Era: I was a farmer at the foot of Yaoling Mountain

"Quiet!"

After everyone had discussed enough, Fang Wei spoke:
"If we agree to the merger, the bamboo factory will likely be dragged down. If you don't believe me, let's go and see for ourselves."

Fang Wei didn't want to make decisions for everyone, even though he actually had the ability to do so.

After hearing what he said, everyone slowly came to their senses. Yes, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Why did they only think about the good things when they were so happy that they didn't think about the downside?

Fang Wei was too lazy to say more, so he contacted the county and expressed his desire to visit the county furniture factory.

This was a very reasonable request, and the relevant county authorities agreed and asked Fang Wei and others to go to the county town the next day.

The next day.

Fang Wei, Zheng Hu and other team leaders came to the county furniture factory together.

The factory occupies a large area and has processing workshops, raw material warehouses, finished product warehouses, sales outlets, etc. There are 56 employees and 12 retirees in the factory.

When I walked into the workshop, it looked quite clean.

It was just that it was so clean that it seemed a bit desolate. It was obvious that no one had any work to do, and the employees were so bored that they just went to work every day to get by.

Fang Wei suggested going to the warehouse to take a look, and the other party agreed.

First, we went to the raw material warehouse, which was completely empty, with zero inventory. Then we went to the finished product warehouse, where there were still a lot of finished furniture, and we could tell at a glance that they had been stored for a long time.

“This furniture is so ugly!”

While no one was paying attention, Pan Lianhua quietly said something to Fang Wei.

Fang Ping walked closer and examined the furniture carefully, then frowned. Not only was this furniture ugly, but the workmanship was also shoddy. No wonder it was sitting in the warehouse gathering dust, unsold.

It was not until this time that the director of the furniture factory showed up.

The other party acted condescendingly, genuinely looking down on a brigade-run enterprise. How could a "Xiatang Brigade Bamboo Products Factory" compare to a legitimate county enterprise?
The factory director actually didn't want to merge with the bamboo factory at all, but this was the requirement of his superiors and he had no choice.

The other party had a stern face the whole time, but Fang Wei didn't mind. He took everyone away after the tour.

"Do you still think merging with the furniture factory is a good thing?"

After returning to the brigade, Fang Wei continued to discuss the matter with the team leaders as he did last time.

"What a bullshit! Their factory has a bunch of young ladies and gentlemen, it's a wonder it can be good. And their factory director looks down on everyone. Doesn't he even see what a mess the factory has become?"

The factory will not go bankrupt for the time being, and there is no such thing these days.

For example, if a school needs more desks and chairs, or an office needs more office furniture, they will still give them orders. But the problem is that they have a bad reputation in the market, and anyone with any means will not buy their furniture.

Zheng Hu was very angry after returning from the visit, and he just started to rant.

"That's right! Our bamboo factory is doing well, with hundreds of thousands of yuan in profit each year. Why should we merge with them? I don't agree anyway."

"I don't agree either!"

The cadres reached a consensus and firmly opposed the merger.

Seeing that the conditions were ripe, Fang Wei immediately convened a general meeting of all members for a vote. However, because the team leaders had done their homework in advance and informed everyone of the county furniture factory's situation, no member agreed to the merger.

Fang Wei then went to find Wu Yaoyang and rejected the merger.

"Oh! That's it."

Wu Yaoyang didn't lose his temper, and didn't even say a word.

How could he not know what kind of moral character the County Furniture Factory was? Originally, he thought that by merging with the Bamboo Furniture Factory, he could save this enterprise, but Fang Wei and others were not easy to fool, so he had to give up on this matter.

Fang Wei originally thought that Wu Yaoyang would lose his temper, but contrary to his expectations, he didn't say anything.

After coming out of the other party's office, it was still early, so he went to see Guo Yongqing.

However, Guo Yongqing was not at work. People said that he had not come and asked him to go to his home to look for him. Fang Wei had no choice but to go to Guo Yongqing's home. When he knocked on the door, he found that he was indeed at home.

"Uncle Guo, you have such a leisurely life these days."

"I can't help it. I don't have any specific work tasks. I just read the newspaper and drink tea at work. No one cares about me."

