The footsteps of history hurriedly crossed the threshold of a new year.
In the spring of 1975, the storm of the "Cultural Revolution" was gradually receding. A large number of persecuted old cadres were liberated one after another and returned to their original posts. The normal work and production order of the entire country was gradually returning.
After breakfast on the 30th of December, Director Lin stood at the door of the accounting office and urged again,""National Day, hurry up and pack up. Go home and celebrate the New Year. It's already New Year's Eve today.”
"Director Lin, my parents are worried about my family. Your family is waiting for you. You should go back quickly!”
"Don't argue with me anymore. When I went home the day before yesterday, I already made arrangements. You were on duty last year. Besides, you've been busy all this time. You should spend the new year with your parents. In addition, Director Han wants you to go to the Phoenix Ridge Brigade after the fifth day of the first lunar month to understand the financial chaos reported by the members. How many days can you stay at home during the New Year?"
After hearing Director Lin's words, Guo Qing no longer insisted. He said,"Then I'll come over after the third day of the first lunar month to replace you?”
"No need. Director Li will be here on the third day of the first lunar month. You don't have to worry about it.”
Guo Qing nodded, but he still insisted that Director Lin and Director Lin stick the couplet that they had already written on the door before riding his bicycle and rushing home.
The New Year passed by so quickly that five days had passed in the blink of an eye.
On the morning of the sixth day of the first lunar month. The villagers were still immersed in the joy of celebrating the new year. Those who had not left their relatives packed their gifts early in the morning and prepared to take their wives and children on their way. The people who were preparing to receive the guests were cleaning the courtyard, making a fire to cook and welcoming the guests. Those who did not visit their relatives and friends nor had any plans to entertain guests had already eaten early. They stood in the alley facing the sun, chatting about their daily life, witnessing the colorful flow of people coming from the south to the north, pointing and commenting on the newly married daughters-in-law and the young lady who was about to be married, who hurried past in front of everyone in a reserved and shy mood. The naughty children kept throwing firecrackers everywhere, making it impossible for passersby to avoid them.
On National Day, the family also had to entertain guests. His father-in-law, uncle, and aunt would all come to the house. The night before, his mother had discussed with National Day: "Can you go a day later? It's been a year, but I haven't had a meal with your uncle, chatted with him, or even exchanged a few words with him.”
"Mom, didn't Li Zhen and I go to visit my uncle on the fourth day? Although I didn't eat at his house, I had already talked to him for a long time. I talked to him about my family's situation and my work at the credit union. My dad and you are at home today, alright? Besides, I had agreed with Director Han of the Commune before the New Year that I would go to Phoenix Ridge on the sixth day of the first lunar month. Perhaps the village officials had already arranged for someone to wait for me!”
"Alright, let him go. There were so many people at home, wasn't that enough? Besides, the guests who came were all close relatives. No one would see him as a stranger. Director Han of the public company was serious. He didn't want to embarrass Guo Qing in front of him.”After his father spoke, this matter was settled.
After having breakfast at home, Guo Xing pushed out of the car, put on his backpack, and hurried to Phoenix Ridge.
Guo Qing rode his bike on the road. He thought of the work that was about to be carried out in Phoenix Ridge and could not help but feel a little worried. During the conversation with Li Chunyuan at Grandpa Geng's house, he could tell from the conversation between Grandpa Geng and Li Chunyuan that the people of Phoenix Ridge had some opinions about the officials. However, what exactly was wrong with the officials that the members had to complain to the leaders of the Commune? He guessed that Team One's new accountant, Feng Lamei, had just arrived and did not understand the business. The accounting records were not clear, and the financial procedures were a little messy, causing the members to be suspicious. But he had already told Zhao Guocai and the two team's accountant. Didn't they take my words seriously? I don't dare to panic. I can't trust the reaction of a few people. He would first go there to take a look and ask about the situation.
