Fishing and Hunting 82, Starting with Three Sisters Who Overprotect Their Brothers

Chapter 123 Land for Impoverished Households

"Great, didn't you see everyone finished it all?" Zhang Wenshan said, pointing to the nearly empty green beans, giving his approval. "Of course, there's still some room for improvement—"

He could tell that his mother was trying to learn how to cook, and he was happy to teach her, sharing all his experience with her.

"City people are particular about what they eat."

"They don't care about quality, where am I supposed to make money selling them?"

As Zhang Wenshan finished speaking, everyone burst into laughter, and the family enjoyed a harmonious time together.

But just then...

A piercing crackling sound of electricity shattered the silence.

Except for Zhang Wenshan, everyone's smiles froze instantly, and their expressions turned solemn.

They got up at the same time and went into the yard.

Zhang Wenshan was confused, but he followed them out, and the old Party Secretary's voice rang out in mid-air.

"Cough cough cough!"

"Attention, comrades! Attention, comrades!"

"This year has been dry with little rain, and we expect there may be a slight drought. We have already informed our superiors and also communicated with several surrounding villages."

"Starting today, the entire brigade will begin drought relief and seedling protection."

"All ponds, dams, and ditches will be uniformly managed by the brigade, and water will be irrigated in rotation according to plots. Water grabbing and indiscriminate digging are prohibited. Any conflicts will be dealt with seriously."

"Don't panic, everyone. Don't listen to or spread rumors. With the organization here, we can overcome any difficulty."

The loudspeaker broadcast the message three times before stopping, but the people in the courtyard remained stunned for a long time.

"Oh my god, why is it so dry?"

From the neighboring courtyard, Aunt Zhu suddenly cried out in alarm, her voice sharp and piercing the sky.

Uncle Han quickly reassured him, "It's alright, didn't the Party Secretary say the drought isn't serious?"

"Even if it's not serious, we can't survive. There was flooding last year, and we didn't get much food to begin with. This is just God trying to kill us!"

Zhang Wenshan was startled.

In my memory, Aunt Zhu was always poised and never lost her composure.

At this moment, she was like a madwoman, slumped on the ground, crying and shouting.

This is not over yet.

Not far away, shouts of anger and sobs rose and fell.

"Damn it, I worked myself to the bone this year, hoping for a good harvest, and it's all gone."

"I asked someone to buy the fertilizer for me."

Zhang Wenshan stood there, stunned, his mind blank.

He was very lucky in his previous life; his area did not suffer any major natural disasters.

Minor disasters were weathered smoothly thanks to the organization and arrangements made above, and people barely felt them.

The only thing that worried me was the nationwide lockdown, but it turned out alright in the end. Even during the hardest times, we just ate instant noodles and received regular deliveries of supplies.

At this moment, he could truly feel a sense of despair emanating from the people around him.

"Alright, let's go take a look in the field."

Zhang Jianshe said something in a hoarse voice, silently picked up his hoe and walked out, with Zhao Hongwei following behind.

"Old Han, let's go!"

He went to the door next door and called inside.

"I, this—"

"It's alright, you can go now."

Xu Xiulian followed along at some point and pulled Aunt Zhu into the house to comfort her.

"Little brother, me too—"

Hearing his older sister's voice, Zhang Wenshan suddenly came to his senses and realized that a lot of people had gathered on the dirt road in front of the door.

The strong, muscular men, carrying farm tools, marched in a large group towards the fields.

He kept complaining, but his pace didn't slow down at all.

"Come with me to the fishing and hunting group," Zhang Wenshan said, pulling the older sister along. "If there's a serious drought, it will be even harder for those in need. We can't just abandon them."

Several thoughts flashed through his mind.

"Go and gather everyone at Uncle Ergui's house. I'll go find the brigade leader."

As Zhang Wenshan spoke, he stepped out of the courtyard and jogged along.

Impoverished households are already unable to farm, so after the land is allocated, they either have to grit their teeth and work hard, or secretly rent it out to others.

Now that the drought has started, I'm afraid they may not be able to take care of their land.

Even if I don't know, I have to do something since I'm in the thick of it.

Along the way, people gradually gathered around the well in the center of the village, carrying water containers.

The captain happened to be there with his men maintaining order.

"What's all the noise about?"

"How old are they? Don't they know any better?"

"Queuing up to get water."

Wang Tieshan blew his beard and glared, scolding those who wanted to rush forward.

"Uncle, I need to talk to you about something." Zhang Wenshan quickly stepped forward. "What's the team doing with the families in need?"

"Just normal relief, there's not much else to do."

"I have an idea. During this period, our fishing and hunting team will be responsible for supplying fish."

Zhang Wenshan shared his thoughts.

Luckily, everyone had caught some fish before, and those in need had some in stock. With that, plus the new fish we catch every day, it should be enough.

"Should we switch places and let everyone protect their land?" Wang Tieshan immediately understood.

"That's right." Zhang Wenshan nodded. "If the drought gets too severe, I'm afraid even if we have money, we won't be able to buy food. Without a guarantee, my business won't be able to continue operating."

With the drought looming, no matter what he says, the members of the fishing and hunting group will go back to farming.

This is a deeply ingrained belief that cannot be changed by a few words or promises.

"Clearing the clogged old canal and digging the new one will require a lot of people," Wang Tieshan asked worriedly. "Can you provide half of them?"

"Pretty much, we caught quite a few fish before." Zhang Wenshan asked in a low voice, "Isn't there any support from above?"

"I'll take it, but I don't know when it will arrive." Wang Tieshan hesitated for a moment before asking, "What about the agricultural machinery factory—"

"I'll go ask."

"Okay, if it works out, the team will remember your contribution. And if anyone dares to mess with you again, I'll chop them to pieces."

Wang Tieshan said solemnly.

He went out with the old Party Secretary, and when he returned he learned about what Li Dong had done, but it was too late to deal with it.

"You just need to give me more support."

"Absolutely."

After bidding farewell to the brigade leader, Zhang Wenshan went straight to Ge Ergui's house.

The fishing and hunting team had all arrived, their faces filled with worry.

"I've already discussed it with the brigade leader. We'll be responsible for supplying the food for those clearing and digging the canals, and the team will arrange for someone to take care of everyone's land."

As Zhang Wenshan finished speaking...

The courtyard fell into a deathly silence, followed by an incredulous sound.

"Team leader, really?"

"Of course it's true, but we'll be using fish that everyone just caught, so don't be stingy," Zhang Wenshan joked. "Use them, use them freely, I'll go back and get them right now."

"Don't rush, have you already pickled your fish?" Zhang Wenshan waved his hand and said, "Let's continue with the catfish and willow root; we'll eat those first today."

"Isn't this supposed to be sold for money?"

"It's alright, let's focus on the present. Anyway, we're going to have the goods inspected by the state-run restaurant tomorrow, so we can keep only a small amount."

"Then, this—"

"Team leader, thank you."

-

"7

As the prince spoke, he bent his knees and was about to kneel on the ground.