Chapter 3 third chapter

Contrary to everyone's expectations, Meng Xiaozhou finally defeated Long Jiumiao and became the new director of the Desert Institute. Hearing the news, Long Jiumiao slapped the table angrily: "What is he capable of, Meng Xiaozhou? Can he manage such a big stall?" Long Jiumiao soon realized that his anger was very low. value, who cares about the complaints of a loser? Where did she lose, Long Jiumiao still can't figure it out.The day before the Standing Committee, Long Jiumiao also received definite news that he was the only one present at the meeting, and Meng Xiaozhou was eliminated from the government.But in just one day, things turned around, and Long Jiumiao didn't even hear a single letter.

Angrily, he found the person who spoke for him, and said that he quit and resigned immediately.He would like to see how Meng Xiaozhou staged this scene? The one who spoke for him was none other than the secretary-general of the provincial government. This person can be regarded as a powerful figure in the provincial government. In addition, he has an extraordinary relationship with the provincial party committee, so he spoke from the government's side. Servings are very heavy.It's a pity that he got into trouble recently. Someone dug up some things in his past, and they insisted on it.If not, this time he will get involved in the storm.

The man stared at Long Jiumiao coldly, and after a long time suddenly asked: "What are you hiding from me? Do you know, you almost made me capsize!" Long Jiumiao was startled, and said with trembling lips, "No, no, what did I hide from you?" "Look for yourself!" The man threw a stack of materials in front of Long Jiumiao heavily. Long Jiumiao turned a few pages, his face changed suddenly, and he asked in a trembling voice: "Hey, what happened?" "What's going on, go back and think about it carefully, and explain the matter clearly before checking you."

Long Jiumiao came out disheartened.His mood fell into a trough, no, it was hell. Some people reported that Longjiu Miao embezzled scientific research funds, set up a clever name, made false claims, and partnered with the subordinates to appropriate more than 8 million yuan of desert control funds for their own money, filling their own pockets. What's more serious is that in the name of the Desert Research Institute, Longjiu Miao established a joint venture with the Shaxian Psammophyte Development Company to sell low-quality saplings to farmers, causing huge losses to farmers in Shaxian County and related counties.This incident of pitting farmers has attracted great attention from the leaders of the provincial party committee, and the relevant departments have been instructed to seriously investigate and deal with it.

It's all the bastard's fault!Long Jiumiao cursed Bai Junjie, the magistrate of Sha County, bitterly. In June last year, Bai Junjie suddenly approached Long Jiumiao, saying that Sha County had set up a psammophyte development company and wanted to do this article on the sand industry. Since the company was established, the benefits have been very good, but recently it has encountered some troubles in terms of funds. , please support Long Jiumiao.Long Jiumiao was not familiar with Bai Junjie, they knew each other because of the man named Ma Ming.Ma Ming used to be a member of the Desert Institute, and was a student of Long Jiumiao when he just graduated. Long Jiumiao thought that Ma Ming was smart and aggressive, and it was a pity to engage in learning.Later, Ma Ming really gave up his profession and went into business.First he made noise in Yincheng for a while, then suddenly disappeared, and when he reappeared, he was already the chairman of Northern Everbright Industry.When Long Jiumiao went to the heaven and earth in his Mercedes-Benz to reminisce with Ma Ming, he really felt a sense of trance in the sky and the earth.I have worked hard all my life to learn, but in the end I couldn’t even pay for my daughter’s tuition to study in the United States. Ma Ming has only been making trouble for a few years now. He has a company and a car. Later, he found out that he also has several lovers. One of them is the daughter of Long Jiu Miao's old classmate. She has a bit of artistic talent and is also very beautiful. She is relying on Ma Ming to enter the show business.In a short period of time, it became a flower in Yincheng.

Long Jiumiao was overwhelmed with emotion, and the hand holding the wine glass trembled a series of times.Ma Ming's meal is enough for two months' salary. That night, when he followed Ma Ming to the sauna center in the heaven and earth, he hugged a girl who looked younger than his daughter and was said to be a sophomore in the Northern University. Shaken.The girl yelled at each other, and it broke his heart, and made him lose his way.Since then, Long Jiumiao has started another life. Long Jiumiao called and asked Ma Ming to come to see him immediately.Ma Ming said lazily on the phone: "What's the matter, so urgent?"

"I'm still in a hurry, I'm on fire." "Is it that serious? I can't get away right now, I'll call you when I have time." Ma Ming's tone was coping, and Long Jiumiao heard that he replaced you with you. "Come here right away, I'm in a hurry." Long Jiumiao said sharply. "What if I can't come?" Ma Ming asked suddenly. Long Jiumiao was speechless.He really didn't think about it.This is really a complicated question, and Long Jiumiao couldn't figure it out.However, he already felt that Ma Ming's attitude had changed, and there was a hint of protest secretly.Did he also hear the news?Even if you hear it, you shouldn't speak in such a tone.

Ma Ming hung up the phone, and Long Jiumiao heard a woman's voice on the phone.Ma Ming is a man who cannot live without women. For a while, he also taught Long Jiumiao to live like this. Long Jiumiao did enjoy many women with him.Long Jiumiao originally planned to enjoy it with him, but... Are days like this coming to an end?Long Jiumiao took a deep breath. Long Jiumiao called again. He had to see Ma Ming, and the Secretary-General's words rang in his ears again: "You must give me an explanation as soon as possible, otherwise I will not be able to help you!" Ma Ming didn't answer, and Long Jiumiao was so angry that he wanted to vomit blood.He had no choice but to contact Bai Junjie. Bai Junjie was not in the county and said he was in Beijing for a meeting.A county magistrate held a meeting in Beijing, which was clearly deceiving him.Long Jiumiao threw away the phone angrily. It seems that Ma Ming must have colluded with the surname Bai, and he is going to see him in trouble!

what to do?Long Jiumiao quickly thought of a countermeasure. At the same time, Meng Xiaozhou was congratulating himself. The person drinking with him was none other than Bai Junjie, the magistrate of Sha County.Don't look at Bai Junjie as just a small county magistrate, if this person can really jump up and down, his hands and eyes can reach the sky.He was the first to know that Meng Xiaozhou was going to be the director, so he came to the provincial capital ahead of time, waiting to congratulate him. In contrast, Meng Xiaozhou felt a little sudden, and he still can't believe it is true.He was indeed not mentally prepared, because up to now, no one had promised to help him, including Lin Jingran.