After entering Phoenix Ridge Village, there were also some people gathered at the entrance of the alley and by the roadside, who were either going to visit relatives or had nothing to do. Most of them did not know who these people were. He jumped off the bicycle, nodded to everyone, smiled, and walked through the crowd, ready to find Zhao Guocai, but at this moment, someone called out to him,""Isn't this Accountant Zhong from the credit union? You also came to visit your relatives?"
Guo Qing raised his head and looked at it carefully. He saw that it was Ji Xinliu, a team keeper who had eaten at his house when he came to the countryside last time. He quickly said,"Uncle, I'm not visiting relatives. I'm looking for the brigade's accountant, Zhao Guocai!”
"You're looking for him? Oh, let's go to this one!" As he spoke, he didn't move. He tilted his head and pouted at a newly built gate by the roadside. When the people beside him heard that Zhao Guocai was going to be found on National Day, their faces immediately showed a strange expression and they all looked at him.
National Day walked into this gate building and heard the newly built house talking and laughing. It was very lively. He thought that this family was going to celebrate a wedding before the State of Zhao would help them. He stood in the middle of the courtyard and shouted cautiously,"Is Director Zhao Guocai here?"
Hearing the National Day call, the new wooden door of the big house in the middle was pushed open. Zhao Guo walked out. Seeing that it was National Day, he asked in surprise,"Aiya! National Day, why are you here just after the fifth lunar month? Is there something urgent?"
"That's right! I heard you were here at the door and wanted you to find me the secretary of the brigade!”
"Brigade Secretary? Alright! This is his home." As he spoke, he took the National Day car and put it away. Then, he pulled him into the house.
There were five or six people in the room playing mahjong around a square table. The smoke was lingering and the smell was pungent. National Day choked and coughed twice. A fat middle-aged man with a red face asked unwillingly while playing mahjong,""Where? What's the matter?"
"I'm from our credit union. My name is Zhong Guoqing. Director Han asked me to come.”
"Oh! Yes, yes, yes! Look, look! I've been so busy these few days that I forgot. Are you Accountant Zhong? Guocai, go and arrange a place for Accountant Zhong to stay and give him food."”As he spoke, he pulled Guoqing to sit down on the sofa and waved at the few people who were still sitting at the table. He said,"You can leave now. I have something to do."
Wang Yinghua, the secretary of the brigade, was almost fifty years old. He had been a cadre in Phoenix Ridge for almost twenty years. It seemed that he was already familiar with the work of the brigade. He took out a big cigarette and handed it to Guo Qing. Guo Qing waved his hands and said,"No, no!"
He turned his body and leaned closer to Guo Qing. He patted Guo Qing's knee and asked with a smile,""Those ghosts went to look for you that day?”
"I don't know. Director Han called me over. He said that some people have reported some financial problems here and asked me to take a look.”
"Oh!" Secretary Wang was immediately disappointed because he did not find out the secret he wanted to know. "Don't you know what's going on in the countryside? How could there not be a few fleabe-biting ghosts? However, Director Han asked you to come over. You can stay here for a few days and take a look at everything that needs to be seen so that you can go back and pay the bill.”
When Guo Qing heard this, he felt that there was a hidden meaning in his words. At the same time, he also saw Wang Yinghua's attitude and stance on this matter. His heart tightened. He felt that he would be in trouble this time. However, he did not reveal any unusual emotions. He said calmly and seriously,"I'm not thinking about it. I heard that Guo Cai has been doing well these past few years. However, since Director Han has instructed me, I'll take a look first! Arrange for them to bring over the accounts and documents of the two production teams for the past two years. Put them at my place. After reading them, we'll talk. I'll look for you if there's anything.”
While they were talking, Zhao Guocai had already arranged food and lodging for the National Day. He returned to Wang Yinghua's house and asked,"What else? The meal had already been sent out, and they were still staying at the same place.”
"Accountant Zhong is here on a mission given by Director Han. Isn't it because of those 'flea biters' who went to the community center to complain? Accountant Zhong is here to understand the situation. Ask the two teams 'accountant to send the accounts for the past two years to Accountant Zhong's place. I'll accompany Accountant Zhong there in a while.”
