Chapter 7: Heading Into the Mountains to Trap Hares and Pheasants!

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Normally, from sowing to seedling, transplanting, and finally maturation, rice takes three to four months to grow. But the rice in his space, judging by the current growth trend, could mature and be harvested in at most half a month, maybe even less. With such a precious treasure, what does he have to worry about? No amount of gold or silver could compare to this. Having grain stored in the heart means one does not panic in times of trouble. Supporting an entire family would be no problem at all, and they could live comfortably.

“Jiazhen, there’s something I need to talk to you about,” Xu Fugui said.

“I have a feeling that in a while, your father will come to take you back. I’m thinking that you should go back with him first...”

“Fugui, what do you mean by that?” Jiazhen looked up at her husband, a little angry. “When I agreed to marry you, it wasn’t for your family’s wealth. I chose you because of who you are. Now that our family has fallen on hard times, you want me to go back to my father? What do you take me for?”

“Shh, keep your voice down!” Xu Fugui whispered. “Don’t wake the child. I don’t mean it like that. I appreciate how good you’ve been to me, more than anyone else. You know how things are for us right now... and you’re pregnant again. I don’t want you to suffer or strain yourself, especially for the baby’s sake. It’s better if you go back to your father’s to rest and take care of yourself. Once the child is born, I’ll come to bring you home. In the meantime, I’ll visit you in town, alright?”

Jiazhen asked, “Aren’t you afraid I might not come back?”

Xu Fugui blew softly in her ear, “I trust my woman.”

Jiazhen responded with a soft “Hmm,” blushing. “Do you think my parents will agree?”

“I’ll talk to them,” Xu Fugui said. “Now, go to sleep. It’s late.”

——

The next morning, Xu Fugui woke up early, quickly washed up, and started exercising on the pull-up bar in the yard. He clenched his teeth and persisted again and again. Although he had the immortal spring water, his body was still weak, and it felt like a waste of the water’s effects. The body is the foundation of revolution. From now on, his whole family would rely on him. He had to train his body well and not let it fail.

After finishing on the bar, he went out for a run. Fengxia came chasing out of the yard, calling to her father, “Dad, wait for me! I want to play too!” She ran over with her little short legs.

Xu Fugui said, “Fengxia, Dad isn’t playing. Dad’s exercising. You should go back and stay with your mother.”

“I don’t want to!” Fengxia hugged his leg. “I want to exercise too!”

Xu Fugui had no choice but to lift his daughter onto his shoulders. He said, “Fengxia, hold onto Dad’s head tight. Let’s run together.”

“Okay!” Fengxia happily agreed.

Xu Fugui jogged ahead, Fengxia bouncing up and down, fearless and full of joy.

“Dad, I’m riding a horse! Giddy-up! Hee-hee-hee...” Her bell-like laughter echoed across the fields.

The villagers were hardworking; many were already working in the fields at this hour. Liang Mancang called out, “Fugui, what are you doing? Don’t let Fengxia fall!”

“No worries, she’s holding on tight. She won’t fall!” Xu Fugui assured him.

Fengxia happily said, “I’m exercising with my dad. Dad, let’s run faster!”

“All right!”

They ran to the stream at the foot of the mountain and then back. After about half an hour, they returned home drenched in sweat. His mother had already prepared breakfast.

“Son, what are you up to so early? Don’t wear yourself out. Go wash up and come eat.”

“I know, Mom!”

The family gathered around the square table for breakfast: porridge, pickled vegetables, diced radish, and a few flatbreads left from last night. Fengxia was a sensible child, eating coarse grains these days without fuss or spitting food out. Her thoughtfulness was heartwarming.

While sipping her porridge, Fengxia asked, “Dad, why doesn’t Juhua cook for us anymore?”

Xu Fugui replied, “Juhua is like your mother—she’s pregnant and about to have a baby. From now on, Grandma will cook for you. Grandma’s cooking is tasty, right?”

“Mm, delicious!” she said, then went back to drinking her porridge.

Jiazhen sat nearby, tenderly stroking her daughter’s head.

Xu Fugui told his parents about the plan he had discussed with Jiazhen. His mother was the first to object.

“Fugui, how can this be? Jiazhen can’t leave. No matter how hard things get, she must stay.”

His father remained silent.

“Mother, listen to me!” Xu Fugui said. “Jiazhen is pregnant now. Given our current situation, everyone is suffering. Let her stay in the city for a while to rest. Once the baby is born, she’ll come back. I know what you’re worried about, but don’t fret—the child will still carry our family name.”

His mother, out of options, turned to her husband, asking, “What do you think? Is this alright?”

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Xu’s father said, “Fugui is right. Jiazhen is pregnant. We have to think about the child. Let her go. Besides, what can we do about your in-laws? You can’t stop them now.”

His mother sighed deeply.

Jiazhen said, “Father, Mother, no matter what happens, I will always be part of the Xu family. The child in my womb is part of it too. I won’t leave you.”

His mother’s eyes reddened again. “Alright, Jiazhen. I’m truly sorry for making things difficult for you.”

Xu Fugui said, “Mother, if you ever miss Jiazhen and the baby, you can visit them in town. Don’t be too sad.

By the way, I plan to set some traps for wild rabbits and pheasants on the big green mountain behind our village to help supplement our income.”

His mother worried, “The elders say there are tigers and leopards deep in that mountain. Don’t go. What if something happens to you? How would your father and I live?”

“I’ll just stay around the edges, setting traps for rabbits and pheasants. It won’t be dangerous,” Xu Fugui said.

“Our family needs to eat and drink somehow. Later, I’ll rent a few acres of land from Long Er and plant rice. That way, we’ll have enough food.”

Xu’s father said to his wife, “Let him go. Fugui has become sensible. He’ll support this family from now on.”

After breakfast, Xu Fugui collected the animal traps he’d hung on the bamboo fence in the yard. He had woven these traps from bamboo over the past few days—a skill he learned from a hunter in his previous life. He never expected to use it here now. He was ready to head into the mountains.

Fengxia stuck close like a shadow, constantly following him around, calling out, “Dad, I want to go into the mountains with you!”

“That’s not possible!” Xu Fugui said. “Fengxia, it’s dangerous in the mountains. You must stay home and behave. I’ll catch a big white rabbit for you, okay?”

Upon hearing “big white rabbit,” Fengxia’s eyes lit up.

“Dad, I want a big white rabbit that big! When can you get one for me?”

“If you behave at home and listen to Grandpa, Grandma, and Mom, you’ll have one soon.”

After calming his daughter, Xu Fugui slung a bag across his chest filled with a water bottle, rope, and a small knife. He carried a trap on his right shoulder and hung a woodcutting knife at his waist, then set off.

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