Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 167 Planning
Thinking this through, Wang Chengpeng had already made up his mind. Instead of directly answering Wang Fucheng's question, he asked another question with a hidden meaning, saying:
"Uncle, I wonder if you've ever thought about this question: where will the money to build the sugar factory come from?"

"This is, after all, a factory. Even if labor costs can be met through production tasks, it is inevitable that a lot of money will be spent elsewhere."

Wang Fucheng had naturally considered the issue of money, and immediately began to speak eloquently:
"Just like when you repair your house, as long as you get the materials and labor sorted out, it won't actually cost much."

"The sugar mill may have a bright future, but it is only just starting out and does not require a very large factory."

"The village still has some money in its accounts, and I also have some savings, so we were able to set up the sugar factory smoothly."

It's not that Wang Fucheng is so great that he's willing to use his own money to help the village.

This is roughly considered an initial investment, and once the sugar factory truly prospers, it will naturally reap the benefits.

Faced with Wang Fucheng's naive idea, Wang Chengpeng smiled and said:
"Although Uncle can barely suppress this matter, it's probably impossible to use the money in the public account again."

"Even the production task of building a sugar factory may not be able to be issued smoothly."

“If Uncle plans to spend more money than I do to build the sugar factory, I will naturally have no objection.”

The sugar factory has a bright future, but it is still just a theoretical concept at present.

Wang Fucheng would naturally be willing to invest only a small amount of start-up capital.

But after Wang Chengpeng's reminder, he realized that he was still being a bit too optimistic.

If we simply suppress the matter, we may not be able to issue production orders or access the village's funds as we wish later.

Thinking this, Wang Fucheng looked bewildered and said, "According to my nephew, does that mean I can only choose the first option and let that idiot Song Zhiyuan shit on my head?"

"Given the current situation, he's completely using the guise of caring for the villagers to get things done, and he's being very frank and open. I simply can't crush him completely."

"If you don't kill the snake, you'll suffer the consequences."

"If possible, I still hope to eliminate him once and for all."

Wang Chengpeng shook his head slightly and said, "Being open and honest is certainly important, but you've misunderstood who you're talking to."

"To put it bluntly, whether the villagers know about this or not, it won't change the overall situation."

"The most important thing is to let the right people know about your plan, and that you can achieve results, just like the plan that the commune can achieve."

"At that time, all you have to do is ask to get rid of someone who is blocking the plan. They will naturally not refuse such a simple request."

Although Wang Chengpeng's words were harsh, they were true.

Judging from how easily Song Zhiyuan was able to guide the villagers to write a joint petition, stabilizing the villagers was simply a thankless and arduous task.

If the wind is strong enough, they will head in another direction without hesitation.

Furthermore, if we want to bring down Song Zhiyuan, we must start from above. Therefore, it would be better to start from a higher level.

With a slight frown, Wang Fucheng's mind raced as he considered the third idea Wang Chengpeng had given him.

In fact, he had considered this idea before, but it was rejected even faster than the first one.

Just kidding, this is a skill for making money, how could he be so open and honest about it?

If the commune finds out, and then promotes the idea of ​​making sugar from sugar beets, there will be fierce competition, and how will our sugar factory make any money?

Thinking this, Wang Fucheng secretly thought that Wang Chengpeng was still too young and couldn't see the situation clearly, and said:

“Nephew, your idea seems feasible, but you’ve overlooked the most important point: making money.”

"If we were to speak frankly about this matter, the competition would be fierce, and our sugar factory might not be able to make a profit."

“If the sugar factory cannot bring enough benefits to the villagers, then everything based on it is just a castle in the air.”

Although Wang Fucheng has some intelligence, it is not much, or rather, he lacks self-confidence and the courage to compete with other villages.

Shaking his head slightly, Wang Chengpeng said, "Your vision is too narrow, Uncle. Your vision is still too narrow."

"You overestimate the boldness of those villages, but underestimate your own advantages."

"The same thing done by different people may not yield the same result."

"Do you really think that something written directly into textbooks is some kind of little-known secret technique?"

"Even if people knew about this, there would be virtually no one to follow suit in Wangjia Village's plan to set up a sugar factory on a large scale."

"Even if we're going to follow the trend, we'll have to wait until the Wangjiacun Sugar Factory looks like it's making enough money."

"With just a little effort, this timeframe could be two years, three years, or even five years."

"Given such a long lead, if Uncle still doesn't have confidence in the sugar factory, then he might as well give up now."

"Moreover, just from a geographical point of view, Wangjia Village has advantages that other villages cannot match."

"The closer to the city, the lower the transportation costs, which is a major factor in determining production profits."

Seeing that Wang Fucheng was still somewhat hesitant, Wang Chengpeng sighed and said:

"Uncle, you're still a bit too conservative."

