Chapter 263 A Far-Reaching Speech
Help and Correct Brigade
Under the gaze of four or five hundred tribesmen, Deng Shirong, the newly appointed tribal leader, delivered a far-reaching speech.
"Shaking off poverty and becoming prosperous—these four words are easy to say but hard to achieve."
Deng Shirong looked at the quietly listening crowd and continued solemnly, "Let's not dwell on the past. Just in the last year or two, after land was allocated to households, everyone's enthusiasm soared because the harvest after paying public grain was their own. People worked harder, and the yields did increase compared to before.
"On top of that, families raised more pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese, and life seemed to be improving.
"But if we truly want to escape poverty and prosper, we can't rely solely on these efforts."
Hearing this, one tribesman spoke up, "Uncle Jiu, we're all following your lead now. We've reclaimed the mountains allocated for orchards and planted lychee trees. Once they bear fruit, shouldn't we be able to shake off poverty and prosper?"
Another chimed in, "That's right, Uncle Jiu! This year, you sold lychees for over 1,000 yuan and watermelons for nearly 5,000 yuan. Now that we've reclaimed our orchards, once the weather warms up and we plant lychee trees and watermelons, won't we be on the fast track to prosperity?"
Deng Shirong smiled. "Indeed, reclaiming orchards and planting fruit now should bring substantial profits in the coming years, allowing everyone to enjoy a better life. But as more people start growing fruit, profits will likely shrink over time."
Deng Yungui, standing in the crowd, nodded in agreement. "Uncle Jiu makes a good point. Anything in excess loses its value—even people. When my first son was born, I was overjoyed, carrying him on my shoulders all day as I walked around the village. But by the time my second, third, and even fourth sons came along, I couldn't be bothered to hold them."
The crowd erupted in laughter.
Deng Yungui wasn't alone in this experience. Over 80% of those present were parents, and most had similar stories. When their first son was born, they doted on him endlessly, never losing patience no matter how noisy he was.
But with more children, their attitudes shifted—scoldings and beatings became routine. The difference in treatment was stark.
"So, if we want to get rich from fruit farming, our small mountain plots alone won't cut it—unless we contract large swathes of land for cultivation."
Deng Shirong continued, "The same goes for raising pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese. They can provide decent income, but unless it's large-scale farming, a few pigs or a couple of dozen poultry won't lift us out of poverty."
Deng Yunqiang, the first in Help and Correct Brigade to follow Uncle Jiu's lead in growing lychees (thanks to his son and daughter-in-law), had already tasted success this year. Now, hearing Uncle Jiu predict that fruit farming might only be profitable for a few more years, he grew uneasy and asked, "Uncle Jiu, what should we do to truly escape poverty and prosper?"
This was the question on everyone's mind.
All eyes turned to Deng Shirong, the new tribal leader, awaiting his answer.
"There are many paths to prosperity—business, land contracts for farming, or large-scale livestock rearing all hold potential. But each carries significant risks."
Deng Shirong elaborated: "Take business, for example. No venture is guaranteed to turn a profit. A single misstep could wipe out years of hard-earned savings.
"Contracting land for farming is no different. Take the pepper fields in Dragon Lake—this year's frost killed the entire crop. And with typhoons frequent here, large-scale farming could easily be ruined by natural disasters.
"Large-scale livestock farming is even riskier. A single outbreak of disease could wipe out entire herds, undoing years—or even decades—of work. Even without disease, turning a profit isn't guaranteed. There are too many variables!
"So while these methods are worth trying, they're only feasible for a handful. In my view, there's only one path truly suited for everyone: educating your children well and sending them to school."
The crowd had nodded along earlier, but now they exchanged puzzled glances. This was about escaping poverty—what did schooling have to do with it?
One tribesman voiced the question: "Uncle Jiu, how does children's education connect to poverty alleviation?"
Deng Shirong replied, "Of course it's connected. As the saying goes, 'All trades pale in comparison to scholarship.' Education is the surest way out for most rural folk. Right now, the state guarantees jobs for graduates of technical schools, junior colleges, and universities—and those graduates become cadres.
"If a family produces a cadre, the entire household's fortunes change. That's a true win-win."
Deng Shian chimed in, "Absolutely! Take Deng Yunheng, the clan leader's second son. He got into Peking University and became a high-ranking cadre upon graduating. With steady effort, he could be a county magistrate in just over a decade.
"If he reaches that point, it'll bring immense honor to the family. Our Deng genealogy would dedicate a new page to his achievements. Just imagine—what greater glory could there be?"
