one

I didn't let the duck go, but I know those things.

At that time, I was still small and exquisite. Although I just reached the age of studying, I still stayed at home.

If someone thinks that staying at home is for fun, it's all wet. I don't live in an environment where my mouth is full and my clothes are stretched. Of course, laziness has nothing to do with me.

To put it bluntly, I have been doing some housework as much as possible since I was able to walk independently until I went to school. When I was very young, all I did was sweep the floor and clean the table. When you are older, you should be an adult. Do this first, then do that. When you are old, you should set up a bench to wash dishes, and sometimes you can pull weeds in the fields and water the vegetable fields. As for some heavy work, if it is my turn, I will help. In short, those tasks that are repeated every day can only be done today and will come again tomorrow, and there is no sign of completion at all; Even if you are too tired to keep your back straight, no one can see how much you have done. Its triviality and boredom are annoying.

I want to play outside whenever I have the chance to get rid of those tangled jobs. Strangely, as long as you walk out of the house, even if you see some green branches and leaves, it will give birth to some freshness. If you really see something "strange", you will be extremely happy. No matter how much trouble, it will disappear immediately.

However, there are only a few "strange" things outdoors, and some of them are too late to be really happy. Our village has been sitting in the mountains for many years, and people rarely walk around. In fact, there is no chance to go out. The farm work in the field is enough for people to do. In the village, it is difficult to meet strangers outside.

The first time I saw a "duck shed" coming in from outside the village, my curiosity was never less than satisfaction.

It was from that day on that I felt that our remote village was not remote, at least people from outside came in. This is the first time, and there will definitely be a second time; There must be no shelter, otherwise the duck keeper would not take it with him and look for an opportunity to break into the house.

And those dirt roads that don't look ordinary at ordinary times thought that only villagers would walk in this life, but they unexpectedly led foreigners in. Perhaps, it has long been in collusion with countless roads outside.

So, I think, when I grow up, I must go outside the village. Maybe there are more strange things there.

On the other hand, the road ahead has passed for many years, neither widened nor straightened, but stubbornly presented a rugged mountain road. The rainy season is coming, covered in mud, slippery like carp's back, which makes me often wrestle ... and when the sun appears, those muddy paths immediately show their ferocious faces, which often makes us sprain our feet.

If it weren't for the timely appearance of the duck shed, I really thought our pitifully small village was an independent paradise. On paradise island, it was completely forgotten by the outside world.

At least, I thought so when I was very young.

? two

The duck shed moved from outside the mountain is undoubtedly one of my most unexpected things, which changed my idea that I can't be stubborn just because it is closed.

In these "whispers", there are two people, an old man and a young man, and a group of quacking ducks. From a distance, they appeared in turn, and their spectacular scenes stunned me at that time. Of course, what surprised me was two outsiders, one old and one young.

The man is short and strong, about the same age as my father. Naturally, I should call him uncle. And that little girl is definitely not the same age as me. She is only four or five years old at most. When I stand with her, I want to be taller than her. I should also call her little sister, but I never called her at that time, but she called me "brother" once because she needed it, and that was only once.

They must be a father-daughter relationship, which is the conclusion I reached in my guess. Later, the facts proved that my judgment was correct.

He shouted "stream, stream" in the distance.

She answered "Hi, Hi" in the distance, and quickly answered "Dad, I'm coming". She ran to her father.

Although it is confirmed that they are father and daughter, I still don't know their surnames, where they come from and where they are going. This is a matter that cannot be clarified at all. Because, at that time, I was shy and inquisitive, and I didn't have this heart at an early age. This made me call them "little girl" and "her father" when I was with them, and when I remembered them later, sometimes I called their gender "she" and "he".

While the ducks were in the water and scattered on the water for food, he picked a semi-circular "shed" from a distance, and she had to run empty-handed to keep up with her father's rhythm.

In a spacious clearing, he put down his shed and walked back with a pole. During the period, she stood in the same place and guarded the "shed" with one sentence and loyalty. At that time, curiosity drove me close to her and watched quietly.

She looked at my every move with robbery eyes, but she was also very friendly.