"Since you've already told the commune about the sugar factory, why don't you use this opportunity to ask the commune for some start-up capital?"

“Supporting similar projects naturally means that the first project supported will receive the most funding.”

"Wangjia Village was the first village to open a sugar factory, which was a matter of timing; Wangjia Village was the closest village to the city, which was a matter of location."

"As for the people? As long as there is enough capital and a broad enough prospect of making money, why worry about the people of Wangjia Village not being united?"

With the right timing, location, and people, why worry about not being able to start this sugar factory?

Nodding blankly, Wang Fucheng realized that, just as Wang Chengpeng had said, his perspective on the issue was indeed too limited.

Even if they knew about sugar beet production, perhaps only two out of ten villages would be willing to go to great lengths to develop this unfamiliar production project.

If you do more, you will be wrong; if you do not, it will be good.

Simply copying last year's production plan is enough to secure one's position, so why bother with all that extra work?

Even if we were to copy, we should wait until Wangjia Village truly succeeds before copying, because if they can do it, so can I.

Even if someone does follow suit, this year's production targets have already been met, so the earliest it can be done is next year.

In this situation, Wangjia Village has almost a natural advantage.

Shocked by Wang Chengpeng's clear analysis of the stakes, Wang Fucheng stood up abruptly and said:

“Nephew, I have learned a lot.”

"I really owe you a lot for this incident, otherwise I would have been quite confused."

"You'll suffer terribly and gain nothing in return."

Wang Fucheng sat down again, stroked his beard, and finally asked the question that had been bothering him:
“Nephew, the way you’ve been helping your uncle this time is so unlike you.”

"Hmm, is there something you forgot to mention?"

Wang Chengpeng couldn't possibly be that helpful!
It was precisely because of this understanding that Wang Fucheng asked the following question with some trepidation.

Shaking his head slightly, Wang Chengpeng said with a smile, "I'm not helping my uncle, but all the villagers of Wangjia Village."

"After all, everyone's life will improve once the sugar factory is up and running."

"Besides, didn't Uncle promise to provide our family with three stable jobs?"

"For that reason alone, I can't help but contribute to the sugar factory."

Something's not right. Something's definitely not right. How could Wang Chengpeng still be so concerned about his own affairs just because he's already gained benefits?

Wang Fucheng's alarm bells rang, and he looked at Wang Chengpeng with suspicion, saying:
"Nephew, we're all on the same side, don't try to fool me."

"Just say what's on your mind. If you really don't say anything, I'll pretend I don't know anything."

With an awkward laugh, Wang Chengpeng said, "Uncle, I'm not that kind of person."

"By the way, I think you should act as soon as possible, Uncle, and bring down Song Zhiyuan as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen complications."

Nodding in deep agreement, Wang Fucheng said:

"That bastard Song Zhiyuan, I just went out to run some errands, and he caused me so much trouble in the village. How could I possibly let him get away with this?"

"Don't worry, I'll go to the commune tomorrow and talk to them about the sugar factory. He won't be able to keep this up for long!"

At this point, Wang Fuxiang seemed to remember something and said:
"Nephew, why are you so concerned about Song Zhiyuan? Could it be that you're eyeing his position as village chief?"

“Although you are a bit too young, based on your contributions to the sugar factory, you are not incapable of being the village chief.”

"However, your experience is still too limited. You may need to wait another three to five years before you can take it seriously. Don't mind me."

Village head? You're kidding, Wang Chengpeng would never even consider that position.

His future is destined for a much larger city, not this small Wangjia Village.

Thinking of this, Wang Chengpeng refused without hesitation, saying:

"Uncle, don't overthink it. I'm used to being lazy, how could I be a village chief?"

"The reason I asked that was to kindly remind you not to give Song Zhiyuan a chance."

"After all, he must have some tricks up his sleeve to get to this position."

Hearing Wang Chengpeng's perplexing statement, Wang Fucheng pondered for a moment and asked:

"Nephew, why are you so concerned about Song Zhiyuan? Do you have a grudge against him?"

Wang Chengpeng shook his head vigorously and said, "Uncle, please don't wrong me."

"What grudge could a kind villager like me possibly have against the village chief?"

Looking down at his watch on his right hand, Wang Chengpeng casually reminded him:
"It seems a bit late. I'm an early sleeper. If there's nothing else, please make yourselves at home."

Going to bed early? Around midnight?
Instead of directly exposing Wang Chengpeng's lie, Wang Fucheng looked at Wang Zhong beside him, signaling him to speak quickly.

Wang Zhong was jolted back to his senses when Wang Fucheng bumped his arm hard.

From the beginning until now, he felt as if he were experiencing a very complicated dream, so complicated that even though he could understand their conversation, he just couldn't understand what they meant.

