My 1995 Small Farm.

Three jeeps were parked in the brigade's courtyard, and lively conversation could be heard coming from inside the house.

Chen Ling went inside and saw Wang Laishun talking to several people who looked like cadres.

Sitting in the main seat was an elderly man in his fifties with gray hair, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a simple Zhongshan suit, who was listening attentively to Wang Laishun's report.

"Wealth and fortune are coming!"

Upon seeing Chen Ling, Wang Laishun quickly stood up to introduce him: "Professor Sun, this is Chen Ling, Chen Fugui. Our village has been able to do such a good job in flood prevention entirely thanks to him."

Professor Sun stood up and extended his hand: "Comrade Fugui, hello. I have heard of your great name for a long time. Meeting you today, I can see that you are indeed young and promising."

Chen Ling shook hands with him: "Professor Sun, you flatter me. I just did what I was supposed to do."

"Not everyone can do the things that need to be done well."

Professor Sun remarked with emotion, "We've visited several villages along the way, and the situation there wasn't optimistic. Only your Chenwangzhuang village has a sturdy dike, ample supplies, and stable morale. In the current situation, this is nothing short of a miracle."

He asked Chen Ling to sit down and inquired in detail about the organization process of flood prevention work, the methods of material allocation, and the experience of mobilizing the masses.

Chen Ling answered each question honestly and without exaggeration or concealment.

Professor Sun nodded repeatedly as he listened, and said to his secretary beside him, "Write this down. These experiences should be compiled into materials and promoted throughout the province."

He then asked, "Fugui, I heard that your village's wheat was harvested before the rainstorm, with less than 10% loss. How did you manage that?"

Chen Ling recounted the process of observing celestial phenomena, organizing shifts for harvesting, and using combine harvesters to help other villages.

After listening, Professor Sun remained silent for a moment, then looked at Chen Ling deeply: "You have keen observation skills, decisive decision-making ability, and a selfless spirit of mutual assistance. Comrade Fugui, you are a talented person."

He paused, then said, "Besides inspecting flood prevention, I have another mission here. The province is planning to select a number of 'model villages' in various places for key support. I intend to submit your Chenwangzhuang village for consideration."

The room immediately fell silent.

Wang Laishun was so excited that his hands were trembling: "Professor Sun, are you telling the truth?"

"of course."

Professor Sun smiled, "However, there are standards for model villages. In addition to flood prevention and disaster relief, agricultural production, rural construction, and farmers' lives must all meet the standards. Are you confident?"

Wang Laishun nodded quickly: "Yes! Absolutely!"

They have the attention of the Northern Region, and they're even planning to build a zoo in the mountains.

We are confident that we can set a good example.

"it is good!"

Professor Sun stood up. "Then I'll wait for your good news. The province's support policies, including funding, technology, and projects, will all be tilted towards the demonstration village. I hope you will seize the opportunity and build Chenwangzhuang into a true model of a new countryside."

It was already evening when Professor Sun and his party left.

Chen Ling and Wang Laishun stood at the entrance of the village committee, watching the departing convoy.

“Wealth and honor…” Wang Laishun’s voice choked with emotion, “Our Chenwangzhuang is truly about to rise above our circumstances.”

Chen Ling nodded without saying a word.

He already knew some things in his heart.

He won't slack off on this kind of thing.

He knew that the rain would continue and the difficulties of flood control would persist, but as long as everyone was united, there was no obstacle they could not overcome.

By the time we got back to the farm, it was completely dark.

A kerosene lamp was lit in the main room, and its warm light shone through the window.

Wang Susu was setting the table, Gao Xiulan brought out a steaming pot of fish soup from the kitchen, and Wang Cunye was feeding Kang Kang and Lele.

When the two children saw Chen Ling, they immediately opened their little hands and cried, "Daddy!"

Chen Ling walked over and picked one up in each arm.

"You're back?" Wang Susu asked with a smile. "What did the provincial leaders say?"

