ARC 2: Stepmother in the Seventies ✦ c71~116 (46)
✦ 25
Translator: InkyDragon (https://inkydragontranslation.wordpress.com)
As the sun began to set, Zhang Wei Hong finished tutoring Gu Shi Chu and settled onto the hot kang, munching on roasted sweet potatoes. “Hey, Shi Chu, tomorrow’s the day the village calculates work points and hands out food and money. You’re so capable and hardworking, I’m sure you’ll get a lot of grain and cash this year, right?”
Gu Shi Chu thought for a moment, her mind wandering back to the long days of farm work. Her martial arts training had given her an edge, making the physical labour much easier.
She nodded confidently, “I should get a decent amount. The grain should last me a year, at least.”
Zhang Wei Hong’s eyes sparkled with envy. “I’m not so lucky. I don’t know if my share will last half a year. My parents have to give me a lot of subsidies, or I’d go hungry.”
Gu Shi Chu chuckled, “You envy my work points, but I envy your parental subsidies.”
The two friends shared a laugh, but Zhang Wei Hong’s expression soon turned sombre.
“I think about those comrades in the Youth Cadre School, and it’s tough to swallow. They’ve never done farm work before, so they can’t support themselves with their work points… The less they eat, the worse their health gets. The worse their health gets, the fewer work points they earn. And then, with fewer work points, they get even less grain… It’s a vicious cycle.”
Gu Shi Chu’s expression turned sympathetic as she thought about the young people who had left their city lives behind to help build the rural areas. They had come with such enthusiasm, but reality had dealt them a harsh blow. It was as if they had been slapped awake, forced to confront the brutal truth of life.
- (The revolution had spiralled out of control and turned into “red terror.” For many years they have been praised for killing innocent people that “stood in the way” of revolution and now they had no targets to kill to be praised for, so they attacked anyone who even looked slightly off. To resolve the violence, Chairman Mao issued instructions to send millions of urban youth down to the countryside for “re-education. Plus, the government couldn’t provide jobs to so many educated youths and feared that they would rebel since the government had lied to them, stating that by believing them and being revolution’s children they would have work and money, so they then sent them off to poor villages where they wouldn’t engage in any destructive activities. Basically, once the mad dogs they trained had done their work, they sent them to the countryside to starve.)
The harsh reality of rural life was a bitter pill to swallow, and not everyone could stomach it. Some fragile souls either desperately sought a way back to the city or, in despair, took their own lives. But there was another way out – marrying into a local family, which would bring a measure of comfort and support.
Gu Shi Chu’s practicality kicked in as she said, “At the very least, they can forage for wild vegetables and fruits to fill their bellies. It’s better than going hungry.”
Zhang Wei Hong’s brow furrowed in concern. “Of course, but competition for wild finds is fierce. The villagers know all the best spots. Sigh!”
Gu Shi Chu noticed her friend’s distress and offered some words of encouragement. “Even if they can’t compete, they still have to try. When it comes to survival, etiquette and courtesy take a backseat. The wild vegetables on the mountain are up for grabs – whoever picks them gets to keep them. They may not be able to outdo the villagers, but they have to give it a shot. With effort, they might just get some results. Without it, they’ll definitely get nothing.”
Zhang Wei Hong listened intently, her expression a mix of understanding and confusion. But her own thoughts soon took over, and she let the matter drop.
The next morning, Zhang Wei Hong suggested, “Let’s queue up together at the grain-drying yard tomorrow. They’ll be handing out rations, and it’s always lively. I wonder how much meat we’ll get today?”
Gu Shi Chu agreed, “Sounds good. I’ll come pick you up at the youth work team.”
The following winter morning, the village head’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker, announcing that each household must send a representative to the grain-drying yard to collect their allocated rations and money.
Gu Shi Chu trudged through the snow to fetch Zhang Wei Hong, and together they made their way to the grain-drying yard.
As they walked away, the other residents of the youth work team began to whisper among themselves, their breath misting in the cold air.
“Zhang Wei Hong seems quite close to that Gu person,” said Li Qing (李青: “the green plum” or “the youthful plum tree”), a female youth, as she combed her hair.
- “李” (Lǐ): This is a common Chinese surname that means “plum” or “plum tree”. It is associated with beauty and the coming of spring.
- “青” (Qīng): This character can mean “green” or “blue”. It is often associated with youth, vitality, and the freshness of nature.
- “李青” (Lǐ Qīng) could be interpreted as “the green plum” or “the youthful plum tree,” suggesting a person who is vibrant and full of life, with the potential for growth and renewal, much like the plum tree that heralds the arrival of spring.
“I saw her carrying textbooks to meet Gu Shi Chu,” replied Wen Ke Yi, (温可宜: “suitably warm” or “appropriately gentle”) applying ointment to her face.
