Croton Seeds
Xu Ran came home on the 13th of the first lunar month and began preparing for potato planting.
Ten hectares of recently opened wasteland that has yet to be planted. Xu Ran planned to use five mu to sow potatoes and the remaining mu to cultivate corn. It wouldn't be a large harvest, but it shouldn't be too bad. In any case, he thought so.
Only three persons were still able to work from home. After all, they only had one person to look after the children. Tangtang and Guoguo were both going back to school after this month, so they couldn't help with Baozi's care.
They would obtain the potato seeds on their own at home. The rest would be handled by the long-term workers. Xu Ran had to pay them anyway, and they could learn how to plant them without him having to educate them.
It saved time and energy.
It was a massive job, and planting ten mu of potatoes would take at least a month.
After getting the potato seeds prepared, Xu Ran just left the rest to the long-term laborers and fully believed them.
The whole family traveled to the town on the 15th of the first lunar month to admire the many lanterns and eat Yuanxiao (or Tangyuan, food eaten on the Lantern Festival, which is on the 15th of the first lunar month), and they had to spend the festival together no matter how busy they were.
On the 16th, Xu Ran sent Tangtang and Guoguo to the village's school with the present for their Fuzi. Liu Tong specially made book bags which were embroidered with patterns for the twins. Although the bags were not very delicate, it looked good.
That day was the busiest at school. Aside from the children who had previously attended school, there would be a large number of new students. Students at Xu Village's school came from all across the village, including adjacent villages. Every year, 20 to 30 pupils attended this school, which might be considered a large number.
"Xiucai Xu, are you sending children here to study?" Fuzi, who lived in the village, did not know Xu Ran, but he had seen him a few times, so when he saw him, he eagerly greeted him, "Xiucai Xu, are you sending children here to study?"
Xu Ran nodded. "Yes, they are almost seven years old, and it's time to come. I'll trouble you to teach my children in the future."
Fuzi's aged face broke into a pleasing smile. "Thank you so much. It is an honor for me to teach your small children. Rest assured, Xiucai Xu. I'm confident that I'll be able to instruct them well."
Hearing that gave Xu Ran shivers all over his body. He handed Fuzi the thing he was holding "Thank you very much, Fuzi. This is my children's present. Please accept it.
Fuzi paused and extended his hand, but he didn't accept it as if he were in a bind. Xu Ran then added, "Just accept it, Fuzi. I'm exactly like everyone else. You are not required to be that courteous. I've come to take the two kids to school. It's the same as the others. Just do what needs to be done."
"I see, I see. Xiucai Xu, rest assured," Fuzi said sincerely.
But Xu Ran didn't know exactly what Fuzi knew.
Fuzi accepted Xu Ran's present, and then Xu Ran started to remind his children.
Xu Ran said, "Tangtang, Guoguo, you guys are still young here, but mark my words, we will not attack unless we are attacked; if we are attacked, a tooth for a tooth."
Tangtang and Guoguo nodded although they were still a little confused.
They were told by Xu Ran, "It implies that if others do not come to cause difficulty for you, you should not go to cause difficulty for others; nevertheless, if someone causes problem for you, you should simply return the favor; nonetheless, do not be so foolish as to be discovered by others as being deceitful. And don't worry, you've got me no matter what happens!"
Tangtang and Guoguo understood. Guoguo responded, clenching his fists, "Don't worry, Dad; I'm not going to allow anyone bully my brother or me. I'm not very strong yet, but I'm confident in my ability to protect Tangtang."
Tangtang had been protecting Guoguo when he woke up, and his firm commitment reminded Xu Ran of that scenario. Fortunately, those days were over, and they were no longer so weak that they were bullied.
Xu Ran softly patted Guoguo's head and said, "You are right, Guoguo. When you were younger, Tangtang was your protector. You know you have to protect him now, so you've got to do a good job of it, right?"
Xu Ran clenched his fist and touched Guoguo's fist. Guoguo nodded seriously, "Got it."
Tangtang, on the other hand, was displeased with the situation. He put his hand on Xu Ran's leg and murmured, "I'm the older brother, Dad. I have a responsibility to protect my younger sibling."