Everything happened so suddenly, like pie falling from the sky, Meng Xiaozhou couldn't wake up a bit. The two drank a bottle of wine, and Meng Xiaozhou wanted to drink more, but Bai Junjie stopped him: "You can't drink any more, you have a lot of things to do next, so you can't let the wine delay you." Although Bai Junjie was only a small The county magistrate, but he is considered to be in the officialdom, so he naturally understands the pros and cons of alcohol.He was originally a man who seldom drank alcohol, but today he drank a lot with Meng Xiaozhou because he was happy.Meng Xiaozhou opened him: "You can't let me get drunk for a while, you know, I really want to get drunk at this time!"

"It's not easy to get drunk?" Bai Junjie patted Meng Xiaozhou's shoulder affectionately, "But the most important thing right now is to be your best and don't leave any excuses for others." "Handle?" Meng Xiaozhou squinted his drunken eyes, not understanding the meaning of these two words. Bai Junjie secretly smiled, thinking that Meng Xiaozhou was no different from an idiot.However, he still enthusiastically sent Meng Xiaozhou home. On the day Meng Xiaozhou took office, two comrades came to the Disciplinary Committee. They first talked with Long Jiumiao for two hours, and then Meng Xiaozhou was called in.The two comrades congratulated Meng Xiaozhou first, and Meng Xiaozhou was a little panicked. After all, the comrades of the Disciplinary Committee do not talk to others every day, and not everyone can talk to the comrades of the Disciplinary Committee. "If you need our cooperation, please just say it, and we will do our best." The two comrades exchanged glances, and one of them said: "We are very glad that you have this attitude. The issue of agriculture, rural areas and farmers has always been an issue that our party attaches great importance to. Ensuring that the interests of farmers are not violated is something that every cadre of our party must insist on." However, recently, many people have reported that in the past few years, things that have harmed the interests of farmers in the desert have occurred from time to time, and we are deeply saddened by this." The speaker paused, his eyes resting on Meng Xiaozhou's face.Meng Xiaozhou hurriedly got up and said: "I just heard about this. I am very sad about what happened in the desert. We are a scientific research institution. We should do practical and good things for farmers. How can we harm farmers?" "We don't draw conclusions easily until the matter is clarified, but the Desert Institute must be given enough attention. How about you arrange a few comrades to cooperate with us to go to the grassroots level and do some investigations. In addition, we have to investigate the desert institute Conduct an audit of the use of various funds in recent years." "Okay, I'll arrange it now." Meng Xiaozhou was talking, called two people, and introduced them separately.One of them is the deputy director of the Project Evaluation Office of the Desert Institute, and the other is Lao Ning, a lesbian in her fifties who is in charge of party affairs.Then he said: "Your next step is to fully cooperate with the leadership of the Commission for Discipline Inspection to find out the problems of the desert institute." Lao Ning immediately stated that he must live up to the expectations of the leaders.The woman in her early fifties looked passionate, and her blood was boiling even before she went into battle. The comrades of the Commission for Discipline Inspection needed to talk to Lao Ning and the others alone, so Meng Xiaozhou left.When he passed Long Jiumiao's office, he saw Long Jiumiao standing at the desk like a defeated rooster.Meng Xiaozhou suddenly felt a tinge of pity, and wanted to go in to comfort Long Jiumiao, but then he thought, forget it, let him comfort himself. Meng Xiaozhou's appointment caused a bit of shock in the desert. Frankly speaking, no one expected that he would sit in this position so smoothly.In the past, people were optimistic about Long Jiumiao. Regardless of qualifications or achievements, he was above Meng Xiaozhou, and it was reasonable for the second in command to succeed the first in command.However, since something happened to Long Jiumiao, it seemed reasonable for Meng Xiaozhou to take this seat, and the quarrel subsided after a while.The Desert Research Institute was originally a scientific research unit, and everyone's energy was mainly focused on academic research and research projects, and they cared far less than other units for such a sensitive political issue as who would be the top executive. Jiang Changming heard the news at his wife's house. Lin Jingran came to see his wife that day and told him the news by the way. "Oh?" Jiang Changming raised his head, slightly surprised. "How can you let Meng Xiaozhou do it? How did the higher-ups think about it?" The teacher's wife cried out from the bed.After Meng Xiaozhou broke up with Lin Jingran, the teacher's wife Ye Ziqiu's view of Meng Xiaozhou took a 180-degree turn. "This is a matter for the higher authorities to consider, so don't worry about it, Mrs. Jiang." Jiang Changming persuaded.The teacher's wife Ye Ziqiu has recovered well recently, and her spirit looks better than before the onset, but the doctor repeatedly warned that she must pay attention to her emotions. "Chang Ming, stop patronizing me, pack up your things quickly, and report back to the office." "No hurry, my contract will not expire until the end of the year." Jiang Changming said so, but he was still a little anxious.It's been almost two months since I came back, I've been wandering around all day, I