Zhao Guocai stood in front of Wang Yinghua and looked at his face respectfully. He was submissive like his son. After hearing Wang Yinghua's instructions, he ran away like a gust of wind.
After Zhao Guocai left, only Guoqing and Wang Yinghua were left in the room. Wang Yinghua took a porcelain jar from the table where they were worshipping their ancestors. She used an iron spoon to reach into it and dug a few times before she dug out a lump of brownish-yellow stuff. She placed it in a thin porcelain bowl and picked up the teapot on the stove. She poured half a bowl of boiling water into the thin porcelain bowl and carefully brought it to Guoqing."Accountant Zhong, you don't smoke either. I really can't entertain you. It's better to drink some honey water. This is good stuff.”
"Aiya! Look at you, Secretary Wang. Don't be so polite. If you continue to be like this, I won't be able to stay here anymore.”
"Sigh! What are you talking about? You're here to help us out. Besides, it's the first month of the lunar year. How can I be rude to you when you come to my house? Accountant Zhong, your dad is still an accountant at the county grain bureau, right? When he was working as an accountant in our community in 1958, I was very familiar with him. He was a good person. He was very capable, enthusiastic, and didn't put on airs. Everyone said he was good, and no one had any objections to him.”
"Secretary Wang, you're right. Although my dad doesn't have much ability, he's serious about his work. He's never sloppy when it comes to the work instructed by the leader. When I came here today, he repeatedly told me to follow the leader's request and clarify the problem truthfully. I didn't dare to listen to the wind and rain. I didn't want the masses to point at my back and scold me when I left the village!”
Wang Yinghua blinked her eyes when she heard Guo Qing's words. It was as if what they were talking about had nothing to do with each other. She said,"Yes, yes, that's it. Otherwise, if we go over now, the country's talents might have been settled.”As she spoke, Wang Yinghua put on a green military coat and followed National Day to the house of the landlord, Uncle Geng, who had stayed the night before.
Wang Yinghua and Guo Qing entered the room. They glanced at the books on the table, gave a few simple instructions, and left. As soon as Wang Yinghua stepped out of Grandpa Geng's house, the landlord, Geng Chongyi, entered the cave dwelling where Guo Qing lived. He glanced at Guo Qing and grinned."Guoqing, someone placed two stacks of account books on your desk just now and asked you to check them?”
"Yes, uncle, I know. I'll take a look first.”
Uncle Geng and his wife were indeed warm-hearted people. When they heard that they were here to check the accounts on National Day, they became even more enthusiastic. Uncle Chongyi filled a brand-new red tinned thermos bottle with boiling water and placed it on the table in the National Day room. He also washed two drinking cups and then placed them next to the thermos bottle along with a bag of scented tea. After a while, the old woman wrapped two white dumplings and two sections of onions in a white towel and placed them on the table."National Day, leave these two buns here. Eat them when you're hungry tonight.”
Guoqing quickly said,"Auntie, the person in charge of the meal will prepare it for you. How can I trouble you?!"”
"It's the first month of the year, so I don't dare to be polite. If you still lack anything, just say it!”
Guo Qing was lying on the table, concentrating on flipping through the account book. From time to time, he would take out the documents and check them. He started from the account book from two years ago. At that time, the first team of accountant was still Zhao Guocai. The handwriting on the account book was very neat and serious, and the documents were also relatively complete, but they did not match the account book. Although it looked balanced on the account book, the general ledger and the sub-ledger could not match up. There were always some similar numbers that were reversed inside, making it difficult to see the ins and outs. Tired of watching, he rubbed his temples and walked to the courtyard to take a walk to get some fresh air. At this time, he saw Uncle Geng and his wife sitting in the sun at the entrance of the cave, whispering something. When they saw the National Day, they smiled kindly.
