The Sweet Little Fulang

Chapter 124

It was early summer, and Lu Gu carried a bamboo basket with Shen Xuanqing on his back as they headed up the mountain. The terrain was rugged, with uphill and downhill stretches. To haul the scooter up, he had to take detours to find better paths.

They had traversed this road many times, and the faithful dog recognized it, bounding ahead.

The morning twilight cast a gentle glow, while the night's coolness lingered. In the mountain's early morning, birds chirped, and lush greenery adorned the overhead canopy.

The cart's wheels creaked, and Lu Gu heard a low cough nearby, followed by the sound of wood chopping, and Da Hui's bark from a distance.

Shen Xuanqing spotted the woodsman, Wu Dayong, and greeted him, "Up early, Uncle Dayong?"

Wu Dayong smiled upon seeing them, "Yes, gathering firewood. Heading up the mountain?"

Aware of Wu Dayong as a fellow villager, Lu Gu nodded. "Taking advantage of the cool weather," added Shen Xuanqing. "We'll be off then, Uncle Dayong."

"Alright, take care," Wu Dayong replied, glancing at Lu Gu with a hint of melancholy before returning to his task.

Lu Gu understood. Wu Dayong's family faced hardships, especially with his son's marital troubles and the financial strain. Such struggles were common among the less affluent families in the village.

Navigating the rough mountain path, Lu Gu carefully carried the eggs in hand, ensuring their safety.

Compared to previous ascents, the cooler weather made today's journey more manageable.

After a long trek, they reached their destination just past noon. The dog rested in the shade, panting from the exertion.

Shen Xuanqing fetched water while Lu Gu tended to the stove, preparing a simple meal of steamed buns.

As they sat in the shade, hunger drove them to eat, sharing even with the eager dog.

Exhausted, Shen Xuanqing suggested a rest. They retired to their room, finding solace in each other's embrace.

As they drifted into sleep, the tranquility of the mountain enveloped them, with even the dogs outside succumbing to slumber.After the scorching afternoon passed, the mountain stream trickled through the bamboo forest, surrounded by lush grass and trees. Along the stream, small bamboo shoots sprouted from the ground, destined to grow taller within days.

Lu Gu gathered over twenty slender bamboo shoots, their shells adorned with tiny burrs, making them slightly sticky. He plucked a large leaf from a nearby tree, making it easier to bundle the shoots.

The bamboo basket was partially filled with shoots, while plenty of watercress grew by the stream, swaying gently in the current.

In the past, Lu Gu would pick tender watercress, filling half a basket. The water here was remarkably clear, with watercress stalks flourishing. After a quick blanching, the tender stems and leaves could be fried or steamed with flour.

Spotting some chrysanthemum tips, he gathered plenty of them. These were excellent for soups or meat broths.

Many wild vegetables thrived during the summer, best enjoyed while tender. The baskets overflowed, providing enough bamboo shoots and greens for him and Shen Xuanqing for several days. Calling out to the nearby dog, they headed back together.

Upon their return, Lu Gu washed the vegetables in the river, carefully cleaning them. The bamboo basket was soaked and rinsed clean.

Layer by layer, Lu Gu peeled the shells off the bamboo shoots until they were clean, then soaked them in a basin of water for the next day.

Each watercress and water stalk was washed thoroughly, while the chrysanthemum tips were cleaned with his fingers' pulp. With all the vegetables damp, it was too cumbersome to carry them on his back, so he used a rope instead.

Two days earlier, after finishing the meat, Lu Gu soaked the bamboo shoots, planning to prepare some vegetarian dishes today.

He boiled water, blanching and steaming the vegetables swiftly. With firewood crackling beneath the stove, he didn't worry much. Taking eight bamboo shoots from the pot, he shredded them and fetched some fresh garlic from the courtyard.

By the time the watercress was steamed and the sun was setting, Lu Gu had sliced all the vegetables. A bowl of stir-fried bamboo shoots, another of watercress with lard and garlic, and a chrysanthemum tip soup awaited Shen Xuanqing's return. But as evening descended, there was no sign of him.

Unable to resist the tempting aroma, Lu Gu took a taste, savoring the fragrant noodles.

In the courtyard, a bamboo plaque displayed some medicinal herbs, basking evenly in the sun. Though the homemade bamboo baskets and plaque were rough, they sufficed for household use, eliminating the need to spend money on replacements.

The vegetable field in the front and back yards had been watered the day before. Having spent too long down the mountain, some dried plants had already withered.

With the water tank running low, Lu Gu wondered if Shen Xuanqing would need a bath upon his return. The recent heat and mountain exertions warranted frequent washings.

Grabbing the wooden bucket, Lu Gu headed out to fetch water, the dog following him as usual. Busyness seemed to be a constant, even in moments of supposed leisure.

As he approached the door, his gaze instinctively turned to the eastern forest, Shen Xuanqing's usual return route.

The forest shadows grew dense, enveloping the surroundings. Suddenly, the dog barked fiercely towards the woods, its eyes alert.

"Wang Wang!"

This behavior was unprecedented, startling Lu Gu. About ten paces from the courtyard gate, he considered hurrying back, but before he could move, he locked eyes with a massive wild boar emerging from the woods.

The male wild boar, with its rugged face and imposing size, posed a formidable threat. Such creatures were known for their aggression, capable even of hunting young deer when hungry.

As the wild boar charged, fear gripped Lu Gu, draining color from his face. The wooden barrel slipped from his grasp, water splashing onto his trousers. Legs trembling, he knew instinctively he couldn't afford to stay rooted, for wild boars meant deadly danger.

The dog barked frenziedly, its fangs bared, clearly anxious.

Though the courtyard gate lay just ahead, Lu Gu couldn't fathom the wild boar's speed, its looming presence shaking the very ground beneath them. While the boar's eyes seemed small, they conveyed only ruthlessness.

In a panic, Lu Gu scrambled towards the yard, the wild boar in hot pursuit.

"Good boy!" His voice, shrill and trembling, called out desperately.

Yet before he could shut the gate, the wild boar charged with ferocity.

This beast, too formidable for the dog to handle, dashed forward as Lu Gu, tears streaming, cried out in despair, "Good boy, come back!"

A long tree trunk leaned against the courtyard gate, offering a last line of defense. If only the dog could return in time, Lu Gu could shut out the menace.

His plea reached the wild boar, which turned its attention towards him. With every ounce of strength, Lu Gu wrestled the trunk into place, bracing against the impending onslaught.

The gate rattled under the boar's force, dust cascading from the seams between the panels and mud wall.

Weighing at least 300 pounds, the boar's impact was relentless. On the second assault, Lu Gu, clinging to the trunk with all his might, heard a click as the wooden door gave way.

Though sturdy, the gate lacked reinforcement without the long trunk. It wouldn't withstand a third assault.

Almost envisioning the grisly outcome, Lu Gu heard a cry from outside. After a moment's pause, the wild boar seemed to turn away. Mustering all his strength, Lu Gu dragged the trunk to the door's rear, propping it up.

The gate remained unharmed, yet his arms quivered, nearly giving way beneath the strain. Collapsing to the ground, he watched in anguish as the dog led the boar farther and farther away, the barks fading into the distance.