165: Replace those who can't solve the problem.

Hearing that the County Magistrate, Lin Zifeng, wanted to visit her home, the old woman hesitated for a moment before saying, "My family doesn't have anything to entertain you with, just a bowl of hot water. As long as you don't mind that my home is poor, that's fine."

The old woman looked embarrassed, but Lin Zifeng said with a sincere expression, "Ma'am, please lead the way! We won't mind at all."

"If your home is truly as difficult as you say, then it means we, as Cadres, haven't done our jobs properly."

"You don't need to feel embarrassed; it is we who should feel ashamed."

The old woman readily agreed and turned to walk ahead.

The three Cadres from Xiangyang Town exchanged furtive glances, each harboring a bad premonition.

However, they didn't know much about the old woman's situation, so they had to follow along in silence.

The old woman's home was not far; after less than two hundred meters, they arrived at the gate of a courtyard with earthen walls.

The old woman opened the two wooden doors and invited them inside. Lin Zifeng was the first to step in; the courtyard was actually quite large.

Although there were only three stone rooms, the courtyard contained two pig pens and an area fenced off with locust wood.

The two pig pens were empty, and the area enclosed by the locust wood was also completely vacant.

Lin Zifeng guessed that the area fenced with locust wood was likely intended by the old woman for raising sheep.

He guessed correctly, for the old woman spoke up at that moment: "County Magistrate, these two pig pens were built when my son was still alive."

"This sheep pen I built myself; I was preparing to raise sheep."

"Ma'am, you mentioned earlier that besides you and your granddaughter who is in school, there is no one else in your family. What exactly happened?"

"My husband passed away early. I raised my son and helped him get married. But not long after my granddaughter was born, my poor son, in order to earn money by picking medicinal herbs on the mountain, fell and lost his life."

"My daughter-in-law remarried, leaving just my granddaughter and me to rely on each other."

As the old woman recounted these events, her face was filled with sorrow.

Lin Zifeng quickly said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry for making you recall such painful memories."

The old woman smiled with teary eyes and said open-mindedly, "It's nothing; it all happened a long time ago. Let's not stand outside talking anymore; let's go into the house!"

Lin Zifeng nodded and walked into the house with the old woman.

Because space inside was limited, besides Lin Zifeng, only Zhang Linhua, the Director of the Animal Husbandry Bureau, and the three Cadres from Xiangyang Town followed them in.

The old woman's home was destitute, but the dozens of certificates pasted on the wall were the best decoration in the room, making Lin Zifeng's eyes light up.

The old woman hurriedly poured water for them. Lin Zifeng didn't hesitate; he picked up the large bowl, took a few sips, and then smiled, saying, "Ma'am, your granddaughter's academic performance is excellent!"

"She has won so many certificates, from elementary school all the way through middle school. Is your granddaughter already in high school?"

"Oh, my granddaughter! She has been obedient and sensible since she was little. Not only does she study well, but she is also very filial!"

"She got into the county's key high school this year and lives on campus now. She can only come back once every two weeks, and whenever she returns, she helps me with everything."

"The country's policies are great! The village head registered my family for the minimum living allowance, and this money has allowed me to afford my granddaughter's education."

"I should be content, but my granddaughter is at the age where she is growing, so I wanted to raise some sheep to increase my income a bit and supplement her nutrition."

"Otherwise, with just me, an old woman, farming those two acres of land, I'd just be making sure I don't starve."

Whenever the old woman mentioned her granddaughter, her face would bloom with a smile.

"Ma'am, it is our work that hasn't been done thoroughly. Please rest assured, I will resolve your issue as soon as I return to town."

"Even if you raise more sheep, it won't be a problem at all."

Hearing the conversation between the two, the three Cadres from Xiangyang Town felt somewhat uncomfortable.

The Town Party Secretary, Li Deyou, hurriedly made a statement.

"No need, no need. I'm afraid I won't be able to handle too many; ten sheep will be enough."

The old woman quickly said.

Lin Zifeng said with a half-smile, "The cost for ten sheep is only about two thousand yuan. Does that really need to wait until we go back to be resolved?"

After saying this, Lin Zifeng raised his voice and called out to the outside, "Zhongyu, come in for a moment."

Wang Zhongyu answered and walked in quickly, coming to his side to ask, "County Magistrate, what are your instructions?"

"Give me last month's salary that I left with you."

For convenience, Lin Zifeng would have Wang Zhongyu withdraw and keep his salary every month, so that when he went out for inspections, it would be easy to use for personal expenses.

With a Secretary by his side, he, the County Magistrate, wouldn't have to pay for things himself.

When the next month's salary was issued, Wang Zhongyu would give him whatever was left from the previous month's salary.

This cycle had been going on for some time.

Wang Zhongyu agreed, took out a stack of cash, handed it to Lin Zifeng, and whispered in his ear, "County Magistrate, there is 2,100 yuan left."

Lin Zifeng nodded and, looking at Zhang Linhua and the Director of the Animal Husbandry Bureau, asked, "County Magistrate Zhang, Director Qiao, do you have any money on you?"

Both men understood Lin Zifeng's meaning and quickly took out all the money they had on them.

"County Magistrate, I don't have much on me, just 900 yuan."

Zhang Linhua said this while handing the 900 yuan to Lin Zifeng.

Director Qiao had 600 yuan and handed it to him respectfully.

The three men including Li Deyou also reached out to take out money, but he stopped them with a stern look. He said indifferently, "County Magistrate Zhang and Director Qiao are County Leaders."

"We came down here for an inspection to solve problems for you."

"As for you three, since you lack the ability to solve this problem, let us solve it for you."

"If such things happen in the future and you Town Cadres are completely unaware, or if you know but pretend to be ignorant, and lack the ability to solve problems concerning the people's livelihoods, I will suggest to the County Party Committee that we replace those of you who cannot solve problems."

Although Lin Zifeng did not speak loudly, his words were heavy. The three men felt a chill in their hearts and moved their mouths, wanting to explain, but Lin Zifeng withdrew his gaze, giving them no chance to explain at all.

Turning to look at the old woman, he put on a different face and said with a smile, "Ma'am, here is 3,600 yuan. Please take it."

"Besides buying sheep, you can use the remaining money to buy some feed."

"This won't do; how can I take your money? No, absolutely not."

The old woman hurriedly waved her hands in refusal.

Lin Zifeng took the old woman's hand, stuffed all the money into it, and held her hand tightly.

"Ma'am, it is our work that hasn't been done thoroughly. I am asking you to take it, so please do! Even if you don't think for yourself, you must think for your granddaughter who is in high school!"

"High school studies are very stressful now. Without enough nutrition, the child's body won't be able to hold up."

Zhang Linhua and Director Qiao also persuaded her, and only then did the old woman accept the money with tears in her eyes.

Lin Zifeng also had Wang Zhongyu write down his mobile phone number and gave it to the old woman, telling her that if she had any difficulties, she could call him.

He also instructed Wang Zhongyu to pay more attention to Old Lady Li. He did this intentionally, just in case someone later took their anger out on Old Lady Li or found an opportunity to deliberately make things difficult for her.