Chapter 263: A Speech with Lasting Impact

Chapter 263: A Speech with Lasting Impact

In the Bangjie Brigade, under the watchful eyes of four to five hundred clansmen, the new clan leader, Deng Shirong, delivered a speech that would have a profound impact.

“Eradicating poverty and achieving prosperity—these four words are easy to say, but they are incredibly difficult to achieve.”

Deng Shirong looked at the quiet, attentive clansmen and spoke solemnly, “In the past, it wasn’t worth mentioning, but in the last couple of years, since the land was divided among households, the enthusiasm of everyone has increased. With the grain we produce, after paying the public quota, what remains is ours, so everyone has been working hard, and the harvest has indeed been better than before.

Moreover, everyone has been raising more pigs and a good number of chickens, ducks, and geese. Life seems to be getting better and better.

However, if we want to truly eradicate poverty and achieve prosperity, relying solely on these efforts is not enough.”

At this point, one of the clansmen spoke up, “Uncle Jiugong, we are all following your example and turning the allocated hills into orchards. Once we plant the lychee trees, shouldn’t we be able to eradicate poverty and achieve prosperity?”

Another clansman added, “That’s right, Uncle Jiugong. This year, you made over a thousand yuan from selling lychees and nearly five thousand from selling watermelons. We have all cleared our orchards and plan to plant lychee trees and watermelons as soon as the weather warms up. Won’t we be able to eradicate poverty and achieve prosperity soon?”

Deng Shirong smiled, “Indeed, planting orchards and growing fruits should bring in a good income over the next few years, allowing everyone to enjoy a few years of good living. But as more and more people start planting fruits, it will become increasingly difficult to make money.”

Deng Yun-gui, who was in the crowd, nodded in agreement, “Uncle Jiugong is right. No matter what, when there’s too much of something, it loses its value. Even with people, it’s the same. When I had my first son, I was so happy that I carried him on my shoulders and walked around the village all day. But when the second, third, and fourth sons came, I didn’t even bother to hold them.”

This remark drew laughter from everyone.

Many in the crowd had similar experiences. Over 80% of the people there were family heads, and most had gone through the same. When their first son was born, they treated him like a treasure, never getting angry no matter how much he misbehaved. But as more sons came, their attitudes changed, and they were more likely to punish them, treating them very differently.

“So, if we want to get rich by planting fruit trees, we need to lease large areas of land. Otherwise, with the limited land we have, it won’t be enough.”

Deng Shirong continued, “Raising pigs and chickens, ducks, and geese is also a good source of income, but unless we do it on a large scale, it won’t be enough to get rich. Just a few pigs and a few dozen chickens and ducks won’t cut it.”

Deng Yun-qiang, who had been the first in the Bangjie Brigade to follow Uncle Jiugong and plant lychees, had tasted the benefits this year. Hearing Uncle Jiugong’s prediction that fruit planting might only be profitable for a few years, he felt a bit worried and asked, “Uncle Jiugong, what should we do to truly eradicate poverty and achieve prosperity?”

This was a question everyone wanted to know the answer to. They all looked at the new clan leader, Deng Shirong, waiting for his response.

“There are several ways to eradicate poverty and achieve prosperity, such as doing business, leasing land for planting, or large-scale farming. Each of these methods has the potential to help us get rich, but they also come with significant risks.”

Deng Shirong explained, “Take doing business, for example. There is no such thing as a risk-free business. Any business venture carries risks. If you’re not careful and incur a loss, you might lose all the capital you’ve saved over the years.

Leasing land for planting is also risky. I’ve heard that the pepper plantation in Longtan suffered from the cold and frost this year, which damaged or killed the trees. We also have frequent typhoons. If you plant on a large scale and encounter such natural disasters, you could lose everything.

Large-scale farming is even riskier. If an epidemic breaks out, it could wipe out a large number of animals. Just one such incident could set you back for years, even decades. Even if there’s no epidemic, raising animals doesn’t guarantee a profit. There are many factors involved.”

“So, while you can try these methods, they may only be suitable for a few people. In my view, the method that is truly suitable for everyone is to educate our children and encourage them to study.”

Hearing this, the clansmen nodded in agreement at first. But then they looked at each other in confusion. How did educating children relate to eradicating poverty and achieving prosperity?

One of the clansmen asked, “Uncle Jiugong, how does eradicating poverty and achieving prosperity relate to our children’s education?”

