The golden age began in 1977

Chapter 131 Military Strength Grown, Military Prestige Awe-inspiring

Morning light streamed through the window.

Wei Qinghuan opened her eyes wearily.

She habitually sat up, her muscles aching from being overstretched.

The cabbage patch was badly dug up.

Then everything from last night flooded into my memories.

The newlywed husband, no longer as fierce as he had been until the early hours of the morning, now lay quietly on the bed—

Where's the head?!
Wei Qinghuan turned her head and was about to give a warm smile, but she only saw half of a neck, which startled her. She only breathed a sigh of relief after lifting the pillow.

This person sleeps like a child, burying their head under the pillow.

She carefully tested her breathing.

Nothing.

The female teacher finally came to her senses.

She was heartbroken to find her cotton nightgown all wrinkled and disheveled.

When she saw the dark, dried stains on the red cotton, she felt even more distressed and knew she had to wash it thoroughly.

But it's okay.

This nightgown is red, not white.

Otherwise, it could be troublesome.

She buttoned up her clothes and gently got out of bed. The carpet was thick and not cold, and it felt very comfortable to walk on it barefoot.

Like when we were planting rice seedlings in the countryside, walking on the muddy ground.

But I'm not feeling well.

She slowly walked to the window and looked outside.

The morning mist was being dissolved into a pale white by the sunrise, and the sea breeze, carrying a salty coolness, was seeping in through the gaps. It was already 7:30.

The white sand beach not far away is being slowly wetted by the tide, and the crests of the waves are shattered into millions of pieces of glass.

The December seawater had lost its emerald color and now resembled a crushed sapphire. A few reddish-brown rocks floated in the shimmering waves, reminding her of the tattered hem of her nightgown.

The reef will not disappear.

She hesitated, not wanting to wash away the stains, but that would be a waste of such a nice nightgown.

Time ticked by as she hesitated, and after much deliberation, Wei Qinghuan gently woke Qian Jin: "Hey, did you ask for leave? It's time to go to work."

Qian Jin suddenly woke up: "Go to work? Go to Heaven!"

"Holy crap, I dreamt last night that I turned into Sun Wukong and was trapped under the Five Finger Mountain, but it almost crushed me to death..."

Wei Qinghuan immediately laughed. She told him about the pillow, and their first morning together as a couple began naturally.

She didn't ask for leave to go to work, so Qian Jin had no other thoughts.

Actually, Wei Qinghuan really wanted to ask for leave. She had a wound last night and was feeling a bit uncomfortable.

However, she felt it wasn't a big problem and that she could just bear it and everything would be fine, so she decided to go to work anyway.

From the moment she started registering for night school, she went to work without fail, rain or shine, regardless of whether she had classes or not.

Qian Jin also wanted her to take a break and prepared cleaning solution and effective medication for her in advance.

One of the medications is a topical ointment called mupirocin, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-infective properties.

The oral medication is tranexamic acid, a good friend to women. It can stop bleeding, reduce inflammation, and even whiten and remove blemishes.

Wei Qinghuan was shy, but deeply moved by her husband's thoughtfulness.

She has a question...

How come this man knows more than I, a woman, do!
Qian Jin helped Wei Qinghuan with her personal hygiene, and then he had to go to work himself.

His employer treats him well, so he should treat his work well in return.

However, he had to eat breakfast and then cycle to take Wei Qinghuan to night school, so he was bound to be late when he arrived at work.

Upon seeing him, Liu Jinshan immediately scurried over like a lackey, handing him yesterday's work log and presenting him with today's work plan.

The phone rings.

Just as Wang Hao was about to answer the phone, Liu Jinshan darted over, picked it up, and said sternly:

"Hey, over here—oh, Minister Yang, good morning, good morning..."

The air of authority vanished in an instant, turning into obsequiousness.
"A new work assignment? Then please tell our captain. Oh? Yes, our captain is here. He's definitely here; he's practically never late, he comes to work every day..."

Qian Jin answered the phone.

Yang Shengzhang laughed heartily: "You, the groom, actually came to work today?"

Qian Jin chuckled awkwardly, "We can't let it interfere with work."

Yang Shengzhang was satisfied with his attitude: "Okay, but I approve that you can be late or leave early this week."

Qian Jin stood solemnly.

loyalty!

Wait, it's Friday today.

That's disloyalty, or only loyalty this week.

