The Old Story of Yangcheng River

"hair scenery! Hair scenery! Everybody come out! " Hou Jinchang ran to the Kuixing Building in the south of the village, knocked on the gong and shouted anxiousl

"hair scenery! Hair scenery! Everybody come out! " Hou Jinchang ran to the Kuixing Building in the south of the village, knocked on the gong and shouted anxiously at the village. The tattered T-shirt is already wet on him.

Looking around, the houses with blue bricks and gray tiles became blurred under the mighty rain. Hou Jinchang's voice is also floating in the air. However, the rushing gong and the strong emergency signal shocked all the people in the village.

The strong laborers in the village picked up their own shovels, purses and other farm tools and ran to the front of Kuixing Building. Zhang is the head of the village, thin. He walked out of the crowd and often said to Hou Jin, "Third, what's the situation? Tell everyone! "

Hou Jinchang is the night watchman in the village and the convener of some urgent affairs. He walked around the stairs and gasped, "The scenery has come down. Let's go to the river and have a look! " ! Don't let other villages grab water! Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Zhang turned to more than 50 people in Wuzang and said, "Let's go to the river and have a look! "

People poured into Yangcheng River with prepared farm tools.

Yangcheng River is a seasonal river. Due to the perennial drought, the silt in the river has cracked, and the weeds growing on it have been dug up by hungry farmers to eat. Sometimes you can see some straw mats exposed to the sun, giving off a stench. If you don't tell me, it must be the dead children in the village wrapped in it. The village thinks that children who die young can't go to their graves or hold funerals. The poor family didn't even have a wooden coffin, so they rolled a straw mat from the kang, wrapped the child up and threw it in the Yangcheng River. Wolves often haunt here, howling at midnight.

The persistent drought lasted for three years. The long-awaited rain finally saved the village that had been hungry for many years. The cultivators stood in a row by the river, watching the river wash away the sediment and roar violently, and the water became more and more fierce. Zhang said to several people, "Wang Wu, Wang Ergou, you guys close the gate quickly! Let's store water right away! "

Yangcheng River originates from the southern foot of Xiaowan Mountain, the main peak of Guandi Mountain, and passes through Xiyangcheng Village, Dongyang Village and Nanshe Village. In Xiyangcheng village, the terrain is steep and it is difficult to store water. In dongyangcheng village, the drop is smaller, the river is wider and the water storage is more. So, in the 11th year of Guangxu, Zhang Hongshan, then the magistrate of Datong, donated money to build Shuntian Gate.

Since the completion of this gate, people in Dongyang have enjoyed the priority of water use for more than 30 years. Of course, the reason behind this is not only because of the sluice, but also because Zhang Hongshan, who donated money to repair the sluice, is from Dongyang. Even if foreigners have thousands of curses in their hearts, they can only keep them in their stomachs. As the eldest son and village head, Zhang also enjoys high prestige in the village, but he can't make up his mind. What if people in other villages don't let the village store water? Zhang is a little worried. But anyway, store the water before using it.

However, after a while, the water level in the river gradually rose. Everyone opened their mouths with excitement. At this time, someone found a group of people coming from the east. Some people speculate: "Is there anyone robbing water in the East Village?" "Zha, still dare to dongyang city grab water with us? Don't want to live! " Zhang comfort everyone, "you don't shout, they will come in a minute, I will negotiate with them. Don't act rashly! "

Villagers from Nanshe Village, next to Dongyang Village, came. They looked at the water potential beside the Yangcheng River again, only to find that the water in the river was suddenly much less. They knew that people in Dongyang City must be storing water, so Liu Hansan, the village head, took fifty or sixty people from the village to beg for a statement.

A closer look shows that this group of people are still carrying shovels and hoes. The person who rushed to the front was fat, wearing a satin robe with a black background and a red face, with short hair and narrow eyes like a landlord. I saw him limping a few steps forward, pointing to the opposite side and shouting: "Who are you Dongyang City? For many years, you can't let people in the east water the land, can you? "

Zhang Ying said, "It turned out to be Liu Hansan! Did you bring so many people to make trouble? You know in your heart that the rule we have set for 30 years is that we water the land in Dongyang city first, and then let you water it when we are finished? What are you in a hurry! " The strong laborers in Dongyang City echoed: "Yes, yes."

"Don't tell us what rules! Thirty years ago, it was the Great Qing Dynasty. Isn't he dead now? Now is the Republic of China, so everything should be reasonable. The drought this year is like this. If you plug the water, it won't be enough for us at all. From now on, you can't use the brakes anymore! The rules you made before are now invalid! " With that, Liu Hansan put his hoe on the ground with a pestle, looking like a bully.

After listening to this, some people in dongyangcheng village were very angry and said angrily, "what's the matter, do you want to break the rules?" "Have the ability to come and grab it!"

Liu Hanshan shouted: "Yes, today we are here to grab water! Brothers, let's smash the damn Shuntian Gate for me! " Farmers in Nanshe Village rushed down the river waving farm tools and smashed the iron gate of Shuntianmen.

Seeing that the situation is out of control, the only way now is to stop Nanshe from smashing Shuntianmen. Loudly said: "Who dares to smash Shuntianmen, we Dongyang people will never give up with him!"

So, people in the two villages used farm tools as fighting tools. Under the heavy rain and thunder and lightning, they fought and wrestled together. As soon as you hoe, I hit the air with a shovel, sparking instantly and releasing the long-standing resentment. Everyone in Dongyang Village has practiced martial arts such as Fan Jiquan and Hong Quan. Although all were sallow and emaciated and malnourished, they did not fall behind in the battle. Even though he was cut and bleeding, he still gritted his teeth and continued to fight. On the contrary, Nanshe people broke their skin and cried, "No, it's bleeding. Let's get out of here! "

Seeing that the momentum was not good, Liu Hansan took three or four steps back and said to his own people, "Let them out of Dongyang City today and settle accounts with them in a few days!" Everyone else knew that they were no match for each other, so they staggered back.

