Courtyard House: After disbanding the Elderly Care Gang, I went to the countryside to cultivate immo

Before we knew it, it was the first day of the tenth lunar month.

Early that morning, just as dawn was breaking, Hu Dongliang drove the team's old oxcart, creaking and groaning, to Lin Shengli's courtyard.

The cart was covered with a thick layer of dry grass, and a piece of old burlap sack was carefully placed underneath.

Lin Shengli had already packed everything. The luggage was tightly rolled up, containing bedding and a few changes of clothes.

A net bag contained an enamel basin, a teacup, a lunchbox, and simple toiletries, while a bulging canvas bag contained a notebook and a fountain pen.

He loaded his luggage onto the oxcart one by one, and then turned around and locked the gate to the courtyard.

He jumped onto the cart, settled down on the hay, and Hu Dongliang let out a "whoosh," gently cracking the whip. The old ox started moving, the wheels rolling over the dirt road where the snow hadn't completely melted, slowly driving away from the quiet mountain village.

Lin Shengli wrapped his thick cotton coat tightly around himself, huddling inside the collar. The oxcart moved along at a slow and steady pace, its rhythm monotonous and steady.

"Brother Dongliang," Lin Shengli broke the silence, "I heard from Captain Uncle that you participated in this training last year. Can you tell me what it was like inside? That way I'll have some idea."

Hu Dongliang, his hands tucked into the sleeves of his worn-out cotton coat, sighed upon hearing this, and even the whip in his arms seemed to wilt a little.

"Sigh, don't even mention it." He shook his head, a look of lingering fear mixed with self-deprecation on his face. "I'm just not cut out for it. Last year, almost every brigade in our township sent people to take the exam, but I heard that only two or three people in the whole township passed and got that 'barefoot doctor' certificate. It's tough, really tough."

He seemed lost in unpleasant memories, and his speech slowed down: "When we went to the county, we stayed in a large dormitory, similar to here, with more than a dozen people in one room. During the day, the doctors from the health center took us around, either sitting in the classroom or visiting the wards and outpatient clinic. We watched how they treated patients, how they bandaged wounds, how they gave injections... Oh, and we also practiced suturing, but the needlework required so much finesse. My two rough hands are fine for farm work, but when I hold those needle-like things, they tremble."

He paused, his expression of distress deepening. "That's not all. After the doctor prescribes medicine, we have to sit beside the patient, memorize the prescriptions, and then we have to memorize them and be tested later. The nights are even more grueling. We're all gathered in a large room for class, dimly lit, with an old doctor lecturing on things like Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, Qi, Blood, Body Fluids, the Internal Organs and Meridians... It's all so confusing. And then there are those convoluted names of Western medicines, like penicillin and sulfonamides, their effects, dosages, and contraindications—it's enough to make your head spin. Just seeing those thick books and smelling the ink and old paper makes my eyelids droop..."

Hu Dongliang's voice trailed off, almost becoming a murmur: "The final exam... my theory paper was completely blank, and the practical exam was even more chaotic. The doctor leading the team, the one who gave the lectures, gave me a good scolding, saying I was just here to 'get work points' and 'waste a spot.' His words were so harsh... like he was scolding a grandson. I was so ashamed I couldn't even lift my head. Before the training was over, I wanted to disappear into the ground. So, Shengli," he turned to Lin Shengli and said earnestly, "if you really want to make a name for yourself, you have to be prepared. Those three months are no easier than working in the fields; they're a mentally and physically exhausting ordeal."

Lin Shengli listened quietly and wrote down all the information.

It seems that although this training is basic, the requirements are not low. The combination of theory and practice is indeed a challenge for rural youths with no medical background.

However, this was not difficult for him.

The two chatted as the oxcart bumped along the country dirt road.

Soon, relatively dense houses appeared in front of them, and signs for "Red Star People's Commune" appeared on the roadside.

The township health center is a row of relatively neat brick and tile bungalows surrounding a small courtyard, where a group of young people carrying luggage have already gathered.

Hu Dongliang drove the oxcart to the open space opposite the health center and helped Lin Shengli unload his luggage.

He patted Lin Shengli on the shoulder, his tone complicated: "Shengli, I'll see you off here. Study hard and make our Heisonggou Village proud! I... I'll head back now."

After saying that, he practically jumped onto the car as if fleeing, cracked the whip, and the old ox turned around and drove away, as if staying even a moment longer would evoke those embarrassing memories from last year.

Lin Shengli watched the oxcart drive away, shook his head, picked up his luggage, and walked towards the entrance of the health center.

The registration point was set up in a room in the health center that was being used as a temporary office.

A middle-aged female doctor wearing glasses and a white coat was in charge of registration.

After checking the letter of introduction brought by Lin Shengli and verifying his name and production team, the female doctor ticked a box on a roster and handed him a stack of meal tickets.

"Male student dormitory, the third room in the back row of bungalows." The female doctor spoke quickly, and after giving the instructions, she gestured for the next student.

Lin Shengli thanked them and followed the instructions to find his dormitory.

It was a row of slightly old bungalows. He pushed open the door of the third house, and a smell mixed with dust, sweat and tobacco hit him.

The room was small, with a large kang (heated brick bed) against the wall, almost as wide as the room itself, and the mat on the kang was somewhat damaged.

At this moment, five or six people were already sitting on the kang (a heated brick bed), smoking and chatting.

At first glance, these people were all around twenty years old, with dark skin, rough hands, and their clothes and demeanor clearly indicated that they were local rural youths, unlike the educated youth who had a somewhat scholarly air or urban imprint.