New Year's Day is just around the corner, and there are only a few days left until the end of the lunar year. The shopping spree among citizens is about to begin.

Therefore, the grassroots units of the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives are quite busy.

In the morning, a shipment of dim sum originally destined for Ningbo was intercepted in Haibin City. They had to unload the dim sum first to free up the ship for restocking and heading to Ningbo.

Qian Jin immediately issued a pledge: "The work will definitely be completed by this morning!"

Yang Shengzhang laughed and said, "You have too few men. I'm afraid you won't be able to move all 500 tons of goods in one morning."

"So, your foreman Qiu Dayong submitted a list of thirty-five people. Tell him he can call all of them over to start work. You can keep a record of their work points and settle accounts later."

Qian Jin exclaimed with delight, "Then our brigade is almost full now!"

This is good news.

The implication was that Qiu Dayong's group of educated youth porters could be assigned to the supply and marketing cooperative's warehousing and transportation department as temporary workers.

With him as the team leader protecting them, the temporary workers will eventually become permanent employees.

Yang Shengzhang further elaborated on the answer: "We will definitely fill your quota. The labor and personnel department and the political work department have been working overtime recently, and everything in your brigade will be back to normal this week."

Qian Jin hung up the phone and asked Wang Hao to call Qiu Dayong.

Qiu Dayong, wearing a bamboo safety helmet, was working hard and sweating profusely. He wiped the sweat as he came in and said, "Report!"

"Captain Qian, what's the matter?"

Wei Xiongtu, who was awaiting work assignments in the diplomatic sphere, returned with them.

Qian Jin was a little embarrassed in front of him, so he quickly made a cup of tea and offered it to him: "Teacher Wei, have some tea. It's quite cold outside. Be careful not to catch a cold."

Wei Xiongtu was baffled: "Why are you being so attentive? What kind of report do you want me to write again?"

Qian Jin was speechless.

Am I that kind of person?

He sat back down and said to Qiu Dayong, "The workload has increased unexpectedly today, and all the office staff have to go to the front line."

“That’s not enough. Call all the brothers you organized last time. The higher-ups have given their approval. If there are no surprises, they can all join our brigade. So they can start work today. I’ll register them according to the work points of temporary workers.”

Qiu Dayong was overjoyed and grabbed his bamboo safety helmet, running outside: "I'll go get help right now!"

Qian Jin pondered for a moment, then took out the meat vouchers issued by his unit and gave them to Wang Hao: "Deputy Captain Wang, go and exchange them for twenty-eight jin of meat, and distribute them to Lao Guai's team later."

Wang Hao nodded and rode away.

Liu Jinshan then lifted the stove lid, took out two roasted sweet potatoes, and handed them to Qian Jin with both hands, as if offering them as a sacrifice.
"Captain Qian, have something to warm your stomach so you'll have energy for work later."

Qian Jin definitely needs to work harder.

Last night he proved something: the "seven times a night" theory wasn't just a literary fabrication; the young lad's first time was incredibly intense.

However, he wasn't so badly bedridden or suffering from back and leg pain. He did feel a bit less energetic than usual, but he could still work as usual.

He's busy with work today and has to lead the team himself.

The leader squatted on the dock eating roasted sweet potatoes.

The frozen canvas gloves rubbed against the enamel mug, causing the ice-cold tea inside to swirl and form a crescent shape.

The weather is already this cold even though it's only the beginning of the coldest period of winter. Qian Jin doesn't dare to imagine what it will be like in the twelfth lunar month.

Others were also eating roasted sweet potatoes or drinking hot water.

The 2,000-ton "Liaohuo 18" is undergoing inspection at the berth. They will start work after the inspection is completed.

Therefore, rest is needed at this time.

The frost on the deck took on a bluish-brown hue in the sun.

Qiu Dayong kicked up ice shards with his suede shoes, and his cotton-padded work jacket collar was turned up high. Dozens of strong young men came running up behind him, carrying hemp ropes and crowbars.

New recruits have arrived.

Qian Jin tossed the last piece of sweet potato peel to the circling seagulls, then looked up at the time: 8:55.

The work must be finished before lunch.

Hu Shunzi walked over, hands on his hips, belly sticking out, his gaze fixed on the distant sea.

Qian Jin asked, "What's wrong? Are you thinking about your grandfather again?"

Hu Shunzi said, "No, I saw two seagulls stacked together over there. Do you think they were being indecent?"