Guo Xing also brought a stool over and sat down. He smiled and asked,""Uncle, how has everyone been these past two years?”
"What's so good about it? The team has been in a mess these few years! It's said that last year, the neighboring village could get 50 to 60 cents per working day, but how much did Phoenix Ridge get? Team Two received 23 cents per working day, while Team One only received 18 cents. The members said angrily, One day of hard work could buy a box of green leaf cigarettes!”
"The natural conditions of Phoenix Ridge are not bad either!" Guo Qing asked doubtfully.”
"In terms of natural conditions, who can compare to Phoenix Ridge? In terms of irrigation, Phoenix Ridge had the most. There were also hundreds of acres of reeds in the ditch. How much cash would they earn in a year just from reeds? In the past, we also split sixty or seventy cents. However, in recent years, the team's officers had become bad. They did not work hard on production and only cared about their food and drinks. It's fine if you eat and drink, but you still want to be corrupt. How could there be a bottom to this corruption? When the members saw them like this, how could they still have the motivation to work in the fields? If people don't work hard, there will be a good harvest in the fields? That's why it's getting worse every year."
Guo Qing listened to Uncle Geng's analysis and felt that it was reasonable. Seeing that Guocai's accounts were in such a mess, there must be a problem. He wanted to interview the masses and use a combination of internal and external investigations to see if he could figure out the true nature of the problem. Therefore, he carefully asked,""Is there anyone in Team One who knows the financial income and expenditure of the team very well?”
"Yes! There are a few people in our team who are very attentive. They secretly keep an account book at home. They remember clearly the large amount of income in the team and how much the members are allocated. If you want to see them, I'll call them over for you.”
"No need, Uncle. Point the way for me, I want to meet them secretly.”
"Yes! He had to be careful. He didn't dare to let Fox Fall down!”
On National Day, under the guidance of the landlord, Uncle Geng Chongyi, the first person they met was a white-haired old man named Guo Zhizhong. He was already in his sixties and had done business in Xi'an for a few years in his early years. He was a meticulous person who could write and calculate. Geng Chongyi first gave him a brief introduction of National Day, and he immediately understood everything. However, he did not take out his small account book. Instead, he said angrily with a Shaanxi accent,"These thieving kids don't have anyone in their eyes. They're so bold and do whatever they want. They've really angered the villagers. Otherwise, I wouldn't be telling you this. When you check the accounts, take a look at the annual income of reeds. Not to mention the reeds that were given to the members to weave reed mats, just the ones that were not pulled back from the ditch and bought on the spot for cash would be at least 2,000 yuan per year. I've been there every year for the past two years. I bought more than 220 bundles the year before last, and more than 280 bundles last year. Each bundle costs ten yuan. There were also many accounts that paid their debts, but the accountant did not give them a note. Some of them didn't even give them money. National Day, you have to investigate this properly and give the members a clear understanding!”
The second person he saw on National Day was the team's driver. His name was Wang Kezhi, and he was about 40 years old. When he was an adult, he and a young man drove the mules and horses in the team to do a side job in the city. He took out an exercise book used by primary school students. On it was written the shipping fees of the goods they transported one by one. There were also a few receipt. He said,"I paid four times the year before last. Here is the receipt. The total is more than 1,500 yuan. He had paid four times this year, twice in the first half of the year, totaling more than 700 yuan. One of them was 480 yuan without a receipt. The two times in the second half of the year were a total of 800 yuan, and the receipt had been issued. He heard some people talking outside, The two strong laborers in the team, one carrying mules and horses, ran for a year without making money. I was just about to ask them, where did all the money I earned go? Young man, you're here on behalf of the community. You have to investigate properly and clear our name!”
When he returned to his residence, Guo Qing immediately felt a headache. The Zhao Country that he had always admired was actually like this? He had spoken so eloquently in front of others, but the members had such a reaction to him. He had to investigate carefully. He must not let down the expectations of his leaders and fellow villagers!