However, he wasn't stupid. Judging from Wang Fucheng's sincere admiration for Wang Chengpeng, he knew that Wang Chengpeng must have just said something that, while he didn't understand it, was extremely insightful. Although Wang Zhong wasn't a scholar, he deeply respected accomplished scholars, especially those as accomplished as Wang Chengpeng.

Suppressing his shock, Wang Zhong said, "Cousin, you really are capable."

"For so many years since I was old enough to understand, I have never seen my father so sincerely admire anyone."

"I do have something to do, but it's not about you; it's about that burly man from earlier."

"This burly man looks a bit unfamiliar, but he's definitely capable. I wonder if he could join our village's militia?"

After learning how capable Wang Chengpeng was, Wang Zhong completely lost the idea of ​​recruiting Wang Chengpeng into the militia.

However, he abandoned Wang Chengpeng but set his sights on Zhu Hong, which is why he asked this question.

It was precisely because they sensed Zhu Hong's strength that the two of them had subtly tested him before they arrived.

Zhu Hong is not like Wang Chengpeng. If someone tests him for no reason, wouldn't it escalate into "What are you looking at?" "What's it to you if I look at you?" "Try looking at me again."

Wang Chengpeng glanced helplessly at Wang Fucheng and gestured for him to quickly resolve this big problem for him.

Wang Zhong really seems to be making things difficult for himself. There are so many people in the village, why does he only stay at his own house and loot?

I finally found a decent helper, but he's got his eye on him now.

Instantly understanding Wang Chengpeng's implication, Wang Fucheng stood up and began to berate his son without any restraint:

“Wang Zhong, I brought you here to humbly learn from my nephew and to teach you a lesson, not to make things difficult for him.”

"Go back, we're going back now. You're not allowed to think about such things again."

"There are so many people in Wangjia Village that you can't take advantage of, so you've set your sights on your cousin's house. You really don't understand the situation!"

After saying his goodbyes to Wang Chengpeng, Wang Fucheng pulled his son away and left without even taking a sip of the tea on the table.

In their haste to leave, the two seemed to see a figure rushing towards them as they departed.

The fact that he was able to come here was naturally related to Wang Chengpeng's family. Wang Fucheng didn't think much of it and left in a hurry.

However, just as the two were hurrying back, while riding the bicycle, Wang Zhong suddenly blurted out:

"Father, you guessed right, Song Zhiyuan did offend my cousin."

"It is said that a few days ago, someone came to the village to show a movie, and during the movie, Song Zhiyuan got into a conflict with his cousin for some reason."

"I was busy patrolling and didn't even go to the movie. I just heard a brief summary of the situation from the guys in my team."

"In the end, my cousin didn't suffer any losses, but he did make an enemy of Song Zhiyuan."

It was already summer, and even at night it wasn't particularly cool.

However, after hearing Wang Zhong's words, Wang Fucheng couldn't help but shiver, feeling a chill run through his body.

He finally understood why Wang Chengpeng had been so attentive to his request for advice, and had even provided a near-perfect solution.

It's probably not because of his status as an elder that things worked; it's simply because he has a grudge against Song Zhiyuan.

Combined with Wang Chengpeng's final, specific instructions, Wang Fucheng instantly felt that Wang Chengpeng's seemingly kind face had become extremely terrifying.

Thinking of this, Wang Fucheng patiently instructed his son, Wang Zhong:

“Zhong’er, there’s something you must remember: never offend your cousin.”

Startled, Wang Zhong said with a bewildered look, "How could I possibly offend my cousin?"

"Besides, even if I offended him by accident, it shouldn't matter. My cousin is such a kind person, he certainly won't take such a small thing to heart."

Faced with his son's foolishness, Wang Fucheng simply said:
"Yes, Song Zhiyuan has offended your very kind cousin, and he's about to be finished."

A chill ran through him, and Wang Zhong's body stiffened instinctively. He murmured:
"Dad, I think you made a very good point: don't wander around my cousin's place unnecessarily."

"Shouldn't we avoid offending him by not meeting him?"

"Oh no, I did something unnecessary and said something unnecessary today. I hope I didn't offend my cousin?"

The thought that he might follow in Song Zhiyuan's footsteps made Wang Zhong stop his bicycle and say:

"Dad, maybe I should go back and apologize to my cousin. I'm feeling a little uneasy about it."

Wang Fucheng kicked his cowardly son in an annoyance and complained:

"How come someone as big as you looks like they've seen a ghost?"

"Go back quickly. Your cousin probably didn't take this matter to heart, otherwise he wouldn't have given me advice."

"Just be more careful in the future, and don't offend anyone you shouldn't."

……

The person who was looking for Wang Chengpeng at this time was naturally Wang Zidong. He looked at Wang Fucheng and Wang Zhong, who were passing by, with a million questions swirling in his mind.

What's going on? Why would the production team leader and the militia leader come all this way to find Wang Chengpeng?