Xu Ran smiled, "Mm, Tangtang is right, too. How about this? You protect Guoguo, and Guoguo protects you, okay?"
Tangtang turned happy now and put on a bright smile, "Okay."
Xu Ran continued to rub the children's heads. Their hair was so soft, which feels quite comfortable.
Xu Ran said, "Go ahead, ask Fuzi where your seats are. I will pick you up in the afternoon."
"Alright, Dad, you can go home. I know it's busy at home," Tangtang said sensibly.
"I'll see you go in and then go back," Xu Ran said.
Tangtang and Guoguo waved their hands at Xu Ran and then walked inside hand in hand.
Xu Ran turned around and walked back when he couldn't see them. He chance to run across Xu An and the other parents who had brought their children here.
Xu Ran greeted with a smile, "Xu An, Xu Fa, Xu Zhen, you're here!"
They nodded; Xu An asked Xu Ran, "Why are you here so early? Where're Tangtang and Guoguo?"
Xu Ran said, "They have already entered. They have always been very obedient, and I don't have to worry about them too much."
"They are, in contrast to my naughty children, quite obedient. You're quite fortunate." With a smile, Xu Fa teased Xu Ran.
Xu Ran also smiled, "How come. Are your children not obedient?"
Xu Fa said, "Not really, but just look at your children, I always feel that my children are not that good."
Xu Ran rubbed the bridge of his nose. People tended to believe that other people's children were more obedient than their own. Xu Rab said,"Please hurry up. If you arrive too late, I'm afraid you won't be able to get good seats. I'll return first. My family is currently quite busy."
"Alright, don't mind us. We'll come to you later and talk about potatoes," Xu An waved at Xu Ran.
"Okay, then I'll wait for you to come over."
When Xu Ran returned home, Baozi was blubbering. Xu Ran walked over to Liu Tong and asked, "Tongtong, what's wrong? Why is Baozi crying so badly?"
Liu Tong shook his head. "I don't know, either. I just fed him ewe milk, but he started to cry while drinking."
Xu Ran asked, "Tongtong, when was the milk got? Is there anything added in it?"
Liu Tong said, "I milked the ewe this morning, and I didn't add anything else. He used to drink like this but never cried."
"That's most likely due to the meal the ewe ate. Now is not the time to feed him. Check to see whether Baozi has diarrhea. I'll ask Doctor Liu to take a look at him "Xu Ran exclaimed as he dashed out of the house.
They couldn't afford to be careless with Baozi because he was such a small child.
To see if Baozi had diarrhea, Liu Tong pushed his legs apart. Except for the fact that he was crying, there was nothing odd about him. He even hiccupped while crying, which alarmed Liu Tong, so he persuaded him quickly.
"Good Ge'er, Baozi, don't cry! Dad has gone to ask a doctor for you, don't cry!"
Liu Tong was frantically strolling around the yard with the youngster in his arms. He was now alone at home. Because no one could help him, he had no choice but to wait for Xu Ran and Doctor Liu to return.
Doctor Liu, on the other hand, went to work in the field when Xu Ran came at his house. After asking the children of Doctor Liu's family, he was able to find the doctor.
Xu Ran urged Doctor Liu to go home and retrieve the medical kit, then he grabbed the doctor and dashed back home. On the way, he informed Doctor Liu of Baozi's situation.
Xu Ran said, "Doctor Liu, Baozi hadn't eaten anything else, so I suspect that the ewe might have eaten something by mistake. Please come and check on him with me. Baozi has been crying for a long time."
Doctor Liu was forty years old at the time. How could he sprint as fast as twenty-something Xu Ran? He was out of breath the entire time he was being dragged by Xu Ran, and he arrived at Xu Ran's house before he could say anything.
Xu Ran shouted toward inside when they just reached the gate, "Tongtong, Tongtong, Doctor Liu is here, Doctor Liu is here."
Liu Tong dashed to the door to let Xu Ran in. Baozi was still sobbing in his arms, although he was most likely exhausted from crying. His little face was pallid, and his voice was a little weaker than before. Liu Tong appeared to be on the verge of crying.
Xu Ran asked Doctor Liu to treat Baozi directly in the yard without letting him enter the house.
Doctor Liu's medical skills were not awful, but it was difficult for him to take the pulse of such a small child. He also had some experience because he had lived in the village for so long.