Guo Yongqing let Fang Wei into the house, then went to make a pot of tea and brought it out.

Shen Yu was not at home, and the house was a mess, with debris and garbage everywhere, and the dishes from breakfast and dinner were not washed.

"Uncle Guo, have you visited Auntie recently?"

"Yes, I go there often. Captain Zhang treats me well and always takes care of my wife. Ultimately, it's all thanks to you. Don't complain about the mess at home. Usually, my daughter comes to help with the cleaning. She's been on a business trip recently, so..."

Guo Yongqing was also a little embarrassed. He never did housework before and didn't know how to do it. When Shen Yu was not at home, the house was a mess.

Fortunately, his daughter often comes to help him clean the house, otherwise the situation would be even worse.

"Auntie is in our brigade, she won't suffer any loss, don't worry."

Fang Wei then sat for another half an hour before getting up to say goodbye.

After going out, he went to Xinhua Bookstore and bought some children's books for the little one before returning to the team.

Next, three people will be selected from the breeding team of the second team and transferred to the breeding base in the county.

Fang Wei had no objection to this matter. If the county could make achievements in hybrid rice breeding, he would be happy to see it happen.

However, deciding who to let go and who not to let go really tests his ability.

He decided to have the second team hold a general meeting and let the members elect candidates openly.

The members have a scale in their hearts to measure a person's ability, attitude towards work, and relationship with the masses.

After everyone's discussion, three members of the breeding team were finally selected. The brigade reported the list to the commune, which then submitted it to the county.

The leader of the breeding team gave up this opportunity himself, as he felt that he could better play to his strengths by staying in the second team.

Everyone has their own aspirations, and Fang Wei did not try to persuade him. Instead, he had a higher opinion of him in his heart.

"Third brother, don't we supply the entire county's rice seeds? What do you think the county is trying to achieve by establishing a breeding base?"

"Of course the county has to have its own breeding base. Besides rice, all crops are included in their research. There's no point in overthinking it."

Zheng Hu thought more about it. After returning from the commune to submit the list, he asked Fang Wei a question.

He wanted to know whether the county had any opinions about the Xiatang Brigade.

Fang Wei did not directly answer the other party's question, but just passed it over.

He didn't bother to think too much. Some things were obvious, but he still supported the county's approach. The three people reported were definitely the backbone of the breeding team, and he hoped they could spread the advanced hybrid rice breeding technology.

As for the impact on the team, he was not worried at all.

He is a man with a connection, and he also has the [Nan Guang No. 3] rice seeds with higher yield and better quality.

With the attribute bonus of the designated area, he is invincible in the field of breeding.

"Captain, Director Zheng and Deputy Director Huang want you to go to the commune."

Not long after, the three members of the breeding team were transferred to the county, completing their transformation from farmers to state officials.

This makes many people envious, but they have real skills and there is nothing to say.

That morning, the messenger brought him the latest documents and also gave her a message.

When Fang Weiyi heard that the director and deputy director of the commune were looking for him, he did not dare to delay and rode his bicycle to the commune.

Zheng Xianfa and Huang Zhigang came to talk to him on behalf of the commune, and naturally they had something serious to discuss.

"Comrade Fang Wei, after an investigation, our superiors have decided to appoint you as the branch secretary of the Xiatang Brigade. We hope you will continue to work hard and lead the Xiatang Brigade to even greater success."

Although the incident was a bit sudden, it was also reasonable.

Since Secretary Wei was transferred, the Xiatang Brigade hadn't appointed a replacement. This position couldn't remain vacant for long, so it wasn't surprising that it had fallen to Fang Wei.

"Thank you for your trust, I will continue to do a good job in all aspects of the brigade's work. Director Zheng, Director Huang, who will take over as brigade leader?"

Fang Wei immediately expressed his opinion and then asked about the candidate for the team leader.

"Taking into account the special circumstances of the pilot unit, the superiors have asked you to take on the role concurrently. Once Zheng Hu matures, they'll let him become the team leader. What are your thoughts?"

"I have no objection. Comrade Zheng Hu is very capable and can be the team leader."

