Chapter 221 - 195: Fighting Without Clothes

Chapter 221: Chapter 195: Fighting Without Clothes

"Oh, right. Let’s talk about the big market at the Commune the day after tomorrow. A couple of days ago, Secretary Yang called all the production team captains to the Commune for a special meeting about it. The main purpose of this market is to give the members a chance to trade goods before the new year. He’s also requiring each team’s militia to be there to maintain order. The other teams are all complaining, saying they don’t have enough food or manpower. Then, Secretary Yang approached me privately and asked for our help."

The team committee members said nothing. If the militia was dispatched, the team would definitely have to provide their meals. For forty or fifty men, even without letting them eat their fill, a day of normal rations would still require dozens of pounds of grain. It was true the team had two thousand pounds of grain, but that was all being saved to motivate the entire production team for the spring plowing and as an emergency supply for critical moments.

"I didn’t dare agree to Secretary Yang’s request right away. I wanted to come back and ask for your opinions."

Hearing this, everyone looked at Zhao Wendong. To put it bluntly, he was the one who had gotten them all the grain. Without Zhao Wendong, the authorization slip was just a slip. Many production teams had one, but they were just worthless pieces of paper.

"Let’s do it. Secretary Yang has helped our team a lot, and this is a matter of serving the people. The big market is going to be crowded, and I’m worried some people might get desperate. Sending our men will fulfill the Commune’s request and also be a training exercise for our militia."

Zhao Wendong stated his thoughts. ’Opportunities for missions like this are rare, so we can treat it as a field exercise for the team. Besides, I plan on bringing a lot of grain this time, and I want my whole family to go out and relax. I’ll feel more at ease with the militia around. What’s more, in my past life, a dispute at this market led to someone’s death. I think Yang Wenxue and Li Dawei both got reprimanded because of it. They’re good friends of mine, so helping them out would also be saving their two families. Why wouldn’t I do it?’

"Alright, I agree then."

"I have no objection."

Seeing Zhao Wendong agree, the rest of the team committee members chimed in with their approval. This was a rare chance for Dragon King Pond to make a name for itself, and they would all gain some prestige from it. They had been hesitant before because they were afraid Zhao Wendong would object, thinking they didn’t appreciate the grain he had worked so hard to get.

Zhao Weiguo nodded. He had been inclined to agree from the start. After all, he was a man dedicated to public service. The Commune was asking for their help, and he felt it was his duty to protect the people’s safety and property. Since the rest of the committee agreed, there was no problem.

"Alright, it’s settled then. I’ll send out the notice in a bit. The militia will head to the Commune early the day after tomorrow. The canteen should also prepare food for them—rationed portions for each person, no exceeding the limit."

"Understood."

Liu Yufen nodded. She was in charge of the canteen.

The group then updated Zhao Wendong on some recent team affairs and the arrangements for the new year. To ensure the villagers had a good celebration, the committee planned to let the members exchange for a batch of grain beforehand. The amount wasn’t large, but the main goal was to make sure every family could have a happy new year and feel confident about the future, so they wouldn’t be afraid to have a proper meal. Naturally, Zhao Wendong had no objections.

Finally, Zhao Wendong told everyone he was getting married after the new year, earning congratulations from all the committee members.

"Wow, time flies! In the blink of an eye, Dongzi’s getting married."

"The first time that little rascal brought that Lin Zhiyin to my house, I knew he was up to something."

"I just didn’t expect the girl to be so beautiful. Dongzi really lucked out."

Zhao Wendong basked in their envy before strolling back home. When he returned, Wang Lulu saw him and waved him over.

"Wendong, could you take us to see your grandparents?"

"Of course!"

Without a second thought, Zhao Wendong led the two of them out the door. Lin Zhiyin had wanted to go along, but Chen Yanmei’s simple remark telling her to get some rest made her blush again.

When they arrived at Zhao Dahai’s house, he saw the two girls, Zhao Pandi and Zhao Laidi, sweeping snow in the yard. They were covered in snowflakes, and frost clung to their eyelashes. It was obvious they had been working outside for a long time. Zhao Wendong glanced around but didn’t see Zhao Wenhua or Wang Jinzhi, and his brow furrowed instantly.

"Why are you two the only ones sweeping snow? Where are your brother and your mom?"

"Brother San, you’re here!"

Zhao Pandi just offered a quiet greeting, but Zhao Laidi didn’t hesitate to throw her mom and brother under the bus.

"We didn’t have anything else to do, so we figured we’d sweep now to save some effort later. My mom and my brother are sleeping."

Zhao Wendong felt a flicker of anger at her words. He waved at the two of them.

"Alright, stop sweeping. Go inside and rest for a bit."

The two cousins exchanged a look, then nodded and accompanied Zhao Wendong and the others inside. In the west room, Ye Qingmei and Zhao Chuanhe were warming themselves by a brazier. Zhao Wendong touched the mat on the kang bed—it was cold.

"Grandma, Grandpa, why isn’t the kang lit?"

"I don’t think we have enough firewood. Pandi and Laidi were going to chop some, but I didn’t let them. They’re not strong enough, and I was afraid they’d hurt themselves. And who is this, grandson?"

Ye Qingmei’s attention had shifted to the two people behind Zhao Wendong. He quickly made the introductions.

"Grandma, Grandpa, this is my father-in-law and mother-in-law. They just arrived last night."

"Oh my, it’s my grandson’s wife’s parents! Quick, quick, come up on the kang to get warm."

Ye Qingmei immediately became enthusiastic. Zhao Chuanhe also greeted them with a cheerful smile. Lin Huaimin and Wang Lulu had endured all sorts of hardships over the past two years, so they were very down-to-earth. They took off their shoes, climbed onto the kang, and sat down to chat casually with Ye Qingmei and her husband.

Zhao Wendong went into the east room. Zhao Dahai’s family of three was lying on the kang bed. Zhao Wendong touched the mat—hmm, it was also ice-cold. He felt a little better. Seeing it was Zhao Wendong, Wang Jinzhi quickly sat up to greet him. Zhao Dahai also greeted him while lying down. Zhao Wenhua, lying farther in on the kang, had his back to Zhao Wendong and seemed to be fast asleep.