mtl008 Chapter 346 We also need to keep improving
Chapter 346 We also need to keep improving
Li Xiangyang stepped out of the courtyard and walked briskly along the village path.
The autumn sun shone warmly on my face. Along the way, I met several villagers who greeted me warmly.
Before we even reached Wang Ergou's house, we could hear a lively commotion coming from inside.
"Ergou, how many times have I told you? If you can't stay still, go into the mountains. Why are you doing wood carving? Are you even cut out for it?" Ma Hongxia's voice was full of complaints, but also a hint of doting.
"Okay, okay, I'll take it right away!" Wang Ergou's voice was full of helplessness.
Li Xiangyang coughed outside the courtyard gate: "Ergou, are you home?"
The commotion inside immediately ceased, and then Wang Ergou rushed out in a flurry: "Xiangyang! You're finally back!"
Upon seeing Li Xiangyang, Wang Ergou's eyes lit up, and he grabbed his hand: "I heard you were teaching classes in the county, which really made our village proud! Secretary Zhang praises you to everyone he meets!"
Li Xiangyang waved his hand with a smile: "It's not that exaggerated, I just shared some hunting experience."
Ma Hongxia also came out of the house, holding a broom in her hand: "Xiangyang, you're finally back! Ergou has been talking about bringing you into the mountains every day, saying there's a big catch there..."
"It's true, Zhang Weiping and Li Daqiang were able to take down... So, Xiangyang, are you going into the mountains today? I've been going in the mountains lately and found several bear tracks!"
Not wanting to spoil the mood, Li Xiangyang thought for a moment and said, "Alright, let's go into the mountains, but we can't go too deep today. I promised Xiaoyun I'd go back for lunch. Let's set some traps nearby first."
Wang Ergou nodded: "Okay, it's settled then! I'll go get the things!"
He rushed into the house and came out shortly afterward carrying his hunting gear.
Li Xiangyang glanced at it and laughed, "So well prepared?"
"That's right, I've been waiting for you to come back so we can go together." Wang Ergou grinned, revealing a set of white teeth.
Before leaving, Wang Ergou turned back to Ma Hongxia and said, "Wife, Xiangyang and I will be right back. Finish stewing that pot of meat, and wait for me to come back for lunch!"
Ma Hongxia nodded and reminded her, "Don't go too far, be careful."
"Got it!" Wang Ergou replied, and set off with Li Xiangyang.
The two walked along the path behind the village toward the mountainside.
On the way, Wang Ergou talked incessantly about the various prey tracks he had discovered during this period.
"Xiangyang, you don't know, a couple of days ago I found a badger burrow at the foot of the mountain. Judging from the tracks, there were at least three or four badgers. And there are lots of pheasants in that ravine over there; I caught two last time."
As they walked and talked, the two soon arrived at a grove of low trees behind the village.
This place is not far from the village, but you can already see traces of various wild animals.
Li Xiangyang crouched down and carefully examined the footprints on the ground: "Badger paw prints, fresh, left just last night."
Wang Ergou chimed in, "Yes, yes, I spotted it yesterday, but unfortunately I didn't catch it."
Li Xiangyang followed the trail and soon discovered a hole.
The entrance to the cave is not large, but it is clear that animals frequently go in and out.
“This is it,” Li Xiangyang said in a low voice. “We’ll set a trap here.”
Wang Ergou immediately opened the cloth bag and took out some wire and tools.
Li Xiangyang took the wire, skillfully bent it into the shape of a slipknot, and then carefully placed it near the hole, covering it with leaves.
After finishing their work here, the two moved to the vicinity of the stream. The area was lush with aquatic plants, a place where various small animals drank.
Li Xiangyang squinted as he observed the riverbank: "Look there, there are rabbit tracks."
Wang Ergou looked in the direction he pointed and indeed saw a row of small footprints.
Li Xiangyang didn't say much, but silently set up several traps in the grass by the river, his movements light and precise.
Wang Ergou watched intently from the side: "Xiangyang, your skills are getting better and better; I can't even tell there's a trap anymore."
Li Xiangyang smiled and said, "It's just experience. The prey is getting smarter, so we have to keep improving too."
Just then, a rustling sound came from afar.
Li Xiangyang immediately perked up his ears and made a shushing gesture.
The two held their breath and turned around gently.
In the bushes not far away, a plump wild rabbit was seen cautiously looking around.
Li Xiangyang and Wang Ergou exchanged a glance and remained silent in tacit agreement.
Once the wary hare confirmed there was no danger, it relaxed and began to graze.
As it passed through what appeared to be an ordinary patch of grass, a sudden "snap" was heard, and it was immediately hoisted high into the air by a cleverly placed snare.
Li Xiangyang walked over and skillfully picked up the rabbit: "Today's a good start, we've already got something so quickly."
The rabbit was tied to Wang Ergou's belt, and the two continued walking forward.
On the way, Li Xiangyang explained to Wang Ergou how to identify various traces as they walked.
"Look at the bark of this tree; it was rubbed by a badger. Judging from the height of the mark, it must have been quite large. And look at these footprints; their size and shape suggest they were left by a pheasant, someone who frequents this thicket."
Despite having gained considerable experience from frequent trips into the mountains recently, Wang Ergou knew he was still far inferior to Li Xiangyang, and sincerely said, "No wonder they invited you to teach the teacher; you're truly meticulous!"
Li Xiangyang waved his hand: "It's just experience. Observe more, and you'll be just as good."
"I don't have that kind of patience. At most, I'll find some clues and follow them, but as for what they are, I can't determine anything from the clues alone." Wang Ergou chuckled. "If it weren't for you, I'd still be the most disliked person in the village..."
The two chatted as they walked through the mountains.
With his extensive experience from his previous life, Li Xiangyang easily discovered the tracks of various animals and pointed them out to Wang Ergou one by one.
"Judging from the tracks, there should be pheasants here. Let's set some snares nearby and catch them when they return to their nests."
Without further ado, the two busied themselves setting up traps at several key points.
The sun was rising higher, and it was almost noon.
Li Xiangyang checked the time: "It's time to go back. I promised Xiaoyun I'd come home for lunch."
Wang Ergou nodded: "Okay, let's pack up."
The two marked their location and walked back the way they came.
In addition to the rabbit caught earlier, two more rabbits fell into the trap and struggled futilely in the grass.
Seeing this, Li Xiangyang's lips curled up, his eyes full of laughter, "Looks like I'm having a lucky day."
Along the way, every trap has yielded some gains or losses.
Upon returning to the village, Li Xiangyang saw Li Xiaoyun standing at the gate of her courtyard, looking around from afar.
Upon seeing him return, Li Xiaoyun's face immediately lit up with a smile.
"You're back! Perfect timing, the food's all ready." Li Xiaoyun greeted him, taking the cloth bag from his hand. "You've had quite a haul!"
Li Xiangyang nodded with a smile: "Let's go check the traps again tomorrow; we'll probably find even more."