The crowd buzzed with excitement. A dedicated page in the family genealogy—in rural areas where clan ties run deep, who wouldn't crave such an honor?
It's like how accomplished figures throughout history sought to immortalize their names.
In later generations, when donations were collected to rebuild ancestral halls, clansmen eagerly contributed just to have their names etched on the merit tablets.
But a name on an ancestral hall tablet is nothing compared to a dedicated genealogy page. The difference is night and day.
Ancestral hall tablets last maybe 20 or 30 years before being replaced during renovations. But a family genealogy endures as long as the bloodline continues.
So a dedicated genealogy page is the highest honor a clansman can achieve.
Yet soon, someone sighed, "Secretary, Clan Leader, we all know education's benefits. But if the kids aren't cut out for studying, what can we parents do?"
Others quickly echoed the sentiment:
"Exactly! My boy's never passed a single exam. Expecting him to get into university and change our fate? Impossible!"
"Same here. After Uncle Yunheng got into Peking University, I pushed my kids hard too. But none have the knack for studying. I'm illiterate myself—how can I teach them? Even if I wanted to, I don't have the time. They're hopeless."
"My kid's beyond saving too. Last exam, he handed in a blank paper. Nearly killed me with anger!"
"..."
Deng Shirong nodded understandingly at his clansmen's complaints.
Even in later generations, rural families would never emphasize education as strongly as urban ones. City parents considered helping with homework and study sessions basic - those who could afford it hired tutors and enrolled children in cram schools.
But in villages? Apart from a handful of strict families, most took a laissez-faire approach.
"If you can study, study. If not, go work elsewhere - no big deal."
Deng Shirong's task was changing this mindset. Raising a hand for silence, he declared, "I understand everyone's difficulties, but education is a long-term investment. The more clan members entering high school, technical secondary schools, junior colleges or universities, the stronger our Thatchfield Deng clan becomes.
"Therefore, I propose establishing clan education funds - grants for impoverished students with good grades, and scholarships rewarding admission to higher education. Funding will come from voluntary donations. Thoughts?"
In future decades, most Bobai County clans would adopt this practice - rewarding university admissions through voluntary contributions, especially from successful businessmen seeking prestige.
While the actual impact was limited (university admission hardly depended on clan rewards), it boosted communal cohesion. Introducing this system early could prove more effective now - when financial struggles made clan rewards genuinely meaningful - than in later years when such bonuses became mere tokens.
Deng Shian clapped enthusiastically, "Education is the foundation! These grants and scholarships are brilliant. Making you clan leader was absolutely right - under your guidance, our Thatchfield Dengs will flourish!"
Deng Yungui voiced strong support: "Uncle Jiu's proposal benefits the entire clan. Count me in for donations."
Deng Yunjun added, "This requires long-term sustainability. We should mobilize all clansmen, especially migrant workers. However small, every contribution counts."
Deng Yunqiang agreed: "United we stand. Everyone has or will have schoolchildren. Those with money contribute funds; others offer labor. We must make this work."
The crowd murmured approval. As Deng Yungui said, this clan-benefiting initiative wasn't mandatory - only fools would oppose it.
Seeing consensus, Deng Shirong smiled. "We'll publish annual donor honor rolls in the ancestral hall, showing our ancestors how united and prosperous we've become."
This electrified potential donors.
We're all human. Faced with anonymous giving versus public recognition, 99% prefer the latter.
"Motion carried. I'll draft regulations for implementation this summer. Donations start tomorrow. Changqian, you'll handle collections and records. Agreed?" Deng Shirong asked the Thatchfield production team's trustworthy accountant.
"Understood, Uncle Jiu!"
"Final points," Deng Shirong concluded. "Beyond farming, prioritize orchard reclamation and fast-maturing fruit varieties. My projections suggest peak profitability lasts only a few years before market saturation.
"After several profitable years, I'll introduce new ventures. We'll make Thatchfield Dengs the wealthiest clan in Quandouble Prosperity - nay, all of Bobai! Soon, families will boast when their daughters marry our Deng men!"
"Brilliant speech, Uncle Jiu!"
"If only that day comes!"
"With your leadership, Uncle Jiu, we'll surely succeed!"
The intoxicating vision left clansmen buzzing with excitement as if injected with adrenaline, each brimming with newfound energy and hope for the future.