Not long after, her father picked up two bundles of things like "firewood", but the "firewood" was neat and obviously overworked. Next, he was busy planning to spread out the bamboo pieces and sticks wrapped in "firewood" and form a big circle on the open field. He took out an axe from the nearby "shed" and beat it to firmly fix the circle.

At that time, I didn't know what the circle was for, so I whispered to my neighbor's children.

That is the bed where ducks sleep at night. Maybe she stood by and heard it, so she said it first.

Feeling that the strange paper between us had been punctured, I simply looked into the half-moon shed. While putting down the duck shed, her father tidied up the layout inside, so that I could make a clearer judgment no matter where I looked. The bed and pots and pans in the half-moon wooden shed walking on their shoulders are all they have in their home.

This is where you sleep? I didn't look as stiff as before, so I dared to ask her.

Hmm. She answered calmly and bowed her head.

I ran into her again when it was dark that night.

When she knocked on the door of our courtyard, although we met during the day, we were still a little surprised at her sudden appearance. In fact, her surprise after seeing me didn't weigh on me at all, but she soon calmed down.

Brother, I'm looking for sauerkraut. Do you have it at home? She whispered shy words.

I soon understood the reason why she was shy and welcomed her in. At this moment, our mother, who had been watching, came over and took the bowl from her hand. She quickly scooped up a bowl full of sauerkraut and sour water for her.

She left without saying "thank you".

Taking advantage of the dim moonlight, after dinner, I went to a temporary "neighbor" to visit. On the one hand, I was invited by flocks of ducks to watch the fun; On the other hand, we don't have any barriers, and we think we should walk around each other.

That night, I came home late and found my mother didn't sleep, which was a bit strange. Unexpectedly, what she said next made me feel even more strange. She said that little girl didn't send you back?

I listened inexplicably, so I was anxious and asked curiously, why did the little girl send me back?

Seeing my surprised expression, my mother smiled gently and said, your soul has been hooked by that little girl. I also gave her pickles. In the future, I will say that I will be your wife. Do you want it?

As soon as my face was hot, my heart beat and I fell asleep. I have been lying in bed for a long time, still wondering why my mother said that.

three

When the ducks first appeared, they stayed in the village for three or four days. In those days, I was as happy as Chinese New Year, and my parents didn't care much about me. Maybe they think the duck shed is too new for me, so they want to satisfy my curiosity! As soon as the assigned work was finished, I was busy chasing ducks.

On the way there, although there were some warnings about my mother's unmistakable jokes, I couldn't tell what was good in my heart, but the idea of wanting to be with her occupied the peak.

When I was alone with her, the fun came, which I had never had before. Forget everything, just happily help her drive the ducks, stand in a row with her, watch the ducks perform in the water, help her make a fire and cook, and enjoy her sweet smile. ...

From "Shang Ping" where I live to "Mountain", I am like a duck in it. From the dry field where the millet has just been threshed to the old paddy field that has not been ploughed, ducks not only eat the grains, weeds, small fish, shrimps and snails on the ground, but also make a loud noise.

Although they want to walk from one field to another, and the mighty army has messed up the road, I am still willing to walk on the road they pass. The way they flap their wings is so cute.

Knowing that the duck will walk slippery and wrestle, she and I still have to walk on it. It's not just about driving the ducks away. Strangely, her father didn't say a word when he saw us like this, which made it difficult for me to understand. Because, if we were in the same situation, our parents would have called us bees, and many of my "bold" behaviors had to be terminated in their driving.

Her father has been watching the ducks. The long bamboo pole in his hand, like him, has been watching the movement in the water. He hoped that they would obey the rules and not do what the villagers were afraid of.

When I first entered the village, the production captain told him about this foreigner. I was there, and I heard the weight of those words with my own eyes. Of course, I also saw him grovel as a foreigner.

Don't let ducks eat and walk around. If they spoil the crops, I won't let one of your ducks go.

No, no, don't worry, captain!

Finally, he spread a cigarette to please, but the captain didn't pick up any.

