Chapter Eleven: Historical Deviation

  It was mid-October when Yan Yucheng, the director of the Red Flag Commune Revolutionary Committee, came to Mr. Zhou's house again. He also brought my father along. In my memory, this was the first time my father returned from the county town without going home first. Later, I learned from their conversation that Father had been called back directly by Director Yan from his work unit. As soon as Father arrived at the commune, Director Yan hastily pulled him to Mr. Zhou's house.

  Since the last time at Mr. Zhou's house, Director Yan and my father have become like old friends, and their friendship has warmed up rapidly in just one month. Every time Director Yan comes to the county town for meetings or business, he must go to the power plant to chat with my father. And my father also returns the favor, whenever he goes down to the countryside to Hongqi Commune, no matter how late, he always goes to Director Yan's house to sit and have a small drink.

  The two men didn't drink much, and when they weren't drinking wine, they drank tea, mainly to chat. The two were of similar age, with Director Yan being slightly older. Their views on the current situation and their understanding of history were astonishingly consistent. As my old man would say, "birds of a feather flock together".

  Director Yan and my father arrived, Mr. Zhou was having an English conversation with me, an old and a young, chattering away, leaving the two intellectuals stunned. Director Yan, although being Mr. Zhou's student, majored in Party History, and wasn't proficient in English.

  Mr. Zhou was strict in his studies, ignoring the visit of Director Yan and my father, insisting on finishing the entire conversation practice, praising me for two sentences before turning to smile at the two guests.

  Director Yan is well aware of the teacher's character and didn't get angry either. As for Dad, it's even less likely that he would get angry.

  "What wind blew you two here?"

  Director Yan burst out laughing, but cautiously looked around and remained silent.

  Mr. Zhou knew there was something important to say, his face also turned solemn, and he stretched out his hand to invite the guest into the house.

  Three adults sat down in the house, and the teacher's mother served clear tea.

  I smiled and took a book to sit on the small stool at the door, saying: "Uncle, you talk, I'll read a book at the door. If someone comes, I'll call you."

  Mr. Zhou nodded.

  Director Yan looked at me and then glanced at Dad, shaking his head with a sigh.

  "Old willow, Little Jun is only seven years old, how did you raise such a son? He's already become a clever spirit."

  "Haha, are you feeling embarrassed? Ah, Director Yan, don't you have a daughter around the same age as our Xiao Jun? How about it, want to arrange a marriage between them? Considering our friendship, I'll give you a good deal."

  Dad wasn't originally this kind of flashy person. But since there were no outsiders in the house, he just casually started joking around.

  Director Yan's daughter? Hmm, haven't seen her before. But Yan Yucheng is quite handsome, such a handsome old dad must have given birth to a not-bad-looking daughter too. If I really marry his daughter, it wouldn't be bad either, haha, then I'll become the regional commissioner's son-in-law!

  Although I knew it was a joke, I still seriously thought about this question.

  Who knows, I'm actually 40 years old now, and it's about time for me to consider getting married.

  But... I have a wife. My wife in my previous life was also from Xiangyang County, just twenty or thirty kilometers away from Liujiashan. She should be six years old this year? The quality of marriage in my previous life was average, so let's just get by. My wife has a very violent temper. Since I've been reborn, I can choose to marry another woman. But what about my son? In my previous life, I had two sons and loved them like they were precious treasures. If I were to change wives, the sons born would definitely be different from those in my previous life. This is something I absolutely cannot accept.

  Think about it, that's my own son, flesh and blood. If I don't see them again for decades to come, how can I bear it?

  Luckily, it's still early now, and my wife is growing up vigorously. When the time comes, I'll be honest and straightforward, and I'll marry her over. Whoever dares to compete with me for her, humph! I'll make him pay dearly!

  Just as he was thinking of something ruthless, Director Yan spoke up.

  "Teacher, what great news! What incredibly wonderful news..."

  "What's the big joy?"

  Mr. Zhou knew the temperament of this disciple, a very steady and serious person. Now that he is so happy and excited, it can be seen that something big has really happened.

  "It's started in the capital..."

  Although I was holding a book in my hand, I was actually listening carefully to their conversation. When Director Yan said that, a knowing smile appeared at the corner of my mouth.

  In 1976, it was destined to be a year of great significance that would go down in history. That year, on China's vast land of 9.6 million square kilometers, too many major events took place.

  "Oh?"

  Mr. Zhou was taken aback at first, and then his face lit up with joy.

  "Have they all been caught?"

  "Hmm!"

  Director Yan nodded heavily.

  "They've all been caught!"

  "Have all three been caught? Including...that woman?"

  Mr. Zhou still didn't believe it.

  Director Yan shook his head: "Not three, but four!"

  "Four?"

  Mr. Zhou is confused again.

