Chapter 8

No matter how he explained, he couldn't change the Yang family's mindset. In the end, the Yang couple even swore they would never tell anyone, so Ye Zetao simply stopped explaining.

Seeing the situation at the Yangs', Ye Zetao sighed inwardly. This was all due to poverty. If he could lead this village onto a path of development, people's mindsets would change.

At this moment, Ye Zetao's desire to quickly enrich this place became even more urgent.

In the evening, when Ye Zetao, accompanied by Yang Genmin, arrived at the home of the village chief, Yang Pinzhi, he saw that many villagers had already gathered there.

Seeing Ye Zetao arrive, Yang Pinzhi laughed heartily and said, "Comrade Ye, you came at just the right time. Today, Junzi hunted a mountain deer, which is a rare delicacy. The whole village is here."

Ye Zetao smiled and said, "Looks like I'm in for a treat!"

Yang Genmin whispered, "Comrade Ye, Junzi's real name is Yang Jun, a veteran soldier. It's said he used to be a special forces soldier and is an excellent hunter."

Ye Zetao asked in confusion, "Why doesn't a special forces soldier have a job?"

"He injured a powerful person!" Yang Genmin, now treating Ye Zetao like family, explained in detail.

Ye Zetao nodded slightly. Everyone has their own troubles, and it's not good to ask too many questions.

Seeing some villagers cooking and setting up a large bonfire, Ye Zetao knew they were planning a bonfire party.

Seeing the villagers' unity, Ye Zetao nodded inwardly. This mountain village was very simple and pure.

There were few entertainment options in the mountains, so such a gathering was a big event for everyone. Everyone's face was filled with joy.

As a township cadre, and one who rarely visited this poor mountain village, Ye Zetao quickly became the center of attention. The village chief and a few elders sat with him in the middle, and all the chairs were homemade bamboo chairs.

Sitting on the bamboo chair, Ye Zetao smiled and said, "The bamboo furniture is really nice!"

Everyone listened to Ye Zetao's words with smiles on their faces.

The wine was a homemade fruit wine from the mountains, and the large bowls of wine made Ye Zetao feel more relaxed.

Yang Jun looked like an ordinary person, and Ye Zetao found it hard to associate him with a special forces soldier. From Yang Pinzhi, he learned that Yang Jun was also a party member.

Yang Jun didn't talk much. Since he had hunted the deer, he sat at the same table as Ye Zetao.

"Today, we owe it to Junzi!" Lifting his bowl, Ye Zetao toasted Yang Jun, eager to learn more about him.

Yang Jun smiled but didn't say much, clearly not a talkative person.

Yang Yuxian's younger brother was also there, a small, short boy with sharp eyes, playing and laughing with some other children.

Everyone soon started eating. The bonfire burned brightly, and the children were the most excited, laughing and playing around the fire.

"Everyone, please be quiet. Today, Comrade Ye from the township has come to inspect our work. This shows the township's concern for our village. Let's all raise a bowl of wine to Comrade Ye!" Village Chief Yang Pinzhi stood up and said loudly.

It seemed that Yang Pinzhi was well-respected in the village. Following his words, everyone stood up, raising their bowls to look at Ye Zetao.

Ye Zetao hadn't expected to be treated as an inspector. He thought that village cadres weren't all randomly appointed, and Yang Pinzhi was clearly trying to use this opportunity.

Of course, Ye Zetao couldn't refuse Yang Pinzhi's gesture. Smiling, he stood up and said loudly, "Today, I've come to Yinliangjing and felt everyone's warmth. On behalf of the township, I thank you all. With the leadership of the village cadres, I believe Yinliangjing will develop day by day!"

Ye Zetao's words immediately elevated his status, and the atmosphere became even more solemn.

Yang Pinzhi's face lit up. Ye Zetao was praising the village's work in front of everyone. It seemed that Little Ye understood his intentions!

Yang Genmin's eyes also brightened, and he looked at Ye Zetao with more respect. He thought, "If my daughter follows Comrade Ye, her life will surely improve. I should go to the middle school and talk to her."

"Cheers!" Ye Zetao drank the bowl of wine.

Although the fruit wine wasn't very strong, after one bowl, Ye Zetao felt a bit tipsy. He quickly practiced the Five Animals Exercise to clear his mind.

After a moment, the alcohol's effects were somewhat alleviated.

He hadn't expected the Five Animals Exercise to have such benefits. Remembering his master's words, Ye Zetao gained more trust in the exercise.

Just as he was about to sit down, Yang Pinzhi stood up again and said loudly, "Comrade Ye is a township cadre, a university graduate from the province. He has seen a lot. Now that Comrade Ye is here, let's ask him to share some thoughts with us."

The villagers, having had a bowl of wine, were in high spirits. Hearing this, they all looked at Ye Zetao.

Thinking for a moment, Ye Zetao nodded and said, "Alright, I'll say a few words."

