The next evening, Nan Sheng arrived as promised.
She brought fever medicine, anti-inflammatory pills, painkillers, and even medication for diarrhea.
She only brought two pounds of brown sugar and also handed them a knife for self-defense.
When she tried to return the remaining money to Yan Shaoshu, he refused, telling Nan Sheng to keep it for now. "Comrade, just hold onto the money. We’ll likely need your help buying more things later. If it’s not enough, we’ll ask you for more. We won’t forget your kindness!"
Nan Sheng merely smiled without responding. Her husband was in the military, and she had no plans to move to the capital. Favors or debts meant little to her—she was just lending a hand.
After setting down the supplies, she took her leave. Sizhe was waiting outside, and the two quickly made their way home.
Wiping the nervous sweat from his forehead, Sizhe thought to himself how hard-earned money truly was.
Under Nan Sheng’s discreet care, Yan Shaoshu and his wife finally had enough to eat and settled into Xiangyang Village. Though some villagers made snide remarks, no one dared to harass them outright—a rare and fortunate outcome.
Secretary Ma now regarded Nan Sheng as a trusted ally, given they were in the same boat.
Seizing the opportunity, Nan Sheng mentioned, "It’s inconvenient for me to keep going to the black market. I’ve sent my younger brother to help out there. Secretary Ma, if he’s ever caught… he won’t be in trouble, right?"
Secretary Ma immediately reassured her, "That’s nothing! Even if he’s arrested, I can get him out. You’re thinking ahead—having your own people in the black market makes everything easier."
Over in Xiaoling Village, the fruit trees had a remarkably high survival rate, with over 90% of last year’s saplings thriving.
The grafting work was also complete, and the departing experts predicted that with proper care, the grafted trees could bear fruit by autumn.
The villagers were thrilled, feeling their hard work hadn’t been in vain. If they could start selling this year, it would be even better!
Time flew by, and summer arrived.
Over the past few months, the government had distributed relief grain to impoverished households twice, but it was still a drop in the bucket.
Xiangyang Village had also organized several grain donation drives, but by this point, every household was struggling, and the contributions grew smaller each time.
Secretary Ma was beside himself with worry—elderly people in town were already starving to death. They had to find a way to save lives!
"Nan Sheng, help your Uncle Ma think of something. I’m truly out of ideas!"
Peng Clerk also looked at her with trust. He’d never held any hostility toward her, even though Secretary Ma now relied on her more for official matters.
Nan Sheng rubbed her nose. "I do have an idea, though it’s a bit underhanded…"
Hearing this, Secretary Ma perked up. "Speak your mind! The three of us can discuss it. Anything’s better than watching villagers starve."
Nan Sheng didn’t beat around the bush. "Uncle Ma, do you know how chaotic the black market is right now? The worst of them are selling grain at ten times the price!
Don’t you think the government should raid them? Arresting people isn’t the goal—but confiscating their grain would solve our immediate crisis."
Secretary Ma slapped his forehead in delight. What a brilliant idea!
This wasn’t underhanded—it was robbing the rich to feed the poor! After profiteering so shamelessly, it was time they contributed to the people’s welfare.
Peng Clerk’s eyes gleamed too. If this succeeded, it’d be another political achievement—one that could fast-track his reunion with his wife!
Nan Sheng added, "But we can’t raid every black market. We should leave a few with fair prices, or else folks won’t have anywhere to buy grain later."
After meticulous planning, government agents began infiltrating the town’s black markets in disguise. The crackdown on profiteers was imminent!
Secretary Ma even requested additional manpower from higher-ups, fearing grain might be hidden if word leaked.
However, Yu Feng from the county government called, urging Secretary Ma to delay. He proposed a coordinated county-wide raid—other towns’ citizens needed relief too.
Previously, the government had tolerated black markets due to the grain shortage. But with harvest season approaching, Nan Sheng’s suggestion was swiftly approved. The crackdown was inevitable—and it would be severe.
When Nan Sheng heard the news, she realized things had spiraled beyond control and ordered an immediate halt to operations.
Sure enough, the county launched a massive operation, even deploying soldiers without warning. The black markets were ambushed overnight!
Nan Sheng only learned of it the next morning at work. Clutching her startled heart, she thanked her luck that Xiao Yi had withdrawn quickly, selling off his stock just in time.
Still shaken, she complained to Secretary Ma, "Uncle Ma, that wasn’t very considerate! What if my brother hadn’t escaped in time?"
Secretary Ma protested, "You think I knew? I was only informed after the raid started. The higher-ups kept it secret, worried local officials might tip off the black market."
Besides, even if Nan Sheng’s brother had been caught, he could’ve been freed—no big deal!
Secretary Ma was elated. The operation was a resounding success, with confiscated grain stocks staggering enough to sustain the town’s poor until harvest.
But the profiteers weren’t so lucky—especially the ringleaders who’d jacked up prices. They’d be sent to the county for harsh punishment.
When Nan Sheng asked what "harsh punishment" meant, Secretary Ma mimed a gunshot to the head.
Nan Sheng froze. She hadn’t expected such severity!
Secretary Ma clarified that their town had fared better, thanks to Xiao Yi’s family keeping prices reasonable. Only a few had been made examples.
The rest faced labor reform, with sentences ranging from a month to several years. Given their role during the drought, the government had already shown leniency.
For the first time, Nan Sheng realized that wielding power could save lives—or end them.
She vowed then to never act impulsively again. From now on, she would think twice—no, thrice—before making a move.
