My 1995 Small Farm.

Over the next few days, Chen Ling focused all his attention on preparing for his trip to Hong Kong.

He first went to the county town, found Little Sheep, and asked about the recent food supply for the two stores in the city and the provincial capital.

Then I went to the post office and made long-distance calls to Leung Yuet-man and several close friends on Hong Kong Island, and gave them a general overview of my itinerary.

Liang Yuemin was very happy to receive the call and said that he had already arranged accommodations and itinerary and was just waiting for them to arrive.

During this time, Chen Ling was not idle either. He took Rui Rui and Wang Zhenzhen, and with A Fu and Ashou as "guards", they went into Xishan Valley, where the terrain was relatively gentle.

Ostensibly, it was a spring outing for the children, but in reality, we were secretly searching and found several wild tea trees of excellent quality. We picked a lot of tender buds and transplanted a few small ones into the cave.

He plans to personally roast some "pre-Qingming tea" to take to Hong Kong Island as gifts. This local delicacy is more thoughtful than any expensive gift.

Of course.

Chen Ling himself does not know how to roast tea; he can only rely on his privileges and superpowers in the cave to roast it naturally.

He also visited the forest farm. The deer farm, sheepfold, and cattle shed were all running smoothly. With Zhao Dahai and the mountain cat helping to manage them, they were naturally well-organized.

The hatched chicks and ducklings are growing very fast and are already running around foraging for food.

……

Half of March has passed quickly, and the sun is rising higher and brighter each day.

In the early morning, the thin ray of dawn, like freshly washed gauze, gently enveloped Chenwangzhuang.

The air was slightly damp and cool, but mostly filled with the earthy, fresh scent of awakening soil and the sweet fragrance of sprouting plants.

Chen Ling got up early and walked around the farm, stepping on the dew-covered grass.

The spinach and bok choy in the vegetable patches have sprouted dense, tender shoots, carpeting the ground with vibrant green, looking incredibly fresh and appealing.

The cucumber and tomato seedlings in the greenhouse have also grown to about an inch tall, with thick leaves that exude a vigorous vitality.

"They're growing really fast. In another month or so, we'll be able to eat the tender cucumbers we grew ourselves."

Chen Ling nodded in satisfaction, picked up the large iron bucket leaning against the wall, and began to draw water from the ditch to irrigate the vegetables.

The clear, splashing sound startled several sparrows that were pecking at grass seeds by the ditch. They fluttered to the branches of a nearby fruit tree and tilted their little heads to look at him.

Attracted by the sound of water, Rui Rui ran out in his little underwear, still sleepy-eyed, and hugged Chen Ling's leg: "Daddy, water the plants! Rui Rui will help!"

"You brat, you're not wearing pants or shoes! What if you catch a cold?"

Chen Ling smiled and rubbed his son's head with his free hand, "Go, put on your pants and shoes before you come back and help Dad get the water ladle."

"Oh!"

Rui Rui obediently ran back into the house, slipped on his little rubber shoes, and then huffed and puffed as he brought over a gourd ladle that was bigger than his head, waiting eagerly.

Chen Ling scooped up a ladle of water and handed it to her son: "Here, water it slowly, make sure it reaches the roots, don't waste water."

Rui Rui looked as if he had received a royal decree. His little face became serious, and he carefully walked to the edge of the vegetable patch, holding the heavy water ladle in both hands. He imitated his father's usual manner and twisted his wrist.

"Splash..." He splashed out most of the water, but he didn't control his strength well. Not only did he drench the vegetables, but he also soaked his own rubber shoes and trouser legs.

"Oh dear!" Rui Rui stared blankly at her wet shoes.

"Hahaha! Silly boy, are you watering the vegetables or yourself?"

Chen Ling was overjoyed and took the water ladle. "Watch Daddy's, you have to do it like this, lightly flick your wrist, and spread the water evenly..."

He demonstrated, sprinkling water in a fine stream, precisely soaking the roots of the seedlings.