Clearing his thoughts, Ye Zetao said loudly, "Fellow villagers, today I've come to Yinliangjing and seen many things, including the poverty here. Everyone knows that Yinliangjing is not wealthy in the township, which means our children can't go to school. Fellow villagers, should this situation continue?"

His words made everyone's faces change, and the scene became quiet.

The children, sensing the change in atmosphere, returned to their parents' sides.

Everyone's eyes were on Ye Zetao.

Sighing, Yang Pinzhi said, "Comrade Ye, to be honest, no one here doesn't want to be rich. The village cadres have tried many methods, but the key issue is the lack of transportation. Many things can't be transported out, and there's nothing we can do about it!"

Hearing Yang Pinzhi's words, many people nodded in agreement.

"Village Chief Yang is right; this is indeed a problem!" Ye Zetao agreed with Yang Pinzhi.

Seeing Yang Pinzhi's expression ease, Ye Zetao continued, "Today, I've learned about the situation here and want to share some of my thoughts. If I say anything wrong, please correct me."

Without waiting for a response, Ye Zetao pointed to the bamboo crafts and said, "Do you know? I've seen that your bamboo crafts are very exquisite. If you add some colors and improve the craftsmanship, they could sell well in the province and even abroad."

Pointing to the chair the village chief was sitting on, Ye Zetao smiled and said, "I saw a similar chair in a mall in the province, and it costs over a hundred yuan!"

Hearing this, many people looked at their own chairs, as if they had suddenly become treasures.

Yang Pinzhi shook his head and said, "Most people in the village have only been to the county town. There are some bamboo factories in the county, and we can't compete with them."

Ye Zetao said seriously, "We are very poor, so we can't just give up because others are already doing it. The key is that everyone must have the mindset to change our backward situation. For example, if you sell these chairs, you might be able to sell them. If you sell them, you'll have money for oil, salt, and your children's tuition. If your children leave this place, they will give back a lot to you. But if we do nothing, we will remain poor forever! Fellow villagers, our fate is in our own hands, and waiting for help won't solve the fundamental problem!"

His words made everyone think deeply.

"Bamboo crafts are just one aspect. I've heard that the black-boned chickens here are very famous. In the past, people have sold them individually in the city. Have you thought about forming a cooperative to raise them on a larger scale? If we can raise a large number of these chickens, each family's income could increase significantly."

The villager whose daughter was supported by a city boss said, "Comrade Ye, we've thought about this, but there are two problems: we need capital and technical expertise. If the chickens get sick, the losses could be huge!"

Ye Zetao nodded and said, "This is indeed a problem. I said earlier that the key is whether we dare to do it. I think the capital needed isn't much, a few thousand yuan should be enough to start. I'll try to find the capital and also invite technical experts from the county to guide you."

The villagers' eyes lit up with excitement.

Seeing their expressions, Ye Zetao felt a great pressure. He had made a bold promise, and the key was the capital. The township wouldn't provide the money, so he might have to borrow from friends!

After drinking, Ye Zetao felt a surge of emotion, feeling that he couldn't let down the people here. Clenching his teeth, he continued, "The herbs in the mountains are also a treasure. The price of traditional Chinese medicine is rising, and if we can manage it well, we can sell it for a good price..."

Ye Zetao's voice carried far in the night, and everyone listened quietly. The development plans he proposed seemed to light up their numb hearts. Every villager sitting there had bright eyes.

Seeing their excited expressions, Ye Zetao asked Yang Pinzhi, "How many party members are there in the village?"

Yang Pinzhi replied seriously, "I am a party member, Yang Jun is a party member, and Old Huang is a party member."

Ye Zetao also said seriously, "For Yinliangjing to develop, we need leaders. Party members should play this role. I believe that as party members, you should lead the villagers in development."

At this moment, Yang Jun suddenly said, "Comrade Ye's words have enlightened me. I have some savings, and I'll take the lead in raising the black-boned chickens. Each family can have a share in my factory. Please help us find a technical expert as soon as possible!"

Ye Zetao said seriously, "That's great. I think we should have rules. We shouldn't follow the old ways. Since Yang Jun is putting in the money, he should have 51% of the shares. Other families can join, each with a share, and they can invest with chickens and eggs. This will be better for future development."

Old Huang said, "I'll take charge of the herbs. When people have free time, they can go to the mountains to dig. We'll collect and process them. We have plenty of labor, and we can carry them out. My concern is the market."

Ye Zetao knew this was key and said, "Alright, I'll help you find a market as soon as possible. However, I think you should also cultivate a plot of land to grow herbs. I'll look into which herbs are in high demand."

Time passed quickly, and the villagers of Yinliangjing seemed to have suddenly become enthusiastic, discussing how to develop.

Seeing the three party members naturally become the center of attention, Ye Zetao felt a surge of excitement.