Fang Wei and Zheng Xianfa chatted for a few words, while Huang Zhigang smiled and said nothing.

He'd been at the commune for quite some time, but his presence was weak, likely due to his personality. "Comrade Fang Wei, you're shouldering the responsibilities of both production and ideological work, and don't neglect either."

Huang Zhigang finally said something with a hint of meaning.

Fang Wei felt that what the other party said was right. When he was the team leader, he only had to consider the issues of production and life. But now that he was the branch secretary, he had to take care of all aspects of the work.

"Director Huang, please rest assured, I will."

Fang Wei had never dealt with Huang Zhigang before, so his answer was flawless.

The next day, Zheng Xianfa went to Xiatang Brigade and announced the appointment on behalf of the commune.

In reality, it made no difference whether Fang Wei was the branch secretary or the team leader. His prestige in the Xiatang team was so high that basically whatever he said was true.

Otherwise, why didn't he express his opinion on the personnel transfer at the county breeding base this time? He could make the decision alone, but that would offend people, so it would be better to let all members decide.

It’s not that he is afraid of offending people, because there is no need to do so. Everyone is made of flesh.

The fact that Fang Wei became the branch secretary did not cause any waves in the brigade. Zheng Hu became more motivated. He knew that he would become the brigade leader soon, and he even laughed in his dreams at night.

noon.

When Fang Wei was eating, he found that Pan Lianhua seemed to be hesitant to speak.

"Lotus, just say whatever you want to say. Why are you hesitating?"

"Have you not been to Big Brother's house these days? I think Big Sister-in-law seems to have something against you. You'd better go and ask her."

Pan Lianhua hesitated for a while, but still said it.

Tian Guihua has been avoiding her these days, and if she can't avoid her anymore, she will just say a few perfunctory words and run away.

She noticed that the other party was upset, so she asked Fang Ping indirectly. As a result, Fang Ping said that his wife had been feeling unwell for the past few days and he didn't need to worry about her.

"No need to ask, I know what it is. My sister-in-law is blaming me. I'll go over there now. Some things are better said openly. It's not good to keep them in your heart."

Fang Wei immediately realized that Tian Guihua was blaming him for not considering Fang Ping.

Who wouldn't want to be a government official and eat commercial grain? As the former head of the breeding team, Fang Ping should also be qualified, right?

As a result, Fang Wei didn't even consider it and didn't even give him a chance to compete fairly.

Pan Lianhua also reacted. In fact, she couldn't understand why the third brother, who always took care of the family, didn't take care of the eldest brother?

Fang Wei didn't have time to eat lunch and went to Fang Ping's house.

"Brother, sister-in-law, are you eating?"

"Little brother, are you here? Have you eaten yet? If not, I'll go get you some food."

Fang Ping greeted him and lowered his head to eat.

Tian Guihua stood up and was about to serve Fang Wei some rice, but was stopped by him.

"The food at home will be ready soon. I'll just sit for a while and then go back. Brother, you're not allowed to participate in the selection. Are you unhappy about it?"

He couldn't tell Tian Guihua about this directly, so he said something to his eldest brother.

"Nonsense! What do I have any opinion on? I have no opinion!"

Fang Ping really had no objection. Family members knew their own business. Although he had been the leader of the breeding team for quite a long time, when it came to technical matters, he was really no match for those young people.

One reason is that he has a low level of education, and the other is that he is not interested in breeding work itself.

"That's good. I came here to tell you what I think. The county is setting up a breeding base and is willing to offer three national cadre quotas to recruit people. This is definitely to attract real talent.

Brother, you have never been interested in breeding work. If you really go there, you may not be able to do it well. Wouldn't that be digging a hole for yourself?

Besides, how long has it been since I recommended Taotao to go to school? If I let you go to the breeding base again, wouldn't all the benefits go to my family?"

Fang Wei didn't beat around the bush, but directly stated the reason.

It was true that the county had to give him some consideration, but he couldn't go too far. The key point was that his brother's level was really not good enough; he really wasn't cut out for agricultural technology research.

If the eldest brother's level is indeed outstanding, then he will no matter what no matter what, no matter what others say.

Tian Guihua kept her head down while eating, but at the same time she pricked up her ears to listen.