Rui Rui nodded as if she understood, and tried again. This time it was better. Although some mud still splashed up, most of it was poured onto the ground.

"Rui Rui is awesome!" The little guy felt good about himself and puffed out his little chest.

The father and son were busy at work when Wang Susu came out of the house carrying a winnowing basket filled with sorted wheat grains and broken rice.

"Ah Ling, you water it first, I'll go feed the chickens, ducks and geese, and check on those wild geese while I'm at it."

“Okay, go ahead, keep an eye on them, don’t let them run around,” Chen Ling replied.

Wang Susu walked to the poultry house, opened the gate, and the chickens, ducks, and geese immediately clucked, quacked, and squeaked as they surrounded her.

She skillfully scattered food into the trough, watching them scramble for it.

Those dozen or so geese have now fully adapted to life on the farm; they've noticeably gained weight, and their feathers are glossy and smooth.

Unlike poultry, they didn't huddle together; instead, they ate rather politely to the side, occasionally letting out a few low "quacks," appearing quite leisurely.

Wang Susu observed them carefully, especially the largest and strongest-looking male geese.

Their wing feathers have grown back a bit, and although they are not yet ready to fly far away, Wang Susu still feels a little worried looking at their increasingly full wings.

Spring is here, and the season for migratory birds to fly north is fast approaching.

If they retain their wild instincts and are one day lured away by one of their own kind flying overhead, then...

She thought for a moment, then turned around and went back into the house, taking out a large pair of sharp pruning shears that she usually used to trim fruit trees.

"Susu, what are you doing?" Chen Ling asked as he walked over after watering the plants.

"I'll trim the wings of those lead geese a bit more."

Wang Susu explained, "Our trip to Hong Kong Island isn't too long, but it's not too short either. My parents are getting old, and if they really want to fly away, it might be difficult to manage them. Shortening the trip is safer."

Chen Ling nodded: "You're so thoughtful. I'll help you."

He walked over and gestured for Wang Susu to step back a little.

Geese are not docile domestic fowl. Although they are familiar with their families, clipping their wings, which is somewhat coercive, can still provoke their resistance.

Chen Ling gestured with his eyes to Afu and Ashou, who were dozing off under the eaves.

The two giant tigers understood each other perfectly, slowly stood up, and strolled to the vicinity of the aviary, their massive bodies exuding an invisible sense of oppression.

The flock of geese, which had been somewhat restless, quieted down instantly, watching the two mountain kings warily and no longer daring to flap their wings haphazardly.

Chen Ling spotted the most majestic lead goose, and with lightning speed, grabbed it precisely at the base of its wing, bringing it under control.

The goose cried out in alarm and struggled desperately, but Chen Ling's hand was as firm as an iron clamp.

Wang Susu quickly stepped forward and, with a few quick snips of scissors, neatly trimmed the longest primary flight feathers on its wings.

The other larger male geese were treated in the same way.

The trimmed feathers were scattered all over the ground.

Rui Rui curiously picked up a grayish-brown feather that was longer than his arm and waved it in his hand: "Daddy! Big bird feather! Pretty!"

"Okay, keep it safe. You can use it to make shuttlecocks later." Chen Ling smiled and released the slightly wilted lead goose from his hand.

As soon as it was freed, it ran to a corner and, still shaken, preened its clipped feathers, making a pitiful "cooing" sound.

The other geese that had been trimmed were in a similar state, temporarily losing their former vigor.

"Okay, I can rest assured now."

Wang Susu breathed a sigh of relief, "For at least a month or two, they won't be able to fly very high or very far. By the time we come back from Hong Kong Island, their wings should have grown a little more, and then we'll see how things go."

After dealing with the geese, Chen Ling inspected and reinforced the chicken coop, duck shed, and goose pen to ensure there was no damage, so that the elderly couple could have some peace of mind.