Deng Shirong replied, “It’s definitely related. As the saying goes, ‘All professions are lowly, but only scholarship is high.’ Education is the only way out for most rural people. Nowadays, the state provides job placements for those who graduate from vocational schools, colleges, and universities, and they become civil servants immediately upon graduation.

If a family produces a civil servant, the entire family’s fate will change. This is truly a one-time investment with lifelong benefits.”

Hearing this, Deng Shian couldn’t help but interject, “That’s absolutely true. Take the clan leader’s second son, Deng Yun-heng, for example. He was accepted into Peking University and became a high-ranking civil servant upon graduation. If he continues to progress step by step, in just a few decades, he might even surpass the county magistrate in rank.

If he reaches that level, it will truly be a source of pride for the clan. Our clan’s genealogy will have to open a new page to record his achievements. Imagine how great an honor that would be!”

His words stirred the blood of the clansmen. Opening a new page in the clan’s genealogy was a tremendous honor in a rural community with strong clan values. Just like those with exceptional abilities who seek to leave a legacy, everyone wanted this honor.

In the future, when donating money to build a clan hall, people would eagerly contribute to have their names inscribed on the donor’s monument. But how could that compare to having a new page in the clan’s genealogy? The genealogy would continue as long as the clan’s surname persisted, while the donor’s monument would only last a few decades before being replaced during the next construction.

Therefore, having a new page in the clan’s genealogy was the greatest honor for the clansmen.

But soon, someone deflated the mood, “Secretary, Clan Leader, we all know the benefits of education, but what if our children are not good at studying? As parents, we can’t do anything about it.”

This remark immediately drew agreement from the other clansmen.

“That’s right. My son has never passed an exam. Relying on him to get into university and change our family’s fate is impossible.”

“

Indeed, after Uncle Yunheng got into Peking University, I also tried my best to manage my own kids. Unfortunately, none of them were cut out for school. I can’t even read or write, so I couldn’t teach them even if I wanted to. I also didn’t have the time to teach them. I guess there’s no hope for them.”

“My kids are hopeless too. They handed in a blank test paper last time, almost giving me a heart attack!”

“...”

Hearing the complaints of his clansmen, Deng Shirong understood completely.

Even in modern times, the emphasis on education in rural areas is nowhere near that of urban areas. In cities, parents often help their children with homework and accompany them to school. Those who can afford it hire tutors and enroll their children in various after-school programs.

In the countryside, however, most families adopt a laissez-faire attitude. If you can study, great; if not, you go out and work. Simple as that.

What Deng Shirong needed to do was change this mindset. He raised his hand to quiet the crowd and then said, “I understand everyone’s difficulties, but education is a long-term investment. The more of our clansmen who can get into high school, vocational school, college, or university, the stronger our clan will become.

Therefore, I propose setting up a scholarship and financial aid program within the clan. The financial aid will help those who are struggling financially but have good grades. The scholarship will reward those who get into high school, vocational school, college, or university.

The funding will come from voluntary donations from all clansmen. What do you think?”

In modern times, in Bobai County, most clans do something similar. When someone from the clan gets into university, they are given a reward. The funds are usually from voluntary donations, especially from successful business owners who care about their reputation.

The effect of this is limited; whether someone gets into university isn’t entirely dependent on the small amount of money awarded. However, it does help build cohesion within the clan. By implementing this now, Deng Shirong believed it would have a positive impact.

After all, in modern times, most families aren’t short of that money, so the reward is just a pleasant surprise. But now, when most families are struggling, the reward from the clan is very tempting.

Deng Shian, hearing this, clapped excitedly and said, “Education is a long-term investment, and you’ve said it well. The idea of scholarships and financial aid is excellent. I didn’t choose the wrong person by making you the clan leader. Under your leadership, our clan will surely become stronger.”

Deng YunGui also strongly agreed, “Uncle Nine’s proposal is great. This is a benefit for the entire clan. I’ll be sure to donate.”

Deng YunJun nodded, “The scholarship and financial aid programs need to be sustained over the long term. Relying on a few people’s donations won’t be enough. It’s best if the entire clan contributes. Many of our clansmen work outside, and I think it’s important to notify them. Any donation, big or small, is a gesture of goodwill.”