Doctor Liu grimaced as he finished taking the pulse. He requested that Xu Ran take the ewe milk. Doctor Liu sniffed it and remarked confidently, "Croton seeds have been found in the milk. Someone needs to feed it. As long as he poops, it'll be good. Don't be worried."
Xu Ran looked at Baozi's pale face; how could he be not worried?
Xu Ran said, "Could you please let him not cry now? He's still young and can't keep crying like this. Do something about it, please."
Xu Ran was upset but didn't know what to do.
Doctor Liu said, "I don't dare to prescribe him since he's so young. I'll try to find a way for him to excrete it out."
"Okay, okay," Xu Ran nodded nonstop.
Doctor Liu looked on the kid after Liu Tong handed it over to him. The doctor pinched Baozi here and there, but Liu Tong and Xu Ran had no idea what he was doing. Baozi finally stopped crying after a while. When Xu Ran got a closer look, he noticed Baozi had already slept off.
Xu Ran asked worriedly, "Doctor Liu, is there no problem for Baozi to fall asleep like this?"
Dr. Liu stated, "There's no need to be worried; there isn't a problem. Give him some warm water to drink. He'll be alright because he'll excrete it afterwards. Xu Take me to see your ewe, Ran. When this child wakes up, he must want to drink milk. I need to see how the ewe is doing."
"Okay, okay," Xu Ran led the way. He didn't think it was strange that the doctor was going to see the ewe right after treating Baozi.
Xu Ran reasoned that since Baozi wailed so much after drinking a little milk, the ewe must be suffering from harsher symptoms after eating croton seeds, but they didn't hear the ewe. Xu Ran couldn't help but think it was unusual in that circumstance.
However, after experiencing that incident for himself, Xu Ran understood what it meant when someone said "rage comes with a reason."
_____
The ewe had died, and its blood had been strewn across the ground. The ewe's wound, which was still bleeding, was likewise stained with blood. It had obviously just perished.
"Who did it!" Xu Ran shouted but no one responded.
Doctor Liu, who walked behind Xu Ran, saw this scene. He mumbled, "This is really sinful!"
Xu Ran was concerned that something had happened to Big Black and the lamb as well, so he dashed over to the stable to investigate. Nothing happened when Big Black chewed on the grass.
Xu Ran was relieved, so he went to check on the lamb, who was likewise crouched in the pen, safe and sound. The ewe appeared to be the sole victim. This person's purpose was clear, Baozi. But who was he, exactly? What was his beef with him?
Doctor Liu was inspecting the ewe's wound when Xu Ran returned to inspect it. Dr. Liu stated, "I discovered that it was killed by a scraper, Xu Ran. It's tough to say who did it because scrapers are in every home. For the time being, let it alone. First, get your child's food ready. I will be your witness if you report the ewe incident to the village chief."
Xu Ran nodded. "I really appreciate it. Please check if there are any croton seeds in this ewe's stomach, Doctor Liu. I'm concerned that it's being killed to hide the presence of croton."
Doctor Liu waved at Xu Ran, "Alright, go ahead, I'll check it, and tell you the result later."
Xu Ran got up and went to Liu Tong to tell him what had happened. Liu Tong was taken aback and exclaimed, "All of the dogs came out with Shao Yu and the others today. I wasn't paying attention and hadn't expected anything like this to happen. I'll have to have two dogs at home in the future."
"This is aimed for Baozi, Tongtong. I'm afraid this person holds a grudge against our family. He is actually planning to hurt a one-month-old infant. This is unacceptably cruel. I'm not going to let it go. If the village chief does not protect justice, I will file a lawsuit in Yamen."
Liu Tong was silent. Seeing that he didn't say anything, Xu Ran asked him, "Tongtong, what are you thinking about?"
"Ran, I'm a little worried. I'm afraid that this person is..."
Xu Ran had also been thinking about the person Liu Tong had been thinking about. This person had a dreadful track record!
They didn't have any evidence now, so they couldn't be sure he was the perpetrator. It wasn't a big deal to lose a ewe as long as the baby was fine. However, this individual must be apprehended, or their lives will be disrupted.