After a busy day of farm work and housework, as dusk falls, the scene transforms into a lively affair. Just as dinner is finished and the dishes are cleared away, Zhao Dahai's gruff voice booms from outside: "Fugui! Fugui! Let's go! There's definitely some cargo on the hillside tonight! I saw fresh hoof prints this afternoon!"

Lynx followed behind, leading several half-grown hunting dogs that were jumping for joy: "Paw Patrol, all assembled! Please give instructions!"

Chen Ling walked out with a smile, carrying a gleaming shotgun and a high-powered flashlight: "Look how anxious you two are. I'll leave as soon as I put the collar on Heiwa and Xiaojin."

Upon hearing that they were going hunting in the mountains again, Rui Rui clung to Chen Ling's leg and wouldn't let go: "Daddy! Rui Rui wants to go too! Rui Rui will be good!"

"You brat, it's chilly in the mountains at night, and there are mosquitoes. You better stay home and sleep with your mother." Chen Ling picked up her son and put him back in Wang Susu's arms.

"No! Rui Rui wants to go! Big Tiger is going! Rui Rui is going too!" Rui Rui twisted into a pretzel.

Wang Susu quickly coaxed, "Rui Rui, be good. Daddy will go fight the big bad wolf and come back to make you a hat with wolf fur, okay?"

After finally calming down his unruly son, Chen Ling, along with his dog and two others, joined Zhao Dahai and the lynx, and under the moonlight, headed towards the wheat fields and hillsides outside the village.

Spring nights are not quiet in the fields.

The sounds of frogs and insects rose and fell, and the air was filled with the fragrance of young seedlings and the faint scent of wildflowers.

The beam of the flashlight, like a sharp sword, pierced the darkness and swept across the lush green wheat seedlings.

Heiwa and Xiaojin, one on the left and one on the right, moved silently between the ridges of the field like two experienced scouts, their nostrils flaring and their ears twitching alertly, catching any suspicious movements.

The lynx's "Paw Patrol" members were much more lively. Although they were trained, they were still young and would occasionally stray from the group while chasing a hopping frog, only to be scolded by the lynx in a low voice and then reluctantly run back.

"Shh..."

Zhao Dahai, who was walking in front, suddenly stopped, lowered his body, and pointed his flashlight at a wheat field to his left.

At the end of the beam of light, a round, grayish-brown figure was sticking its rear end out, munching on something in the wheat field, its short tail twitching back and forth.

"A badger! A hog badger!" the lynx whispered, his voice filled with excitement.

The badger seemed to sense the light and movement, and it raised its head warily, its small eyes reflecting two eerie points of light in the flashlight beam.

"Wang Woo!"

Before Chen Ling could give the order, Heiwa let out a low roar and darted out like an arrow, leaving only a black shadow behind.

The badger squeaked in fright and turned to run away, but it was no match for Blackie.

Heiwa caught up in a few leaps and bounds, but instead of pouncing, he cleverly blocked Heiwa's path, forcing Heiwa into a panic and making him run in the direction of Chen Ling and the others.

"Good heavens! You've walked right into our trap!" Zhao Dahai laughed, raising the stick in his hand to strike.

"Don't rush!" Chen Ling stopped him and whistled a short whistle.

Hearing the sound, Little Gold, who was on the other side, pounced silently from the side, accurately biting the badger's neck and gently flicking it.

The badger immediately went limp and fell silent.

The whole process was clean and efficient, with the two giant dogs working together seamlessly.

"Beautiful!" Lynx couldn't help but exclaim. "Blackie and Little Gold's teamwork was absolutely amazing!"

His Paw Patrol team members were envious and wanted to rush over, but the lynx held them back tightly: "Go away, go away, why are you joining in? You still have to practice!"

Continuing their patrol, the flashlight beam shone on several plump wild rabbits at the foot of a grassy slope.

They were munching on tender grass when they were suddenly struck by bright sunlight, as if frozen in place.

This time, Chen Ling didn't let the dog chase after it; instead, he picked up the air rifle and aimed.

