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

"If this continues, who will be motivated to cultivate rice seeds? Isn't it better for people to grow their own food? This is completely nonsense."

Wu Yaoyang was so angry that he almost ascended to heaven and left his body. He returned to the county with a lot of resentment.

He also knew that the matter was irreversible. The provincial documents had been sent to the region and would soon be handed over to him.

"What happened during the two days I was gone?"

Walking into the office and sitting down, Wu Yaoyang rubbed his brows and asked in a low voice.

"Nothing else. Director Zheng from Yaoling Commune and Secretary Fang from Xiatang Brigade came to look for you, but they left when you weren't there."

The staff member gave an answer, Wu Yaoyang nodded, leaned back in his chair tiredly and closed his eyes.

Later, he asked his secretary to notify relevant personnel in the county to hold a meeting to discuss the next work arrangements and seek countermeasures.

"What's the point of doing this? You can't stand seeing others doing well, and you can't see the great contributions they've made."

“Are we going to be labeled a poor county again?”

"That's not fair. The average individual income in Xiatang Brigade is several times higher than in other brigades. Don't forget what our goal is. The practice of exchanging rice seeds for rice should have been banned."

"Then what about agricultural production? Each person only gets 350 kilograms of rice a year, and people are unwilling to work or are passively slacking off. Do you have any solution?"

"If you don't obey orders, replace them. Hasn't hybrid rice breeding technology been widely spread? It doesn't matter whether he's here or not."

"Humph! Are you starting to get rid of the donkey after it has done its job? Be careful or you'll suffer the consequences."

There was a heated debate at the meeting. Most people disagreed with the above approach, but a small number of people gloated over it.

These people were jealous of the high income of the Xiatang Brigade and the halo above Fang Wei's head, so of course they wanted to take this opportunity to add insult to injury.

"Quiet! Let's talk about something practical. Suppose the breeding work of Xiatang Brigade is affected. What remedial measures can we take?"

At this time, Wu Yaoyang knocked on the table a few times, and the meeting room suddenly became quiet.

He had actually anticipated Fang Wei's reaction. It was impossible to remove the other team leader. After all, he was a national representative and had done nothing wrong. There was no reason to do so.

He asked everyone, what should we do next?
"Actually, the impact isn't that significant. Didn't our breeding base successfully launch the [YX-032] rice seed? We can just use this to replace the shortfall."

Qi Haiyang expressed his opinion that using rice seeds from the breeding base as a substitute is not a bad idea.

Of course, there is a prerequisite here, that is, Fang Wei can provide breeding materials to the breeding base as promised, without any discounts.

"That's it, then. Once the provincial and regional documents arrive, the county will issue its own. I'll talk to Comrade Fang Wei. Meeting adjourned!"

Wu Yaoyang announced the adjournment of the meeting and then took a car to Yaoling Commune.

Zheng Xianfa was about to leave work, but when he saw Wu Yaoyang's secretary, he immediately had a bad feeling.

"Director Zheng, Director Wu is in the car outside. Please come over."

The secretary didn't say anything, just said that Wu Yaoyang was waiting for him in the car.

Zheng Xianfa hurried over, and the other party asked him to get in the car and then drove straight to Xiatang Brigade.

"Director Zheng, according to the requirements of the higher authorities, rice seed exchange will no longer be permitted in the entire county. Considering that our county is a major rice seed producer, any brigade whose breeding area exceeds 85% of the total paddy field area will enjoy a rationed supply of grain."

In the car, Wu Yaoyang told Zheng Xianfa everything.

Zheng Xianfa was completely stunned when he heard this, not knowing what to say. He had been holding onto a bit of hope before this, but who knew it would be finalized so quickly?

"Director Wu, what standards will be used for the rationed supply?"

Only after he reacted did he remember to ask this key question.

"The rice supply is 350 kilograms per person per year."

Wu Yaoyang was also helpless. This was a sudden disaster that even he had not expected.

It is difficult to explain the cause of this incident clearly, because there have always been different opinions on the distribution issues and rice seed exchange issues of Xiatang Brigade.

The person who led this incident was recently transferred to the provincial government. Who knows why he did this?

