Chapter 252: Uncle Jiu's Prestige [6000 Words]

Chapter 252: Uncle Jiu's Prestige [6000 Words]



Naye Village.

In front of Captain Deng Yunjun's house.

When Deng Shirong mentioned the saying, "Rain on the first day of August, winter will freeze the oxen," most people looked puzzled, clearly having never heard it before.

However, a few people in the crowd had heard it. Deng Yungui was one of them. He stepped forward and said, "Uncle Jiu, I remember my grandfather telling me this saying. It means that if it rains on the first day of August, the winter will be extremely cold. I don't know if it's true, though."

Deng Yunqiang also stepped forward and said, "That reminds me, my mother used to tell me the same thing when I was a child. It is indeed a saying we have."

Additionally, two elderly villagers also confirmed that they had heard this saying before.

Deng Yunfeng, who had been specially summoned by Uncle Jiu, felt a heavy weight in his heart. As a professional cattle breeder in Yangdip slope village, he had grown the number of oxen he had leased from the production team from a few to over ten in just two years. These oxen were his family's most important asset.

Now, hearing Uncle Jiu mention "winter will freeze the oxen," he couldn't afford to take it lightly.

So, when Deng Yungui and the other elders confirmed the saying, Deng Yunfeng looked at Deng Shirong with a serious expression and asked, "Uncle Jiu, how reliable is this saying? It did rain heavily on the first day of August. Will this winter really be that cold?"

Deng Shirong's main intention was to remind Deng Yunfeng. After all, his family had the most oxen in the entire Bangjie brigade. In his previous life, several of their oxen had been frozen to death, causing significant losses.

Therefore, Deng Shirong replied, "This saying has been passed down by our ancestors. They used to observe the weather on the first day of June and August every year to predict the coming year. Since this saying has been recorded, it means there have been instances where it came true.

I can't be certain if this winter will be as cold as the saying suggests.

But as the saying goes, 'Better safe than sorry.' I think we should all prepare in advance. If it doesn't happen, that's great. If it does, we'll be better equipped to handle it and minimize our losses. Don't you agree?"

Deng Yunfeng nodded in agreement. "Uncle Jiu, you're right. Regardless of whether it happens or not, I must be prepared. If such a prolonged cold spell occurs and my oxen are frozen to death, I'll have no place to cry."

Hearing this, Deng Yunqiang couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Jiu, if this saying comes true, won't our lychee trees be in danger too?"

Deng Shirong nodded. "That's why we need to prepare for frost protection. If we don't, and an extreme cold snap occurs, our lychee trees could be damaged or even killed, resulting in significant losses."

Deng Yunqiang quickly asked, "Uncle Jiu, do you know how to protect lychee trees from the cold?"

Deng Shirong replied, "I do know a few methods. Come to my house later, and I'll explain them to you in detail."

Deng Yunqiang felt relieved. With Uncle Jiu's assurance, he felt more confident. "Alright, Uncle Jiu."

Captain Deng Yunjun added, "It's time to plant sweet potatoes. Many families in the village have already started. If this saying comes true, this year's sweet potatoes will likely be frozen to death. So, I suggest everyone plant fewer sweet potatoes this year to avoid wasting manpower and resources.

As for the production team's tobacco, I don't plan to plant it this year. Although it's planted in winter, it's not very cold-resistant. If the cold spell continues, the tobacco will be frozen to death. It's better not to plant it at all."

Initially, some people weren't too concerned about the saying. However, seeing that the village's leading figures, including Captain Deng Shirong, took it seriously, and the captain even decided not to plant tobacco, they began to take it more seriously.

Of course, this was just a saying, and no one knew how likely it was to come true. Some people still didn't believe it.

When the captain announced he wouldn't plant tobacco, those who didn't believe it looked worried.

"Captain, if the production team doesn't plant tobacco this year, where will we get our cigarettes next year?"

"That's right, Captain. We're used to smoking. If the production team doesn't provide cigarettes next year, how will we live?"

"Captain, it's just an old saying. We don't need to take it too seriously. We should still plant tobacco, even if it's less."

"Captain..."