"Pfft!" A soft gunshot rang out, and a fat rabbit fell to the ground.

The other rabbits then realized what was happening and scattered, disappearing into the darkness in the blink of an eye.

"Hey! Fugui, your marksmanship is amazing! You're so accurate even when shooting at moving targets at night!" Zhao Dahai gave a thumbs up.

The harvest was good, and the group was in high spirits.

The lynx, watching Afu and Ashou patrolling the area but seemingly uninterested in the nearby rabbits and pheasants, couldn't help but complain to Chen Ling:
"Fugui, next time you go on a night hunt, don't bring those two along, okay?"

"What's wrong?" Chen Ling raised an eyebrow.

"Look at those two!" the lynx said, pointing to the two giant tigers.

Afu was seen using its huge paws to playfully poke a frightened hedgehog named Hedgehog Ball, having a great time.

Ah Shou took a keen interest in a plump field mouse that crawled out of its hole, nudging it with his nose until it rolled around, but he didn't take a bite.

"Those two don't harm their prey, all they do is play! They've even led my Paw Patrol astray!"

The lynx was heartbroken. "Look at Blackie! He used to be so eager to hunt rabbits, but now he's chasing butterflies like Afu! How is he supposed to hunt like this?"

Chen Ling looked in that direction and, sure enough, a sturdy mongrel named Black Egg, one of the Lynx's henchmen, was clumsily leaping about, trying to catch a white moth dancing in the moonlight.

Its appearance was so endearing and clumsy that it had lost all trace of the majestic presence of a hunting dog.

"Pfft..." Chen Ling and Zhao Dahai couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Okay, okay, next time I won't bring those two, I'll just bring Blackie and Little Gold. I promise I'll train your Paw Patrol into cold-blooded killers, alright?" Chen Ling promised with a smile.

As they were chatting and laughing, the flashlight beam swept across a thicket of bushes, and suddenly several brightly colored pheasants took flight, squawking and fleeing down the slope.

"pheasant!"

Almost simultaneously, several small, grayish-brown birds, much larger than quails, darted out of the grass and fled quickly with their slender legs.

"It's a bamboo partridge! And... what's that? It's quite brightly colored!" Zhao Dahai exclaimed with his sharp eyes.

Chen Ling stared intently and saw a male bird with long tail feathers, white rings around its neck, and feathers that shimmered with a metallic iridescent sheen in the light. It was frantically flapping its wings, trying to disappear into the dense forest.

"It's a white-necked long-tailed pheasant! These are very rare!" Chen Ling recognized it; in later generations, this creature was a protected animal and rarely seen.

However, he didn't intend to hit it, watching it hurriedly flee into the depths of the woods.

“These past few years, there have been so many things in the mountains. You can see all sorts of rare things,” Zhao Dahai remarked. “Before, when hunting, you might not even find a few decent animals after running all night.”

"The ecology has improved, hasn't it?" Chen Ling smiled, knowing in his heart that this was mostly due to the subtle improvement of the surrounding environment by his own cave.

Several nights of nighttime hunting yielded a bountiful harvest.

We've hunted quite a few badgers, rabbits, and pheasants, and occasionally we'll encounter squirrels or weasels out foraging.

It's worth mentioning the squirrel.

Chen Ling felt that the changes in the squirrel population around him were quite obvious.

This change is nothing other than a slight mutation.

The squirrel has mutated from a small, ordinary gray squirrel into a large, monstrous species similar to those found abroad.

This surprised Chen Ling quite a bit.

He originally thought that the most likely to change, and the biggest change, would be in the rats.

Unexpectedly, the squirrel was the first to discover it.

After several days of enjoying the hunt, Chen Ling distributed most of the prey to Zhao Dahai, the lynx, and the villagers who helped at the forest farm, keeping only a few for himself to enjoy.

As for the newly discovered mountain birds and wild animals during the hunt, Chen Ling only intended to use them to enrich the zoo later. (End of Chapter)