"Ancestor, are you going to end our breeding efforts by doing this?"

Zheng Xianfa really wanted to curse, but when he thought about the endless outrageous operations that have emerged in recent years, there seemed to be nothing to be surprised about.

However, based on his understanding of the young scholar, this matter would probably not end well.

The jeep quickly arrived at the Xiatang Brigade and stopped at the gate of the brigade headquarters.

"Hello, Director Wu! Hello, Director Zheng! Are you here to inspect our work?"

As soon as the two got out of the car, Zheng Hu came forward to meet them.

He originally planned to visit several production teams, but since the leader came, he had to accompany him.

"Where's Secretary Fang?"

Wu Yaoyang didn't respond to his words and asked about Fang Wei.

"Secretary Fang isn't at the team headquarters. He seems to have gone to Team One. The two leaders, please go inside and sit for a while. I'll send someone to call him."

Zheng Hu thought it was bad, he didn't know where Fang Wei had gone, so he planned to calm the two leaders down first, and then send someone to look for him.

As a result, Wu Yaoyang and Zheng Xianfa drank a whole pot of tea, but no one showed up.

"what happened?"

Wu Yaoyang frowned. It was almost dark, why hadn't they found anyone yet?

Zheng Hu was hesitant and speechless. At this moment, Fang Wei walked in from outside.

"Director Wu, Director Zheng, I'm sorry. I was visiting several production teams this afternoon and didn't know you were here. Well, it's already this late, why don't we go eat first and talk while we eat."

Fang Wei looked very calm, but in fact he had already guessed what kind of situation he would face next.

Wu Yaoyang and Zheng Xianfa had no objections. They were both very hungry at the moment and should indeed eat something first.

So they followed Fang Wei back home and had a casual meal at home.

"Comrade Fang Wei, this is what happened. I've explained it to you clearly. What are your thoughts?"

After eating and drinking, Wu Yaoyang got down to business.

He started by talking about his own trip to the region and went on to talk about the outcome of the incident, which was, in short, irreversible.

"The order has already been issued. What do my opinions matter? I don't care about the 350 kilograms of rice ration. Starting next spring, we will all grow our own food."

Fang Wei shook his head slightly and told his plan.

He had a plan before, and now was the perfect time to bring it out.

In the future, Xiatang Brigade will use half of the paddy fields to cultivate rice seeds. After all, rice seeds are of high value and the economic income is considerable, so it is impossible to give them up completely.

The other half of the paddy fields will be used to grow grain, because the ratio he mentioned does not meet the conditions for grain rationing. In that case, they will have to produce their own food rations and the public grain they need to pay.

"As for the breeding materials, I'll do my best, because our first priority is to ensure we don't go hungry and have food to eat."

Fang Wei showed almost no emotional fluctuations, spoke very logically, but his attitude was firm.

After hearing this, Wu Yaoyang was speechless. He felt a surge of discomfort. Who was to blame for this? He could only blame the higher-ups for their misguided actions, completely disregarding objective facts.

"Okay, just think it over carefully. Anyway, the county can only rely on the breeding base now. If the breeding base collapses, our county will have to wear the hat of a poor county again."

Wu Yaoyang was very frustrated. He could force Fang Wei to provide breeding materials to the breeding base, but he could not force the Xiatang Brigade to continue to cultivate rice seeds in an all-round way.

Having said that, he had nothing more to say, so he stood up and walked out.

"Director Wu, please go back first. I still have to discuss some specific work with Secretary Fang."

Zheng Xianfa and Fang Wei sent Wu Yaoyang to the car. Zheng Xianfa did not leave with him, but stayed.

The jeep sped away, and Fang Wei and Zheng Xianfa then went to the brigade headquarters.

"Captain, I've already made a plan for this. Right now, our commune is mostly producing the second-rate Nanguang No. 15 rice variety. According to the document, we're supposed to keep % of the rice grown in the paddy fields. What's left after paying the public grain tax?"

Therefore, we should simply abandon their rations and use half of our paddy fields to produce rice. After paying the public grain tax, the remaining amount can be used as food rations. The reduced income can be made up through side businesses, such as cultivating secondary seeds for high-yield cash crops.