Hearing the villagers' complaints, Captain Deng Yunjun firmly replied, "I've made my decision. If you don't believe it, you can plant it yourselves. That's all for today. Uncle Jiu and I have already warned you. We can't guarantee that the saying is true, so you need to decide for yourselves."

No one expected the captain to gather everyone for this discussion. In the village of Naye, with its dozens of households, there were those who believed, those who didn't, those who were skeptical, and those who preferred to err on the side of caution. Everyone had different reactions.

As they left the captain's house, they gathered in small groups to discuss the matter.

Deng Yunqiang, along with his eldest son Deng Changfu, went to Uncle Jiu's house to discuss frost protection for the lychee trees.

The lychee grove was now their family's main source of income. This year, they had made over 1,500 yuan from selling lychees, even though it was their first harvest and they had pruned the trees to control the yield. The whole family was looking forward to a much higher yield next year.

But now, hearing Uncle Jiu's warning, Deng Yunqiang was deeply concerned. He had followed Uncle Jiu's advice in planting lychees, giving his family an advantage over the rest of the village. If an extreme cold snap were to damage or kill the lychee trees, they would have to start all over again, which he couldn't accept.

So, when they arrived at Uncle Jiu's house, Deng Yunqiang eagerly asked, "Uncle Jiu, what methods can we use to protect the lychee trees from the cold?"

Uncle Jiu didn't keep them in suspense. He said, "The first method is to mix slaked lime, lime sulfur, and a binding agent and apply it to the main trunk and branches of the lychee trees. This will protect them from the cold and kill bacteria, achieving two goals at once."

This method of whitewashing trees was not new in rural areas. The rubber trees at the Bai Ping farm had been treated this way. Deng Yunqiang had just never understood its purpose until Uncle Jiu explained it to him.

Deng Shirong continued, "The second method is to wrap the tree trunks and main branches with straw. This can also help prevent freezing."

Deng Yunqiang smiled and said, "Uncle Nine, this method is quite simple."

Deng Changfu nodded as well. He knew that the white substance used to coat the tree trunks was lime, but he wasn't familiar with the other ingredients. In comparison, wrapping the tree trunks with straw was much simpler.

Deng Shirong said, "The third method is especially suitable for our newly planted lychee trees. We can create a bread-shaped mound of soil, about 30 to 50 centimeters high, centered around the tree trunk. First, place a layer of straw or wood ash on the tree basin, then cover it with soil. This method helps retain moisture and prevent freezing, and it is the most effective and reliable."

Deng Yunqiang replied, "This method is a bit more trouble, but if it can protect our lychee trees, it’s worth the effort."

Deng Shirong added, "The last method involves mixing weeds and turf and piling them in low-lying areas prone to frost. On cold nights when the temperature drops to a certain point, light a smoky fire in the windward direction. It’s best to set up multiple points to ensure the smoke is evenly distributed. The ideal time to start the fire is just before sunrise, when the smoke can cover the entire orchard."

After explaining, Deng Shirong summarized, "These four methods are all the frost protection techniques I know for lychee trees. If we use all of them, our trees should be safe from freezing."

Deng Yunqiang nodded in agreement, saying, "Uncle Nine, you really know your stuff!"

Deng Changfu asked, "Grandpa Nine, when should we start these preparations?"

Deng Shirong replied, "Once winter sets in, we can begin with the first three methods. As for the last method, we should prepare in advance and implement it when the temperature drops significantly."

He had known for a while that this year would see extreme and prolonged cold weather. He had planned to warn the villagers, and he himself had already made preparations. Some of these frost protection methods he had learned from his previous life managing an orchard, while others he had learned from experts at the farm.

Seeing that Uncle Nine was well-prepared, Deng Yunqiang finally smiled.

After that, the father and son discussed some additional details with Uncle Nine before returning home with peace of mind.

...

Thanks to Deng Shirong, the team leader, and other village elders, more than half of the villagers in Naye Village chose to believe the old saying. As a result, the village-wide effort to plant sweet potatoes came to a halt.

Only a few who didn’t believe the saying continued with their plans, while those who were unsure planted only half as much as they originally intended.

Deng Shirong didn’t say much about this. Planting sweet potatoes didn’t require much cost; it was mostly just labor and time. For rural people, time was the least valuable resource, and even if their efforts went to waste, there wouldn’t be much loss.

