Chapter 149: Rest in Peace (Part 2)
After carrying the body to the side of the road, Ouyang Lin was utterly exhausted. He collapsed onto the ground beside the wooden board, sitting right next to the corpse. He seemed unaware of his proximity to the deceased, his only concern being to catch his breath in great, ragged gasps.
Su Yajun noticed that Ouyang Lin was practically merged with the body. He walked over in a few strides and hauled Ouyang Lin up by the arm. "Look where you’re sitting," he said sharply.
Startled, Ouyang Lin looked down and saw the hair of the deceased fluttering in the wind. He jumped up immediately, visibly shaken.
Zeng Qiang, the deputy director of the Social Affairs Office, was in his thirties and physically stronger than Ouyang Lin, but he was also winded. He bent over by the roadside, panting heavily.
The family planning office’s Chang’an van and the police station’s jeep were parked on the road. Su Yajun unloaded a case of water from the Chang’an van and distributed it to all the grassroots civil servants involved in the operation. He personally took a bottle and handed it to Hou Weidong. "Township Mayor Hou, you’ve worked hard. Please, drink some water."
Villagers were still lingering on the small path, watching curiously. Members of the Huang family followed behind, clearly unwilling to accept the situation. If the body wasn’t transported away quickly, there was still a risk of complications.
Hou Weidong finished the bottle of water in one go. "Why hasn’t the funeral home’s vehicle arrived yet? Once it gets here, we can consider today’s mission a success."
Su Yajun was in good spirits. "There shouldn’t be any problems. The car will be here shortly."
Hou Weidong asked again, "Is the money ready?"
Su Yajun nodded. "I booked three tables at Zhang’s Restaurant for lunch. Everyone who showed up today gets a fifty-yuan subsidy." He paused, thinking for a moment, then added, "Those who carried the wooden board get one hundred yuan each."
They waited on the road for about ten minutes before the funeral home’s vehicle finally arrived. The workers from the funeral home chatted casually as they lifted Huang Peiying’s body into the vehicle. Su Yajun handled the formalities with the accompanying official from the Civil Affairs Bureau, then instructed Li Mudun, Xiao Guocai, and a colleague from the Social Affairs Office to board the vehicle. With a roar of the engine, the funeral car drove away.
Hou Weidong had recovered his strength. He turned to Tang Shugang. "Township Mayor Tang, let’s head back." Although Tang Shugang and Hou Weidong had been elected as deputy township mayors at the same time, Tang had more seniority. He sat in the front passenger seat, while Hou Weidong squeezed into the back with staff from the Party and Government Office and the Social Affairs Office. The vehicle rumbled back to the township government.
Everyone got out in the government compound, and the Chang’an van returned to pick up the remaining grassroots civil servants.
Zhao Yongsheng and Su Ming were waiting in the office for the results. After listening to the report, a smile spread across Zhao Yongsheng’s face. "Good, good. A victory in our first battle. This is good news. I must toast everyone at lunch."
Noticing the sweat on Hou Weidong’s face, Zhao Yongsheng turned to Su Ming. "Old Su, has the housing issue for Township Mayor Hou been resolved?"
Su Ming thought to himself: The grain station housing was only settled because of my relationship with Station Master Liang. Zhao Yongsheng didn’t lift a finger, yet now he acts like it was all due to his wise leadership.
Although he harbored resentment, Su Ming kept a smile on his face. "Township Mayor Hou, the room at the grain station has been vacated. You can go take a look. Try to move your things from Shangqinglin this afternoon, and you’ll be able to stay there tonight. This is a critical period for the funeral reform. Unless there’s an emergency, it’s best if you stay in the town."
Lunch was lively. The grassroots civil servants of the township government had made the trip to Xiaohe Wan Village, received a fifty-yuan subsidy, enjoyed a free meal, and were hailed as heroes. It was a win-win situation, and everyone was pleased.
After lunch, Yang Feng led Hou Weidong to see his new apartment. The grain station was located at the eastern end of the town, close to the Qinglin Junior High School, while the township government was at the opposite end.
Ten years ago, institutions like the grain station, food station, and supply and marketing cooperative were highly enviable. However, as products became more abundant and society shifted from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market, these once-profitable departments faded into the background, much like women who had given birth and lost their youthful allure. Meanwhile, government departments such as the family planning office, land administration office, foundation, and enterprise office rose from minor roles to positions of prominence.