can't do anything, if this continues, I'm afraid it will be hard to explain to myself. "What's the rush? Just go back if I tell you. I don't need you to worry about it." Ye Ziqiu said while giving Lin Jingran a look, which meant that Lin Jingran would persuade Jiang Changming. Lin Jingran's visit today also meant to persuade Jiang Changming to return to the institute.Two days ago, she finally recommended Jiang Changming to Zhou Xiaozhe. In fact, there was no need to recommend him. Zhou Xiaozhe knew the backbone of the institute better than anyone else. He just didn't expect Jiang Changming to return to China.When Lin Jingran told him that Jiang Changming had already returned to China, Zhou Xiaozhe had a strange expression on his face. He stared at Lin Jingran for a long time and said with a bit of anger, "Why did you tell me such an important matter?" Lin Jingran also had difficulties. Meng Xiaozhou clung to her, and Teacher Situ called her every now and then to beg her, and said that he would find a unit to come. Deputy Governor Zhou Xiaozhe was hesitant due to pressure from all sides.In this case, how could she recommend Jiang Changming?Besides, Jiang Changming had a heated fight with that nurse, which made Lin Jingran feel sour, and she simply ignored him. But three days ago, the second day after Meng Xiaozhou took office, on a weekend, Meng Xiaozhou suddenly found her and proposed to her.Meng Xiaozhou spoke earnestly, said a lot of regretful words, and then, like Westerners, he knelt on the ground and formally proposed to her.Lin Jingran was so shocked that she didn't know what to say, she really didn't expect Meng Xiaozhou to make such a move. As soon as Meng Xiaozhou proposed, the pain deeply buried in her heart was completely overturned. A woman cannot stand being hurt repeatedly by the same man. Lin Jingran flatly rejected him and threw him out of the door.Meng Xiaozhou did not give up, and said through the door: "Jingran, I know you have me in your heart, otherwise you would not help me. I thank you. Jingran, please believe me, I will not let you down .” Lin Jingran's mind was pounding, and Meng Xiaozhou mistook her for helping.It's a joke, because of a director, the higher-ups fought hard. On the surface, it looks calm, but in fact they are fighting each other in secret, so there's no way she, Lin Jingran, can speak.Perhaps it was Zhou Xiaozhe himself, who didn't know how to raise his hand in the end. What Lin Jingran knew was that at the critical moment, someone threw a heavy punch and suddenly played a card, directly stabbing Long Jiumiao's back.On the surface, it looks like they are coming for Long Jiumiao, but in fact, it is not the case. The one who punches is going to hit the people above.The leader above is not yet the secretary-general, and the secretary-general does not have the qualifications, but he is a leg of this leader. Some people joked that the secretary-general stepped on the government side with one leg, but stretched out the other leg to the provincial party committee.The opponent is using the secretary-general to beat his master, a key figure in the provincial party committee.Originally it was rumored that he was going to fall into a tussle, but suddenly it was calm and he continued to sit on the stage and give orders.Some people were afraid that he would slow down, and would not stop doing two things, and tossed out Long Jiumiao and the desert office. Unexpectedly, this matter happened to be hooked up with Sannong. The nature changed suddenly, and Long Jiumiao was immediately wiped out. Meng Xiaozhou just picked a mistake, and no one said a word for him. Sometimes things are just so dramatic. Lin Jingran faintly felt that the focus of the struggle had suddenly gathered in the desert, and Zheng Dayuan might be involved, so she had no choice but to raise Jiang Changming.Zhou Xiaozhe also has this concern. It has been rumored among the senior management of Yincheng that the whereabouts of several sand control funds are unknown, including an aid provided by the International Forestry Organization.If this matter is true, Zheng Dayuan cannot get rid of the responsibility. If a desert control expert respected by the world is really connected with corruption, the consequences will be unimaginable.The matter was so important that Zhou Xiaozhe had to prepare for the worst.If the small desert place is really going to churn, it will probably be intertwined.Zhou Xiaozhe didn't say anything about Meng Xiaozhou's appointment, but in his heart, he had already started to think long-term. "Make an appointment, I want to talk to Jiang Changming." He told Lin Jingran. Lin Jingran conveyed the meaning to Jiang Changming, but Jiang Changming didn't expect that he didn't care: "I'm sorry, I don't have time." "How can you do this, he is the deputy governor!" Lin Jingran became angry, and the two quarreled in front of their teacher's wife. "What's wrong with the vice-governor? I'm doing my academic work, and he's his official. Do you want me to curry favor with him and become some kind of official?" Jiang Changming spoke in a disdainful tone, and he could see that Meng Xiaozhou's appointment was still to him. Touched, he mistakenly credited this account to Zhou Xiaozhe. "Is there any academics in a vacuum? Thanks to you, you have survived the wind and rain." Lin Jingran's tone was stern.The so-called wind and rain refers to Jiang Changming's dismissal of the director of the scientific research department for no reason, and the cancellation of a promising project.At that time Zheng Dayuan went abroad, and the work in the institute was presided over by Long Jiumiao. "I don't