Chapter 23: A New Mission

It is often said that one should not fear bad events, but rather bad people. Although Zhang Tiejun sensed he had been led into a trap, he lacked the means to resist. The inherent kindness of the original owner and the ingrained sense of obedience from his days as a soldier caused him to fall once again into the carefully dug pit set by Qiao Kangzhan.

In a village of over a thousand people, if every household were to eat meat, it would require a massive beast weighing hundreds of kilograms. He knew all too well that his previous search for a moose had taken an entire day and night.

Qiao Kangzhan patted Zhang Tiejun on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Tiejun, I know you're in a difficult position... but you are a member of the Brigade Committee now. Things are different than before. Some tasks must be done, and some responsibilities are unavoidable."

This remark made Zhang Tiejun feel like Song Jiang, the "Timely Rain" of Mount Liang, though at this moment, he had no inkling of Qiao Kangzhan’s true intentions. He could not imagine why this seemingly kind old man would have any reason to toy with him.

"I’ll rest for a day. Once the heavy snow stops, I’ll head up the mountain to take a look," Zhang Tiejun nodded.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Kangzhan immediately began rummaging through his pockets, pressing several vouchers into Zhang Tiejun’s hands.

"Tiejun, these are your grain rations for this month. I’ve also marked you down for full attendance on your work points," Qiao comforted him. "I’ve already told the canteen; you’re a hero of the brigade, so the cook has prepared some food for you."

"Alright," Zhang Tiejun replied, taking the vouchers and glancing at Qiao Dafang, who stood in the corner looking resentful.

It had to be said that Qiao Kangzhan’s grasp of human relationships and social nuance was impeccable. He lowered his voice and barked, "Qiao Dafang, get over here!"

"Dad," Qiao Dafang started, but a single look from Qiao Kangzhan silenced him. He shuffled over, looking dejected.

"Apologize to your brother Tiejun in front of the ancestral portrait." Seeing that verbal instruction wasn't enough, Qiao Kangzhan kicked Qiao Dafang in the backside, a gesture that gave Zhang Tiejun plenty of face.

Qiao Dafang muttered, "Brother, I’m sorry. I was small-minded and went too far. You’re a generous man—please don’t hold it against me."

With the public apology providing the appearance of respect, and the grain, meat, and work points providing the substance, Zhang Tiejun found it hard to say anything further.

"That’s enough. It’s the dead of winter and freezing out here. Everyone, go home before you catch your death," Qiao Kangzhan said, waving his hand to dismiss the villagers now that his objective had been achieved.

***

Back at the Qiao family compound, the slighted Qiao Dafang remained silent. His mother, who doted on him, noticed the tension between father and son.

"What’s wrong with you two?"

The question only served to provoke Qiao Dafang, who flared up like a startled cat. "Mom, you be the judge! Dad made me lose face in front of everyone. Does he look down on me?"

Mother Qiao looked at Qiao Kangzhan, seemingly waiting for an explanation.

"You fool. I tell you to read, but you don't; I tell you to broaden your horizons, but you refuse. All you know how to do is obsess over dice games." After the initial mockery, Qiao Kangzhan sighed as he looked at his son, who was rolling his eyes. "Today, the elders in the village saw that the creature was a *bei*. Old Man Qiao confirmed it. They didn't argue because of me. But you? You were willing to defy the world just to make Zhang Tiejun look bad. If people talk about this later, won't they call you narrow-minded? The first requirement of being a Brigade Secretary is to command respect."

"So we just let Zhang Tiejun hog the limelight?" Qiao Dafang asked, still unwilling to concede despite sensing he was in the wrong.

"It’s not hogging the limelight; it’s helping us," Qiao Kangzhan said, enlightening his son. "I let Zhang Tiejun take the lead and gave him face for two reasons: first, to show that our family is broad-minded, and second, to demonstrate that we know how to utilize talent. Everything is paving the way for you."

"Dad, I still don't get it," Qiao Dafang insisted.

"I already explained the situation with the sheep, and the results were excellent. Your brother has already won over many commune officials; we are just waiting for next year’s appointment to go through the motions," Qiao Kangzhan replied.

"But you told everyone you were going to make a note of Zhang Tiejun’s contribution."

"That’s for the brigade’s ledger. You must have a higher perspective and look at the big picture. That is what a leader does; otherwise, you’ll just be cannon fodder for the rest of your life. Zhang Tiejun’s achievements are our family’s achievements!" Qiao Kangzhan paused before continuing, "I sent him hunting because the commune leaders will be visiting our brigade before the New Year. While other villages are eating chaff, if our village can eat meat and drink soup, how do you think those leaders will view you?"

Mother Qiao was the first to understand. "Dafang, you must listen to your father. He has been the Brigade Secretary for most of his life; he understands the ways of officialdom. Besides, once a man reaches his age, he becomes a walking weather forecast."

"It’s just that Dad never trusts me. I have ways to get meat too," Qiao Dafang grumbled. "I can go up the mountain as well."

"You have no such way!" Qiao Kangzhan stood up abruptly. "I’ll tell you the truth: don’t you dare get any wild ideas. Going up the mountain? Only those poor wretches with no other choice do that. If something happens to you, how are your mother and I supposed to go on!"

In many cases, the fates of men are vastly different. While Qiao Dafang was still trying to prove himself, Zhang Tiejun was already shouldering the burden of survival.

***

"Brother, why are you back so late?" Zhang Xiaohua asked, squinting in confusion as she brushed her teeth while wrapped in a cotton jacket.

"It’s nothing. Is Mom asleep?" Zhang Tiejun tilted his head toward the dim interior of the house.

"She spent the whole night stitching shoe soles and just laid down," Zhang Xiaohua replied, spitting out a mouthful of soapy foam.

Zhang Tiejun quietly pulled several grain and meat vouchers, along with some small change, from his pocket and pressed them into Zhang Xiaohua’s hand. "Take this money. Use it when you want to go out and have fun."

Zhang Xiaohua, having never held so much money before, was thrilled. "Oh my! Brother, how have you become so capable? Where did this come from?"

"The brigade issued it. Go ahead and use it," Zhang Tiejun said, pulling out a pendant—a polished wolf tooth strung on a thin cord.

"Is this for me too?"

"Yes. I killed a wolf while on the mountain, knocked out a canine tooth, and brought it back for you."

Regardless of age, a young girl’s first reaction to receiving a gift is one of pure excitement.

"Brother, this is the first time you’ve ever given me a gift in all these years."

"It may be the first, but it certainly won't be the last."