As the saying goes, fortune turns like a wheel, and each takes its turn in the spotlight for a decade.
Yang Feng was a veteran of the bureaucracy and knew every corner of the town. As they entered the gate of the grain station, she addressed an old man sleeping in a rattan chair. "Old Xing, Township Mayor Hou is here to see the apartment."
Old Xing opened his eyes slowly and began to search for the keys at his own pace, muttering, "A respectable government like Qinglin Town doesn’t build its own residential compound, yet comes to squeeze into the grain station."
His voice was low, but Hou Weidong heard it clearly. Yang Feng retorted bluntly, "Old Xing, Township Mayor Hou is staying at the grain station. Show some respect. Station Master Liang has already agreed to this."
Old Xing didn’t reply. He hummed a tune as he went inside to find the keys.
Hou Weidong thought to himself: I am a current deputy township mayor. Old Xing really doesn’t know how to handle people. No wonder he’s still guarding this small grain station at his age.
Worried that Hou Weidong might be offended, Yang Feng took the opportunity while Old Xing was inside to explain. "Old Xing used to be the deputy director of the Grain Bureau. He was demoted to Qinglin Town due to misconduct issues and has been here for over ten years. His family is in the city, and his children are all successful university graduates."
Hearing Old Xing’s background, Hou Weidong’s gaze toward him became complex.
Old Xing returned with a large bunch of keys, still humming a tune whose lyrics were indistinguishable. He didn’t show particular respect for the young deputy township mayor, nor did he harbor any malice. "The apartments at the grain station are single-story and very damp. Living here for a few years might give you rheumatism. If you can drink, come to my place for some medicinal wine. Two cups a day will strengthen your body and prevent rheumatism."
The gate of the grain station looked dilapidated, but inside, it was a different world. Up a small slope lay a concrete platform. Next to it were large grain silos. Passing through several silos, one encountered a low wall. Entering through a small door revealed a row of single-story houses.
Behind the houses stood several dense, large trees. In front was a garden, vibrant and colorful, with hundreds of bonsai plants arranged in unique and varied shapes.
Hou Weidong hadn’t expected the grain station’s residential area to include such a beautiful garden. He couldn’t help but praise, "What a lovely garden."
Old Xing looked proud, his expression softening as he looked at the flowers and plants. From his eyes, Hou Weidong understood that this garden was Old Xing’s pride and joy. With this garden, Old Xing’s status seemed to rocket upward in Hou Weidong’s mind.
The apartment itself was indeed ordinary: one bedroom, one living room, a tiny kitchen, and a shared toilet. The floor had faint white mold, and water droplets seemed to hang from the corners. The furnishings were simple—just a bed, an old-style table, and a worn-out chair, similar to what Hou Weidong had in Shangqinglin.
Old Xing shook his head. "This room lacks moisture-proofing facilities. There’s no way around it; you’ll have to make do. I’ll get you a bottle of medicinal wine." He checked the water and electricity. "Water, electricity, and cable TV are all connected. Someone will come to check the meters later. Once you move your bedding in, it’ll be livable enough."
After giving these instructions, Old Xing walked back to his garden, touching the leaves, smelling the flowers, and then producing a small iron shovel from somewhere to tend to the soil.
Yang Feng was enthusiastic. She borrowed a broom and began cleaning the apartment. Although she was plump, her movements were not clumsy. She smiled and said, "Township Mayor Hou, many people wanted to see you fail during this funeral reform. Today, we’ve set a good example, and they’ll have nothing to say."
Hou Weidong had become deputy township mayor through a somewhat controversial process, yet he was performing well in his role. This made many people uncomfortable. Jealousy is human nature, and there were indeed many who wanted to see him stumble.
Hou Weidong asked casually, "Who wants to see me fail?"
Yang Feng replied, "I don’t gossip behind people’s backs, but there are a few individuals." Yang Feng was famous in Qinglin Town for her quick tongue, yet she believed her mouth was the tightest in town. Sometimes, a person’s self-perception can be worlds apart from how others see them.
Hou Weidong didn’t want to expose her. He smiled and said, "Sister Yang, the room is fine. No need to sweep anymore. I’ll be moving some things from Shangqinglin later, and it’ll get dirty again anyway." Yang Feng insisted on finishing the cleaning. Only after wiping her sweat did she stand up and say, "Township Mayor Hou, I’ll head back now. Let me know if you need anything."
After Yang Feng left, Hou Weidong asked Old Xing in the garden, "Where does Station Master Liang live? Why haven’t I seen him?"