Fang Wei spoke eloquently, explaining that this was the core of his plan. Losses within the dike would be compensated by losses outside the dike, and income would be supplemented by cultivating seeds for high-yield cash crops.

"Have you developed seeds for the next generation of high-yield cash crops? That's a good idea, but the grain production of other communes might be affected. Sigh!"

Zheng Xianfa was delighted at first, then he sighed.

The situation was now clear: if Yaoling Commune continued to cultivate rice, its members would face a food shortage. Without enough food, the livestock industry would also be affected. Wouldn't that mean they would be starving for food and unable to eat meat again?
By then, agricultural production will definitely be affected.

"Don't worry, I will continue to provide breeding materials to the breeding base. It's just that I can't meet their expansion needs, but I can still ensure that there is enough rice seed for the entire county."

Fang Wei quickly dispelled the other party's concerns, because with the county breeding base, it could completely make up for the market gap caused by the decline in rice seed production in Yaoling Commune.

It's just that he doesn't have the ability to supply 2 acres of breeding materials to the base. If he thinks of a way, supplying 1 acres of breeding materials should be about the same.

"Okay! I'll do as you say. At worst, I'll just quit my job as commune director. It's really frustrating."

Zheng Xianfa made up his mind and held a meeting in the commune the next day.

The branch secretaries and team leaders of each brigade started cursing at the meeting, saying all kinds of nasty things.

After these guys had cursed enough, Zheng Xianfa finally put forward a new plan.

After everyone did the math, they found that this method was the most practical.

Of course, the so-called half of the paddy fields are used to grow rice seeds and the other half are used to grow grain. This is just a guideline. Each brigade can adjust it according to actual conditions and ensure the food supply for the members.

Fang Wei returned to the team and convened a general meeting of all members.

This matter must be explained clearly to everyone, and his plan also needs to be voted on by everyone, so that no one will blame him later.

But what surprised Fang Wei was that his plan received strong support from the members and was passed unanimously, with not a single member opposing it.

"It's settled then. We'll follow the new production plan starting with next spring's planting. Meeting adjourned!"

Fang Wei then adjourned the meeting and returned home feeling somewhat depressed.

According to the development of the situation, the high-yield rice seeds would soon cover the entire region and then be rolled out across the province. Who knew that a fool would suddenly appear and interfere.

It disrupted all his previous plans.

However, he was not the type to not fight back, so he stayed up late that night to organize the information and then sent it to the capital.

He knew that this matter would cause great controversy, but he could not care less. He could not make sense of it unless he caused some trouble for the other party.

Xiangling City.

As the director in charge of the overall situation, Zeng Qing felt a headache when reading the documents issued by the province.

"Go call Director Tang over and tell him I have something to discuss with him."

So far, the region has not issued any documents to Xinlin County. The autumn harvest is approaching, and if this document is issued, chaos will definitely occur.

He hopes to give Xinlin County a certain amount of transition time to allow them to exchange this season's rice seeds before implementing the new policy.

Therefore, he needs to communicate with comrades from all aspects in advance. Otherwise, what if someone jumps out to cause trouble while he is under pressure?
Later.

Tang Ze walked in from outside.

Tang Ze was previously the director of Xinlin County. He was involved in a car accident and had to recuperate for a long time. Fortunately for him, he recovered after a period of recuperation in the region, with almost no sequelae.

After that, he went to another large county to serve as director. He did a good job and was recently transferred to the region as deputy director.

"Director Zeng, are you looking for me?"

"Come on, come on, take a seat first. I got some good tea here. Would you like to try it and see if it suits your taste?"

Zeng Qing smiled and asked Tang Ze to sit down, then asked someone to make a pot of tea.

Tang Ze tasted it and found it tasted really good, but he couldn't figure out what kind of tea it was.

"Director Zeng, your tea is very good. Where did you get it?"

"Haha, Director Tang, this is tea from Xinlin County. Fang Wei found some ancient tea trees high in the mountains, picked them, and roasted them himself."

