However, at that time, there was a big difference between the county town and the countryside. The top leaders of the commune were nowhere near the level of the heads of the county bureaus and committees. Due to inconvenient transportation and the poor living conditions in rural areas, many grassroots cadres tried every possible way to get transferred back to the city. They were even willing to take a nominal or idle position in a county office.

Dad hurriedly grasped Director Harris's hand and exchanged pleasantries with him.

Edward Harris...

This name sounds very familiar.

I quickly searched my memories from my previous life in a panic.

"Xiao Jun, come here..." Mr. Smith waved at me.

I quickly walked over and bowed: "Hello, Uncle."

"This child is really well-behaved... Edward, this is Jincai's son, a student I took in..." I hurriedly bowed again to Edward Harris: "Hello, Uncle Yan, my name is John Walker."

"Hehe, Uncle is too much—I don't deserve that. I was also a student of Mr. Smith." Edward Harris said with a smile.

A student of Mr. Smith? Ah... it really is him, the future Party Secretary of Xiangyang County a few years later! Later, he even became the Commissioner of the Baozhou Prefecture Administrative Office, and before retiring, he was Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Congress of Province N. He was truly a big shot from our Xiangyang County. I never expected to meet him here.

"Xiao Jun, you read your book. We'll have a chat."

"Oh, okay." I sat properly to the side and opened "The History of the Five Dynasties." Luckily, none of them noticed what I was reading.

"Alas... Now that the Chairman is gone, who knows what the central government's policies will be?" As they talked about this topic, the three of them all looked heavy-hearted. In their words, there was a constant sense of confusion about the future political situation, and worry that the successor would not be able to shoulder such a heavy burden.

Mr. Smith, wearing his big hat, was even more anxious, sighing from time to time, while the teacher's wife wiped away her tears. Like children who had suddenly lost their father, they were at a loss for what to do.

"Uncle, how do you read this character?" I suddenly stood up and pointed to a character in the book.

"Xu. Li Cunxu, the founding emperor of Later Tang in the Five Dynasties, Emperor Zhuangzong Li Cunxu..." Actually, I recognized the "勖" in Li Cunxu's name. Before I transmigrated, novels about the Five Dynasties had just become popular. I had read a few. This Emperor Li was quite a remarkable figure in the history of the Five Dynasties.

"Eh, Xiao Jun, why are you reading 'The History of the Five Dynasties'?" Mr. Smith was very surprised.

"I just think it's fun." I giggled and quickly said, "Uncle, can you tell me the story of Emperor Zhuangzong Li Cunxu?"

"Xiao Jun, don't make trouble, the adults are talking." Dad scolded. But even as he scolded me, his tone couldn't hide his affection.

Director Harris's expression changed slightly, and he said, "Teacher, I think you've told us the story of Li Cunxu before. It was very interesting." Mr. Smith nodded: "During the chaotic late Tang and Five Dynasties period, heroes emerged in large numbers—it was truly an era of turmoil. Back then, when the Prince of Jin, Li Keyong, who held Hedong, passed away, his only biological son, Li Cunxu, inherited the title. At that time, the Later Liang had just been established, Liang was strong and Jin was weak, and Li Cunxu had never fought in battle. Everyone was worried, thinking Li Cunxu was no match for the cunning Zhu Wen, and that Hedong would surely fall. Who would have thought that Li Cunxu was well-versed in military strategy and brave in battle? He defeated both the Later Liang and Khitan armies, and after more than ten years, captured Kaifeng, destroyed Later Liang, and established Later Tang." Since it wasn't really the time for storytelling, Mr. Smith just gave a brief summary, more like introducing Li Cunxu's achievements.

Dad mused, "So, this Li Cunxu was quite a hero, wasn't he?" When it came to historical anecdotes, Mr. Smith immediately perked up: "Yes, no one expected Li Cunxu to be so formidable. Even Zhu Wen, the founding emperor of Later Liang, praised him, saying, 'If one has a son, let him be like Li Yazi; with Li Keyong, Jin will not fall.'" Having achieved my goal, I smiled and said, "Uncle, your stories are really interesting." Then I sat back on my little stool and focused on reading, so they wouldn't keep asking me endless questions.

Dad said, "Every generation brings forth its own talents, each leading the way for hundreds of years. Mr. Smith, don't worry, your problem will be solved sooner or later." Mr. Smith was taken aback, then immediately understood and nodded repeatedly.

Edward Harris saw how eloquent Dad was and was quite impressed. He smiled and said, "Old Walker, truly, a tiger father begets no dog son. Both you and your son are remarkable."

"Not at all, Director Harris, you're too kind."

"Since you're a friend of Mr. Smith, that makes you a friend of mine, Edward Harris. In the future, if you have time, come visit me at the commune."

"Definitely, definitely." It was clear that Dad had a very good impression of Edward Harris, and wasn't just being polite. At that time, commune cadres weren't highly regarded. Above the commune was the district, and above the district was the county. The director of the commune revolutionary committee was usually at the deputy section level, and only a very few with seniority were at the full section level. Although Dad was a technical worker and had been working for quite some time, his administrative rank was also at the section level. So befriending Edward Harris was not considered social climbing.

Chapter 8: Draining the Pond to Catch the Fish