"Secretary, this is more or less my idea. After all, our saplings need to be watered regularly, and the land is on a slope. It's really troublesome to carry water back and forth. Our place is close to the river. If we build a waterwheel and dig a canal, it will not only make things convenient for our family but also for other villagers." Yun Fujin reasoned with the secretary earnestly.
"Before the household - contract responsibility system, some villagers had already put forward the idea of diverting water from the river to irrigate the fields when we were working in the fields. But the old village head didn't agree. So I thought I'd come to ask for your opinion."
The secretary knew about that incident. At that time, many people had talked to the village head, but the village head was a hands - off manager. He only forced the villagers to work hard to bring glory to the village, without considering how to make the villagers' work easier and less painful.
The secretary also had a lot of opinions about this.
But at that time, he didn't have the decision - making power. There was a village head above him, and some words were really hard to say. Even if he said them, they would probably be rejected by the village head, so he just kept his mouth shut.
Now that there is no village head and he is in charge of the village affairs, it's much more convenient for the secretary to do whatever he wants.
"It's worth considering," the secretary nodded after some careful thought. "But digging a canal from the river to irrigate all the fields in the village is a huge project. You see, although this suggestion was put forward by your family, we can't expect your family to do all the work. It might take ages to finish."
Yun Fujin smiled. "So I have to trouble you, Secretary, to talk to the villagers about this. It'd be best if we hold a vote. If the majority agrees, we can organize the villagers to work together."
The secretary sighed. "Kid, your idea is good, and voting is the best way. But look, everyone is busy in the fields at this time. They may not have the energy to dig the canal. Moreover, people may agree easily when just talking about it, but when it comes to actual work, not everyone may support you."
To put it simply, the villagers would surely agree if they could use the canal for free.
But if they were told they had to contribute their labor, especially at this critical moment, the result might be different.
So although the secretary approved of Yun Fujin's suggestion, he wasn't fully confident about it. He wanted to hear Yun Fujin's thoughts.
"Actually, it's not difficult," Yun Fujin said. "To persuade the villagers, we have to appeal to their emotions and reason, so that they can truly understand the benefits of building the canal to us."
"Naturally," the secretary nodded. "Since I've promised to help you with this, I'll surely persuade the villagers well. But kid, this idea alone is not enough. Words sound good, but it may not be so easy in practice. You have to take practical actions to touch their hearts so that they'll follow you."
Yun Fujin smiled calmly. "So this is the first step. If the villagers still don't agree, we can take the second approach."
The secretary became interested. "Then tell me, what's the second approach?"
"Led by our Yun family, we'll dig the canal first. Let everyone see with their own eyes that the canal and waterwheel are really useful. Then everyone will do it voluntarily."
The secretary nodded in approval. "Good. This time you've hit the nail on the head."
The secretary laughed heartily and patted Yun Fujin on the shoulder.
"Kid, you actually have the talent for being an official. It's a pity... It would be great if you could keep studying. Now that the college entrance examination has been restored, if you could go to college, your family wouldn't have to worry about anything in the future."
Hearing this, Yun Fujin felt a bit sad.
It wasn't that he didn't want to study. He just had no other choice.
Including Yun Jianzhou, although the main reason he dropped out of school was that he wasn't suitable for studying, another part of the reason was that the family couldn't afford to send all the children to school.
Yun Jianzhou once told him when he dropped out that instead of exhausting themselves to support his studies without any results, it would be better to focus all their energy on Yun Yi.
As long as one child in the family becomes successful, it's already a blessing from the gods.
Yun Fujin was in a low mood. He didn't want to show these emotions in front of the secretary, so he stood up.
"I don't ask for those things. As long as the children in the family are okay, that's enough. Then, Secretary, I'll leave the rest to you."
The secretary nodded. "Don't worry. I'll find some time to call a meeting of the villagers after I finish my current work."
Yun Fujin looked at the secretary gratefully with his eyes full of thanks. "Thank you very much."
Yun Fujin turned around and left the village office at the entrance. Yun Que'er was waiting for him outside. Seeing Yun Fujin finally come out, Yun Que'er quickly ran up and grabbed his hand.
"Brother, how's it going? Did the secretary agree?"
"You little smarty," Yun Fujin tapped Yun Que'er on the nose. "I told the secretary exactly what you said. The secretary didn't object. You're really amazing."
Yun Que'er blushed shyly at Yun Fujin's praise and scratched her head.
"I just guessed what others were thinking and said it casually. Brother, don't praise me like this. It's so embarrassing."
Yun Fujin chuckled. "There's also a time when you feel embarrassed?"
He sighed softly. "Let's go home."
Seeing that Yun Fujin seemed to be in a low mood, Yun Que'er quickly asked.
"Brother, wasn't it quite smooth? But why do you seem to be in a bad mood?"
Yun Fujin was taken aback. "Do I?"
"It's written all over your face."
Yun Fujin touched his face. He thought he had hidden his emotions well, but Yun Que'er still noticed.
Yun Que'er shook Yun Fujin's hand. "Brother, what exactly happened? Or you can tell me, and I'll share your burden?"
"You're still too young. How can you share my burden?" Yun Fujin stroked Yun Que'er's head. "The secretary just said it would be great if I could keep studying."
He looked up at the road ahead and forced a smile.
"Brother doesn't have much hope in this life. Even if I continued studying, I might not achieve great success. It's better like this now. I'm free. What do you think?"
Even though Yun Fujin said so, Yun Que'er could still see his disappointment.
Looking at Yun Fujin's straight back, she felt a bit heart - ache.
Before time - traveling, Yun Que'er was even older than Yun Fujin. At Yun Fujin's age, he was just a half - grown child.
Full of enthusiasm and ideals, but all of them were extinguished by reality. It was really sad.
Yun Que'er didn't know how to comfort him.
She also understood that even though the family's situation had improved, it was still not good enough.
Even if they let Yun Fujin continue his studies now, he wouldn't agree.