When Tang Ze heard Fang Wei's name from Zeng Qing, he couldn't help but be in a trance.

He had previously been assigned to a camp, so he had had little contact with Fang Wei. Now that he had been transferred to the region, he had a ton of work to do and hadn't gotten around to it.

I didn't expect that the other party had such a good personal relationship with Director Zeng.

Next, Zeng Qing got to the point and talked about the superiors' ban on Xinlin County from engaging in rice seed exchange.

"Since the autumn harvest is just around the corner, can we wait until after the harvest to issue the documents? We need to give people some time to adapt. Honestly, Xinlin County has indeed made significant contributions to rice breeding."

Hearing Zeng Qing's words, Tang Ze replied without hesitation: "I think so too. It's best to wait until after the autumn harvest to issue the relevant documents."

"Okay then. Later on, you can help me with everyone's work. We should all be united at this time."

Zeng Qing smiled and nodded. With the other party's support, this matter would basically be no problem.

The region was slow to issue the document, and although Zheng Xianfa, Fang Wei and others were very confused, they could not care less for the time being.

Not long after the Mid-Autumn Festival, Xiatang Brigade began the busy autumn harvest work.

The rice was harvested, threshed, and dried, and the barn was filled with the harvest, but no one was happy. The news that rice seed could not be exchanged had spread throughout the county, and everyone was worried.

Fang Wei asked Zheng Hu and others to compile the production statistics and hand them over to him directly in the form of a report instead of announcing it in public.

"Third brother, the data is out, take a look."

That morning, Zheng Hu walked into Fang Wei's office with a report.

Fang Wei raised his head and found that the other person's expression seemed not right and looked a little weird.

However, his attention was drawn to the report, and he was too lazy to ask the other party what was going on.

He read the report carefully and was very satisfied.

First is Team 484000, which produced the [Nan Guang No. ] fixed rice seeds, with a total output of jin.

The remaining 11 production teams all planted Nongyou 58 rice this season, with a total yield of 362.1 million jin (approximately 850 kg). The average yield per mu was jin (approximately catties), quickly reaching the rice seed yield limit.

No wonder Zheng Hu looked a little strange. It was okay for Team 2, but the output of other production teams was also so exaggerated.

"If you have something to say, just say it. Don't hold it in."

Fang Wei looked up and said something casually.

"It's nothing, Third Brother, you're incredibly skilled in agricultural breeding. But someone seems to be trying to get you into trouble and cut off our rice seed exchange program. Are you planning to quit?"

Zheng Hu couldn't hold it in for a long time and finally blurted out the words.

He'd heard a rumor the other day that Fang Wei, disgruntled by the team's decision to halt the rice seed exchange program, was planning to leave for work in another province. It was said that not only had Fang Wei's household registration and cadre status been secured, but he'd even been offered a good position at the provincial seed breeding center.

Many people believed this rumor. After all, Qinghe County and Chenzhou had offered very good conditions to poach Fang Wei.

"As long as I'm not fired as branch secretary, I'll keep doing this. Even if I'm fired, I'm still the nominal captain of Team 2. How can I quit? Don't believe the rumors; they're just rumors spread by someone with ulterior motives."

Fang Wei was completely disappointed with Zheng Hu's intelligence in some areas.

It is easy to tell who is creating the public opinion. It is either Chenzhou or Qinghe County.

"Third brother, don't take it personally. I'm just saying this. What should we do with all the rice seeds we have now? Since the higher-ups won't allow us to exchange them, should we sell them all to the purchasing station?"

Zheng Hu is actually not stupid, he is just a little stubborn in some aspects.

"You really are... Forget it, I'm too lazy to talk to you. Now that the documents haven't come down yet, it's natural to do what needs to be done. Hurry and exchange the rice seeds first."

When Fang Wei saw that the documents from above had not been delivered yet, he realized that there was a problem.

If there is no document, it means there is no explicit prohibition, so of course he dares to do something.

So, he immediately notified the out-of-town customers to come and exchange, and also asked the Yao Village to handle the same. However, he did not inform Xiao Qifeng, and everything was carried out quickly and secretly.

The exchange was completed in just one week. (End of this chapter)