It's not a good thing that the captain doesn't pick up all the cigarettes, which means there is some danger. He understands. Therefore, the long bamboo pole in his hand always abides by the law. On the dry land where the millet has just been knocked down, he relies on the running of his body to subdue them; Only when everyone is in the paddy field and away from the crops can he relax a little. In the water, he tried to scoop up the mud with a small "spoon" tied to the top of the bamboo pole and throw it away hard. If any guy temporarily forgets the rules, after such a reminder, he will immediately pull back from the edge.

Maybe it's because they stayed in the village for a few days, and I worked hard with them all the way. Maybe it's because they ate our sauerkraut and were grateful. Maybe ... forget it, I also want to say that maybe in her father's eyes, she and I have become doll friends, but maybe the first two "maybe" have worked. This third "possibility" is completely my fantasy.

In fact, on that day, when no one was around, I got a duck egg early, but it was not green. When the little girl stuffed me with duck eggs, she looked a little desperate and whispered, don't let my father see it.

Why did you give me duck eggs, but you were afraid your father would find out? I asked her in a low voice.

Anyway, take it back. Anyway, my dad will definitely scold me when he sees it, because our family needs duck eggs. ...

Just around their temporary duck pen, people buy duck eggs every morning. When the captain went to buy duck eggs, he chose the green duck eggs in the basket, saying it was for dizziness. After he left, her father shook his head and said to himself, he picked all the green duck eggs by himself. He couldn't afford it, and he shouted to give him some more …

I know about it. The captain bought many duck eggs. He saw me playing in that place, so he deliberately asked your parents to buy it. It is fresh!

I went home and told my mother about buying duck eggs. Her silence made me regret it. Because before that, I heard her say that there was not much food at home, and I had to go shopping at once. However, the cost of salt, kerosene and reading at home has not yet been settled. ...

I took those two duck eggs home. It was the first time I saw duck eggs when I was so big, and I realized that there was a difference between green duck eggs and white duck eggs. After mother cooked it in a boiling pot, she divided two different duck eggs into five parts for the five of us to eat. Where can we eat? We insist that adults try.

four

After finishing work the next morning, I went to the place where they camped in the duck shed and found that there was nothing there except duck feathers and feces, and my heart was suddenly empty. It seems that happiness goes with it.

I stood for a long time in the clearing where duck manure stinks. I thought, they left, and she left, and I may never see them again. I didn't even say goodbye to her, let alone make an appointment for the next meeting, which is my greatest regret.

Where did they go? Adults said that the duck shed was originally mobile. Today, here, tomorrow, the family carried it.

Strangely, as adults say, I can't sleep when I have something on my mind. After a few days' shallow sleep, I dreamed of the duck shed and her, both of whom wandered tirelessly in front of my eyes. The quack of ducks makes me dream. I want to see it again! Because they really brought me the breath and yearning outside the mountain, and also brought me happy memories. ...

Probably in winter, another duck shed wanted to enter the village and was blocked by the captain. When I learned the news, I immediately put down my work and ran away. I thought, are they back again? So, I quickly thought, great, we can be together again. ...

But when I think of the cruel words that some people in the village have put down, I am worried about their arrival. Shortly after they left, a hen raised by a family in the village disappeared, and it was suspected that they had stolen it and eaten it. Another villager said that the small fish in his fish pond had disappeared, and the duck must have eaten it ... so they privately discussed that once the duck came again, it would definitely come back!

But I was relieved by the immediate results. Those young men and women, no matter what they say, the captain says I am in charge of the whole village, so let your ducks go elsewhere, and the village can't go any more. ...

Although I didn't see the ducks enter the village for the second time in the end, other old people in the village are still talking about it, saying that no one will muddy the water if they don't come, and people who can see them in Chenshuitian and Yantang will not be affected again.

My heart is surprisingly calm. Although they didn't come back for the second time as expected, it must be good not to come back. Even if I come back, I will be retaliated by those who sharpen their swords in private. If they really get revenge, how can I save them!

? five

Many years passed quickly, and as I grew older, my body became bigger. After graduating from junior high school, I failed to get into a technical secondary school that is more difficult than going to heaven, and entered the vast rural labor exercise early.