Could it be that Pengzi got into trouble?
Thinking this, Wang Zidong quickened his pace on his bicycle and soon saw Wang Chengpeng's nonchalant face. He asked in surprise:

"Pengzi, are you alright?"

Wang Chengpeng glanced at Wang Zidong with some confusion, then said speechlessly:
"What could possibly happen to a law-abiding villager like me who stays at home all day?"

"On the contrary, why have you suddenly become so easily startled?"

Seeing that Wang Chengpeng didn't seem to be in any trouble, Wang Zidong finally spoke:

"I just saw the production team leader and the militia leader coming out of your house, that's why I had this misunderstanding."

“If they can get both of them to come out together, it usually means something serious is going to happen.”

"As long as it's okay, it'll be okay."

Wang Chengpeng glanced at Wang Zidong with annoyance and said:
"Look at you, so spineless. You're just a production team leader and a militia leader, aren't you just two eyes and one mouth?"

"They came for no particular reason, they just wanted to ask me some questions about developing a sugar factory in the village."

"This is a simple matter. I just gave them a suggestion and they left."

Wang Chengpeng spoke lightly, but in Wang Zidong's eyes, it was nothing short of a fantasy.

Who is Wang Fucheng? He's the old production team leader who has led the villagers in developing production every year. How could he possibly come all the way here to ask Wang Chengpeng for advice?

As for a sugar factory, that's even more impossible. Given the conditions in Wangjia Village, how could they afford to open a sugar factory?
However, he couldn't very well refute Wang Chengpeng's words. After all, it was rare for his good brother to boast like this, and if he didn't cooperate, wouldn't he be embarrassing him?

Thinking this, Wang Zidong nodded sincerely and said:
"Oh, that's wonderful! Our village will have its own sugar factory soon. That's a fantastic thing!"

"However, I think this matter is not as important as studying. Pengzi, let's continue studying."

Knowing that Wang Zidong definitely didn't believe his blunt truth, Wang Chengpeng didn't bother to explain and went back to his study.

And so, in the dim light, the two began their study session for the evening.

Rubbing his slightly swollen eyes, Wang Chengpeng thought to himself that the oil lamp really wasn't very effective and was very harmful to his eyes.

After reading for a while, my eyes start to feel sore and uncomfortable.

It was thanks to Wang Chengpeng's awareness of the need to protect their eyes that Wang Zidong also became more mindful, preventing them from being mistaken for nearsighted individuals.

Even so, Wang Chengpeng began to consider getting electricity to his home.

However, the time is not yet ripe, and we need to wait a while longer.

Once the sugar factory is officially established, there is a very high probability that it will be able to run electrical wires.

If I just run an electric wire along the way back to my own house, things will be much simpler.

In this day and age, you can't just run electrical wires whenever you want, especially in a remote place like Wang Chengpeng's, where there's only one household.

So even if he has money, he can only wait for an opportunity.

Fortunately, this opportunity will arrive soon.

……

Just as Wang Chengpeng was studying hard, another conflict broke out in the Shen family.

By June, Liu Yanran's belly was already very prominent, and she didn't look like she was two months pregnant at all.

It's not that the Shen family is smarter than the Wang family in their previous life; it's simply a difference in treatment.

When a person is fat, their belly will appear smaller; when they are thin, it will be more noticeable.

In her previous life, the Wang family had taken meticulous care of Liu Yanran.
Not only did she not have to do any work, but even in their extremely difficult circumstances, Liu Yanran was able to eat and drink well and quickly gain weight.

In this life, Liu Yanran did not receive such treatment, especially since her poisonous kick to Shen Wei made the Shen family extremely dislike her.

Not to mention now, even future generations place great importance on carrying on the family line, so how could they possibly forgive Liu Yanran?

Therefore, Liu Yanran was basically in a state of having to work and eating only average food in the Shen family, so she naturally couldn't gain weight, which resulted in her belly being extremely prominent.

Looking at Liu Yanran's slightly protruding belly, Shen Wei's face turned ashen.

Not only has he become a eunuch, but now he's been cuckolded. With both of these things combined, I doubt any man could tolerate it.

Suppressing his anger, Shen Wei roared furiously:
"Liu Yanran, I think you should give me an explanation."

It was Shen Zhongguo's words that had an effect, preventing Shen Wei from immediately erupting.

If he's mistaken or misunderstands, he might miss his only chance to have offspring.

Faced with Shen Wei's questioning, Liu Yanran, whose face was exposed, looked pitiful but showed no panic, which can be considered as having a strong mentality.

Without a word, Liu Yanran jumped onto the bed, took Shen Wei's hand, and led him to rub her abdomen, saying:

"My dear husband, feel it, that blood connection, this is your child."

"I just ate well at the Shen family's house; the food was nutritious, and my child developed a little better."

(End of this chapter)