Old Xing, still tending to his flowers, replied grumpily, "Liang Bing and the others went out for drinks. They won’t be back until tonight. Later, come to my place to get a key for the main gate. Remember to lock the door when you come and go."
Seeing that Old Xing was fully absorbed in his gardening, Hou Weidong didn’t press further. "Old Xing, I’m going to Shangqinglin to move my things. I’ll be back shortly."
Old Xing waved his hand in acknowledgment.
Hou Weidong requested the family planning office’s Chang’an van to go to Shangqinglin. When packing, he was cautious. He only took essential items like an electric wok, a television, and clothes, deliberately leaving behind winter bedding and other miscellaneous items. This way, he wouldn’t have to vacate his housing in Shangqinglin completely, ensuring he had a place to stay when he went up the mountain in the future.
As a deputy township mayor, no one made things difficult for him.
At five o’clock in the afternoon, the Chang’an van arrived at the grain station. Su Yajun, Zeng Qiang, Yang Chuanmin, Wang Rong, Cheng Yilin, and other colleagues from the Social Affairs Office knew Hou Weidong was moving and were waiting there. Once the vehicle arrived, they quickly helped him set up his new home.
Looking at Hou Weidong’s modest new apartment, Su Yajun sighed, "Although the single-story house at the grain station is lacking, it’s at least a place to settle down. The government really should consider organizing collective housing construction."
Hou Weidong said, "I haven’t given up on the nursing home proposal. I’ll find an opportunity to report to Secretary Zhao and争取 his support." He lowered his voice slightly. "The Civil Affairs Bureau has already agreed to the new plan. We just need to submit the formal application. When Secretary Zhao asks you, you should also whisper in his ear."
Su Yajun nodded. "I know what to do."
The first forced cremation had gone smoothly. Hou Weidong had commanded the scene decisively and even helped carry the body himself. Su Yajun’s impression of him changed again. Seeing that Hou Weidong had borrowed the family planning office’s van for his move, Su Yajun proactively brought all his department members to wait at the grain station. This was actually a way of expressing respect and recognition for Deputy Township Mayor Hou Weidong.
Hou Weidong was well aware of this. He said to everyone from the Social Affairs Office, "I’m treating everyone to dinner tonight. First, to celebrate our initial victory, and second, to celebrate my housewarming."
Su Yajun quickly said, "Today, the Social Affairs Office is treating."
Deputy Director Zeng Qiang added, "Township Mayor Hou doesn’t have a phone at home. Tomorrow, I’ll have the post office install one." Having participated in carrying the body, he felt a sense of camaraderie with Hou Weidong, and his tone was warm.
After Cheng Yilin cleaned the apartment, Hou Weidong and the Social Affairs Office staff happily went out for dinner.
The next morning at six o’clock, just as dawn broke, Hou Weidong’s mobile phone rang loudly. Yan Daoli’s voice came through the receiver. "Township Mayor Hou, Wang Mazi’s father from the Ninth Cooperative has passed away. They secretly buried him last night. What should we do?"
Hou Weidong woke up instantly. "What? They’ve already buried him?"
"He passed away around nine last night and was buried in the middle of the night. Their family is poor; they definitely can’t afford the fees."
Hou Weidong and Yan Daoli had an agreement. To put pressure on him, Hou Weidong deliberately asked, "Secretary Yan, I’m responsible for building bridges. You’re supposed to handle everything in Xingping Village. How did this happen?"
Yan Daoli sounded unhappy. "Funeral reform is a major issue. We village cadres can’t handle it alone. You need to bring people over quickly, or the village will be powerless."
Hou Weidong hung up and left the grain station. Su Yajun lived in the countryside and didn’t have a phone, so Hou Weidong couldn’t notify him. Since the deceased in Xingping Village had already been buried, Hou Weidong had a proper breakfast at Yao’s Restaurant in the town before heading to the office.
He waited until work hours began. When Su Yajun heard about the situation in Xingping Village, his eyes nearly popped out. "How is Secretary Yan Daoli doing his job? Why is the town being notified only now?"
Hou Weidong said firmly, "Request support from the Civil Affairs Bureau. If they didn’t follow the regulations, we must dig the body up even if it’s buried." He hesitated for a moment before making this decision. To ensure the funeral reform could proceed smoothly across the town, he had to play the villain. If this precedent were set, the funeral reform would become an empty promise.