However, those who owned oxen took the saying very seriously.

After all, the saying "winter freezes oxen to death" was too powerful. Oxen were almost the most valuable asset for rural families, so those who owned them decided to build sturdy shelters to protect their oxen from the cold.

Among them, Deng Yunfeng was the most cautious. He planned to start building shelters for his dozen oxen as soon as his grandson’s full moon ceremony was over. The shelters had to be well-built, providing adequate protection from wind and rain, to ensure his oxen survived the winter.

News of the changes in Naye Village quickly spread to other villages. After hearing the old saying, more elders stood up to vouch for it, leaving the villagers uncertain about whether to believe it.

Some families with ample labor continued with their original plans to plant sweet potatoes. After all, planting sweet potatoes only required some effort and manure, and even if they all froze, it wouldn’t be a significant loss. If the weather turned out to be normal, they would have a bountiful harvest.

On the other hand, families with limited labor decided not to plant sweet potatoes at all, to avoid the frustration of their hard work being wasted.

Sweet potatoes were a low-cost crop, so whether or not to plant them wasn’t a big decision. However, for families with oxen, the old saying was taken very seriously, as their oxen were their most valuable assets, and they couldn’t afford any risks.

Guanyongying, upon receiving the news, hurried back to her parents’ home to inform them.

Guande Wei, after listening to his eldest daughter, was also taken aback. Thanks to his daughter and son-in-law, their family was one of the first in Shuangwang to plant Guiwei lychees. Although this year’s harvest wasn’t as abundant as his son-in-law’s, they still made over a thousand yuan, recouping their investment and even making a profit.

Next year, with the lychee trees growing, the yield would likely increase, and their income would be even higher.

However, he never expected that an old saying would cause Uncle Nine to take such precautions.

"Ying, what did Uncle Nine say? Does he really believe in this old saying?"

Guanyongying replied, "Dad, from what Grandpa Nine said, he’s not sure if the saying is accurate, but he believes it’s better to be safe than sorry. Preparing for frost is necessary because if the weather does turn cold, our lychee trees could be damaged or even killed, which would be a huge loss."

Guande Wei nodded, "Uncle Nine makes a good point. But how do we protect the lychee trees from frost?"

Guanyongying smiled, "Don’t worry, Dad. Grandpa Nine provided several frost protection methods. I’ll explain them to you in detail."

She then recounted the frost protection methods her husband had told her, concluding, "I came to let you know in advance. When the time comes, I and Brother Fu will come to help."

Guande Wei breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Uncle Nine always has a solution."

Yongying’s mother also smiled, "If the weather turns out as Uncle Nine predicted, he’ll be our family’s greatest benefactor!"

Guanyongying added, "Mom, Grandpa Nine isn’t just a benefactor to our family. If this old saying proves true, he will have saved many families in our village and nearby villages from significant losses. In ancient times, people might have erected longevity tablets for him."

The family exchanged a few more compliments before Guan Dewei asked, "Ah Ying, I heard that Uncle Jiu opened the largest restaurant in the county. Is that true?"

Guan Yongying nodded. "It’s true. Aunt Yunfeng from our village told us. Last month, Aunt Yunfeng accompanied her daughter-in-law to the county to give birth. They stayed and ate at Uncle Jiu’s place, and she couldn’t stop praising his restaurant. She said it’s more than twenty or thirty times larger than the state-owned Shuangwang Restaurant. It’s really unbelievable."

Mother Yongying sighed. "No wonder Uncle Jiu is the most capable person in our village. Opening such a large restaurant in the county must have cost a fortune."

Guan Dewei replied, "It costs a lot, but he earns a lot too. Just from his orchard this year, Uncle Jiu made over six thousand yuan. His brick factory, which he runs with Deng Yun gui, is also doing well. He must be making a good profit every month. With the new restaurant, it’s hard to imagine how much he’s earning now."

Guan Yongying smiled. "Dad, it’s normal for someone as capable as Uncle Jiu to make a lot of money. We’re following in his footsteps, and our orchard has also been quite profitable this year. We’re already one of the highest-income families in the village."