  "Isn't it Jiang Qiao Yao? Where did the fourth one come from?"

  I know they were talking about the great event of the Party Central Committee crushing the "Gang of Four". On October 6, the Party Central Committee crushed the counter-revolutionary clique headed by Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan and Wang Hongwen.

  On April 5, 1976, the Qingming Festival, a shocking "April 5th Incident" occurred in the capital. Young people gathered on Tiananmen Square to mourn and pay respects to the beloved Premier, while angrily denouncing the crimes of Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan and others. At that time, Wang Hongwen was Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee, ordinary people did not understand the inside story and did not put him on a par with the three persons of Jiang, Zhang and Yao.

  "Also Wang Hongwen."

  Director Yan said lightly.

  "What? Him too?"

  "Yes."

  "When was it?"

  October 6th.

  Mr. Zhou nodded: "When it's time to take action, just take action, the Party Central Committee is wise!"

  "Dad smiled and said: 'It seems that the central government has made up its mind this time. Mr. Zhou, your day of vindication is not far away.'"

  The mistress had been smiling and keeping him company all along. She didn't quite understand these big things. Hearing Old Dad say this, she couldn't help but feel extremely delighted, saying repeatedly: "Really? That's great, that's great... These bitter days have finally come to an end...... Amitabha..."

  While discussing state affairs, the teacher's mother suddenly said "Amitabha", and the three intellectuals couldn't help but smile.

  I secretly shook my head. A certain veteran in the party has not yet made a comeback, and it will take two more years for things to settle down. However, this is naturally something that cannot be said, or it would dampen Mr. and Mrs.'s enthusiasm.

  With the downfall of the "Gang of Four", it was announced that the Great Revolution, which had lasted for ten years, officially came to an end. Although reform and opening up did not begin until after the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee in 1978, the atmosphere of high political pressure gradually eased. Mr. Zhou could not be rehabilitated for the time being, but Director Yan was able to take care of him more, without having to worry as much as before.

  Mr. Zhou rarely showed a smile, and he applauded with joy: "Such good news deserves a big celebration!"

  The master usually doesn't drink wine and there is no extra money at home to buy wine.

  Dad immediately took out two dollars and said: "Xiao Jun, go to the supply and marketing society to buy a catty of wine and some peanut sugar candies."

  "Teacher Liu, you're a guest in our home, how can we let you pay for the wine?"

  "Come on, old lady," said Mr. Zhou with a wave of his hand, "we're all close friends here, and Jincai isn't stingy either. Don't try to put on a show. Where would we get the money for wine at home?"

  "Then... I'll go get some wine. Little Jun, this kid, is forced to study day and night by you all, how miserable is that? It's a sin!"

  "Dad smiled and said: 'Sister, don't spoil him. What's wrong with kids running around?'"

  I stood up in time and smiled: "Yes, Master's wife, I'm not afraid of hard work. 'The master has something to do, the disciple should labor for him', it's right that I go."

  The mistress smiled with a flower in her eyes: "This child, his mouth is as sweet as honey, and what he says is always pleasant to hear. He's indeed the son of Teacher Liu."

  "Haha, sister-in-law, this is all Mr. Zhou's credit, he taught well!"

  The adults laughed and finally followed the teacher's mother's idea.

  "Xiao Jun, sit still and don't move. I'll go buy some wine. You're just a kid, don't break the wine bottle on the road."

  In no time, wine, water and sweets were bought. Before they were even put on the table, my teacher's wife had already stuffed a few pieces of candy into my hand.

  "You eat first, I'll go next door to Wu Jie's house to borrow some eggs and stir-fry them for you to drink with."

  "Sister-in-law, there are still a few coins left here, don't borrow any more, just buy a few eggs from her."

  "It's nothing, it's nothing, Fifth Aunt is a generous person, a few eggs are no big deal..."

  "Let her go."

  The old man wanted to say more, but the gentleman waved his hand to stop him.

  "Come on, let's have a drink and celebrate properly."

  "Come, drink..."

  The three of them were all moderate drinkers, taking small sips and mainly just creating an atmosphere.

  "Yu Cheng, this time the central government has made such a big move, I'm afraid there will be many changes in the localities too?"

  Director Yan smiled: "The teacher understands. Locally, it has already started. I won't hide from you two, this time I called Jin Cai to come, one is to report the good news to the teacher, and the other is to discuss something with you two."

  "What's up? You tell me."

  Director Yan stared at Old Dad, lost in thought and didn't speak.

  "Father was startled: 'What? This matter has something to do with me?'"

  "Right."

  Then my dad stared at him intently, Mr. Zhou also looked concerned, and I perked up my ears, feeling puzzled in my heart. The downfall of the "Gang of Four" was a very good thing, but somehow it was related to my dad. How could that be?

  "Jin Cai, why don't you change jobs and come to Hong Qi Commune?"