- “温” (Wēn): This character means “warm” or “gentle”. It is often associated with warmth, kindness, and a welcoming nature.
- “可宜” (Kěyí): This phrase means “suitable” or “appropriate”. It is used to denote something that is fitting or proper.
- Together, “温可宜” (Wēn Kěyí) could be interpreted as “suitably warm” or “appropriately gentle,” suggesting a person who is kind-hearted and well-suited to their surroundings or endeavours.
“Tsk,” Lin Shen Gnan (林胜男: “the victorious man of the forest”), a female educated youth, let out a scornful laugh. “Can you believe she still wants to study with a village girl? That’s too degrading.”
- 林” (Lín): This character means “forest”. It symbolises lushness, growth, and a connection to nature.
- “胜男” (Shèngnán): This phrase combines “victory” (胜) with “male” (男). It suggests a triumphant or successful man.
- Thus, “林胜男” (Lín Shèngnán) could be poetically interpreted as “the victorious man of the forest,” indicating a person who is successful and at one with nature, perhaps signifying a strong and resilient character.
Li Qing rolled her eyes. “Really, Lin? Since when did background determine someone’s right to learn?”
Lin Shen Gnan’s disdain was palpable. “Village girls are all brawn and no brain. Wanting to study? Probably doesn’t even recognize a big word. Don’t insult us scholars!”
She snorted, her competitiveness and ambition simmering just below the surface.
In reality, Lin Shen Gnan had seen Gu Shi Chu working during her duty, and she didn’t seem stronger than others. But when she worked, she exuded a commanding presence, with swift and skillful execution. The brigade leader often praised her, which made Lin Shen Gnan jealous, despite her best efforts to hide it.
As a naturally competitive and ambitious person, Lin Shen Gnan had come to the countryside determined to excel, even in agricultural work. Unfortunately, her ambition far exceeded her ability. Compared to other urban-educated female youths, she was only average.
Now, seeing Gu Shi Chu likely to receive a lot of grain and money, Lin Shen Gnan couldn’t help but feel envious. She had to say something sour, if only to mask her own insecurities. If she couldn’t match Gu Shi Chu in agricultural work, then she could only despise her background, calling her a barbaric and vulgar village girl.
The others noticed Lin Shen Gnan’s increasing sarcasm and began to distance themselves from her. While they admired Gu Shi Chu, they had self-awareness. Gu Shi Chu earned more because she worked more, and naturally, she received more. They did less, so naturally, they got less. It was fair, so what was there to be sour about?
Instead of echoing Lin Shen Gnan’s words, they changed the subject, saying, “Let’s hurry up and tidy up. If we go late, we won’t even get a spot. What if we stand outside and can’t hear what the captain says?”
A flurry of activity followed as everyone quickened their pace. The prospect of receiving their grain and money was a welcome incentive. The villagers needed no prompting; they eagerly formed a line at the threshing ground, anticipation buzzing in the air.
A biting wind whipped through the village square, but Gu Shi Chu and Zhang Wei Hong didn’t seem to notice. They huddled with their neighbours, a shared excitement warming them more effectively than any fire.
Today was distribution day, the culmination of a year’s worth of toil on the communal farm. Every family eagerly awaited the captain’s announcement, their fortunes hanging in the balance of his words.
Finally, the stage creaked to life as the village leaders took their places. The captain, a weathered man with calloused hands, spoke first, his voice booming across the hushed crowd. He spoke of the past year, its triumphs and struggles, before finally arriving at the moment everyone craved.
“Li Da Fu’s family,” he declared, consulting his ledger, “earned 11,326 work points this year. You’ll receive 687 catties of rice, 890 catties of corn…”
“Zhou Shi Tou’s family, earned 3,730 work points this year, can receive 196 catties of rice, corn…”
“Chen Er Niu’s family, earned 9,562 work points this year, can receive 485 catties of rice, corn…”
…
One by one, families were called forward. Each successful harvest brought a wave of joy, the air thick with anticipation and the rustling of worn clothes as families shuffled onto the stage to receive their due.
Finally, the captain called out, “Gu Shi Chu’s family, earned 6,557 work points this year. You’ll receive 349 catties of rice, corn… totaling 98.76 yuan.”
Gu Shi Chu’s heart leaped. She exchanged a proud glance with Zhang Wei Hong before navigating the crowd, her steps light and quick.
“Ah, Gu lass!” boomed the village chief, his eyes crinkling at the corners as she reached the table. “Another fine harvest! You work like seven men combined!”
He chuckled, shaking his head in admiration. Gu Shi Chu had a reputation; she was tireless and efficient, a valuable asset to the village. Her dedication never failed to impress him.
─── ❖ ── ☆ ── ❖ ───
( )………( )
(๑✪ᆺ✪๑)
Please check out my other translations~!
In Virtual Reality [COMPLETED]
Novels | Inky Dragon Translations 
Leave a comment