Mentioning this, Guan Dewei felt a sense of pride. This year, their lychee orchard had earned them over a thousand yuan. With other side businesses, their total income for the year was at least equivalent to what they made in the past ten years. Their family had become the most enviable in Shenshuitian Village, making the other villagers envious.

Now, every household in the village was busy cultivating orchards, hoping to plant lychee trees and achieve similar success.

Happiness often comes from comparison. While the rest of the village struggled, their family could now enjoy meat more frequently. It wasn’t quite "pork freedom," but having meat every few days was no longer a luxury.

And all of this was thanks to Uncle Jiu.

Therefore, Guan Dewei and his wife deeply respected Uncle Jiu.

After discussing the main topic, Guan Yongying chatted with her parents about her twin sons.

These two little rascals were almost one year and three months old. They could run around the village and had learned quite a few words. They often called their grandparents, making them happy all day long.

After lunch at her parents' house, Guan Yongying returned home.

...

During his time back home, Deng Shirong was busy. After attending the full moon celebration for Deng Yunfeng’s eldest grandson, he immediately arranged for the bride’s family to visit the groom’s home. His nephew, Bu Dashishi, also returned from the county to help.

As the matchmaker, Deng Shirong rode his bicycle to Taipingpo Village early in the morning.

By then, Liu Ai Hong’s house was already bustling with relatives. They had already discussed who would accompany Liu Ai Hong to visit the groom’s home.

With the arrival of the matchmaker, Deng Shirong, both sides exchanged greetings and pleasantries before setting off for the groom’s home.

Liu Ai Hong was accompanied by her two sisters-in-law, two aunts, and her mother-in-law. It was a customary rule in the Shuangwang region that the bride’s parents did not visit the groom’s home.

Before leaving, Deng Shirong smiled and said to the bride’s parents, "This visit is just a formality. The groom has already bought a house in the county, so the visit should have been there. However, to avoid the trouble of traveling back and forth, we chose to visit the groom’s home in the village."

Liu Ai Hong’s parents’ eyes lit up.

Before the visit, they had discussed this with the matchmaker, but they didn’t expect the groom’s side to act so quickly. They hadn’t even visited the home, yet the house in the county was already purchased.

Liu Ai Hong’s mother couldn’t help but ask, "Uncle Jiu, do you know how big the house is?"

Deng Shirong nodded. "Of course. The house is in the southern part of the county, a bit far from the center. It has three brick rooms, a toilet, and a yard where you can grow vegetables and raise chickens. It’s a very nice house."

Liu Ai Hong’s parents were thrilled. Three brick rooms with a yard were considered excellent, even in the countryside, let alone in the county.

When their daughter married, they could visit the county and stay for a while, and the villagers would be envious.

Excited, Liu Ai Hong’s mother quickly said, "Uncle Jiu, wait a moment. I need to give them a few instructions."

Deng Shirong smiled and nodded. The visit was essentially a way for the bride’s family to assess the groom’s financial status. No matter how well the matchmaker spoke, if the bride’s family found the groom’s house dilapidated and empty, they wouldn’t agree to the marriage.

Unless, of course, the bride’s family already knew the groom’s situation.

Therefore, the visit was a crucial step, and both sides took it seriously.

While Deng Shirong wasn’t afraid of the bride’s family being picky, it was better to prevent any issues. That’s why he revealed the news about the house in the county.

As expected, Liu Ai Hong’s mother went to instruct her relatives.

...

The visit itself was a formality. The bride’s family was treated to a lavish meal, and each person received a bag of candy and a red envelope before leaving. They were very satisfied.

The day after the visit, Deng Shirong, his daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and nephew traveled to Bobai.

With the National Day holiday approaching, the Suzheng Restaurant was about to handle its largest order since opening. Although Deng Shirong had great confidence in his eldest son’s management skills, this was the first time their restaurant would serve so many guests. He wanted to check in and ensure everything went smoothly.

If his eldest son could successfully handle the bicycle parts factory’s gathering, he would be well-prepared for any future events.

Experience was key. Once you had it, things became much easier.

On the afternoon before National Day, the four temporary cooks and twelve young, presentable waiters that Zhang Guoan had recruited arrived at the Suzheng Restaurant. They weren’t there to work that day but to meet each other and discuss the next day’s tasks. This way, they could work efficiently without wasting time or feeling lost.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end