care. Anyway, let me tell you, I don't see anyone." Jiang Changming dropped the things in his hand, knocked on the door and went out.Ye Ziqiu and Lin Jingran were left in the room.Ye Ziqiu suddenly asked: "Jingran, is there something on Chang Ming's mind recently?" "I don't know." Lin Jingran said bitterly. "Jing Ran, why are you acting like a child?" Ye Ziqiu was a little anxious, the two had never quarreled in front of her.In her heart, she deliberately made them happen. Jingran is Bai Yang's cousin, but Bai Yang has already left, and Chang Ming is still young, so he should have a new life.Besides, Lin Jingran has always had a sense of dependence on Jiang Changming.After Bai Yang left, Lin Jingran's thoughts were written all over her face, she, as a teacher's wife, couldn't even see this.She asked Jiang Changming in private, and Jiang Changming said with a smile: "How is it possible, teacher, Jing Ran is so high-minded, and now she is the secretary of the deputy governor. People chasing her are probably lined up, so please forgive me. "Ye Ziqiu felt that Jiang Changming was not telling the truth. According to her observation, the two of them had each other in their hearts, and Bai Yang might be at work.She was determined to get rid of this layer of words, and if it really helped them both, it would also fulfill one of her wishes. "Jingran, you told the teacher's wife that you really never thought about Chang Ming?" "Master, don't mention this, okay? Look at his current appearance, isn't he in good shape?" "Let go of work first, I mean the two of you, if Chang Ming agrees, will you marry him?" Lin Jingran blushed suddenly, avoiding her teacher's gaze, as if asking herself, will you marry him?After a long time, she shook her head and said to Ye Ziqiu: "Impossible, teacher's wife, don't worry about it." Alas, this group of young people are really getting more and more incomprehensible.Ye Ziqiu sighed, and suddenly thought of Rusha again.Shasha hasn't had a phone call with her until now. Chang Ming said that she is sometimes in Shanghai and sometimes in Beijing, running around all day long. No one can tell what she is busy with.And that foreigner Rose, what kind of heart does he have for Shasha? Ye Ziqiu's heart is extremely disturbed, as long as she thinks about her daughter, her heart will definitely be disturbed. When Jiang Changming returned to the desert office, the first person he met was Long Jiumiao.These days, Tianlong Jiumiao has lost some freedom in his actions. Although there is no shuanggui, it is not much different from shuanggui.When Long Jiumiao saw Jiang Changming, he immediately came to greet him, and said with unprecedented enthusiasm: "Changming, you are back, I am so anxious to death." Jiang Changming didn't react, and stared at Long Jiumiao in bewilderment, unable to figure out what he was anxious about. "It's like this. I really can't remember a few accounts. At that time, the money belonged to you and Zheng Laohua. I would like to ask you to help me think about it and see if I can remember it?" "Is there such a thing?" Jiang Changming was startled, not sure what Long Jiumiao meant by saying this. In his memory, he had never dealt with money. "Chang Ming, come with me." Long Jiumiao said, and was about to pull him into the office.At this time, Meng Xiaozhou came out, stood at the door of the office, and coughed from a distance.Long Jiumiao immediately threw Jiang Changming away as if reflexively, and hurried into his office.Meng Xiaozhou greeted Jiang Changming with a smile, and waved to him. Jiang Changming walked over bravely. "This man is crazy, everyone tells him to think about it." Meng Xiaozhou said as soon as he entered the door. Meng Xiaozhou was telling the truth. Long Jiumiao was really crazy and nervous these days, saying that several sums of money were missing, and asked everyone to think about it for him. Jiang Changming didn't answer, and looked around Meng Xiaozhou's office. He thought to himself, being an official is a good boy, and in just a few days, this place has changed. "Chang Ming, sit down quickly, you came just in time, I was just looking for you." Meng Xiaozhou's attitude was surprisingly good.Jiang Changming really felt like he was in the wrong door. Although he and Meng Xiaozhou didn't have a big gap before, they never sat together.Especially after the marriage between Meng Xiaozhou and Lin Jingran fell through, he rejected this peer from the bottom of his heart.Of course, Meng Xiaozhou didn't treat him much better.In the United States, Jiang Changming also heard a lot of bad things about Meng Xiaozhou. "It's like this, Chang Ming, Mr. Zheng's topic is urgently urged, and Vice Governor Zhou also attaches great importance to it. I thought about it. This topic cannot be handed over to others. I will take the lead. You will be the project chairperson. We will work together. Finish what Mr. Zheng left." Then, he handed Jiang Changming a list with Meng Xiaozhou's name suddenly printed on it, and Jiang Changming's name was lined up with several backbones in the institute. Jiang Changming smiled imperceptibly, and said, "I'm afraid I can't take care of it. I haven't finished my own project yet." "Let's let go of your subject first. Anyway, it doesn't matter if it's a year or so late. Mr. Zheng's subject will have to be completed this year." Meng Xiaozhou didn't expect Jiang Changming to refuse. For this subject, there was still an incident between him and Jiang Changming. too fierce competition.Later, when the courtyard was appointed, Jiang Changming was squeezed out. As the second person in charge of the project, he served as the assistant of