"Where?" Several workers nearby curiously gathered around.

Hu Shunzi tapped them on the head with his work gloves: "You guys are timid and hesitant when it comes to doing serious work, but eager to be the first when it comes to not doing serious work. You're really something."

Qian Jin said helplessly, "You came here just to mess around?"

Hu Shunzi said, "No, I wanted to ask if you've called up the educated youth transport team again? Are you going to treat them to meat tonight? You'd better call me tonight, don't sneak some meat like last time."

Qian Jin shook his head: "We won't be eating meat this time. I didn't call them up; it was the unit that called them up. They'll be officially employed and incorporated into our brigade immediately."

"Besides, I didn't secretly eat it last time either. Why would I have to secretly eat meat?"

Hu Shunzi was greatly surprised.

Why is the Jiagang brigade adding so many personnel?

Qiu Dayong excitedly arrived with his men and surrounded Qian Jin.

Everyone is already very familiar with it.

The educated youth shouted enthusiastically and in unison, "Brigade Leader Qian!"

Qian Jin stood up and waved: "Comrades, enough with the chit-chat. Your brother Dayong should have already explained the situation on the way..."

As a result, the educated youth all shook their heads.

Qiu Dayong came up and said, bowing and scraping, "Captain Qian, this kind of good news definitely needs you to announce it."

Qian Jin laughed and said, "It's the same whether you announce it or not, but since you haven't announced it, I'll say it."

"As you've probably guessed, after reviewing your qualifications, our unit has decided to hire you all for our Jiagang Brigade..."

As soon as the words were spoken, cheers erupted.

Qiu Dayong raised his arms above his head, his eyes filled with tears, and clapped vigorously. This group of people had finally returned to the city and regained their footing!

The educated youth clapped wildly. Just as Qian Jin had said, when Qiu Dayong told them to bring their tools and come with him, they already knew the answer.

But the feeling of actually hearing the official announcement is still different.

They were no longer guerrillas, no longer the group of people called "country rats" by the dockworkers, sailors, and employees of various units; they were now incorporated into the organization!
"Long live! Long live! Long live the supply and marketing cooperative!"

"Finally, I have a job! Finally, I have a permanent position!"

"Jiagang Brigade! No questions asked! Captain Qian, let's do it!"

Despite the biting cold wind, the educated youth workers were filled with enthusiasm.

Wang Hao rode his bicycle back from a distance.

Two long bamboo baskets were hanging on either side of the handlebars, naturally filled with large chunks of pre-cut meat.

Qian Jin rubbed his numb brow bone with his thumb, then took out the two baskets and put them inside Old Man Guai.

"The prizes for the last competition were two jin of meat for each team member. Old Guai, you're in charge of distributing them."

"I'll say it again: your captain is a man of his word, and I will never go back on my promises."

"The foremen have already relayed today's work instructions. No questions asked, just get to work and get things done. Comrades, is everything alright?"

The mover shouted at him, "No problem!"

The porters in the old gang were especially enthusiastic, gathering together in a group and howling.

With the addition of the even more enthusiastic group of educated youth who were also moving materials, the entire team immediately entered combat mode.

Mobilization successful, let's get started!

Qian Jin took the lead.

He used coarse cloth as a bandage to tie his waist tightly, put on work gloves, climbed onto the boat, and carried boxes of pastries down.

I just started working.

Standing next to him, Wei Xiongtu pulled him aside and pointed towards the depths of the harbor, saying, "Hey? Those people you're looking at, they look familiar. Aren't they the young people from our neighborhood?"

Qian Jin squinted at him.

A large group of people approached, led by the old man from the gatehouse: "Captain Qian, Captain Qian, hey comrade, isn't Captain Qian in the office? Is he here?"

Qian Jin stepped off the gangway and asked, "Uncle Sun, what's going on? Hey, Xiao Zhao, Xiao Xu, what brings you all here?"

The old man in the gatehouse said, "They came to you in groups just now, saying you're their principal and that you organized their review before the college entrance exam. Now that the exam is over, they've come to help you with your work!"

The young people grinned and chattered amongst themselves:

“Yes, Principal Qian, we were busy before the college entrance exam, and now that we’re out of work, we can help you find jobs!”

"If we can't do the technical work, we can definitely work as porters..."

"Principal Qian, you've assigned us tasks. Hey, Teacher Wei, we're here to work with you!"