Deng YunQiang added, “Exactly. Unity is strength. Who doesn’t have children in school? Even if it’s not this generation, it will be the next. This is an opportunity for every clansman to benefit. Those who can donate should, and those who can contribute in other ways should do so. We must make this happen.”

The other clansmen also agreed. As Deng YunGui said, this is a benefit for the entire clan, and since it’s not mandatory, who would refuse such a good thing?

Seeing no objections, Deng Shirong smiled and said, “We’ll create a donor honor roll each year and post it in the ancestral hall. Let our ancestors see how united we are and how prosperous our clan has become.”

This naturally gained everyone’s support, and those who were prepared to donate were even more excited.

We are all human, with our own emotions. Ninety-nine percent of people would choose to have their name on the honor roll rather than donate anonymously.

“Alright, it’s settled. I’ll draft the detailed rules and start implementing them after this year’s summer exams. Donations will begin tomorrow, and Changqian, you’ll be responsible for collecting and recording the funds. Is that okay?”

“No problem, Uncle Nine!”

Deng Changqian was the accountant of the Nayeh production team, known for his integrity. He was the right person for handling financial matters.

“I’ll say this much for now. In addition to farming, our main focus will be on developing orchards. We need to plant fruit trees as soon as possible. It’s best to choose varieties that yield results quickly because, based on my predictions, the next few years will be the best time to make money from fruit. It will be harder to make the same kind of profit after that.”

Deng Shirong concluded, “After making money from fruit for a few years, I’ll come up with other sustainable projects. Our goal is to make the Nayeh Deng clan the wealthiest in Shuangwang and even all of Bobai. We want other clans’ daughters to be proud to marry into our clan.”

“Uncle Nine, that’s a great plan!”

“I wish that day would come!”

“Uncle Nine, I believe you have the ability to lead us to that goal.”

“...”

The grand vision Deng Shirong painted was too enticing. Whether or not it would come true, just the thought of it was enough to energize the clansmen, filling them with enthusiasm and confidence for the future.

After the meeting, the clansmen from each village returned home, discussing the matters discussed at the clan meeting along the way.

An hour later, the news that Uncle Nine had become the new clan leader spread throughout the Bangjie Brigade. His speech at the clan meeting was also widely shared. The Deng clansmen were naturally elated, while those from other clans could only feel envious.

...

After the clan meeting, Deng Shirong returned home to find his children and daughter-in-law smiling and congratulating him. Although the position of clan leader in this era wasn’t as prestigious as in the old days, it still held significant influence within the clan, which was certainly a cause for celebration.

After discussing clan matters, Zhang Xiuping said, “Dad, we plan to go to Bobai tomorrow. My mother’s side of the family might come to stay for a few days, so I need to arrange everything in advance.”

Deng Shirong immediately replied, “When you go, buy a few more bunk beds. Include my room, and put two beds in each room. You can also put two in the living room on the first floor. This way, your mother’s side of the family will have enough space.”

"Of course, if you see a suitable house, you can buy it. You can make that decision yourselves."

Zhang Xiuping smiled. "I was planning to use my cousin's house there!"

Deng Shirong said, "Living there is fine, but the house is a bit remote, and it’s not very convenient for travel. It would be better to buy a few more beds and have everyone stay together. After all, we’re all family, so it doesn’t matter if it’s a bit crowded. If there’s a suitable house nearby, you can buy it. I was thinking of buying another house before, but I didn’t find one that was right."

"Alright, I understand!"

Zhang Xiuping nodded and looked at her sister-in-law. "Ah Zhen, are you coming with us tomorrow?"

Deng Yunzhen shook her head. "Sister-in-law, you go ahead. I’ll stay home a bit longer with Little Donger. We’ll go up when the weather warms up. It’s too cold now, and it’s inconvenient to give Little Donger a bath in the county town. I’m afraid she might catch a cold if I dress her too slowly. At home, at least we have a fire pit to keep warm, and I can even give her a bath by the fire, so she won’t catch a chill when I dress her."

Zhang Xiuping understood the situation. She and her sister-in-law got along like sisters, so she didn’t hesitate to say, "Alright, then. Thanks for taking care of her, Big Sister."

Deng Yunzhen smiled. "It’s no trouble at all. Little Donger is very popular at home, and there are plenty of people to play with her."

