Xiaowang raised his face. Seeing the serious expression on his father, he tried to muster a solemn expression on his face as well.
After having a good look at each of the students, Han Qing said, “Recently, the Public Security Bureau has strictly investigated the phenomenon of gambling. If your family and friends have gambled secretly, you must report it in time. Once the verification confirms it, the Public Security Bureau will provide rewards.”
Xiaowang raised his hand.
Han Qingsong looked at him, “Speak.”
Xiaowang stood up and said in a childish voice, “Fath…Director Han, what is gambling?”
He wanted to call him father, but then remembered that everyone addressed him as Director Han outside the house, so he hurriedly changed his words.
Han Qingsong motioned for him to sit down, “That’s a very good question. Gambling is playing with money, but it’s not limited to that. For example, playing poker…” He glanced around and continued, “Throwing dice, cockfighting, cricket fighting— all kinds of games that utilise money as chips or bets are all considered gambling and players will be heavily punished!”
After speaking, he waved his hand, “Students, please pay attention, there will be rewards if you report any incidents. Alright, that’s it,” Then he turned around and left.
Han Qingping chased after him and whispered, “Director Han, is this true?”
Han Qingsong, “Of course, gambling is as abhorrent as stealing, if not worse.”
Han Qingping nodded, “I have a clue.”
Han Qingsong talked with him while walking.
It turned out that gambling was on the rise again in the village, especially among those who have been less than contributive and were forced to participate in collective labour after several land reforms and campaigns. Recently, their hands have been itching for a go. It’s just that because the economy hadn’t been good for a few years, everyone prioritised earning money for food, which was why there weren’t any gambling activities then.
The economy had improved in the past few years, causing the once-addicted players to start gambling again. Han Qingping mentioned a few names.
Han Qingsong said, “Teacher, this clue is very timely. We will pay attention to this and send some men to investigate and collect evidence.”
Han Qingping was very happy that he could contribute to a good cause and watched Han Qingsong leave. He sighed happily, “What a good cadre— he knows how to handle practical matters for the people.”
As soon as he was happy, he came back to class and praised Han Qingsong again, “You all have to learn from Director Han. Make sure to study hard and serve the people!”
A student retorted, “Teacher, after finishing classes, we all go home and tend to the land, so it doesn’t matter whether we study well or not. Anyway, us farming is also serving the people because we grow the crops.”
Han Qingping patted the table, “If you study well, you will be able to be a cadre or something. When people select talents, they would naturally go for those who are academically brilliant. If you are educated, you will be particularly good at farming.”
“Then teacher, since you are highly educated, you must be good at farming. Why don’t you farm the land?” The child was also rather good at twisting others’ words.
Han Qingping brought up Han Qingsong as an example, asking them to learn from him.
“Teacher, Director Han transferred to his current job from a soldier, but he was not a school graduate!”
Han Qingping, “…all of you be quiet!”
I can’t control you bastards anymore!