Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, Feng Baoguo cleared his throat and said, "I say this every year, and this year is no exception. Today we are going into the mountains. Everyone knows that there are many good things in Daqingshan, such as hazelnuts, walnuts, and chestnuts. Especially chestnuts. If you are diligent, you can pick more and grind them into flour in winter, which is a good thing to eat."
But besides these, you also need to know that there are many dangers in the Daqing Mountains. Not to mention the animals, encountering wolves, wild boars, or bears is a different story; if you don't encounter them, it's fine, but if you do, it can be fatal. Also, the terrain is extremely complex, with many steep slopes and deep ravines. People unfamiliar with the mountains are very likely to encounter danger. Therefore, once you enter the mountains, please do not act alone. Try to stay with people familiar with the mountain environment. Do you understand?
No sooner had Feng Baoguo finished speaking than Liu Xiangyang, who was always quick-tempered, said with a grin, "I understand, Brother Feng, let's hurry up and go. I see that quite a few villagers have already gone into the mountains. What if all the good stuff is picked clean if we're late?"
"Yes, Brother Feng, let's hurry up and go too."
"Yes, we promise to stay close to the main group and not wander off."
Clearly, Feng Baoguo's words did not intimidate the crowd, especially the new educated youth who were entering the mountains for the first time. They were all eager to show off their skills, which amused the older educated youth.
I thought to myself, you'll see when we get up the mountain. There are lots of things in the mountains, but they're not so easy to find.
Feng Baoguo, however, was clearly used to the enthusiasm of the new educated youth. He waved his hand dismissively and said, "Now that everyone understands, let's set off."
So the group of more than 20 people headed towards the back of Daqingshan Mountain, and along the way they encountered many villagers who were going into the mountain in twos and threes.
Whether it was pre-arranged or a task assigned by Feng Baoguo, the veteran educated youth spontaneously approached the new educated youth on the way up the mountain, introducing the situation in the mountains as they walked, and of course, talking most about the dangers that existed in the mountains.
As soon as Liu Shumei and Wang Meixiang left the educated youth settlement, they approached Chen Shuning, Wang Chunni, and Xu Laidi.
After getting married, Liu Shumei became more composed, explaining the situation in the mountains to the three of them like an older sister.
"At this time of year, the most common nuts to find in the mountains are hazelnuts, pine nuts, walnuts, and chestnuts. There might also be some wild vegetables, but they are not as fresh and tender as in spring. If you do find them, you can only take them back and dry them to make dried vegetables. It's okay to stew them in winter."
"I doubt we'll be able to find any mushrooms. That snowfall this year was so sudden; I don't know if we'll even be able to find any."
"Sister Shumei, I've heard there are lots of small animals in these mountains. What's that saying? 'You can beat a roe deer with a stick and scoop up fish with a ladle, and pheasants will fly right into your cooking pot.' Sister Shumei, do you think we can catch pheasants and roe deer when we go into the mountains?"
Chen Shuning has loved these treasure hunt-like activities since he was a child. You know, going into the mountains to collect mountain products is like a treasure hunt. Every time you find something, it's a surprise and gives you a great sense of satisfaction.
At the mention of food, Wang Chunni's feet and legs stopped hurting. She quickly caught up with Chen Shuning and Liu Shumei, saying excitedly, "Yes, yes, I've heard that too. My dad said before we came that roe deer meat is delicious, as are pheasants and rabbits. My dad's braised rabbit is so good. I even learned how to make it from him before we left. If we catch a rabbit, I'll show you my skills. I guarantee you'll want more after this meal."
Liu Shumei looked at the two excited people with amusement and explained with a smile, "That's all nonsense. If there were really that many prey, would every household lack meat to eat?"
Actually, we're only going to the outer areas of Daqingshan. Even if there are pheasants or rabbits, there aren't many. The things you mentioned are more abundant in the deeper mountains.
However, the deep mountains are teeming with wild beasts, and only experienced hunters dare to venture there.
"Oh, I see. I thought we'd have meat tonight. What a pity," Wang Chunni said, somewhat disappointed.
Xu Laidi, a friend who only knew how to eat, tugged at Wang Chunni's sleeve helplessly to comfort her: "Didn't we buy a piece of pork yesterday? I'll make you braised pork when we get back."
"Braised pork can't compare to wild pheasant," Wang Chunni muttered with some dissatisfaction.
The group chatted and laughed for a short while before entering the outer perimeter of Daqingshan Mountain. Unlike the foot of the mountain, those who had reached this point had already made some scattered gains.
Chen Shuning found a hazelnut tree in a large patch of bushes where the leaves had not yet turned completely yellow. Because there was a hazelnut tree in Chen Shuning's space, he could see the hazelnut tree hidden in the bushes from a distance.
She didn't lack these things; coming into the mountains to collect wild produce was purely for entertainment. So when Chen Shuning discovered the hazelnut tree, she didn't keep it to herself and immediately called out to Liu Shumei and the others who were nearby.
"Sister Shumei, come and take a look, is this a hazelnut tree?"
Following the direction Chen Shuning pointed, Liu Shumei saw that it really was a hazelnut tree and said with some surprise, "Wow, Shuning, it really is a hazelnut tree. It looks like there are quite a few fruits. We should be able to pick a small basketful."
Seeing that Chen Shuning had no intention of going over, Liu Shumei smiled and patted Chen Shuning on the shoulder, teasingly saying, "What's wrong? A hazelnut tree has made you so happy? Why aren't you going over to pick some?"
Then he shouted to the people around him, "Shuning found a hazelnut tree. Let's all look around. Hazelnut trees usually grow in patches, so there should be more nearby."
Upon hearing Liu Shumei's words, everyone stopped in their tracks and began searching the vicinity.
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