60s: I have a store

Chapter 233: Borrowing Grain from Shuangtian Village
Unlike Zhoujiazhuang and Shangshui Village, the atmosphere in Shuangtian Village was very heavy at this time.

The village had a poor harvest, and after paying the public grain tax, there was almost no surplus grain.

When this kind of thing happened in the past, people were usually advised to go out and find a way to make a living.

Those who had relatives went to seek refuge with them, and those who had no relatives fled from famine.

Have there been few cases of people escaping from famine in history?

Even Henan, in the heart of the Central Plains, has often seen waves of people fleeing famine in history. And many people don't understand why Henan people fled to the Guanzhong region instead of the more affluent Jiangnan region.

In fact, there is a reason.

Guanzhong and Henan are adjacent to each other and are geographically close.

At that time, people basically fled famine by walking, and those who had the means could only drive a donkey cart. Therefore, they had to choose to take refuge nearby, otherwise they would not be able to hold on halfway due to lack of physical strength and food.

Another point is that there are trains from Henan to Guanzhong, so some people can squeeze onto the train and reduce physical exertion.

In addition, the soil in Guanzhong area is fertile, and the grain produced is sufficient for outsiders to eat, so it has a certain capacity to accept disaster victims.

As for going south to Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it is even more difficult. Jiangsu and Zhejiang have a higher population density, less land, and are heavily dependent on industry and commerce. Refugees cannot do handicraft work, and even if they do, they cannot support their families.

If they were fleeing famine caused by the flooding of the Yellow River, they could not run downstream. Only by going upstream could they stay away from the flood. Once they reached Guanzhong, they could go all the way to Sichuan and Chongqing, where there were relatively few wars.

Therefore, Henan people are not stupid, and any way they escape has its own reasons and reasons.

"Village chief, what should we do? We don't have much food left." Liang Xiangqian, the team leader of Shuangtian Village, asked.

At that time, the domestic grain yield per mu was very low, with many being only 300 to 400 kilograms. Any yield over 400 kilograms was considered a very good harvest.

The yield of rice per mu is higher, reaching 500 to 600 kilograms. Therefore, those who can grow rice will generally choose to grow rice. Of course, farmers now have no choice and must follow orders on what to grow.

"Let's mobilize some forces and go borrow some grain! All the villages have just harvested their grain not long ago, so they should have enough." said the person next to him.

The only way to borrow grain is to take this opportunity.

It’s unlikely that you can borrow anything if you go there after they have almost finished eating.

Village Chief Liang shook his head: "It's probably difficult. The harvests in many places are not good, and I'm afraid there won't be much surplus food. Of course, although the hope is slim, I still have to ask.

How about this! Let’s split up and go take a look.”

He decided to cast a wide net.

In order for everyone to survive, pitiful dignity is no longer important.

Village chief Liang thought of Zhoujiazhuang. Although Zhoujiazhuang was a bit far from their village, he still had to give it a try.

So, they began to send people to the surrounding villages to borrow as much as they could. Village Chief Liang went to Zhoujiazhuang in person, hoping for a good result.

Without further ado, they set off immediately.

The period after the public grain tax was paid was the richest time for each village.

When it was almost dark, Village Chief Liang and three villagers arrived at Zhoujiazhuang.

"who?"

They were immediately stopped at the entrance of the village. Now there are people guarding the entrance of Zhoujiazhuang, and they will report immediately if they find a stranger.

Even at night, there are people patrolling. After all, their village has a lot of "assets".

"Comrade, we are from Shuangtian Village. I am the village chief of Shuangtian Village. My surname is Liang. I am familiar with Secretary Zhou of your Zhoujiazhuang. Can I inform you?"

He didn't dare to rush in, because many villages now have their own weapons. If there were misunderstandings or conflicts, the consequences would be serious and people would die.

Therefore, Village Chief Liang tried his best to avoid misunderstanding and introduced himself.

"Please wait."

The villagers of Zhoujiazhuang immediately ran to find the old branch secretary.

At this time, the old branch secretary was still chatting with Zhou Yimin! After receiving the news, he was a little surprised. But he quickly guessed the other party's intention. After all, when paying public grain, he knew that the situation in Shuangtian Village was very bad.

The old branch secretary was a little embarrassed.

Although their village has enough food, they can't lend it to others casually!

Besides, raising poultry also requires food. Although they are allowed to roam freely in the mountains and eat what they find in nature, they cannot be fed without any food.

"Just say I'm not here." After thinking for a moment, the old branch secretary hardened his heart.

Zhou Yimin said, "Don't we have a quota for canal repair assigned by the commune? Why not do them a favor since they have come to us?"

When the old branch secretary heard this, he thought it was true.

So, he changed his tone: "Let them in! Take them to the cafeteria, I'll be there soon."

The villager ran back immediately.

The old branch secretary said to Zhou Yimin, "Let's go meet Village Chief Liang together?"

With nothing else to do, Zhou Yimin nodded: "That's fine."

Zhou Yimin followed the old branch secretary to the village canteen. At this time, Village Chief Liang was also welcomed in. Smelling the aroma of food coming from the canteen, the four of them all felt hungry.

"Secretary Zhou, we meet again." Village Chief Liang quickly extended his hand.

The old Party branch secretary shook hands with him and said, "Village Chief Liang, the reason you came here this time is..."

Let's get straight to the point! No more beating around the bush. After spending more time with Zhou Yimin, the old branch secretary found that his own style of doing things was also affected and he didn't like to talk nonsense.

Village Chief Liang sighed and said, "To be honest, I came here mainly to borrow grain. The situation in Shuangtian Village is very bad. The grain harvest is very poor. After paying the public grain, there is almost nothing left.

So, I came here today to ask. Of course, if you like anything in Shuangtian Village, you might as well speak up. "

Village chief Liang knew it was difficult to borrow food without any words, so he added the last sentence.

No matter how poor a village is, it will still have some valuable things. If you can exchange things for food, that would be the best!

The old Party Secretary shook his head slightly: "We don't have much food in Zhoujia Village, but I can give you a favor."

"Oh? What's the matter?" Village Chief Liang was very surprised.

Although he was disappointed that he was not promised food, the following sentence still gave him a glimmer of hope.

(End of this chapter)