They spoke with a heavy local accent and in a loud voice.

As Lin Shengli entered, several pairs of eyes swept over him, filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

Lin Shengli nodded as a greeting, his eyes searching for an empty spot on the kang (a heated brick bed).

The two ends of the kang (heated brick bed) were already occupied, so he found an empty bed in the middle with a straw mat. He went over and put down his luggage.

Unroll the luggage, spread out your own mattress, and fold the quilt neatly at the end of the kang (heated brick bed).

The young men next to him continued their conversation, and Lin Shengli listened intently, gradually making sense of what was going on.

It turns out that most of these people, including those already in the room, were "repeaters" who had participated in the training last year but failed.

They were exchanging information they had gathered:

"...I heard that the rules are even stricter this year, and we might have to study extra in the evenings."

"Is Dr. Wang still the main speaker? He's a tough one to get past; he asks very detailed questions!"

"I wonder what the practical exam will be like this year. Last year, we had to identify twenty kinds of herbs, and I couldn't even recognize half of them..."

As they were talking, the dormitory door was pushed open again, and several more young people came in one after another.

Soon, all twelve beds were occupied.

The kang (a heated brick bed) was seven meters wide, but with twelve grown men, each man had less than sixty centimeters of space on average. They had to call each other before they could even turn over at night.

The air grew even more murky. Lin Shengli smiled bitterly to himself. At least at the educated youth settlement, each person had a relatively independent small space. This "collective life" on a large communal bed made up for that.

Shortly after everyone arrived, the dormitory door was pushed open again, and a man in his early thirties, wearing a gray Zhongshan suit and looking like a cadre, walked in.

He held a notebook in his hand and scanned the room with his eyes. The previously noisy dormitory immediately quieted down.

"Is everyone here? I'm Chen Jianguo, an officer from the commune's health center." The man spoke, his voice low but clear. "I'm responsible for part of the management and coordination of this barefoot doctor training course. Now, everyone, please be quiet for a moment; we'll have a short meeting."

Everyone got up and stood on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed).

Officer Chen stood before the crowd, opened his notebook, cleared his throat, and began his speech:

"Comrades, first of all, on behalf of the Hongxing Commune Health Center, I welcome you to this training course for barefoot doctors. You are all outstanding young people recommended by various production brigades, trusted by the poor and lower-middle peasants, and shoulder important responsibilities."

"The purpose of this training is very clear: to cultivate a group of grassroots health workers in our rural areas who are 'affordable, usable, and retainable' in the shortest possible time and with the greatest effort. Our commune is sparsely populated, and many brigades are far from the health center. It's not easy for people to make a trip if they have a headache, fever, or minor injury. With you, they will be able to receive initial diagnosis and assistance right at their doorstep as soon as possible. This is a major issue concerning the health of the vast majority of commune members!"

He paused, his gaze turning serious: "However, I must remind everyone that being a barefoot doctor is not easy. 'Barefoot' means we must go deep into the fields and villages, unafraid of hardship or dirt; 'doctor' means we must have certain medical knowledge and skills, and be responsible for the health of the people! This training is time-sensitive and demanding. In three months, we will learn the basic theories of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, recognize hundreds of commonly used herbs and Western medicines, master basic diagnostic methods, acupuncture, massage, wound care, injection techniques, and also learn about infectious disease prevention, maternal and child health, and so on."

"During the training, a semi-military management system will be implemented. We will get up at 6:30 a.m. for morning exercises and start studying at 7:30 a.m. During the day, there will be theoretical classes, clinical observation, and practical exercises. In the evenings, there will be self-study and discussions. There will be weekly assessments and monthly major exams. In terms of discipline, you may not leave the health center area without permission, you may not be absent from class without a valid reason, you may not fight, and you may not drink alcohol. You must respect your teachers, unite with your classmates, and study diligently."

"I know some of you are attending this training for the second or even third time," Officer Chen said, his gaze sweeping over the "repeaters." His tone softened slightly, but remained firm. "This shows you have determination and perseverance, which is a good thing. But you must turn pressure into motivation! Last year's pass rate was low. Why? Partly due to objective limitations, but more importantly, it was due to insufficient subjective effort! Did you think you could just come and coast through? That kind of thinking is unacceptable! The commune is providing funding, and the production team is recording your work points—this isn't just a formality! We're here to truly learn and acquire skills!"

"Finally, I'd like to leave you with two pieces of advice." Secretary Chen closed his notebook, straightened his back, and said, "The first is what Chairman Mao said: 'To save lives and heal the wounded, to practice revolutionary humanitarianism.' I hope you will always remember the purpose of studying medicine. The second is my requirement: 'The early bird catches the worm, diligence can make up for lack of talent.' Don't be afraid of a low starting point, don't be afraid of difficulties. From today onwards, put away your laxity, perk up, and put all your energy into your studies! Strive to return to your production teams in three months, wearing big red flowers and holding graduation certificates, to serve the commune members and contribute to the 'Learn from Dazhai in Agriculture' campaign!"

"Did you all understand?" Officer Chen asked, raising his voice.

"Understood!" A few scattered replies rang out, and many people's expressions had become serious, feeling a real sense of pressure.

"Speak louder! Haven't you eaten?" Officer Chen said, displeased.

"Understood!" This time the voices were much more unified and loud.

Officer Chen nodded: "Alright, meeting adjourned! Everyone, familiarize yourselves with the environment. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria at 11:30 AM. Use your meal tickets. Please assemble promptly at 1:30 PM!"

A new challenge has begun.