"That's good news," Chen Ling said briefly.

The whole family was overjoyed to hear this.

Dinner was plentiful, with milky white fish soup, stir-fried cured meat, cucumber salad, steamed egg custard, and freshly steamed white flour buns.

Simple home-style dishes, yet they tasted exceptionally delicious.

Rui Rui and Xiao Ming have been having a blast lately; while others are eating, they're busy playing with the little wild boar.

The wild boar is no longer at the farm.

The children raised them in Xizi's pigsty, which is near Chen Sangui's old house.

These kids go to see it every day unless it's raining heavily.

With Afu and Ashou by their side, Chen Ling's family had no worries.

I don't really care; I just let them go crazy.

No one in the village needs their food.

……

The next morning, the sky cleared up, a rare treat.

Although it wasn't completely cloudless, the heavy clouds had finally parted a bit, and sunlight shone through the gaps, illuminating the damp world.

Water was still dripping from the eaves, but the dripping sound was no longer so rapid.

The floodwaters in the courtyard had mostly receded, revealing the original color of the bluestone slabs.

Chen Ling stood in the courtyard and took a deep breath.

The air after the rain was exceptionally fresh, carrying the earthy smell of soil, the fragrance of grass, and the scent of pine resin wafting from the distant mountains.

He stretched his muscles and felt all his joints relax.

"Is it really not going to rain today?" Wang Susu poked her head out of the kitchen, still holding a spatula in her hand.

"Judging from the sky, it should be clear for at least half the day." Chen Ling looked up at the sky. "The clouds are thinning, and the wind has changed direction; it's a northeasterly wind."

Wang Susu's face lit up with joy: "That's great! Be careful on your journey. The roads around Fenglei Town are difficult to travel, and after so many days of rain, they must be even more slippery."

Yes, he was going to Fenglei Town to check on the situation.

The families of the eldest and second brothers-in-law are still there.

"I know." Chen Ling walked back to the main room and began preparing his luggage.

He changed into a durable dark blue work uniform, wore high-top rubber shoes, and carried a canvas shoulder bag containing dry food, a water bottle, a flashlight, and a packet of herbs that Wang Susu had specially prepared.

Fenglei Town is located in the mountains, where there are many mosquitoes and other insects. These herbs can repel insects and prevent snake bites.

Before he left, Wang Susu stuffed two boiled eggs and a few pancakes into his bag: "Eat these if you get hungry on the way. When you see your older brothers, please say hello for me and tell them that our parents are doing well here, so they don't worry about us."

"Okay." Chen Ling nodded and hugged his wife. "Please take good care of things at home."

"Don't worry." Wang Susu straightened his collar. "Go early and come back early."

As they left the farm, Heiwa and Xiaojin followed.

Chen Ling squatted down and patted the two dogs' heads: "You two are home today, helping to guard the house."

Heiwa let out a soft whimper and nuzzled Chen Ling's hand with his head, indicating that he understood.

Although Xiao Jin was a little reluctant, he obediently sat down and watched his owner leave.

The little white calf came out of the barn and mooed at Chen Ling.

Chen Ling walked over and patted its broad back: "You can rest today too. You've worked hard these past few days."

The little white calf lowered its head obediently, letting Chen Ling stroke it.

After settling things in, Chen Ling led the little blue horse out of the farm and headed towards the village entrance.

Chenwangzhuang was already bustling with activity in the early morning.

The rain stopped, and people, like birds long confined in a cage, came out of their homes one after another.

On the drying ground, women were busy spreading out the damp wheat to dry again.

On the river embankment, the men continued to reinforce the project.

Children chased and played in the open space where the floodwaters had receded, splashing water everywhere.

Chen Ling rode his horse to the old locust tree at the village entrance and met Chen Gannian, who was herding a flock of sheep up the mountain.

"Fugui, where are you going so early?" Chen Gannian asked with a smile, leaning on his sheep whip.