In the evening, National Day asked Uncle Geng to close the door early and said,"If someone comes to look for me, tell them that they're tired from National Day and went to bed early.”
Uncle Geng chuckled and said,"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on the door."”
In the dead of the night, Guo Qing sat at the table and sped up the audit. He carefully flipped through the account books of Team One and Team Two from beginning to end. When he finished reading the account books of Team Two for the past two years, it was already dawn. Uncle Geng's rooster was crowing. The more National Day looked at it, the angrier he became. He wanted to arrest these vermin immediately and bring them to justice!
The result of the rough investigation was that although the accounts of the first team's new accountant, Feng Lamei, were very irregular, no major corruption problems had been found yet. The first team's old accountant, Zhao Guocai, and the second team's accountant, Zhang Zhijun, might have corruption problems! Both of them were old accountant for many years. They were skilled in accounting and had rich experience, but they were bold and unscrupulous, embezzling the collective's money. However, for now, it could only be regarded as suspicion. Without specific verification and implementation, and without conclusive evidence, National Day did not dare to jump to conclusions about the amount and nature of their corruption.
At dawn, Guo Qing pulled open the blanket and lay on the bed with his clothes on, falling asleep. She slept until it was time for the villagers to eat breakfast. It was not until someone knocked on the door and called him to eat that Guo Qing woke up. He quickly got out of bed, washed his face, and followed the person to eat.
The person who came to call Guo Qing for dinner was a private female teacher from the village's primary school. Her name was Dong Shuzhen. He was twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. He was tall, had short hair, and wore a blue shirt and black pants. He looked dignified and generous. The man wore glasses and looked like a cadre. He was a young man about the same age as Dong Shuzhen. His name was Wang Zhenwen and he worked in a factory in Pingyang City. A boy and a girl were living a comfortable life. Wang Zhenwen knew how tiring it was for his wife to be alone at home. He wanted to take good care of his wife during the limited time when he went home to visit his relatives during the Spring Festival. Therefore, from the moment he returned home, he refused to stay idle all day long. When Guo Qing followed Teacher Dong Shuzhen into her house, her husband was busy cooking in the kitchen. When he saw Guo Qing enter the door, he warmly welcomed the arrival of the National Day. When she served a table full of fragrant and exquisite dishes, she even took out a bottle of Fenjiu and asked him to drink with her on National Day. Seeing how enthusiastic they were, Guo Qing felt bad and said,"Just eat a little. I don't dare to spend so much!”
However, Wang Zhenwen insisted that he drink a cup, saying,"It's the new year. What are you talking about spending money for? When the club members heard that you were here to check the accounts and uphold justice for everyone, they were extremely happy. Every household was eager to take out the best food to entertain you, but everyone was poor! If it wasn't for the New Year, I would have let you eat steamed buns made of jade rice noodles!”
Wang Zhenwen's few words made National Day feel excited. He asked about the lives of the members and the situation in the team. When he learned that Teacher Dong's family was in debt, he asked,"Teacher Dong, have you gone through the formalities for the food debt you paid to the team in recent years?”
At this moment, Teacher Dong immediately put down her bowl and took down the calendar hanging on the wall. She flipped it over and saw that the back of the calendar had the time and amount of payment written on it line by line. There were also a few slips attached to it, saying,"There was another time when I paid the money, but the accountant didn't give me a receipt. He said that he would make up for it in the future. However, when the food was distributed later, he didn't mention anything about the debt, so I didn't ask anymore.”
National Day looked at the record on the back of the calendar and said,"Teacher Dong, these are all evidence. Please take good care of these things. They might be useful for this audit.”
After breakfast, he returned to the station on National Day. He sorted out the account books that he had checked last night, put them in the drawer, and locked them. He felt that the problem here was not small, and he still needed to investigate it carefully. He should hurry back and report to Director Han.
