OBS Chapter 304 Hunting Operation in the Deep Mountains
Chapter 304 Hunting Operation in the Deep Mountains
After several days of instruction, Li Xiangyang taught the villagers the basic methods of hunting. The villagers studied diligently, and after a few days, many of them were able to set traps independently.
However, under the circumstances of the disaster, everyone thought of the same way to save themselves, and the prey on the mountain could not withstand so many people hunting.
“This won’t do,” Li Xiangyang pondered. “We need to organize a large-scale expedition into the mountains, to go deeper into the area.”
"Deep in the mountains?" Wang Ergou was startled. "If it's just the two of us going, it'll be fine. But if we bring people in, and something happens to any of them, won't they hold a grudge for life?"
Li Xiangyang patted Wang Ergou on the shoulder: "I know it's dangerous. The two of us will go hunting, and the others can bring their oxcarts and horse-drawn carts to help. That way we can bring back more game at once."
“That’s an idea,” Wang Ergou said thoughtfully. “Let’s go talk to Captain Zhang.”
After listening to Li Xiangyang's suggestion, Captain Zhang pondered for a moment and nodded.
"The situation is indeed dire. I just received a notice from the commune yesterday saying that the relief grain won't arrive for another month. Right now, we'll have to figure it out ourselves. We'll hold a village-wide meeting this afternoon to discuss this matter together."
In the afternoon, almost all the labor force in the village gathered in the production team's courtyard.
Everyone looked worried. The crops that were supposed to yield a good harvest were mostly destroyed by the torrential rain. How to make a living this year has become the biggest worry for every household.
"Fellow villagers," Old Zhang said, standing among them, his voice heavy, "you all know the situation in our village. The wheat fields are completely destroyed, and less than 30% of the cornfields have been saved. The commune's relief grain won't arrive for another month, and the quantity will be limited."
The villagers sighed repeatedly, their faces clouded with worry.
“Now I have a suggestion: let’s organize a large-scale hunting trip deep in the mountains first.” Old Zhang pointed to Li Xiangyang, “Xiangyang, you tell me your specific ideas.”
Li Xiangyang stepped forward, his gaze sweeping firmly over each villager: "Fellow villagers, I know you're all worried about this year's food supply. Although I've taught you some hunting methods these past few days, the prey in the mountains is dwindling. If we want to have a better winter, the only way forward right now is to go into the mountains."
"Isn't that too dangerous?" someone said worriedly. "There are tigers and leopards in these deep mountains."
“Yes, danger certainly exists,” Li Xiangyang nodded in acknowledgment, “but having more people also means more safety. Er Gou and I will be the main hunters, but our numbers are limited; no matter how much we hunt, we can't transport it all back. We need everyone's help.”
“Xiangyang is right,” Li Daqiang raised his hand and said, “I’m willing to participate in this operation.”
Following Li Daqiang's statement, more and more people gradually raised their hands.
Seeing this, Old Zhang made the decision: "Since everyone agrees, it's settled then. Li Xiangyang will be in charge of the arrangements. We'll depart the day after tomorrow and try to return within five days."
After the meeting, Li Xiangyang found Li Xiaoyun and told her about the plan.
“I know I have to go this time,” Li Xiaoyun said worriedly. “But before, it was just one or two of you. This time you’re going so far and staying for so long, so please be careful.”
Li Xiangyang held his wife's hand: "I know you're worried. Don't worry, I promise you I'll be careful."
For the next two days, the entire village prepared for the operation.
The men inspected weapons and repaired vehicles; the women prepared food and water; and the elderly shared their knowledge and experience of the deep mountains.
The night before departure, the fifteen people involved in the operation gathered together for final coordination.
Li Xiangyang stood before the crowd, his voice firm: "Tomorrow morning, we will split into three groups. The first group, led by me, will be primarily responsible for hunting; the second group, led by Wang Ergou, will be responsible for support and transportation; and the third group, led by Li Daqiang, will be responsible for security and vigilance."
"Everyone must understand their responsibilities. Remember, safety first, prey second. If danger is encountered, fire a warning shot immediately and regroup at the nearest location."
Night had fallen, and the villagers went home to rest and prepare for tomorrow's operation.
When Li Xiangyang returned home, he found that Li Xiaoyun was still awake and was preparing his luggage by the light of an oil lamp.
"Go to sleep early, don't overwork yourself," Li Xiangyang said with concern. "Take care of yourself after I'm gone."
Li Xiaoyun nodded and handed him a small purse: "This is a lucky charm I sewed; keep it with you."
Li Xiangyang took it, pressed it to his chest, and whispered a promise: "I will definitely come back safely."
......
As dawn broke, fifteen people and five oxcarts had already gathered at the village entrance.
Each oxcart was loaded with dry food, water, and necessary tools, as well as several simple stretchers for transporting game.
Li Xiangyang specially arranged for his two capable assistants, Xuanmao and Xiaohu, and Wang Ergou to also bring along a golden eagle.
After a final check of their equipment and confirming everything was in order, the team set off into the mountains amidst the villagers' blessings.
The early summer sun shines through the leaves, casting dappled light and shadow on the forest path.
The further they went, the more difficult the road became, forcing the oxcart to slow down and proceed cautiously.
"Look, there are rabbit footprints!" Wang Ergou suddenly pointed to the ground and said.
Li Xiangyang crouched down and examined it carefully: "It is indeed one, and it's very fresh, which means there are rabbits around nearby."
"Should we set a trap now?" someone asked.
Li Xiangyang shook his head: "We haven't reached the designated location yet. We'll discuss it once we get there. For now, let's keep moving forward."
The group continued forward, remaining vigilant about any movement around them.
As the team ventured deeper into the mountains, the trees became increasingly dense, and the shrubs grew ever more abundant.
Li Xiangyang walked at the front, stopping from time to time to observe the marks on the ground.
"Attention everyone," Li Xiangyang said in a low voice, "we've entered deep mountain territory. From now on, we must remain quiet and speak softly."
Everyone nodded, understanding that in these deep mountains, a single careless move could alert the prey or even invite danger.
Li Xiangyang squatted down and carefully examined a mark on the ground.
“These are the marks left by wild boars,” he said, pointing to the disturbed soil on the ground, “and they’re very fresh, no more than a day old.”
Wang Ergou also came over, touched the turned-up soil, and nodded: "Indeed, it seems wild boars roam this area."
Li Xiangyang stood up and looked around: "This is a great place for wild boars. There's water below and wild fruit around, making it a good foraging ground. We can set up a camp here."
After a brief discussion, everyone decided to set up camp on a relatively flat open space.
Several people began setting up temporary tents, while others cleared the surrounding bushes to prevent wild animal attacks.
"Xiangyang, look over there!" Li Daqiang suddenly said, pointing to a large tree not far away.
Li Xiangyang looked in the direction he pointed and saw several deep scratch marks on the tree trunk.
“It was a bear scratch,” Li Xiangyang frowned. “And judging from the height of the scratch, this black bear was quite large.”