Mr. Zheng, and Jiang Changming chose another project.As far as he knows, Jiang Changming has never given up on this subject, and has consistently paid attention to the progress of the subject.This is also an important reason why he is determined to bring Jiang Changming into this project. Of course, with the current situation in the desert institute, it is difficult to find another person to take on this task besides Jiang Changming. On Meng Xiaozhou's first day in office, Zhou Xiaozhe brought up Zheng Dayuan's topic and demanded that he should produce results this year no matter what.Of course Meng Xiaozhou knew the importance of this subject, and he looked at Jiang Changming impatiently right now. "This is not good. I haven't participated in Mr. Zheng's project for a day. I don't know a lot of things. If I participate now, I will miss things." Meng Xiaozhou's face froze, and after a long time he murmured, "Why don't I leave it to you directly, I won't be named, what do you think?" "You misunderstood. This is not a matter of being famous or not. Doing a project is different from other things. I think you know this better than me." "I... I know this, but I really can't find anyone right now." "Haven't you always been the deputy team leader of this project?" Jiang Changming stared at Meng Xiaozhou meaningfully. "Look, I'm so busy, how can I have time to do research projects? Where do you want me to push this big thing in the institute?" "Oh—" Jiang Changming withdrew his gaze, said that he had something to do, and left.Meng Xiaozhou was about to stop him when the phone on the desk rang. Jiang Changming packed his things and decided to go to Wufo County first.The subject he presided over was "Land Desertification Process and Groundwater Loss in Wufo County". This subject was matched with Zheng Dayuan's subject, but the focus was different. Both were key scientific research projects in the institute, and they were also the focus of the province's registration .The research on this subject plays a major role in changing the ecological environment of Wufo County and reasonably determining the annual extraction of groundwater in Wufo County.Wufo is in the upper reaches of Sha County, and the rate of desertification and groundwater loss is relatively better than that of Sha County, but the damage caused by a large number of random mining and digging in the past two years has been very serious.The problem of the Five Buddhas has seriously affected the comprehensive management of the Huyang River Basin.If this watershed disappears, the entire human race will be shocked. Thinking of the Huyang River Basin, Jiang Changming's heart became heavy. The Huyang River Basin originates in Qinghai, but 90% of the beneficiary areas are in this province.It runs through three places and two cities in the province, passes through twelve counties, and finally enters the Tengger Desert. The world-famous desert reservoir Huyang River Reservoir is located at the terminal of the basin.The river is hundreds of kilometers long and has a drainage area of ​​100,000 square kilometers. The Huyang River Basin is one of the inland river basins in Northwest China with a relatively developed economy, a large population, early development of water and soil resources, and a high degree of utilization. Lack of reasonable development and utilization of water resources, unrestricted over-exploitation of the middle reaches, resulting in a sharp decline in surface water resources, forcing excessive exploitation of groundwater, resulting in a serious drop in regional groundwater levels, which in turn led to a sharp deterioration of the ecological environment and endangered the downstream Tengger Oasis. Survive. In March of the previous year, the Huyang River Reservoir dried up for the first time in history. The news alarmed the central government. Many international organizations, including the International Forestry Organization, expressed sufficient concern.In order to alleviate the exploitation of groundwater, the International Forestry Organization provides a free aid, which is mainly used to solve the drinking water problem of farmers in the lower reaches of the river basin, that is, the irrigation area of ​​the Huyang River Reservoir, and to control land salinization.A few years have passed, but this problem has not been effectively dealt with. On the contrary, the desertification in the lower reaches has become more and more serious, which has threatened the survival of 400,000 farmers in Sha County and Wufo. Jiang Changming closed the file heavily. He knew that his teacher, Zheng Dayuan, had devoted all his life to the governance of the Huyang River Basin. Unfortunately, many of his research results and rationalization suggestions did not receive due attention, and some studies were even forced by various pressures. Had to stop halfway.To Hu Yanghe, the teacher is dead. Jiang Changming went to the Finance Office to collect project funds. According to the regulations, each project was approved, and the funds were managed by the Finance Department. The project personnel submitted applications to the institute according to the progress, and received them in installments after approval.Because Jiang Changming went abroad halfway, he hasn't received the project funding for a long time.His wife has been hospitalized recently, and he has almost spent all his money. This time, he plans to stay for a few more days, and he will also go to Sha County to take a look.He hasn't been to Sha County for five years. His teacher Zheng Dayuan has been in charge of the work in Sha County. This time he wants to see for himself how long the