Xu Ran said, "Don't worry, Tongtong. I will never let this person go, no matter who he is. Make some rice soup for the infant while you're at it. I'll take Baozi with me and wait for Doctor Liu to arrive."
"Okay," Liu Tong handed the baby to Xu Ran and went into the kitchen.
Doctor Liu, whose hands were still smeared with blood, came over after Xu Ran waited for a bit with Baozi in his arms. Xu Ran was concerned that it would startle Baozi, so he dashed away from Doctor Liu. Then he proposed, "Why don't you wash your hands first, Doctor Liu? Baozi is too little to detect the stench of blood."
Looking at Xu Ran's nervous expression, Doctor Liu could only wash his hands first and then talk to him.
Dr. Liu stated, "There are some croton seeds in the ewe's stomach, Xu Ran. The grass was blended with croton seeds. They were probably fed straight to the ewe together with the grass. Croton seeds, on the other hand, were not planted this morning; instead, they were planted yesterday night. The majority of it had been digested by the ewe."
Xu Ran asked, "But we didn't hear its moaning. Shouldn't the ewe have a stomachache after eating the croton seeds?"
Dr. Liu said, "I'm guessing you went to milk the ewe not long after the croton seeds landed in her stomach. As a result, it was passed out of its system without having a significant impact on the ewe. It was afterwards dead, so you were completely unaware of it."
Xu Ran considered it and concluded that this was the case. Doctor Liu, on the other hand, made a professional deduction, which made Xu Ran chuckle.
Doctor Liu was a little annoyed, "You're still young and inexperienced. Why don't you go to ask village head to handle the incident."
Xu Ran said with a smile, "No hurries. Anyway, you said that you will be a witness. Doctor Liu, please write down everything in details. If village head won't uphold justice for me, I will go to Yamen."
There were no concerns from Doctor Liu. ", he explained "The village chief would undoubtedly maintain justice in your favor. When such things happen in the hamlet, I'm scared that if everyone knows about it, people will panic. The village chief will undoubtedly resolve this issue, or else something catastrophic will occur."
Xu Ran believed he was becoming more and more extraordinary as a result of Doctor Liu's statements, which were true. He did, however, recently feel lost in varied fancies and conjectures, identifying the unusualness in everyone.
Doctor Liu appeared to be able to read Xu Ran's mind. He added, with a smile, "I'm sure I've read a few books in my time as a doctor. Although not as many as the ones you've read, I do have some common sense."
Xu Ran felt embarrassed and touched his nose with one hand. Doctor Liu requested that Xu Ran bring him a writing brush and a piece of paper so that he could write. He showed it to Xu Ran when he was finished.
Doctor Liu's writing was completely objective and neutral, with no fabrications or exaggerations. He simply jotted down all he saw and learned through his pulse-feeling diagnostic.
The document was folded and stuffed into a pocket near Xu Ran's chest. Then he turned to Doctor Liu and said, "Thank you very much, Doctor Liu. I'll feed Baozi rice soup when he wakes up, and kindly assist me in reexamining him. I'm afraid Baozi won't be able to take it because he's too small."
Doctor Liu nodded. "Despite the fact that these croton seeds are deadly, the culprit did not use a large amount of them, presumably out of fear of murdering people. Furthermore, because the sheep ate it along with the grass, the kid did not consume much of it. Don't be concerned. He'll be all right. I'll double-check him later."
"Thank you, Doctor Liu," Xu Ran said when the baby in his arms cried. Liu Tong ran out of the kitchen and asked, "Ran, what's wrong? Baozi cried again."
Xu Ran patted Baozi and said, "He must be hungry. Tongtong, have you made the rice soup? If it's done, bring it over and feed him when it cools down.
"Okay, I'll go now." Liu Tong went out. At this time, Xu Ran felt the heat from his hands, and he had a bad feeling about it. When he took off Baozi's pants, the premonition came true.
Baozi had previously peed on him, but this was the first time he had pooped on him. Xu Ran escorted Baozi out of the room and onto the yard, where he was able to continue pooping.
Doctor Liu followed him happily and said to Xu Ran, "He'll be fine once he poops it out."
When Baozi pooped, he didn't cry. He cried quietly and kept opening his mouth, indicating that he was hungry.