"Let's go to Fenglei Town and visit Susu's family." Chen Ling told the little green horse to stop.

"Oh, that's a long way." Chen Gannian looked up at the sky. "Let's hurry and leave while the weather is clear. Look at these clouds, it might rain again this afternoon."

“That’s what I was thinking too. Fourth Grandfather, you should go back after herding the sheep for a while. The road isn’t dry yet.” Chen Ling nodded.

As they were talking, several villagers carrying hoes, who were preparing to go to the fields, came over and greeted Chen Ling warmly.

Good morning, Uncle Fugui!

"Brother Fugui, have you eaten?"

Are you going out?

Chen Ling responded to each point.

Just then, a tractor came chugging along, driven by Fang Boming, a little scooter driver.

Upon seeing Chen Ling, he quickly braked and jumped off the vehicle: "Uncle Fugui, where are you going? Can I give you a ride? It's raining heavily, and the mountain roads are all muddy. It's not easy for the little blue horse to walk."

“You can’t take me to Fenglei Town,” Chen Ling said.

"Fenglei Town?" Little Sheep scratched his head. "Then I can only take you to Jinmen Village. The tractor can't go any further west."

"There's a rockfall on the way from our village to Kinmen Village. I'll take you there. You and Xiaoqing can come right away..."

“Okay, just get to Kinmen Village. I can ride a horse for the rest of the way.” Chen Ling didn’t stand on ceremony and climbed onto the tractor’s trailer.

The little blue horse flicked its tail and leaped onto the platform.

The villagers were already used to the unusual behavior of Chen Ling's livestock.

The tractor restarted, belching black smoke, and bumped its way out of the village.

Along the way, people kept greeting Chen Ling.

The men clearing drainage ditches in the fields, the old men repairing fences by the roadside, the women washing clothes by the river, and even the children playing—all stopped what they were doing and waved with smiles when they saw Chen Ling riding by on his tractor.

"Fugui, going out?"

"Boss Chen, thanks to you, our village's dike is so sturdy!"

"Uncle Fugui, why isn't your tiger with you today?"

Chen Ling responded to each question, but felt a mix of emotions.

Without realizing it, he had become increasingly different in the village.

People are enthusiastic about him not only because he is rich and capable, but also because he led everyone in a down-to-earth manner during this flood prevention effort, bringing them a sense of security.

The tractor drove to the entrance of Kinmen Village, and Little Lamb stopped: "Uncle Fugui, this is my stop. I have to go to the city to pick up cement."

"Okay, thanks Bo Ming." Chen Ling jumped out of the car and dusted himself off.

Little Green Horse leaped down again, its big eyes gazing at the river outside Kinmen Village, a restless light in them.

"You're too kind," the little lamb chuckled憨厚ly, then turned the tractor around and drove away.

Chen Ling stood at the entrance of Kinmen Village, looking west.

From here on, the road has changed.

It was no longer a flat dirt road, but a winding mountain path.

The road was only wide enough for one horse-drawn carriage to pass, with a steep mountain wall on one side and a deep river valley on the other.

After so many days of rain, the mountain roads were muddy and slippery, and some places even experienced landslides, with rubble and mud piled up in the middle of the road.

Jin Laowu was organizing people to clear the silt at the village entrance when he saw Chen Ling and quickly ran over: "Brother Fugui! Where are you going?"

"To Fenglei Town." Chen Ling dismounted. "Uncle Jin, how's it going here?"

"Much better! Much better!" Jin Laowu said excitedly. "Your five water pumps really worked. The water level has dropped by more than a foot. Engineer Zhou came to check and said that in another day, the danger will be completely eliminated."

He held onto Chen Ling's hand tightly, saying, "Brother Fugui, we owe you a lot this time. Once the floodwaters recede, I'll treat you to drinks, you absolutely have to!"

Chen Ling smiled and said, "Okay, let's have a good drink when the weather is completely clear."

After bidding farewell to Jin Laowu, Chen Ling continued his journey westward.