Qian Jin gave a wry smile.

He climbed onto a box and shouted, "Students, comrades, no need, no need for all this trouble!"

“I appreciate everyone’s kindness, but organizing your review sessions was just something I did. It wasn’t just me who put in the effort; the neighborhood committee also provided the venue…”

“It would be just as easy for us to work for you!” someone shouted.

The others nodded and shouted along.

Someone else said, "Principal Qian, you don't need to persuade us anymore. We definitely want to train under your guidance."

"The main problem is that we might not get into university this year. If we fail, and the country still allows us to take the exam next year, then we'll have to go to the study room to review!"

The winter college entrance examination had just ended when the Ministry of Education, which had resumed its work, issued a decision to officially resume the summer college entrance examination in June of next year.

This relieved many young people, who felt that the winter college entrance examination was sudden and they were not well prepared, which might have led to their poor performance.

But if I can take the college entrance exam next summer, I'll have a six-month buffer period, which will greatly improve my knowledge level, and I'll be more confident then.

However, they are still unable to return to school, and in this situation they still have to rely on the Taishan Road Study Room.

Qian Jin had not yet heard any news about the 1978 summer college entrance examination, but he naturally agreed to take the students in to study.

He tried his best to persuade the young people to return to the streets.

It wasn't that he was particularly enlightened or anything, but rather that he was afraid something bad would happen!
Moving and transporting is strenuous and dangerous.

He was worried that the young people would get hurt, and that they would be too eager to move the goods without knowing the proper techniques, which could lead to unnecessary damage.

In fact, with the approval of the educated youth transport team, Yang Shengzhang now has nearly a hundred people under his command.

It's only a little over 500 tons of goods. Even if we can't finish moving them this morning, we can finish them in half an afternoon at most.

Therefore, he did not want these students to participate in labor.

He himself came from being a student, and he knows all too well that these people are good for nothing but causing trouble.

The students, however, were very enthusiastic and even went to Wei Xiongtu to ask for his help.

Wei Xiongtu was also excited: "Alright, Captain Qian, the students are too kind to refuse, let them do the work."

"It just so happens that we have a lot of work to do today. With them on the job, the pressure on our workers can be greatly reduced."

The students immediately responded with a chorus of "That's right!"

Qian Jin winked at Wei Xiongtu and whispered, "What if someone gets hurt? Don't say anything more, just say that if one or two people get hurt, will I, as the captain, be held responsible?"

Unexpectedly, Wei Xiongtu even criticized him:

"You cannot be passive in your work because you are afraid of taking responsibility, and you cannot dampen the enthusiasm of your classmates because of this."

"Actually, your concerns are not unfounded, but they are excessive. We can make reasonable use of this labor force."

"Also, I'll call the leader for you and report the situation of the brigade. Anyway, we won't do anything reckless."

Qian Jin thought about it and realized that there was a way to avoid students getting injured or causing damage to goods.

He beckoned over the most experienced old man, Guai: "Don't lead the team around today. The organization has given you a new task. You and Comrade Wei Xiongtu will lead the new recruits."

"You guys are in charge of the inventory work. Also, Lao Wei, select a few students who are good at math and meticulous. They will be responsible for counting and registering."

"You only need to handle the receiving and handling work; don't worry about anything else."

Old Guai clicked his tongue in surprise: "Can it really be done? These students are so thin and weak, they'll have to climb up and down to get into the warehouse, they might fall."

Qian Jin said, "That's why we need your rich experience to give us command."

“Give good command today, and I’ll give your team 28 jin of pork. Two jin per person, with some left over. That’s a perk for you, the foreman.”

Upon hearing this, Lao Guai clapped his hands vigorously: "Nothing else, just what you said: two horizontal lines and one vertical line mean 'do it,' two points and one force mean 'get it done'!"

"I will definitely lead them to work well. With them, 500 tons of goods is a piece of cake."

With a large number of students, at least sixty, there is no problem in having them specifically responsible for the warehouse entry and exit work.

Lao Guai organized the students to open the warehouse and prepare for the work.

Qian Jin asked Wei Xiongtu, "What are the policies for next year's college entrance examination?"

Wei Xiongtu said, "I'm not sure yet, but many places will continue to use the conditions of this year's college entrance examination."