When he had packed up everything and was about to say goodbye to Uncle Geng, a sudden feeling of compassion flashed through his heart. He wanted to meet with Zhao Guocai and reveal some information to him. He wanted Zhao Guocai to take the initiative to correct his own problems before the audit. He didn't want Zhao Guocai to be in a sorry state when he found out the problems. If that happened, not only would Zhao not be able to step down, but it would also cause their good friends to lose their harmony.
Guo Qing still found Zhao Guocai at the home of Wang Yinghua, the party secretary. He quietly called him out and had a few words at the alley.
Guo Qing said," Brother Guo Cai, I went through the accounts of your first and second teams last night and found some problems. It seems that the Commune may have to organize people to check the accounts. I suggest that you recall carefully. If there are any problems in your accounts, you should talk to the relevant leaders and solve the problem in advance. Otherwise, I'm afraid there will be trouble if you really investigate.”
However, Zhao Guocai, who had been arrogant in the village for the past few years, could not take these words to heart. After listening to Guo Qing's words, he didn't think that Guo Qing was doing this for him. He immediately concluded that Guo Qing was cheating him. He thought, With Guo Qing's skills, how could he find out what was wrong with his accounts overnight? He couldn't help but laugh in his heart,[Buddy, you're still too inexperienced. You're still playing this trick in front of me!] Only a ghost would fall for your trick! He stared at the National Day and sneered as if he was playing with a child."Guoqing, don't worry. Let them investigate. But before they check the accounts, they have to think carefully. If they can't find out what's wrong with me, how are they going to leave this village? Don't make them squat and hurt their faces. The people of Phoenix Ridge are not people who eat snot and defecate pus!”
Seeing Zhao Guocai like this, Guo Qing was a little anxious. He said embarrassedly,"Guocai, we've been old friends for several years. This time, the company sent me to check on your accounts, so I can't refuse. If I don't come, others will come. I looked at your accounts yesterday. There are indeed some problems. But I haven't reported it to Director Han yet. What I mean is, please recall and correct those major problems first. Fight for the initiative. Before I report to Director Han, go find Director Han first and admit your mistakes in person. Do a check-up. Don't make things worse. It won't be easy to clean up in the future!”
After saying this, Guo Qing thought that the State of Zhao would be grateful to him, but Guo Qing immediately realized that he was wrong. Zhao Guocai did not feel the slightest gratitude towards Guo Qing's persuasion. Instead, he vowed,""National Day, I've already said it. You guys should investigate properly! I guarantee that there's no problem with my account! I dare to bet with my head that if you can find out that I have a single cent of corruption, you will put a rope around my neck and I will go wherever you say.”
"Guocai, I'm doing this for your own good. I don't have any other intentions. You don't dare to misunderstand my good intentions! If I report this to Director Han, it will be too late for you to regret it!”
However, Guocai did not have the slightest intention of changing his mind. He was already dead set. He smiled and said,"I appreciate your kindness." It's your business how you report it. Just do as you see fit!”
National Day felt a little regretful, but there was nothing they could do.
Guo Qing was a simple, kind, and even naive young man. He could not recognize many people and things in the world. He always saw everything around him as beautiful and flawless. It seemed that he did not know that there were villains, villains, and sins in the world. He harbored the hope of helping him and tried his best to persuade him, but he was rejected by Zhao Cai so forcefully. He actually treated his good intentions as a donkey's liver! Especially Zhao Guocai's contemptuous gaze and mocking smile, as well as his unrestrained madness, deeply hurt the strong self-esteem of National Day. A nameless fury burned in his chest, and all the sympathy, pity, and compassion he had felt before flew out of his mind. He made up his mind to get to the bottom of Zhao Guocai's problem and let him know that bricks were made of mud and pots were made of iron! Let's see if you really have a problem or if I'm bluffing you!
He turned his face and did not even look at Zhao Guocai. He walked into the house of the party secretary, Wang Yinghua, with some anger. He forced a smile and said to him,"Thank you Secretary Wang for your support. I've finished looking at the accounts of our two teams. There are indeed some problems. I'll report the situation to Director Han first.”
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]