Xu Ran was relieved to see it.
After Baozi was cleaned up, the rice soup cooled and fit for feeding him.
Xu Ran took control of the bowl and fed him. He then sent Liu Tong off to fetch Gao Quan and Shao Yu, who had returned from the field. Things on the field could be put on hold, but those at home must be dealt with right away. In addition, Doctor Liu was still waiting for us.
Liu Tong nodded and walked away. It was best for Xu Ran to go because if he didn't, he and Doctor Liu would be the only ones at home, which was wrong.
Xu Ran got Baozi to sleep after feeding him rice soup. Baozi asked Doctor Liu to check for any abnormalities after he had fallen asleep.
Doctor Liu took his pulse, prodded Baozi's mouth open, and inspected him once more. After that, he told Xu Ran, "Nothing to be worried about. Allow him to poop more to remove the croton seeds' toxicity. Remember to offer him rice soup a few days ago, which will help to cleanse his tummy."
Xu Ran nodded. "It's good that he's fine. Thank you, Doctor Liu."
Doctor Liu smiled and said, "Alright, we are living in the same village. Don't stand on ceremony!"
Xu Ran scratched his head. "This is not ceremony. You know that I'm really anxious."
Doctor Liu consoled him, "Alright, alright. I understand. Parents all worry too much even about the minor illness when it comes to their kids."
Liu Tong returned quite quickly while they were conversing. Gao Quan and Shao Yu stood behind him. Gao Quan remained outside the room. He glanced towards the doorway before leading the four dogs to the pen.
After Shao Yu entered, he went to see little Baozi. "Xu Ran, is little Baozi is alright now? It's all my fault. I didn't take good care of him."
He received Baozi from Xu Ran. "He's fine, He was just checked by Doctor Liu. What makes you think it's your fault? Everyone was so preoccupied that they didn't notice these details. Who'd have guessed someone could have such a cruel mind as to damage a child?"
"Yeah!" Shao Yu was worried, "I wonder who is so vicious. Fortunately, Baozi is fine."
Xu Ran said, "Don't worry, I will definitely deal with this matter, and the perpetrator will be found out."
"That's good. We have to find out whoever wanted to harm our little Baozi," Shao Yu said while holding little Baozi.
Seeing that Shao Yu was returned and could assist Liu Tong, Xu Ran decided to leave the infant with the two of them. Doctor Liu and he proceeded to inspect the pen.
Gao Quan was examining the ewe, when Xu Ran stood behind him and asked, "Did Gao Quan find anything?"
Gao Quan rose up when he saw Xu Ran and Doctor Liu had arrived. "This ewe didn't last long after it died. It's most likely about the time I went out and happened to take the dogs with me. I believe the man was hiding nearby and that he is from the village. Two knife wounds had been inflicted on the ewe. Knives are used in a variety of ways. Two individuals should work on it."
Xu Ran became engrossed in contemplation after hearing Gao Quan's analysis. He and Liu Tong had previously assumed it was Xu Cheng. After all, he'd never offended anybody else before, and no one else had a reason to do so.
However, because Gao Quan stated that it was done by two persons, Xu Ran began to wonder if this person was Xu Cheng.
While Gao Quan continued, "You can let Peach and the other dogs track the guy following the smell. Four dogs working together should make it work."
Xu Ran clapped his hands in response to Gao Quan's words, recalling that dogs' sense of smell was extremely acute. He considered current military dogs, but did their household dogs have the same capabilities?
Xu Ran was doubtful.
Gao Quan said, "No matter it works or not, let them try! After all, we have four dogs!"
Doctor Liu agreed, "Then let's try. It will be best if they find him, otherwise village head will handle it."
"Uhm, let's try," Xu Ran said.
"Come on over, Peach and Plum. It doesn't matter to me if you get it or not. First, smell this ewe, then lead us to the wrongdoer. I had to bother you, Doctor Liu, to go to the village chief's."
Doctor Liu said, "No problem. I can't do anything else today anyway. I will go now!"
Doctor Liu was about to walk out the door when Xu Ran noticed him. When Xu Ran came to the pen, he observed four dogs running out, followed by Gao Quan. Xu Ran rubbed his nose slightly. He, too, wanted to go.
06.08.21