  Dad just laughed: "What's this, is the commune going to set up a film propaganda team?"

  Director Yan frowned and said: "Do you want to show movies for the rest of your life?"

  Director Yan was not joking, and Father's face also turned serious.

  "So tell me, how does this job change?"

  "Come to the commune and team up with me, serve as deputy director of the revolutionary committee, in charge of propaganda and cultural education work, administrative level temporarily set at deputy departmental level, what do you think?"

  The Revolutionary Committee is the organizational form of national power at all levels during the Great Revolution. It is abbreviated as Revicom. After the January Storm in Shanghai in 1968, a large-scale political institution similar to the "Paris Commune" was established by taking over the power of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee and the Shanghai government at all levels. Zhang Chunqiao named it the Shanghai Commune. All over the country, people followed suit and seized power, with different names for their governments. The great leader thought that the name "Shanghai Commune" did not sound good, so he issued a supreme directive saying "it's better to call it Revolutionary Committee". As a result, all levels of government across the country, from provinces down to schools and factories, changed their names to "Revolutionary Committees".

  The Revolutionary Committee implemented a unified system, where the party and government were not separate, and the Party Committee and government merged into one. The head of the Revolutionary Committee was the de facto top leader. Of course, in some places, county-level and district-township level Party Committees were restored again around 1972, but in N Province, the restoration of local Party Committees' functions was relatively slow, and it wasn't until the late 1970s that the Baozhou region and Xiangyang County restored their Party Committees. The Revolutionary Committees at all levels transformed into purely government institutions, and were renamed People's Governments by the early 1980s.

  I involuntarily turned around.

  Dad was even more cautious and asked: "Is it suitable? I am now an ordinary cadre, and also a technical cadre, and have not grasped administrative work."

  Director Yan smiled and said: "Isn't a technical cadre better? They can handle both writing and fighting. How about it, give me a sentence."

  "My level is not enough either."

  "Hey, don't worry about this. I've checked, you're a 1958 soldier, with 18 years of work experience now, what's the big deal about being a deputy department level? The county organization department has already been contacted, absolutely no problem. Now it just depends on your own opinion."

  At that time, the boundaries between government departments, institutions and administrative units were not clear, and there was only a distinction between national cadres and collective cadres. My father was indeed a national cadre, and as long as the county's organizational department agreed, job transfers were no problem.

  Dad fell silent, lost in thought.

  "Jin Cai, this is good news."

  Mr. Zhou advised.

  "What's wrong, can't you let go of city life?"

  Director Yan was somewhat impatient. Normally, he didn't seem to be the kind of person who got angry easily. Probably because there were no outsiders here, so he didn't need to put on a show.

  Dad smiled: "What kind of city life, is Yangyang County also considered a city? I'm worried about the kids' education. Originally planned to transfer all the children to the county seat next year. After all, the teacher strength of the county school is stronger."

  Director Yan's face fell, and he seemed somewhat displeased.

  "Comrade, is this your level of ideological awareness? You only care about your own small family and neglect the bigger picture! Let me tell you the truth, I didn't ask you to join our team because of our friendship, but because of your talent. Our country has been through so many movements over the years, causing trouble for the common people and making them poor. Look at Teacher Zhou... If we don't focus on production and development, the national economy will collapse... Socialism is not about making the common people suffer!"

  I gazed at Director Yan with a righteous aura, filled with admiration. What is a true GC party member? This is what a true GC party member looks like.

  No wonder he could become the county party secretary a few years later, it was a matter of course.

  "Dad, the rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every individual!"

  I suddenly whispered a sentence.

  All three adults burst out laughing.

  "You, you, your awareness is still not as high as your son's!"

  "Dad smiled and said: 'I'm also worried about not doing a good job. After all, I've never done administrative work before.'"

  Mr. Zhou hastened to boost morale: "As long as you stand upright and have the people in your heart, move your brain more, any work can be done well. As for the problem of children's education, don't worry. As long as I'm still in Matang Bay, according to Xiaojun's acceptance ability, I guarantee that he will reach the primary school graduation level within half a year!"

  Director Yan burst out laughing: "Look, look, what's there to worry about? Professor Zhou is a serious professor, he's teaching your son privately, and you're still worried that he can't teach him to be a university student?"

  At this time, it turns out that I was the most nervous one.

  Because I found that the trajectory of history has begun to deviate. At least in Xiangyang County, a small deviation occurred in the Hongqi Commune. In his previous life, my father had never been an administrative cadre all his life, and he was just a technician until old age.

  If Dad agrees, this deviation will become a reality. It also means that in the world where I was reborn, his life trajectory will undergo tremendous changes, and it's not just Dad alone, but our whole family's life trajectory will also see unexpected changes.

  "Alright, I promise!"