Chapter 64

The villagers were against the idea of eating from a communal pot this time, and neither the Old Village Chief nor the brigade leader forced the issue. Instead, the Xiaxi Production Brigade spent its own funds to build a large cafeteria and set up two large earthen stoves, primarily to satisfy the inspections from superiors. Later, the Old Village Chief reminded the villagers, "Don't keep too many chickens at home. Three per household is enough; any more will only lead to trouble." The villagers hurried home and began slaughtering their chickens. For several days, the scent of chicken wafted through the air above all of Xiaxi Village. Sure enough, only a few days later, a document arrived from the commune stating that each household was permitted to keep only three chickens, and any surplus must be surrendered. The villagers breathed a sigh of relief, thankful they had slaughtered their chickens early; otherwise, outsiders would have benefited from their hard work. From then on, the villagers held a mysterious, unshakable faith in the Old Village Chief, treating his every word as holy decree.