a little extra consideration. We’ve got a lot of elderly and children."
Yu Feng shot her a mock glare. "Don’t worry, I won’t forget you. Now get going!"
Once outside the town government office, the village head and Lin Guozheng looked at Nan Sheng with admiration. "You’ve got no shortage of ideas—and the nerve to voice them too."
The local ice factory was too small to make a real difference, but if saltpeter ice-making was cheap and simple, the higher-ups would surely approve.
Meanwhile, Yu Feng made the call to his superiors, though he wasn’t holding his breath. To his surprise, the county leadership took his suggestion seriously this time, promising to escalate it immediately. His standing had clearly changed.
Nan Sheng stopped by the post office next. Lin Han had sent his military allowance and asked for a reply, so she bought an envelope and stamps. The clerk even gave her a sheet of paper for free.
With the village head and her father-in-law waiting, Nan Sheng scribbled a brief note:
"Received the allowance. Focus on your promotion. Possible drought at home, but every household has stocked up on food—no need to worry. I’ve agreed to the pension contribution. Stay safe!"
—Signed, Nan Sheng.
There was no warmth between spouses here, just the dry tone of a comrade reporting duty.
After sealing the envelope, she asked the clerk, "Comrade, can this letter be expedited?"
She was worried the news of the drought would reach Lin Han too late, prompting him to rush home. According to the book, he was supposed to be on a secret mission around this time. Last time, his leave had cost him his superior’s favor, stalling his career for years.
"Of course. Military mail is already prioritized. It should arrive in about seven or eight days!"
With the letter sent, the village head headed to the supply and marketing cooperative, and the two followed.
Nan Sheng was out of ration coupons this time, but she managed to buy a set of pig intestines and a door lock from the daily goods stall.
On the way back, the village head and Lin Guozheng shared a bicycle, while Nan Sheng rode alone. It was already afternoon, so she asked, "Uncle Feng, do we still need to work today?"
The village head chuckled. "There’s a meeting tonight, but nothing urgent now. If you’ve got things to do, go ahead."
Nan Sheng immediately handed the pig intestines and lock to her father-in-law. "Grandpa, could you take these back and have the kids clean them? Come over for dinner tonight—I’m heading to my parents’ place first."
She dashed off before anyone could react.
The village head patted Lin Guozheng’s back, laughing. "Your daughter-in-law’s quite the character. Goes home empty-handed, buys pig intestines, and makes you carry them back."
Lin Guozheng shook his head, summing her up in a few words:
Smart. Stubborn. Unmanageable. And not afraid to scold you.
Back in Wangshan Village, Nan Sheng rode straight to her parents’ house.
Zhong Yanyan, hearing the noise, assumed it was her husband or son returning. "What did the meeting say?"
They’d all been called back from the fields, but Zhong Yanyan had skipped it to rest at home.
"Mom, it’s me! I just got back from the town meeting!"
Nan’s Mother brightened at the sight of her daughter. "You attended a town meeting? You’re making us proud! Come inside, I’ll cook something nice for you."
Her daughter had been generous lately—bringing rice and meat—but the family had saved it, waiting for her return to enjoy it together.
"Mom, I’m not staying to eat. I just wanted to talk."
The two sat on the edge of the kang, and Nan’s Mother handed her a cup of sugared water.
"Mom, how’s everything arranged here? Did Grandpa and Grandma’s side stock up on food?"
Nan’s Mother sighed. "Your grandparents bought 500 catties of grain, but money’s tight for them—they’re still supporting your uncle and aunt. If things get bad, I’ll send them more."
Mingli had bought 1,500 catties, enough to cover both sides of the family, but she didn’t want to deliver it too soon—her younger sister would just take it all.
Nan Sheng nodded. "Check on them regularly. I’ve heard some people are so desperate they’re eating tree bark and dirt. It’s horrifying."
Nan’s Mother paled. "Don’t worry, I won’t let my parents starve. But your Uncle Nan refuses to listen—didn’t buy a single grain. Your dad wants to send two bags over so Grandpa doesn’t go hungry."
Uncle Nan had inherited the old house and was supposed to care for the elderly, though Nan Jingyu still helped out during holidays.
Nan Sheng suggested, "Mom, why not bring Grandpa here for the next year? If he stays there, any food we send will just end up in Uncle and Aunt’s stomachs. Doesn’t that make sense?"
Zhong Yanyan hesitated, worried Uncle Nan would shirk his responsibilities entirely.
"What’s there to fear? If he dares, we’ll take it to the village head and demand a share of the house!"
Zhong Yanyan slapped her thigh in agreement. "Fine. I’ll discuss it with your father when he’s back. We’ll fetch Grandpa in a few days and keep him here until the drought passes."
Nan Sheng almost laughed. What was there to discuss? Her father would jump at the chance—it was his own dad, after all.
Before leaving, Nan Sheng pressed 100 yuan into her mother’s hands.
"My wedding dowry came from Lin Han. When my sister-in-law came back arguing the other day, I got mad and mentioned it. My mother-in-law gave me 200 yuan to make up for it—here’s half for you."
Nan’s Mother pushed it away. "That money’s yours. We’ve got enough. If we need more, I’ll ask."
And just like that, Nan Sheng was shoved out the door.
Now that’s a real mother—won’t take a single cent from her child.
When Nan Sheng rode off on her bicycle, Yu Sheng happened to catch sight of her. But he was too far away, and no matter how many times he called out, she didn’t turn back.
These days, Jinyan had scolded him more than once, insisting that Nan Sheng would never return the money she’d taken. But he refused to believe it!
Nan Sheng had even married a widower for his sake—how could she possibly disobey him now?
If all else failed, he’d have to make a trip to Xiangyang Village under cover of darkness.
No matter how much money Nan Sheng had, he’d get it back first.
