Siheyuan: Starting from Building a Village

In the early morning, the sun rises from the east, driving away the cold and bringing warmth and vitality to the cold air.

He is used to getting up early, but it can't be said to be a habit. Liu Guozheng was woken up by the children who were playing under a tree. These little kids are also very strange. They wake up early in the morning and ask to be carried outside, regardless of whether it is cold or hot outside. The third child and Gu Nian are also with him.

Since having a child, the third child has not exercised this winter. He just looks after the child and coaxes him every morning.

The same goes for Liu Guozheng, but he is only needed to look after the children in the morning. The rest of the time, even if he wants to, it is not his turn. Most of the time, the children are taken care of by Lou's mother and Lou Xiao'e. There is also Comrade Old Lou, who is waiting in line to take care of the children.

With the supply of special milk powder, Erlang, the child of Li Xiangdong's family, can also run and speak quite clearly and fluently.

The three younger ones can occasionally utter a few words, and they have basically no problem walking.

Everything in the village is developing in a positive direction.

After breakfast, an unexpected person came, Jiao Kangzhan, the mayor of Jingxi Mining District.

"District Chief Jiao, please come in. It's too cold."

"Hey, District Chief Jiao, you're not afraid of the cold, but you don't even drive your car?"

"I think it's true. Our country is in a tight oil situation. We should save as much as we can. I alone may not see much, but if every cadre in the country saves a little, how much gasoline and diesel can we save every year, Guo Zheng?"

"Um... District Chief Jiao, the problem is that there are only a few people who have self-control like you. Let's not talk while standing, District Chief Jiao, come sit inside."

Liu Guozheng brought Jiao Kangzhan into the office. The five previous rooms had all been converted into village committee offices, and of course Liu Guozheng had an independent room.

"Guo Zheng, I came here this time to discuss something with you. I'm just flattering myself, but in fact, I'm here to beg you for something."

After taking the tea handed over by Liu Guozheng, Jiao Kangzhan directly stated his purpose.

"District Chief Jiao, isn't that being too polite? If you and Secretary Jiang hadn't been so forthcoming, there wouldn't be Hope Village today. If you have anything to say, just speak up."

"Hey, if I say that we also had selfish motives at that time, Guo Zheng, would you believe me?"

"That can't be done. No matter what, without you and Secretary Jiang, I wouldn't be able to build Hope Village. If you two had been a little tougher, I would have been sent back to my hometown."

"Maybe this is God's will. Everything has its destiny."

"District Chief Jiao, pay attention, pay attention."

"Hahaha, it's you, Guozheng."

"District Chief Jiao, today is Sunday. How about we get together at noon? To be honest, you haven't come to my place for a long time since you got promoted."

"Guozheng, if you hadn't told me, I would have forgotten that today is Sunday? I was so confused. When I told you about it, your sister-in-law was very unhappy."

"Hey, you're not going to kneel on the washboard this time, are you?"

"Guozheng, what are you saying? At home, I have always been the one who has the final say. Who dares to make me kneel on the washboard?"

"Just don't kneel on the washboard. What do you want today? Just tell me first. As long as I can do it, I will never refuse. How about that?"

"That's great! If that's the case, I really won't leave at noon. To be honest, I'm a little greedy. I want wine and meat."

As Jiao Kangzhan spoke, an embarrassed look appeared on his face. What he said was absolutely from his heart. How many people don't crave meat these days?

"District Chief Jiao"

"Hey, Guozheng, stop calling me district chief all the time. I am several years older than you."

"Brother Jiao."

"That's right."

Liu Guozheng knew Jiao Kangzhan's age, he was in his thirties and less than forty years old, which was a characteristic of that era. The cadres below the municipal level were not too old, and most of them came from the army.

"Brother Jiao, let's talk first."

"It's like this. There is a temporary welfare home in our district. It has always been in deficit, especially the problem of those children going to school. It is a headache for me. I thought about disbanding this welfare home and sending all those children to your village. Of course, the district will also give some subsidies."

"Brother Jiao, how many people are there in the district welfare home?"

"About fifteen or sixteen children. The oldest is no more than eight years old, and the youngest is about three years old."

"this..."

"Guozheng, we are not outsiders. If you have any difficulties, just tell me. Even if you don't agree, I understand."

"Brother Jiao, to be frank, this is not a big deal. You know, our village primary school has always been short of teachers. If you can solve the problem of teachers, I can accept those children on behalf of the village. Of course, the household registration and identity issues of these children will require certification documents issued by the district."

After listening to Liu Guozheng's words, Jiao Kangzhan was also a little worried. The certification documents were simple, but the main issue was the teachers. Even though the schools in the surrounding communes and towns were already full of teachers, there had actually always been a shortage of teachers, especially in the villages.

Every year, there are new graduates from normal schools, high schools, technical secondary schools, and colleges. Their first choice after graduation is of course schools and factories in the city. Some will also go to work in government departments. Few people return to the countryside, even to the remote suburbs of the old city. Few people are willing to come back.

"I will try my best."

Jiao Kangzhan felt a little embarrassed. Other things were easy to deal with, but he was really unsure about the teacher's matter.

"Brother Jiao, let's do this. As long as you agree to one condition, I will find a way to deal with the teacher's problem."

"Guo Zheng, tell me what the conditions are. As long as I can do it, I will never refuse."

"It's like this. Since we are talking about taking over the welfare home, our village school will also be expanded at that time. My idea is to do it on a large scale. I plan to build a comprehensive new school."

"Guo Zheng, how do you explain this comprehensive nature?"

“The schools planned include primary schools, junior high schools, high schools and technical schools.”

"Guo Zheng, I understand the rest, but what is this technical school? Is it mainly about learning technology?"

"My initial idea is that those who are not good at studying and cannot get into technical secondary schools and universities should all go to technical schools to learn the skills they like. Even if they don't like it, they must learn it, so that every child can have a skill."

"Tsk tsk, Guozheng, your idea is very good. You can solve the teacher problem yourself. Of course, I will also help. I will personally handle all the procedures required to build a school. What do you think?"

"Then we've settled on this?"

"A gentleman's word."

"Hurry up and whip your horse."

"Ha ha ha ha."

A preliminary gentleman's agreement was reached and both of them were very happy. It was indeed worth being happy about for both of them. Jiao Kangzhan solved the problem of the district welfare home, and Liu Guozheng also achieved his goal.

"But, Brother Jiao, it's definitely not possible before the New Year. We have to wait until I build the school and dormitories before we can accept those children."

"Hahaha, Guozheng, we can still wait for this little while."

"Brother Jiao, can you rest and get ready at noon?"

"Okay, I'm happy today, so let's do it."

"Hahaha"

"..."

After sending Jiao Kangzhan away, Liu Guozheng set his sights on Ran Qiuye. Ran's father and mother were both educated people and knew many educated people.

As long as Ran Qiuye’s classmates and colleagues are willing to come, their accommodation and meals are all free, and those with children at home can also go to school in the village.

In addition, Ran's father and mother's former colleagues and friends, especially those who are knowledgeable, unsuccessful, and unemployed at home, can all be invited. The more the better.

Ran Qiuye and Ran's father and mother said that they could give it a try. When the school is on vacation, they would take some time to visit old friends. They would surely be able to attract a lot of people.

Jiao Kangzhan also said that he had contacted the district education department and would give priority to recommending Hope New Village to any graduates who are willing to come to the village.

The problem of school teachers has basically been solved. It is hard to say about Ran Qiuye’s colleagues, but there should be no problem with Ran Qiuye’s parents’ familiar friends and colleagues, especially those who are unemployed at home.