Sitting across the fire, Deng Yuntai patted Deng Yongsong’s shoulder. "Xiao Song, with your grades, you could easily get into the best high school in the city. However, I think the best high school in our county isn’t much worse than the city’s. Studying in the city alone isn’t very convenient, so why don’t you choose to study in the county town? That way, everything will be more convenient."

Deng Yongsong nodded. "I was thinking the same thing. If everything goes as planned, I’ll choose Bogao High School."

Deng Shirong said, "The gap between Bogao and Yuga isn’t that big. You can choose either one. Yuga has better teachers and attracts the best students from the city, so there are more top students there. If you can stand out there, getting into Tsinghua or Peking University is almost guaranteed. In comparison, Bogao has slightly weaker teachers and students, but the competition is less intense, making it easier for you to stand out and get the school’s attention. As long as you stay at the top of your class, getting into Tsinghua or Peking University is still very likely."

Deng Yunzhen added, "Xiao Song, you need to work hard. In three and a half years, we hope you can become another Tsinghua or Peking University graduate from our family. I can’t even imagine how proud our family will be in the village then."

Zhang Xiuping thought about when her second uncle got into Peking University and the excitement it caused in the village. She agreed, "At that time, even the commune secretary will come to congratulate us."

Deng Yongsong’s eyes were full of confidence, but he humbly said, "Getting into Tsinghua or Peking University isn’t easy. I’ll do my best!"

Hearing this, Deng Yuntai looked at his father and asked, "Dad, you mentioned setting up a scholarship and award system for the clan. If someone gets into high school or above, they will receive a reward. How much do you plan to award for Tsinghua or Peking University?"

"Since you asked, I’ll share my thoughts and see if they make sense to you."

"Go ahead, Dad, we’re listening."

Seeing his children and their spouses interested, Deng Shirong said, "Anyone who gets into high school will receive 50 yuan."

Deng Yuntai was shocked. "Dad, that’s a lot. We don’t have many high school students in our village, but there are some. If we expand this to the entire clan, there will be at least a dozen or two high school students each year, which means spending over a thousand yuan just on this."

Deng Shirong said, "It’s worth it for the clan to spend this money. Although high school graduates aren’t guaranteed jobs by the state, they are still highly valued. In this era, a high school degree is considered a high level of education, and the clan will have many uses for them in the future."

Deng Yuntai asked, "If high school is 50 yuan, how much for a vocational school?"

Deng Shirong said, "For a vocational school, 100 yuan."

Deng Yuntai nodded. "The clan doesn’t produce many vocational school graduates each year, so this reward is quite appropriate."

Deng Yunzhen followed up, "Dad, how much for a junior college?"

Deng Shirong said, "For a junior college, 150 yuan."

This was reasonable, as there were even fewer junior college graduates.

Zhang Xiuping asked with interest, "Dad, what about university?"

Deng Shirong said, "For universities, I’ve divided them into several tiers. A regular university gets 180 yuan; a national key university gets 200 yuan; if it’s a top-tier university like Shanghai Jiao Tong, Xi’an Jiao Tong, Peking Union Medical College, Shanghai Medical University, Beijing Medical University, Beihang University, Wuhan University, Beijing Normal University, or Harbin Institute of Technology, the reward is 300 yuan;

If it’s Zhejiang University or Nankai University, the reward is 500 yuan; if it’s University of Science and Technology of China, Nanjing University, or Fudan University, the reward is 800 yuan.

For Tsinghua or Peking University, the reward is 1000 yuan."

In this era, there was no official university ranking, but Deng Shirong had seen a well-researched article in the future that he found accurate, so he used it as a reference. This was just a preliminary plan, and he could always adjust it if needed.

Deng Yuntai and the others knew Tsinghua and Peking University were prestigious, but the other universities were all similar to them. They were surprised by the different tiers but had no objections to the rewards.

The rewards were indeed high, almost too high, but how many people in the clan could actually achieve them?

After all, in their village, only Deng Yunheng had become a university graduate so far, and the second one was still unknown. The same was true for many other villages, where no one had yet become a university graduate. This showed how rare university graduates were in this era.

Deng Yunhua’s eyes widened, and he said with regret, "It’s too bad Second Brother missed this reward. It’s such a pity. But Third Brother, with your grades, you have a chance to make up for it. You must get that 1000 yuan reward!"

Deng Yongsong was motivated by this and secretly vowed to be the first in the clan to receive the highest reward.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end