A year later, fate gave me a chance to favor me. I work as a substitute teacher in another village more than ten kilometers away from my hometown, and I mingle with my classmates who are not much younger than me. I, a big doll, got rid of the hopeless trouble of entering a higher school and worked in the loess fields with my face. Everything is temporary. As for the future, I was at a loss.

During that time, I seldom went home. With the desire and freshness for a new life, I live a busy day and a lonely night alone in a foreign land.

One weekend, my mother brought a letter in advance to let me go home at the weekend, saying that something important was waiting for me. Considering that I didn't have much food left and I had to go home to carry food, I went back exactly as she set the date.

I didn't know until I got home. I wanted to tell my daughter-in-law that the appointed time was Sunday morning.

If all goes well, this will be my first love. Before this, someone blushed when he mentioned this question, and his heart was pounding like a drum. When I get along with my classmates, I have never been exposed to such complicated problems.

That day, I was a little surprised by each other's casual clothes. I wore the gray tunic suit that graduation photo wore in junior high school, and showed her charm during the Spring Festival one year. The woman's mother kept explaining to us that her daughter came in a hurry and didn't have time to go home and change clothes. There were many new clothes to wear later. ...

When we looked at each other, we were all surprised, as if we were old friends. I tried to recall the past in my mind.

She gave me a wink about my future before the contraction in my heart had any result. When we came to the clearing behind the house, she asked, Has your house been repaired?

how do you know

I'm a little surprised. To tell the truth, our old house has been repaired since I was in primary school, and now there is no trace of new repair.

Don't you remember me at all?

I have a feeling of deja vu in my mind, but how dare I look up at her? At present, she is graceful and beautiful. Although everyone likes her, she is obviously different from me. I shook my head in denial. I said, I don't remember clearly, it seems, it seems … but I can't remember at all.

Duck eggs, remember?

As soon as she reminded me, I immediately had memories of my childhood. So it was you. I finally opened the door of memory and looked up at her.

Actually, we have known each other since we were very young. Of course, we only had a good time for a few days.

Yes, I agree. Me too. I remember often running to your temporary venue and coming home late.

After I interrupted, she continued. Although we haven't seen each other again after so many years, I remember my father and I scooped sauerkraut at your house when we came to your village to release ducks. I haven't forgotten it. ...

It seems that her mouth is as capable as the female officer of the brigade, as her mother introduced before. The reason why her family is willing to propose marriage in our family under the introduction of the matchmaker is that I, a substitute teacher, will take off my "peasant skin" one day. In this sense, we are also suitable.

When I think of her in front of me, the little girl who used to put ducks, I suddenly forget all my shyness, look up at her with heartfelt excitement, and then say, if we walk on the road, even if we pass by, I'm afraid we won't recognize her.

Who says not? She changed the subject at once. It's good to hear that you are a substitute teacher from other places! But I didn't come to see you today ... She gave me a serious look and added, I want to ask you a favor.

What happened? Go ahead. You're welcome. I blurted it out without thinking

I already have someone in my heart. She looked up again and looked at me generously, but with begging eyes. The people I like strongly disagree at home, and they force me to see you. ...

Tell me, what can I do for you?

Just say you don't like me. ...

After a pause, I said against my will, well, I'll just say it. But I also have a small request, you have to promise.

What is this? She showed her shy face for the first time.

What's your name again? I've known you since I was a child, and I don't even know your last name!

My name is Ouyang Xiaogan and my father is Ouyang Wuqing. Everyone calls me Xiaoxi.

So your nickname is Xiaoxi?

be

At that time, if I knew your name, I wouldn't call you "little girl" in my heart.

After saying this, I regret that I shouldn't be so "straightforward", but let us fall into a moment of silence.

In order to eliminate this embarrassing situation, I asked her another question, which I wanted to ask for a long time, but I never forgot.

Why did you go out with dad to release ducks at such a young age? For what?

For mother. She is bedridden with a strange disease. My father and I had to treat her by selling ducks and eggs ... Before the words were finished, she stopped because of a sob.

Is she all right now?

That's not ... she's pouting in the room, and now she's coming to torture me as soon as she's well. Immediately, try to smile.

At that moment, I was also happy for her.