"For example, in order to reflect the fairness of the college entrance examination and to provide young people who missed the opportunity to pursue further education in the past decade with an opportunity to make up for the historical regret, we still allow candidates from the 'Old Three Classes' and other groups to participate in the college entrance examination."

"However, conditions have been set, requiring that only young people under the age of 25 can apply for next year's summer college entrance examination. This restriction is not too strict; it should allow some outstanding young intellectuals who are over the age limit to still participate in the examination through special channels..."

Qian Jin asked, "Don't you want to go back to university?"

Wei Xiongtu shook his head: "I'm still not qualified. First, I graduated from a teachers' college and was assigned a job back then. Second, I've been assigned a job again now, but they've set an age limit of 25."

He was a little disappointed.

But I've also grown accustomed to the cruelty of fate.

As long as my family and friends are safe and sound, that's all that matters.

Qian Jin said, "Alright, but it's okay. If you want to go to university, you'll have the opportunity to go in a few years."

There's also the option of having your employer recommend you for the exam.

He'll have to go to university then, and then come back to become a high-ranking official...

A commotion broke out in front of the warehouse.

Qian Jin took Wei Xiongtu over to see, and the students were raising their arms, showing off their biceps, and shouting:
"Don't look down on me. Didn't you see the coal being unloaded at the train station the other day? Don't let my glasses fool you, I carried a 200-pound sack without even wobbling..."

"Your box of goods weighs only fifty pounds, barely a handful..."

"Don't make sarcastic remarks just because you're big. We're not only good at studying, but we can also fight and work..."

Qian Jin pushed through the crowd and saw that Hu Shunzi, the king of scoundrels, was being attacked.

This is nothing out of the ordinary.

He roared, "Hu Laoliu! Don't cause me any more trouble here. Go work as a stevedore on the ship, you don't need to do any more hauling!"

Hu Shunzi is similar to Wang Dong, but even worse; he gets easily carried away.

Qian Jin thought that if he reprimanded him in front of so many people, he would lose his temper.

Therefore, he is always ready to call in the "big army" to control the situation.

This time, Hu Shunzi didn't give him a chance to shout; as soon as he heard him get angry, he immediately shrank back.
"So what if I'm a loader? I'll take the job. What's the big deal? I can do it, right?"

The students burst into laughter.

The melody of "Toast Song" drifted from the port authority's broadcasting station on the sea breeze.

The female students tucked their braids into their work hats, while the young men, under Lao Guai's guidance, wrapped anti-slip straw ropes around the bar.

Workers only need to unload and move the goods, which greatly improves efficiency.

Qian rushed into his work and noticed that his subordinates were becoming more respectful to him.

No matter what order he gives, these old hands immediately move at the sound of it.

Qian Jin was puzzled.

Although he was already the team leader, he was young and inexperienced, so the porters didn't really respect him.

This is why he has been taking the lead lately, and also why he holds mobilization meetings.

This is also why the workers dared to take three days off after the previous snowfall.

Today, the movers worked tirelessly, and no one slacked off. Even Liu Jinshan moved his skinny legs very fast, pushing the cart forward with his butt sticking out.

Seeing that he was exhausted, Qian Jin went over and handed him a cigarette, saying, "Deputy Captain Liu, take a rest. You were very enthusiastic about your work today, and I have to praise you in person."

Liu Jinshan grinned, revealing his smoky, yellowed teeth: "Thank you for the praise, Captain. I will definitely continue to work hard..."

"Alright, alright, I know you'll work harder in the future, but why are you all working so hard and being so obedient today?" Qian Jin asked.

Liu Jinshan chuckled and said, "Captain Qian, we used to..."

"Are you going to misbehave again?" Qian Jin interrupted him, narrowing his eyes and frowning.

Liu Jinshan took a deep breath and said honestly, "It's probably because everyone discovered that you have powerful connections."

Qian Jin chuckled, speechless: "How did you come to this discovery?"

Liu Jinshan said, "Just now, some young people from your street said that you have connections in the central government. The director of your neighborhood committee fought against you, and as a result, you sent him to the Northwest to plant trees and endure sandstorms."

Qian Jin was speechless: "Damn it!"

Liu Jinshan continued, "Then the workers also discovered that you had too many people and too much strength."

“These young people look at you like you’re a leader. How can they not be afraid? What if they provoke you and you incite them to cause trouble? Young people are naive and impulsive, they really might cause trouble!”

(End of this chapter)