Chapter 2002: Duck Farm
In the evening, Qiao Xuan prepared a hearty chicken stew, simmering tender chicken pieces with red dates, wolfberries, and Huaishan medicine. Alongside, she cooked an array of mushrooms, wild vegetables, and bamboo shoots, creating a delicious feast.
Anan, with a new baby tooth emerging, eagerly nibbled on some chicken, relishing the flavor. Qiao Xuan also made him a bowl of noodles with chicken soup, which he devoured with gusto, emptying more than half of the bowl.
Though the mountains seemed quiet, occasional cries of strange birds echoed from the distant valleys and forests, their rhythmic calls haunting yet oddly comforting in the stillness of the night.
In the safety and warmth of the villa, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan found solace and tranquility. Even Anan, unfazed by the eerie cries, widened her eyes and perked up her ears, giggling in delight at the unfamiliar sounds.
The following day, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan took Anan to explore the valley and visit the pond where the ducks resided.
The valley was expansive and flat, stretching without ascent into the mountains. The weather was clear, and the insect population relatively sparse.
Shao Yunduan carried Anan in his arms, opting not to have the nanny accompany them. Besides Songshi, Lixia, and Caiyun, only Ah-Ye and his two subordinates joined them.
As per Qiao Xuan’s instructions, there were three duck ponds. One served as a free-range area, while the other two could be used for simultaneous rearing. Typically, the ducks were rotated every ten days.
During daylight hours, the ducks were allowed access to the ponds, while at night, they were kept elsewhere. Given the flowing water, this arrangement sufficed.
Each pond occupied roughly 20 mu, with duck sheds erected nearby. Each pond housed four to five thousand ducks.
Although this setup was relatively spacious, the lack of medicinal interventions in ancient times necessitated a cautious approach.
Additionally, the valley boasted numerous canals, measuring 1.5 to 1.6 meters in width, that crisscrossed the landscape. Once aquatic plants took root, these canals would serve as excellent environments for duck rearing.
The duck farm was situated atop the land, encircled by a series of canals. These canals, resembling winding sutras, served as the initial conduits for the pond water. Eventually, the water would flow into an artificial canal, which in turn fed several interconnected ground reservoirs for irrigation. Subsequently, it would merge into a distant stream, ensuring it didn’t affect the villa’s drinking water.
Currently, only one duck farm was operational, housing ducks at various stages of growth. Those raised over a month ago had shed their downy feathers and grown proper plumage. Approximately 600 ducks frolicked in the pond, their pudgy forms exuding vitality as they swam and vocalized.
Anan, filled with excitement, pointed eagerly at the ducks, yearning to break free from her father’s embrace and join them.
Qiao Xuan gently pinched her cheek and chuckled, “You’re quite adventurous, but you can’t go into the water!”
Little Anan seemed completely unafraid, even mimicking the ducks’ quacking sounds with delight.
Enjoying their time by the pond, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan lingered a while longer, enchanted by the ducks’ antics. With Anan by their side, the family of three reveled in the simple joy of the moment.
Meanwhile, Ah-Ye and the others maintained a watchful vigil nearby.
Suddenly, Ah-Ye’s brow furrowed, a sense of unease settling in his heart.
In the bright sunlight, anything reflective was easily noticed.
Just a moment ago, he inadvertently glanced toward the nearby hill and caught a glint of metal—a telltale reflection that set his senses on edge.
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