Huyang River Reservoir can last. The comrades in the finance department told him that the funds for the project were temporarily frozen, and without special approval from above, the money would not be available.Jiang Changming was puzzled and found Meng Xiaozhou. Meng Xiaozhou explained: "This is the regulation above. Don't talk about project funds, even if you borrow one hundred yuan for travel expenses, you have to ask the comrades of the Discipline Inspection Commission for instructions." Jiang Changming had no choice but to give up. A few comrades from the hospital called, made some arrangements, and then hurried to the bank to withdraw money. Jiang Changming insisted on not accepting Zheng Dayuan's subject, which made Meng Xiaozhou very anxious. Seeing Jiang Changming leave, Meng Xiaozhou's mood darkened for no reason. At dinner at the teacher's wife's house in the evening, Jiang Changming told the story of going to the Five Buddhas, and told the teacher's wife by the way that he has hired a nanny through the labor service company, and he can come tomorrow. If it is not suitable, he can mention it to the labor service company.If it doesn't work, he will find one from Wufo County, where he is familiar, and many young girls are eager to come to the provincial capital. Ye Ziqiu didn't speak, didn't move his chopsticks, his eyes were a little dull.She was in a very sad mood. When she heard that Jiang Changming was going to the countryside, she couldn't help but wet her eyes with tears. "Don't worry, teacher's wife, I told Jing Ran that she will come to accompany you sometime." "Chang Ming, Master's wife has troubled you." Ye Ziqiu's voice trembled, she was really reluctant to leave Jiang Changming.When Jiang Changming went to the United States, Ye Ziqiu was more uncomfortable than Shasha going abroad. After so many years, she really has a motherly love for Jiang Changming. "Well, it's my fault." Jiang Changming picked vegetables for Ye Ziqiu and said casually, "If Bai Yang is here, she will take you over." When Bai Yang was mentioned, Ye Ziqiu suddenly burst into tears.Only then did Jiang Changming feel that he had slipped his tongue, and hurriedly persuaded his wife, Ye Ziqiu couldn't persuade her, she had been preoccupied for the past two days, now she was thinking about him and Lin Jingran, and now she was thinking about Rusha. Hearing Jiang Changming talk about Bai Yang again, his heart skipped a beat.She cried more and more fiercely, and finally she fell on the bed, wailing like a child. At about eleven o'clock, Ye Ziqiu calmed down, Jiang Changming handed her a hot towel, Ye Ziqiu wiped her face, got up and went into the bathroom.She was disturbed by her gaffe, how could she be so indifferent in front of the juniors?Jiang Changming understood her very well.Bai Yang's departure made everyone who knew her feel uneasy for a long time. A life suddenly disappeared without a sound. She took away too many people's thoughts and sorrow for the fleeting life.For a long time, Bai Yang has been a taboo in their conversations, for fear of knocking over a glass of wine in life, that pain is hidden in every heart that loves her. Ye Ziqiu came out with a layer of light makeup on her face, and her complexion looked much better.She said: "Changming, it's windy and sandy down there, you need to bring more clothes, remember, drink less, you have a bad stomach, so don't spoil your body." Jiang Changming nodded.Ye Ziqiu asked him again if his luggage was ready?If there is anything else, don't let it go.Jiang Changming suddenly remembered that he should say hello to Xiao Yiwen. He took his mobile phone and went into the bathroom for convenience.Ye Ziqiu rummaged through boxes and cabinets to find him the necessities of life. Fortunately, Xiao Yiwen was working the night shift, and when she heard Jiang Changming's voice, her breathing became tense.After listening to Jiang Changming's words, a layer of disappointment welled up in my heart for no reason. "Are you leaving tomorrow?" She felt her voice tremble a little. "Yes, tomorrow." Jiang Changming tried his best to pretend to be relaxed, so as not to let Xiao Yiwen feel that there was something unusual in his voice. "...how long?" "It's not sure yet, maybe in January, maybe in half a year." "... so long?" "Yeah, I haven't gone down for a long time, I want to squat for a few more days this time." Xiao Yiwen suddenly lost her voice.Jiang Changming waited quietly for a while, Xiao Yiwen still didn't speak, Jiang Changming was a little anxious, he was guessing Xiao Yiwen's mood at this time. Xiao Yiwen hung up the phone suddenly without even saying goodbye. Jiang Changming was a little distracted, and stood in the bathroom for a while, then heard his wife shouting outside: "Do you want to bring stomach medicine, it's from Harbin No. 3 Factory?" That night, Jiang Changming did not fall asleep.Several figures danced back and forth in my mind, each one so clear and yet so blurry.When I said goodbye to my teacher's wife in the morning, the circles under my eyes were actually dark. The bus from the provincial capital to Wufo County was very crowded, and the one that Jiang Changming caught up with happened to be carrying a car full of migrant workers who had returned from working in other places.As soon as the migrant workers got on the bus, they chattered non-stop. Some clamored that they forgot their bags, while others immediately said that the driver had packed them down.The man screamed loudly, saying that there is something in the bag, how can it fit in it?Then he yelled at the driver to stop and insisted on getting the bag up.The driver scolded impatiently: "What's the noise, I don't want to sit down." The man muttered unconvinced: "I paid for it, what's wrong?" Hate said: "What's the matter with paying the money, I will kick you out if I paid the money." Migrant workers are afraid of this world after all, and dare not shout anymore.Jiang Changming felt that his ears were quieter.As soon as the car drove away, a strong smell of sweat rushed towards Jiang Changming's nose wrapped in athlete's foot.Jiang Changming was so smoked that he didn't dare to breathe.It was too stuffy in the carriage, and the weather was vicious. It was only nine o'clock in the morning, and the sun made people sweat.The weather in the Northwest has been crazy for the past two days, and the temperature is above 38 degrees every day.Jiang Changming tried his best to restrain himself, not to let his irritation emerge.The most fearful thing about riding in this kind of car is the annoyance. The more you annoy it, the more stuffy it will be, and the mood will suddenly become extremely bad.He could have asked for a car from the office, but he really didn't want to step into the office. He was afraid of seeing Meng Xiaozhou, and even more afraid of seeing Long Jiumiao.Sitting next to him was a middle-aged woman who ate as soon as she came up. The pancakes she bought from the station were delicious.Jiang Changming hated the onion smell the most. He turned his head and looked at the sky outside the car window.After the middle-aged woman ate the pancakes, she took out half a steamed bun and asked Jiang Changming if he wanted to eat it.Jiang Changming shook his head and moved his body a little away. The middle-aged woman took advantage of the situation to squeeze in, and her fat body squeezed Jiang Changming firmly against the carriage, making her unable to move.The car drove out of the provincial capital and turned onto the provincial road.Originally, the car could drive on the expressway leading to Dunhuang, but the migrant workers paid less money, so the driver gave up the expressway.Jiang Changming groaned secretly in his heart. It took at least two hours to take the provincial road, which was enough for him.The middle-aged woman kept her mouth open while eating, and asked Jiang Changming something from time to time. Seeing that Jiang Changming didn't answer, she bumped Jiang Changming with her elbow: "Hey, I'm talking to you, can't you hear me?" Jiang Changming had no choice but to turn his head and chat with her without saying a word.The middle-aged women told Jiang Changming that they were going to Qinghai to pick up medicinal materials. "That place, the mountain is high, the sky is so high, I have never seen such a high mountain in my life, how about you, have you seen it?" Jiang Changming tried to force a smile, indicating that he had seen it.The middle-aged woman suddenly became excited, "Have you ever seen Cordyceps, we picked it up, but it is worth a lot of money. To tell you the truth, our mother and I earned this amount when we went out this time." She spread her thumbs and index finger. "Eight thousand?" Jiang Changming asked. "Look at what you said, there are so many, eight hundred." The middle-aged woman looked very secretive, afraid that her companion would hear the secret, so she gestured to Jiang Changming with her eyes to tell him not to say it. "How long have you been out?" Jiang Changming couldn't help asking. "It's only been two months. It's not long. If it wasn't for harvesting the crops, I wouldn't come back. In fact, the crops have nothing to do, they are all sun-dried, and I am afraid that the grass will not be harvested." Obviously, she felt that it was the crops that made her less money. The two of them only earned 800 yuan after going out for two months, and they were so happy. Jiang Changming sincerely sympathized with her.After staying in Wufo for a long time, he knows that the farmers there are very miserable, and the per capita annual income is only about a few hundred yuan. "Hey, do you want to drink water? The holy water from Ta'er Temple in Qinghai is said to cure all diseases and eradicate all disasters. You should also take a sip." The middle-aged woman is very talkative and has already regarded Jiang Changming as an acquaintance. Jiang Changming took out the Nongfu Spring that he brought with him, but he didn't open it after thinking about it.He smiled awkwardly, as a thank you to the middle-aged woman. "How much is that bottle?" The middle-aged woman asked with great interest.Jiang Changming said it was more than one yuan, and the middle-aged woman said, "Your water is not gold, who are you lying to?" She immediately became upset and stopped talking to Jiang Changming.It happened that her daughter was uncomfortable being squeezed on the other side, and she wanted to change seats with her, so she changed decisively. Her daughter was reticent, so Jiang Changming glanced at the young woman happily, closed his eyes and fell asleep.大约是昨晚没睡好，江长明这一觉睡得还真踏实。不知过了多久，一阵吵闹声将江长明惊醒，睁眼一看，颠簸的车子已停了下来。路上像是堵了车，司机骂骂咧咧的跳下车，看热闹去了。车里一时大乱，民工们纷纷起身，拥挤着下车，江长明最后一个走下车子，一看已到了苍浪县跟五佛县的临界处。 路是被五佛县的群众挖断的，路上还堵了几辆三码子，一根裹了红布的长木杆子横拦在路上。江长明来到跟前，就听说五佛跟苍浪的农民起了冲突，矛盾已激化到非常严重的地步。天气大旱，五佛的小麦晒绝了，收都没法收。眼睁睁望着晚熟的包谷和洋芋被太阳烤得着火，就是盼不到水。五佛在苍浪的下游，要想浇水，就得上游的苍浪放水。苍浪也晒得着火，那点水根本就不够用，胡杨河流域的水流量下降到历史最低点，全流域都在闹水荒。五佛的农民天天跑苍浪，求情下话，希望苍浪人看在谁也是农民的份上，多少给允一点，不要让太阳把包谷跟洋芋也晒绝了。苍浪人自己都打哩抢哩，哪还顾得上五佛。眼瞅着包谷一天天耷拉下头，洋芋晒得有气无力，手一摸，秧就涮涮往下掉，五佛人绝望了。这毒的日头，一天便晒下一个年成，何况高温持续了半个月，人都没水喝了，驴马骡子晒得嘴里冒青烟，大张着嗓子叫都叫不出。五佛人一狠心，就把公路给扎断了。你在上游，水由得你，路由不得你，你不给我放水，我就不叫车过，要不讲理谁都不讲理。 两边的车子堵下了足有一千辆，后面的车辆不明真相，直往前窜，结果把路堵得更死了，头都掉不过。闻讯赶来的交警跟堵路的农民交涉，农民们眼里冒着火，谁理论骂谁。争嚷中交警想强行拆开路障，被暴怒的农民一顿猛打，给拖到了路边。一看这阵势，没人敢上前理论了。江长明边听周遭的人议论边往前窜，他对五佛有感情，一听五佛晒成这样，他的心不免焦虑起来。 