I Overhear Animals' Thoughts to Feed My Family

Chapter 147: Chapter 146: Starting a Fight

The militia was mostly made up of young, able-bodied men; someone like Zhao the Sixth was considered one of the older ones. Among them were some who used to be close with Zhao Wendong—guys he’d often taken out for fights or who had followed him around since they were kids.

”The fact that I was made Civilian Militia Captain shows the team committee’s trust in me. I, Zhao Wendong, don’t have many skills, but I’ve got three things going for me. And I believe these three things are all I need to be a good Captain.”

”First, I’m loyal. Some say I’m lazy, some say I’m up to no good. But has anyone, from the time we were kids until now, ever said that I, Zhao Wendong, am not loyal or that I don’t do right by people? Think about it!”

”Second, I’m lucky. Whether it’s up in the mountains or out at sea, when others can’t find food, I can. I can catch more fish in one trip than others do in half a lifetime. With luck this good, how could you possibly lose out by following me?”

”Third, I have a lot of brothers. In the county, throughout the whole Commune, where doesn’t Zhao Wendong have friends? I can’t make promises about other things, but if there’s trouble, all it takes is one call and they’ll be there!”

”With just these three things, I can be a good Civilian Militia Captain. Are you convinced or not?”

”We’re convinced!”

Many people responded immediately, but some remained silent. Zhao Wendong just smiled, unconcerned.

”By the way, you all know my uncle was beaten by Wang Dana, right? Tomorrow, I’m going to Wang Family’s Hut to fight them and get justice for my uncle. Anyone who respects me, Zhao Wendong, and is willing to help, come gather at my place tomorrow morning!”

”I’ll go.”

”I’m the fiercest fighter. Dongzi, take me with you.”

Zhao Wendong smiled at the most enthusiastic ones. He didn’t mention that there would be transportation and free food, otherwise he was afraid too many people would show up. This was also a good opportunity to see who was genuinely willing to help him.

Seeing Zhao Wendong easily take control of the situation, Zhao Weiguo and Third Master Zhao exchanged a look of mutual satisfaction.

The cadres from the team committee also took turns speaking in support of Zhao Wendong. Then, Zhao Weiguo unlocked the big padlock on the production team’s warehouse. Inside were various production tools for the village, and lined up against one wall were some guns and ammunition. Zhao Wendong had the militiamen line up to receive their weapons one by one, then led them to a small grove at the edge of the village for some live-fire practice.

Considering the militiamen’s stamina, Zhao Wendong didn’t conduct any physical training. The main point was for him, the new Civilian Militia Captain, to make an appearance, assess his troops, and prepare for potential future conflicts.

There were a few militiamen who were clearly too old, some whose marksmanship was terrible, and others who lacked discipline and enthusiasm. Zhao Wendong took note of them all, planning to make adjustments later. For now, he would make do. Before dismissing them, Zhao Wendong gave a concluding speech to all the militiamen.

”I can’t make you any other promises, but the militia is Dragon King Pond’s own force. When Dragon King Pond is in trouble, as long as you’re not a coward and you step up, I, Zhao Wendong, will definitely remember you when good things come around. I’m putting it out there for you all to think over. For the next few days, take your weapons home and keep them with you. You’re not allowed to waste your issued ammunition. Whoever loses any will have to pay for it. And if a real fight happens, anyone who doesn’t use up all their bullets will be dealt with!”

”Alright, dismissed!”

In twos and threes, the militiamen dispersed, carrying the old-fashioned gear from Dragon King Pond on their backs. Zhao Weiguo walked over to Zhao Wendong and patted his shoulder, his face filled with pride and relief.

”Not bad, Dongzi. Well done. You’ve got guts.”

”Hehe. Well, you know who you’re dealing with.”

”Give you an inch and you take a mile, haha.”

Once everyone had left, Zhao Wendong and the members of the team committee all headed to their own homes. Over on his side, as soon as Zhao the Sixth got home, his wife anxiously asked him.

”How did it go? Zhao Wendong didn’t give you a hard time, did he?”

”Hah! That snot-nosed kid thinks he can give me a hard time? I, Zhao the Sixth, am a somebody in this village. He’s busy trying to rally people to go fight for Zhao Dahai. He didn’t even mention providing food! Who’s gonna go through all that trouble for nothing? Besides, is Wang Dana from Wang Family’s Hut someone to be trifled with? I bet Zhao Wendong is going to take a huge fall this time.”

Zhao the Sixth’s wife looked at his smug face and wanted to remind him that Zhao Wendong had already performed many amazing feats, but she remembered the harsh beating she got last time for speaking out of turn. After a moment’s thought, she kept her mouth shut.