The further west you go, the higher the terrain becomes, and the steeper the road becomes.

From Chenwangzhuang to Fenglei Town, it's about 40 li of mountain road, requiring crossing several mountain ridges and passing through several deep valleys.

Little Green Horse is used to walking on mountain roads, and its steps are steady.

Chen Ling sat on horseback, gazing at the scenery along the way.

The mountain forest after the rain was lush and green, with water droplets still hanging on the leaves, sparkling in the sunlight.

The mountain stream swelled and rushed forward with a gurgling sound, echoing through the valley.

Occasionally, a startled wild rabbit darts across the roadside, or a pheasant takes flight, breaking the tranquility of the mountains.

After walking for more than two hours, we arrived at a mountain ridge near Fenglei Town.

This is the most dangerous section of the entire road.

One side is a cliff, and the other side is a deep valley. The road is no more than five feet wide, barely enough for one person and one horse to pass through.

It used to be fine; oxcarts and donkey carts could pass through.

There's a landslide ahead; about two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) of the road has collapsed, exposing the jagged rocks underneath.

Chen Ling dismounted and approached to take a look.

The landslide wasn't too serious, but it was too much for people and horses to get through.

He observed the terrain and discovered an even narrower path on the cliff face, worn out by herb gatherers, barely wide enough for one person to pass through.

"Xiao Qing, wait here." Chen Ling patted the horse's neck and hung the reins on a pine tree.

He observed his surroundings and saw that there was no one around.

Only then did he feel safe enough to use the power of the cave to retrieve the fallen rocks he had collected along the way and throw them into the collapsed area, barely filling it in.

Although it's uneven, at least we can get through it.

Chen Ling mounted his horse and successfully crossed the landslide area, continuing on his way.

He looked up at the path where the herb gatherers passed...

The path was indeed treacherous; in some places, one could only walk sideways, clinging to the wall, with a deep valley hundreds of feet below.

A mountain breeze blew by, causing clothes to flutter and rustle.

It's easy to slip and fall if you're not careful.

This can be considered another good deed he did.

Thinking about my plan to mobilize the masses to build roads, building roads in mountainous areas is difficult.

I wonder how many years it will take to achieve these conditions now.

Around noon, Chen Ling arrived at Fenglei Town.

Fenglei Town is nestled in a valley between two mountains, with a clear stream flowing through it and rows of wooden buildings lining both banks.

Because of its strategic location, this place has been a military stronghold since ancient times. The town entrance still retains a stone city gate from the Ming Dynasty, with the three large characters "Feng Lei Zhen" (Wind and Thunder Town) on it now faded and worn.

Chen Ling rode his horse into the town, and the crisp sound of hooves echoed on the stone-paved road.

The town is small, but there are quite a few people on the streets.

Many of them are local mountain dwellers who come out to shop or run errands while the weather is fine.

Upon seeing Chen Ling, someone recognized him:
"Hey, isn't that Chen Fugui from Chenwangzhuang?"

"It really is! What brings him here?"

"Why did he come here? His father-in-law's family lives in our town..."

A familiar face came up to him: "Brother Fugui! What brings you here?"

Chen Ling dismounted and said with a smile, "Manager Li, it's been a long time. I've come to see my brother-in-law and the others."

This shopkeeper, Mr. Li, runs a beef soup restaurant, and Chen Ling often comes here to eat when he comes to Fenglei Town.

Upon hearing his words, Manager Li shook his head and said, "You came at the wrong time. It's been raining lately, and a section of the road up the mountain has been washed away. I'm afraid they won't be able to get down."

Chen Ling's heart tightened: "Is it serious?"

"It's not serious, just that a few sections of the plank road are broken."

Manager Li said, "The town has already organized people to repair it, and it should be open to traffic in the next day or two. If you want to go up, you'll have to go around the old forest, circling the tea mountain from Liangkouzhai, which will add at least an hour to your journey." (End of Chapter)