挤到跟前，才发现路上黑压压站满了人，大约有两千多农民手里提着各式各样的家伙，摆出一副玩命的架势。江长明吸了口凉气，农民要是豁出命来，那阵势是没人能拦挡的。一个姓贾的乡长挤到跟前，刚说了句我是贾乡长，有啥话到乡政府去说，就被农民们日娘操奶的骂了个接不上气。打头的黑脸汉子指着贾乡长鼻子骂：“管你是鸡巴假乡长还是真乡长，老子们只认得水认不得人！”贾乡长只得灰溜溜走开，害怕多说话嘴上吃巴掌。 江长明站到一辆卡车下，借着卡车遮挡正午狠毒的日头。他看到农民当中有几个自己熟悉的人，正要走过去打招呼，就见一行人在五佛县长的陪同下来到路障前，江长明认出中间那位是五凉市副市长龙勇。龙勇先是问了一下情况，然后跟黑脸汉子说：“先把路障拆了，水的问题我们马上协调。” “凭啥，你咋不协调好了再让我拆路障？” “知道不，你这是犯法。”龙勇耐着性子，跟黑脸汉讲道理。 “鸡巴个法，你说犯就犯？有本事你把老子抓去，还能吃几天官饭。”黑脸汉子一点不给龙勇面子，他身后的人立马起哄，叫嚣着让龙勇滚开。 “你听不听，再胡来我让警察把你抓走。”五佛县长急了，看样儿真想叫警察。 “你敢，格老子的，由着你了！”人堆里突然挤出一胖女人，声音洪亮地骂五佛县长。江长明一看，正是车上跟自己说话的那妇女。就见她一边擦着头上的汗一边扑到县长面前，“抓，抓啊，你今天要是不抓，就是老娘下的。” 人群哗一下爆出猛笑，这话在五佛地界上，骂人是最严重的。 五佛县长往后趔了趔，没想胖女人一步上前，大胸硬是逼在了五佛县长身上。“有本事你抓啊，往后退个啥，你个有娘养没娘教的，跑这儿耍啥威风，有本事给我们要水去。”说完她拎出塔儿寺的圣水，灌了一口，把水壶递给黑脸汉，“喝，这是圣水，就剩一口了。” 人群又是一阵哄笑，江长明这才知道，胖女人是黑脸汉的女人。 龙勇大约是被胖女人的气势给吓住了，不露声色地退到人中间，一言不发。 胖女人得胜似的，一屁股坐在木杆上，差点将木杆压折。 太阳死命地晒，一股青烟从地上腾起，公路两边很快热得站不住人了，人们无望地纷纷退去，四下寻阴凉，可哪有阴凉。五佛虽是二阴山区，但山上偏是不长树，草都没几根。站在公路边，你能清楚地看到苍浪跟五佛的分界，哪儿绿断了，哪儿就进了五佛。 苍浪跟五佛不在一个市，要解决这矛盾，怕光来个龙勇还不行。局面一直僵持着，江长明回到车上，拿了包，车是不能前行了，他想走着去五佛县城，一边走一边看看五佛的旱象。 旱。到处是大张着等水喝的嘴。 土地干得裂开二尺长的口子，地哪还有地的样子，分明是一张干牛皮，硬噘噘的，脚一挨格巴格巴响。麦子卷了，不是镰割的，太阳卷的。一半人家索性就没收，还收个啥呀，望一眼心都要烂，其实那已不是麦，是枯黄的草，是农人风干的泪。 包谷晒得有皮没毛，本该肥绿的叶子枯焦一片，风一吹发出嚓嚓的响，谷穗刚露出头便被晒了回去，就像夭折的孩子，死在了襁褓里。江长明接连看了几块地，心里响出一声叹，迟了，就是一黄河的水流过来，也无济于事。 洋芋地更惨。垄起的地沟原本肥肥沃沃，拳头大的洋芋会让地沟格外壮实，油绿的洋芋秧让人很容易联想到丰盈的女人，可江长明的眼里，却分明是一派涂败，地沟瘪瘪的，怕是连鸡蛋大的洋芋都没结下。秧哪还像个秧，一扑儿一扑儿的，全都蔫败在地里。几只羊拚命地把头牴在垄沟里，想借秧苗寻点阴凉，折腾了半天却发现是徒劳。羊恼了，它们的眼里让太阳晒出了血，它们必须得发泄，这样的毒日头不发泄就得闷死。于是几只羊在江长明眼皮底下互相牴起仗来，它们把愤怒发向对方，结果一只羊的眼戳瞎了，血汩汩流出来，其它的羊立刻伸出舌头，争抢着舔起来。 江长明不忍再看下去，他的嗓子里直冒火，望着被火烧光一般的大地，心禁不住抖成一片。记得第一次来五佛，他还不到三十岁，到处是丰收的景象，水泽良田，满目绿盈。这才几年呀，咋就变成了这样？ 江长明拿出最后一瓶农夫山泉，刚把盖子拧开，噌，不见了。扭身一望，几个裸着屁股的小男孩仿佛抢到金子一样，一溜眼不见了。 远处的村庄，近处的农田，无不在骄横的太阳下发出呜咽。 江长明的心被震憾了。 胡杨河啊胡杨河，你不是被誉为母亲河么，你不是哺育着一代代的沙乡人么，你不是润泽着这儿的一草一木么，何时你变得如此残忍，竟置几十万人的死活不顾？ ! 赶到县城，天已擦黑，人们光着膀子，一溜摆儿坐在街巷里纳凉。夜幕下的街巷充斥着挥不走的汗臭，还有一股焦腥味，风卷着沙尘，打在城市的脸上。城市的疼痛是坚硬的，不像乡村那么温和。江长明听到不少人在骂天爷，说把雨都下到南方了，宁可把南方淹死也不给北方洒点尿珠子。 日他姥姥的，再晒，就把人也晒死了。 老范并没有在宾馆等他。 老范是县治沙站的站长，快六十岁了，一直嚷着退，却终也没退掉，现在还在位子上。他是五十年代农大的高材生，跟郑达远差不多，只因出身问题，从北京发配到了五佛，这一生就跟五佛的沙漠搅到了一起。不幸的是文革中他被打坏了腿，落下了终身残疾，现在走路还一瘸一拐的，行动不大方便。 江长明登记好房间，县上的宾馆没有空调，室温在38度以上，置身进去，仿佛掉进了蒸笼。江长明灌了一肚子凉水，走出来。就看到老范一瘸一拐的从街那头走来。 见了面，老范诉苦道：“忙死了，一天下三趟乡，人像驴一样推磨。”一问，才知是县上全力抗旱，每个干部都包了点。老范他们包了三个村，都是沙漠沿线的，闹水荒闹了一月。老范单位又没钱，雇不起车，没法给村民拉水，村民天天上访，老范天天挨批。这不，他刚从冰草湾回来，又要赶到乱石岗去，说是那儿抢水抢出了人命，把个老汉打死了，警车等着他呢。匆匆说了几句，一辆警车开过来，老范跳上了车，临走又喊：“你别乱跑呀，下面喝的水都没。” 江长明的确没想到旱情会这么严重。 他回到宾馆，收看当地新闻，才知道五佛县十二个乡镇断了水，农作物颗粒无收，三万多只羊已渴死。 五佛县长正在电视上做紧急动员，要求各界迅速行动起来，伸出援助之手，为抗旱救灾做贡献。江长明想起路上他挨胖女人恶骂的情景，禁不住替县长叫起屈来。这么大一个县，可真够他忙的。 江长明当即打电话，把这边的情况说给孟小舟，要求所里派一辆车，帮老范他们给农民送水。孟小舟没想到江长明会这么快到达五佛，他心里还存着侥幸呢。一听江长明要车，没好气地就说：“你还是回来吧，眼下所里工作一大堆，你擅自去下面不合适。” 江长明猛就来了气：“怎么不合适，我的课题在下面，难道要我坐在办公室里搞科研？” 孟小舟说：“大家都有课题，谁都以课题为由排斥所里的领导，这工作还怎么干？” “什么，排斥领导，你这话我怎么听不明白？” “听不明白回来听！”孟小舟吼完这句，叭地挂了电话。 江长明傻在了那儿，弄不清孟小舟吃了啥药。过了不到十分钟，手机响起来，一看是孟小舟，江长明的倔劲就上来了，正要在电话里质问他，猛然一听是孟小舟的母亲欧阳老师，江长明这才按住火。 欧阳老师说刚才孟小舟在她这儿，因为一件小事，跟她发火，请江长明不要为刚才的事生气。“他的脾气越来越大，我这当母亲的都看不懂他了。”欧阳老师说。 "What about others?" “他把手机掼在沙发上，走了。”欧阳老师的声音听上去有点颤，她在替儿子跟江长明道歉。 江长明忙说没事儿，要欧阳老师不要多想。欧阳老师却在那头哽咽起来，末了说：“长明啊，你啥时回来，我想见见你，小舟这孩子，我真有点不放心。”江长明说等他回去就去看望她，请欧阳老师保重。欧阳老师难过了一阵，有点不舍地挂了电话。 江长明对欧阳老师，虽不及师母叶子秋那么亲，但心底里仍是很尊重的。没结婚前，欧阳老师还想把自己的一个学生介绍给江长明，后来看到白洋，才打消了这个念头，不过江长明能感觉到，欧阳老师心里一直是把他当自己的孩子看待的，如果不是孟小舟跟林静然发生后来的变故，他跟欧阳老师不会生分到现在这个程度。 第二天中午，老范回来了，一头的汗，进门就说：“这年月，没法活了。”江长明忙问咋回事？老范说，乱石岗子两千号人集体给他下跪，求他给条活路，不要把拴娃子抓走。 “拴娃子是谁？” “就是那个失手打死老汉的年轻人，可怜啊，为了一桶水。”老范直叹息。 “抓走了？” “能不抓么，杀人偿命。”老范接过水杯，又道，“其实也怪不上拴娃子，老汉是中暑中的，拴娃子只是推搡了他一把，一头栽过去就醒不过来了。” “那咋还要抓？” “眼下这关头，不抓能行？抢水抢得都红了眼，水车压根到不了村里，半道上便让村民抢光了。杀一儆百哩。” “可这对拴娃子不公平，这可是人命关天的事。”江长明有点急，心想老范咋能这么糊涂。 “这理我懂，但不这么着就镇不住人，你没到现场，跟上甘岭似的，幸亏车是铁的，要不然车都给你撕成片片子，抢个精光。” 江长明的心情愈发沉重，从老范脸上，他再一次感受到沙祸对人类的暴虐。他觉得应该很快到下面去，看看滚滚沙浪是怎样向人类横施淫威的。 “范老师，上一个课题的钱还有吧？”江长明一直称老范为范老师，老范在治沙领域算是老前辈，虽然没出啥大成果，但一生为人做嫁衣，沙漠所每一项成果都凝结着他的汗水和智慧。 江长明上一个课题是跟老范合作完成的，得了部里的二等奖，课题成果目前已转化为生产力，对改造五佛的沙产业结构起了很大作用。按惯例，课题经费的一半先拨到研究地治沙站，由地方治沙站跟课题负责人统筹使用。 “有，还结余八万多呢。”老范说。 “我想把它拿出来，你雇几辆车，赶快给农民送水。” “这，合适么？”老范显得犹豫。 “怎么不合适，眼下旱情严重，我们也得为农民做点实事。” “可这是研究经费呀，乱花乱用会不会挨批？”老范是个本分得有点古板的人，五佛人私下称他范学究，意思就是不开窍，没法跟时代融合。 “研究为了什么，还不是为了沙乡人的日子。拿出来吧，出了问题我负责。” 老范再三斟酌了一会，最后算是点了头。其实他也是让现实逼的，治沙站要是再不雇车送水，以后他就休想再跟那儿的农民说上话，那几个点正好又在课题研究的范围里。 说做就做，老范很快取钱雇车去了，江长明也收拾东西，要跟老范一道下去。 水车一上路，老范突然就高兴了，说他这次可以露一回脸了，这些日子他都让老乡们骂得抬不起头来。说就他治沙站穷，穷还跑来包点，不是害农民么？ 江长明让老范说得苦笑不得，县上就是这样，各单位情况不一样，给下面的实惠也不一样，老百姓只认实惠，不认你老范。 五辆水车从龙峡寺水库灌了水，浩浩荡荡上了路，壮观得很。老范告诉江长明，沙漠近处已找不到水源，送水车每天都要往返几十公里，到县城附近或有自来水的镇子上拉水，沿途的农民提着水桶，赶着牲口，就等着拉水车经过。“那景儿，跟难民一样，眼里全是渴。”老范话还没说完，江长明便看到几辆车从另一条路开过来，有个司机跳下车，跟老范说：“这条路过不去，农民们堵住车要过路费，说是把他们的桥压坏了。” 老范一下火了：“这些贪心鬼，都啥时候了，还发国难财。”老范的话有点夸张，但愤怒却很真实。江长明也感到农民太缺少大局观念了，这种时候，怎么还能制造是非？ 车子只好拐到另条路上，走了没多久，江长明便看到排在路边等水的农民。提桶的，端盆的，扛着塑料大桶的，男的全光着膀子，女的用头巾裹住脸，怕强烈的紫外线晒得脸上起皮，一字儿码开，排成黑压压两条长蛇阵。路边不远的地方，牲口们被集中在一起，圈在临时搭成的几个塑料大棚里，也是大张着嘴等水。一看水车过来，人群马上发出骚动，还好，路边有值勤的警察，这也是县上临时做的安排，确保远处的农民得到水喝。连续过了几个村子，都是这样的情景，江长明忍不住问：“不是送水已有些日子了么，怎么还是这样？” 老范叹气道：“天爷把农民旱怕了，他们抢了水不是喝，而是存在水窖里，怕过几天县上不供水，也怕水库干掉。” “县上除了这样，就没有别的办法？” “能有啥法呢，五佛的情况你知道，上不着天，下不着地，天一旦大旱，牲畜就成批的死，损失大着哩。县上也是让死怕了，暂时顾不上别的，先救急再说。”老范的上不着天下不着地是拿五佛跟邻县比，上游的苍浪县有五座水库，下游的沙县有沙漠水库，就五佛，夹在中间，除了县城有座小水库，再没地儿蓄水。这是由五佛的历史形成的，五佛以前不是县，是后来行政区划变更时从沙县跟苍浪划并过来的。老范认为，五佛吃亏就吃在没水库上。江长明却说：“这么下去，有水库又能若何？”一句话把老范给问住了。 半天了，老范才叹气道：“报应，老天爷没瞎眼，就我到五佛的这几十年，毁了多少树，破坏了多少植被。老天爷怒了啊——” “可县上还是意识不到。”江长明不由得联想到自己曾跟五佛县政府据理相争造纸项目的事，这次下来，他已听说造纸厂有了效益，去年给县上纳了五百万的税。 “长明，县上有县上的难处，一句话说不清，谁都争经济强县，谁都在培植税源，不上新项目咋办？” “可也不能以破坏生态为代价呀。” “这就叫恶性循环，五佛没啥资源，不搞这些，还能搞啥？应了那句话，穷县穷革命，革自己的命。”老范的语调很悲哀，对政府的很多举措，老范也是一肚子怨气，但他不能跟江长明比，他归县上管，政府的决策他得执行，多的时候，他都在尽力为政府说话。江长明一度笑他被政府收买了，后来发现不是，老范是个很服从的人，个性里很少有反判的成分，凡是政府决定的，他都认为是正确的，包括当年他被错划为右派，驱逐到沙漠里放羊，差点沦为六根一样的羊倌，也没听他发过一句牢骚。像今天这样说话，老范还是头一次，可见他也是被残酷的现实触动了。 “县上下一步的打算是啥？”江长明认为这样的办法解决不了实质问题，只能缓解一下眼前旱情的威胁。 “生产自救呗，老套数，还能有啥。”老范告诉江长明，县上已开过会，拿出了生产自救方案，四个字，还有两句话。“劳务输出”，“让人走出去，把钱拿回来。” “五佛的优势就是人，你看这滩滩塆塆的，到处是人，守着庄稼地，越守越穷，县上又没大企业，只好靠人自救。”老范补充道。 “具体怎么个输出法，干啥去？”江长明想起车上碰到的中年胖女人，想起青海的冬虫草。 “这还没定，各乡拿各乡的办法，包点单位也有