When Zhao Wendong got home, the house was still bustling with his large family. Out on the floor of the main room, Zhen Shan, who had been slightly injured, was enjoying being fed by everyone. His mouth was greasy from eating, making General and Zhui Feng incredibly jealous, their slobber flowing freely. Zhao Wendong couldn’t stand it and got them a few bones too, which immediately sent them wagging their tails with joy.

Xiaobai hadn’t come back, and Little Tuanzi missed the fox, but at least she had Zhuangzhuang to keep her company. The little girl mentioned the little fox a few times, then went back to playing with the little tiger on the kang bed. The fight was tomorrow. With such a big commotion, it was impossible to keep it from Zhao Dashan any longer. During dinner that night, Zhao Wendong came right out and told him about Zhao Dahai getting beaten up and how he was going to help him get payback. After hearing this, Zhao Dashan was silent for a long while. He looked at his sons, his gaze finally landing on Zhao Wendong.

”Be careful.”

”I will. Don’t worry.”

Zhao Wendong’s reply was relaxed, but Lin Zhiyin and Jin Xiuying were still worried. They both wanted to go along, but Zhao Wendong refused without hesitation. This was a fight with outsiders. Bringing women along would not only make people laugh and say they had no men, but more importantly, he was afraid they might get hurt and he’d be distracted looking after them.

The next day, before the sun was up, Zhang Liang’s family in Qianjin Commune and five of their neighboring households were already awake. Smoke began to rise from every chimney. Adults and children were all mobilized, each busy with a task. Some tended the fires, others kneaded dough. No one spoke, no one complained of being tired. Every family had smiles on their faces.

Just by waking up early to help cook a meal, their families would get several days’ worth of rations. Where else could you find such a good deal? So many of the surrounding households were green with envy, only lamenting that they lived too far from Liangzi’s house.

Inside each house, the only sounds were the crackling of firewood, the kneading of dough, and the scraping of iron ladles in pots. The young women and new wives held a piece of dough in their left palm, pressed their right thumb into the center, and a cornbread bun was nearly formed. They shaped it in a circular motion, creating a pointed top and a round base, and firmed up the edges to prevent it from cracking while steaming. As each one was finished, it was placed on a nearby steamer rack. The racks were woven from bamboo and lined with corn husks dried in the autumn, specifically to prevent sticking.

About twenty buns were arranged tightly on each rack. Soon, three or four racks were stacked up, waiting by the stove. When the water in the iron pot came to a boil, they would lift the racks and place them in the pot, one layer on top of another. They covered it with a thick wooden lid, wrapping a cloth around the edge to keep the steam from escaping. The fire in the stove pit was turned down slightly, and firewood had to be added evenly to ensure the pot kept steaming.

Some squatted by the stove adding firewood, some stood passing portions of dough, and others picked the steamed cornbread buns off the racks and placed them in large bamboo baskets. The buns were scalding hot right out of the steamer, so they had to be handled with a cloth. The baskets in every house were piled high with the firm, golden-yellow buns, steam still rising from their hollow centers.

The five neighboring families were in charge of making the cornbread buns, while Liangzi’s family specialized in making porridge. They waited until the water in the iron pot was bubbling vigorously before pouring in coarse sorghum rice. The rice had been washed beforehand and was still draining. After pouring it in, Liangzi’s father took a long-handled iron ladle and stirred continuously along the edge of the pot to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and burning.

When it was stirred enough, he covered it tightly with the wooden lid, leaving a small crack to let out steam. Liangzi helped tend the fire, making sure it always burned strong. The porridge in the pot gurgled, GURGLE GURGLE, as steam billowed up relentlessly, carrying the aroma of rice throughout the area. The whole room filled with steam, making it look like a fairyland on earth. They had to open the door to let the cold outside air rush in and cool things down.

A large water vat had been set aside specifically for holding the porridge. Behind it was a huge pile of bowls, pooled together by the six families. Luckily, the bowls were all different styles, with a wide variety of chips and cracks, so there was no worry about mixing them up after use.

”Liangzi, stop tending the fire. People will start arriving at daybreak. Go check on the other families and see how the cornbread buns are coming along. Dongzi said four per person, and to prepare for at least a hundred people. We can have more, but not less.”

”Haha, alright, I’ll go take a look.”

Liangzi dropped the firewood and dashed out the door, his heart pounding with excitement. ’These days, so few people come to the Commune to buy anything. Most just ask if there’s any food available. My job at the supply and marketing co-op is so slow. I can’t even pass the time sewing shoe soles like the female clerks. I just end up dozing off on the counter every day, bored to death. Following Dongzi is so much more thrilling! Just look at this huge scene we’re putting together today!’ The thought alone was exhilarating.

As soon as he stepped out the door, he saw figures appearing on the street in twos and threes, all converging in the direction of Zhang Dadan’s place. Liangzi knew their designated meeting spot was in front of the cotton shop. From the looks of it, plenty of people were showing up to help Dongzi.