She has been a little emotional these days, but she can't say she is that angry. After all, she knows how much her younger brother takes care of her family.

The key point is that I feel it’s a pity to have missed such a good opportunity, so I feel a little conflicted.

"Little brother, stop talking. This matter is not your fault. Now sister-in-law has figured it out. Your elder brother is indeed not that kind of material. Don't argue with sister-in-law. I was just coveting that cadre quota. It's my fault."

"You woman, why are you so upset about such a small thing? Can the Third Brother really harm us? Remember this from now on: don't worry about anything, just listen to the Third Brother."

When Fang Wei mentioned Taotao's schooling, Tian Guihua couldn't hold back any longer.

She interrupted and spoke softly to Fang Wei.

Fang Ping also gave his wife a lecture at the right time, and the previous misunderstanding disappeared.

Fang Wei nodded, said nothing more, and got up to go home for dinner.

evening.

Tian Guihua personally came to invite the family to her place for dinner, saying that there would be delicious food today. Fang Ping brought back a large bowl of snails, and they would have fried snails for dinner.

Pan Lianhua and Fang Wei smiled at each other, then they and their elder sister took Xiaobao to their eldest brother's house for dinner.

After dinner, they returned home and took Xiaobao for a walk outside. Fang Wei suddenly asked Pan Lianhua:
"Lotus, I didn't agree to the merger, which caused you to not have commercial grain. Are you blaming me in your heart?"

Fang Wei actually knew very well why his sister-in-law was upset. One reason was the transfer of personnel at the breeding base, and the other was the merger of the bamboo factory.

He did not allow his elder brother to participate in the selection of transferees, and also prevented the merger of the bamboo factory and the county furniture factory, which was equivalent to wasting two opportunities.

No wonder Tian Guihua was a little emotional.

"Why should I blame you? Even if the merger is successful, I won't go to work in the county. I want to take care of you and Xiaobao. I'll be wherever you are. I don't care about eating commercial grain."

Fang Wei originally made a joke, but unexpectedly Pan Lianhua explained it very seriously.

This made him burst into laughter. Xiaobao didn't understand why and grabbed his collar tightly.

"I'm glad you think so. Our bamboo factory will definitely have great development in the future. Let's take our time."

The family of three took a walk outside and then returned home.

Pan Lianhua first gave Xiaobao a bath, then took out a children's book and read it to Xiaobao while explaining it to him.

Fang Wei likes the current family atmosphere very much, and he actually doesn't want to be separated from Pan Lianhua.

As for eating commercial grain, it is not that important to him.

Time flies.

Fang Wei began to slowly delegate power to Zheng Hu on many production matters. This is what is meant by "grasping the big and letting go of the small."

The place he goes to most these days is the team's forest. This year's afforestation work has achieved remarkable results. The original three-year plan may be completed in less than two years.

As I said, at this stage, we need people to do everything, and there is strength in numbers.

"Lao Gao, I see that all the saplings have sprouted."

Fang Wei has been patrolling the mountains and forests with Gao Qingshan these days. The seedling cultivation work in the nursery has never stopped. After transplanting the saplings, they quickly replant them. There is almost no time to rest.

Gao Qingshan is a special existence in the forestry team. He is the "captain" without a title.

"Captain, I think the mountains and rivers here are very beautiful. It can definitely be called a Feng Shui treasure land.

I've been engaged in teaching and research for many years, and many of my preconceptions were shattered in Team 2. I feel like anything can thrive in the mountains; just sow a handful of seeds and they'll sprout without any supervision.

Gao Qingshan had long given up on exploring the secrets of this land. Human power is limited, and he felt that his limited knowledge was not enough to study such a profound and difficult problem.

Breaking free from the constraints of his thinking, he worked in the forestry team like a duck in water and created one miracle after another.

The miracle of rapid seedling cultivation and the miracle of nearly 100% survival rate after transplantation.

and many more.

"No matter how good the basic conditions are, it depends on everyone's efforts. Planting trees and afforestation will benefit the present and future generations, so we must persevere."

Fang Wei smiled and nodded. He liked the other party's statement. (End of this chapter)