As the meeting adjourned, clansmen returned to their respective villages, animatedly discussing the assembly's proceedings. Within an hour, news of Uncle Jiu's ascension as Thatchfield Deng Clan's new leader had spread throughout Help and Correct Brigade. The new leader's visionary speech circulated rapidly - filling Deng clansmen with pride while leaving other surnames green with envy.
...
Returning home from the assembly, Deng Shirong was greeted by beaming sons and daughters-in-law offering congratulations. Though clan leaders no longer held the absolute authority of feudal times, the position still commanded significant influence - certainly cause for celebration.
After domestic chatter, Zhang Xiuping mentioned, "Father, we're going to Bobai tomorrow. My maternal relatives may stay several days, so I need to prepare accommodations."
"Purchase several bunk beds then," Deng Shirong instructed. "Two for my room, two for the first-floor living area - that should house everyone comfortably. Of course, if you find suitable property, feel free to purchase it at your discretion."
Zhang Xiuping smiled. "I thought we might use my cousin's house."
"That location's rather inconvenient," Deng Shirong countered. "Better to buy extra beds - family won't mind crowding temporarily. But do purchase nearby property if available. I'd intended to buy another house previously but never found the right one."
"Understood!"
Zhang Xiuping turned to her sister-in-law. "Azhen, will you join us tomorrow?"
Deng Yunzhen shook her head. "You go ahead, sister-in-law. I'll stay with Xiaodong awhile longer - county baths are too chilly now. Here by the hearth, we can bathe her warmly without catching cold."
Knowing this arrangement worked best, Zhang Xiuping nodded gratefully. "Then we'll trouble you, auntie."
Deng Yunzhen chuckled. "No trouble at all - the whole family dotes on Xiaodong."
Across the hearth, Deng Yuntai clapped Deng Yunsong's shoulder. "With your marks, you'll easily qualify for the city's top high school. But our county's Broad High is nearly as good - and more convenient for boarding."
Deng Yunsong agreed. "Barring surprises, I'll likely choose Broad High."
Deng Shirong interjected, "The gap between Broad High and Jade Pole isn't vast. Jade Pole has superior faculty and elite students - excelling there virtually guarantees Tsinghua or Peking University admission. Broad High's competition is lighter though - maintaining top rank could achieve the same result."
Deng Yunzhen added encouragingly, "Work hard, Xiaosong! Imagine our family's prestige with another Tsinghua/Peking University scholar in three years!"
Zhang Xiuping recalled the village's excitement when Second Uncle entered Peking University. "Even the commune secretary would come personally to congratulate us!"
Though confidence shone in his eyes, Deng Yunsong remained modest. "Those universities are extremely competitive - but I'll give my utmost."
Deng Yuntai then queried, "Father, regarding the clan's education grants - what rewards do you envision for top universities?"
"Since you ask, I'll outline my thoughts for feedback," Deng Shirong replied. As his family leaned in attentively, he detailed:
"High school admission: 50 yuan"
Deng Yuntai gasped. "That's quite generous! Even at clan scale, this could cost thousands yearly."
"Worth every fen," Deng Shirong asserted. "While high school doesn't guarantee state employment, graduates remain valuable assets for future clan development."
"Technical secondary schools?"
"100 yuan each."
"Reasonable - we'd have few such students annually."
Deng Yunzhen asked, "Junior colleges?"
"150 yuan."
Zhang Xiuping inquired, "And universities?"
Here Deng Shirong unveiled a tiered system:
"Standard universities: 180 yuan
Top 100 national universities: 200 yuan
Elite institutions (Shanghai Jiaotong, Xi'an Jiaotong, Peking Union Medical College, etc.): 300 yuan
Zhejiang/Nankai Universities: 500 yuan
USTC/Nanjing/Fudan Universities: 800 yuan
Tsinghua/Peking Universities: 1,000 yuan"
(Note: While no official rankings existed then, Deng Shirong adapted a later-era framework he found credible, remaining open to adjustments.)
The family was startled by this detailed stratification - beyond recognizing Tsinghua/Peking's preeminence, other distinctions were new to them. Yet none disputed the generous rewards, knowing how few clansmen would qualify.
Indeed, Thatchfield Village had produced only one university graduate thus far - Deng Yunheng - with no clear successor in sight. Many neighboring villages still awaited their first college student, underscoring the era's scarcity of higher education.
Deng Yunhua's eyes widened regretfully. "Second Brother just missed these rewards! But Third Brother - with your talent, you could claim that 1,000 yuan prize!"
Fired by this challenge, Deng Yunsong silently vowed to become the first clansman to secure the clan's highest academic honor.
(End of Chapter)