The temperature in some areas was still too low, and frost damage occurred in the plastic greenhouses without charcoal braziers.
Fortunately, the individuals assigned to care for the greenhouses were meticulous and promptly notified the brigade leader upon discovering the issue.
The greenhouses had become a significant focus for everyone, so resolving the problem was the top priority.
Upon inspection, it was evident that the greenhouses with two charcoal braziers had the best conditions. The evenly placed braziers ensured consistent temperatures throughout.
The brigade leader decided to introduce charcoal heating in the other greenhouses as well.
To further improve cost efficiency, Lin Zhen made a trip to the city and returned with several stoves. Though somewhat worn, the stoves could burn corn cobs, dry wood, and pinecones—offering a much cheaper alternative to charcoal.
With everyone’s careful attention, the vegetables continued to grow steadily.
While the greenhouse vegetables grew well, the ones in Song Wei’s warm room thrived even more. Small greens like bok choy and lettuce had already matured, and Song Wei and Lin Zhen were enjoying fresh harvests.
Tomatoes and eggplants had also begun to bear fruit, drawing curious villagers to Lin Zhen’s house for a look.
Lin Zhen took the opportunity to subtly ask the visiting women about local customs surrounding engagements and weddings.
Before long, news spread throughout the brigade: Lin Zhen and Song Wei were preparing to get married.
Song Wei wrote a letter to her brother, informing him of the engagement and sending him some knitted sweaters, preserved meat, and other items.
Her brother, Song Jing, wouldn’t be able to attend the engagement but was expected to request leave to attend the wedding.
Since engagements were less elaborate than weddings, Song Wei and Lin Zhen planned to hold the event when the tomatoes ripened, adding more variety to the banquet.
Lin Zhen consulted an elder in the village who was knowledgeable about auspicious dates. They settled on a day around the time of the Little New Year and began preparing in earnest.
The house needed renovations, and furniture had to be purchased. Song Wei even sketched designs for practical yet aesthetically pleasing furniture.
Unfortunately, materials like foam particles were unavailable, and cotton was scarce. Otherwise, she would have loved to create a soft sofa.
During this time, an accident occurred in the village.
An elderly woman slipped on ice outside her home early in the morning, fell unconscious, and frightened her family. Her son rushed to the brigade leader, begging for help.
“It’s snowing so heavily; how can we get out? Even a bicycle can’t handle this deep snow!”
“What should we do, brigade leader? My mother is dying!”
The middle-aged man was in tears, his panic evident as he knelt on the ground.
“Please, brigade leader, think of something! Don’t let my mother die!”
His desperation was palpable, and the brigade leader felt the pressure mounting. He gritted his teeth and offered an alternative.
“There’s one way, but it’s risky.”
Eventually, the brigade leader decided to seek help from Old Ji.
Lin Zhen wasn’t pleased with the idea.
Given the elderly woman’s critical condition, even with treatment, the risk of failure was high. If something went wrong, Old Ji could face backlash, especially considering the existing prejudice some villagers held against him.
The brigade leader wiped his face in frustration. “We have no other choice. The snow is too deep. Even for healthy people, leaving the village is nearly impossible right now.”
“We’ll quietly bring Old Ji to see her. If he can help, great. If not, we’ll bring him back discreetly to avoid drawing attention. If he manages to save her, I’ll personally plead with the leadership to appoint him as our village doctor. He’s more than earned it.”
Every winter, illnesses among children and the elderly became a common issue. Most villagers coped with ginger tea and sheer endurance. Those with weaker constitutions would suffer until they could afford a trip to the hospital, often worsening their condition.
Each year, there were cases of severe health declines or fatalities due to delayed treatment.
Lin Zhen took it upon himself to fetch Old Ji.
Bundled in a military coat, Lin Zhen explained the situation to Old Ji, leaving the decision to him.
After everything he had been through, Old Ji was hesitant to involve himself in such matters.
But in the end, he sighed deeply. “Let’s go. I’ll take a look.”
Despite his reservations, Old Ji felt a sense of gratitude toward the Ping’an Brigade.
The kindness shown to him by Lin Zhen, Song Wei, and the brigade leader had given him a semblance of peace after years of turmoil. While life here was tough, it was free from humiliation.
He decided to help, even if it came at a cost.
Lin Zhen draped his military coat over the elder and carried him to the family’s home via a secluded path, avoiding attention.
Old Ji examined the elderly woman and nodded. “She can be treated, but I’ll need some medicine.”
As before, Song Wei provided the necessary supplies.
When Lin Zhen returned with the medicine, Song Wei accompanied him to check on the situation but soon left, realizing she wasn’t needed.
Since she was already out, Song Wei decided to head to the mountains.
“Heading into the mountains?” Lin Zhen intercepted her before she could sneak away.
“Yep,” she replied confidently, motioning for him to lower his head. She whispered, “Last time I found a spot where a herd of wild goats was grazing. I want to see if I can catch one.”
Lin Zhen nodded. “I’ll go with you.”
She hesitated, glancing at his leg. “Are you sure you’re up for it?”
“Don’t worry. As long as I don’t strain it, I’ll be fine.”
His leg had fully healed, and he could walk normally. Unless he exerted too much force, no one would notice anything amiss.
“Fine, but you’re not lifting a finger on this trip.”
Lin Zhen chuckled, placing a hand on her head. “Got it. I’ll rely on you to take care of me.”
The two set off into the snowy forest, leaving a trail of footprints behind.
Despite his recent recovery, Lin Zhen’s stamina hadn’t diminished. He kept pace with Song Wei effortlessly as they trekked into the deep woods.
Following her memory, Song Wei led them to the area where she had previously spotted goat tracks.
With both of them experienced in the wild, they quickly found signs of the herd.
Wild goats, adept climbers, easily traversed cliffs and scaled low trees to forage on leaves or paw through the snow for grass and moss.
Crouching in the snow, Song Wei fixed her gaze on a sturdy, well-fed billy goat.
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