In the end, the people of Dongyangcheng Village won the battle of watering the land! Everyone raised their farm tools and shouted excitedly. "all right! Who was hurt just now? Hurry back and dress it, or you'll be in trouble if you get infected! Xuezhi, take the injured person to see Uncle Chongwen! "

? "We are all right, digging ditches is still important!"

? "You can rest assured! Someone has poured it in his own field! " Zhang advised them to go back.

After Zhang Quan-De 'an settled the injured villagers, he directed everyone to clear the ridges in the order of fields, and led the flood to gourd fields, belly fields, sloping fields and other fields, and watered them beautifully. It was not until dark that Zhang Quanshan asked everyone to whistle and retreat, and asked the village in the east to water the land.

Zhang returned home, lying on the kang, with lingering thoughts. The rules of the Qing dynasty have been broken. How many bloody battles will there be like today? It's a good thing that only people from Nanshe made trouble today. If all the villagers come to grab water, even if the villagers can fight again, they are no match! Go to consult Zhai Yonghe of Lianxitang tomorrow!

Zhai Yonghe is a famous squire in Dongyangcheng Village. He owns more than 300 acres of fertile land, and has more than a dozen grain and oil shops, chariots and horses shops. Although there have been famines all over the country in recent years, Zhai's life is also relatively difficult, but after years of wandering around the country, there is still some surplus through mobilizing food. Catch up with the past festivals, Zhai Yonghe will also send porridge in the village's three streets and one temple, which is really a good person in Fiona Fang.

Early the next morning, Zhang came to Zhai Yonghe's house to discuss with Zhai Yonghe about the fight for water yesterday.

Zhang said, "Brother, you know what happened yesterday. What should I do if something similar happens in the future? "

? "Now can't delay. Although our village won yesterday, it was won by force and we can't be convinced. I think it is still necessary to call people from several nearby villages and sit together and discuss it. " Zhai Yonghe touched his beard and said.

"Then please ask the leaders of the surrounding villages to talk about it, especially Liu Hansan of Nanshe Village."

Zhai Yonghe smiled and patted his chest and said, "I have to take care of my village, don't worry!" We will invite them to talk in the afternoon. "

In the afternoon, representatives from Nanshe, Beizhai, Xiyangcheng and Songjiazhuang gathered in Sanjieyi Temple. In particular, a pottery urn with a diameter of three feet carried by a person from Nanshe Village is particularly conspicuous. They don't even know what it is. Zhai Yonghe led the village corrections staff to burn incense and bow down in front of the statues of Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei in Sanjie Temple, in order to emphasize that the negotiations should not hurt the harmony in the village.

After the worship, Zhai Yonghe took a seat with you in Xifu kiln. Zhai Yonghe said, "Let's get down to business today! Today, we invite you to solve the water problem of Yangcheng River. What happened yesterday really should not have happened. Dongyang city and several villages near us have lived in peace for many years, and they have helped each other in many things. Let this happen. We are sitting together today mainly to discuss a unified future water use plan for everyone to abide by. "

Liu Hansan couldn't sit still. He said first, "In the past, we always took care of Mr. Zhang's face and let Dongyang City water the land first, but with the old man gone, the times have changed and we can't do it as old as before." Yes, this river first passes through Dongyang City, but in the end it can't leave us any water! Not enough to plug your teeth! "Liu Hansan glanced at his eyes and snorted in his nose.

Zhang took over: "If we want to change the rules set in the 11th year of Guangxu, we have to get everyone's consent, right? If you have any good ideas, just ask! "

Guo Maonian, the leader of Songjiazhuang, said: "Otherwise, Dongyang City will not need the gate in the future! Fair to everyone. "

Zhang waved and said, "No, our crops in Dongyang have grown taller, so we have to water the ground by force. You must use the brakes. "

Everyone had some opinions after listening, so they quarreled one by one. When Liu Hansan saw this scene, he already knew it, and suddenly the room was quiet. Everyone stared at Liu Hansan to see what he was up to.

? "You all stop making noise! I came prepared today. Correct your mistakes and come out with me. " Everyone followed Liu Hansan out of the kiln. I saw Liu Hansan pointing to the three-foot wide urn and saying, "Today, let's compare the people in which village! As long as someone can get through this red-hot urn, whoever has the priority to water the land! Otherwise, you have to abdicate! " Liu Hanshan looked smug, as if he had answers.

Everyone was stunned by these words. Don't say that this red-hot clay pot has gone in, even if it is touched, it won't peel off, right? Who dares to do this! Liu Hansan saw that everyone was silent, so he started with Zhang. "It seems that Dongyang City is empty, so he gave up! Oh, what a pity! I thought Dongyang people could fight, but I didn't expect to be a coward at the crucial time! "

Zhang said, "Han San, are you deliberately making trouble?" Who dares to drill this red-hot urn? Where's the victim? Fortunately, you can come up with this bad idea! " Other villagers knew that Dongyang City was afraid, and they all said, "We agreed to drill a fire urn, but you Dongyang City people didn't dare to quit! There will be no water for you in the future! " It turns out that Nanshe Village colluded with other villages long before it came, deliberately crowding out Dongyang people. Zhai Yonghe and Zhang saw that other villagers were responding, and they didn't have an idea at the moment.

"Let me do it!" Just when Dongyang people were silent, I saw a short man coming out of the crowd with bare arms and thick shorts. The villagers onlookers were shocked to see this man! Isn't this Wang Xiaowu on Wu Jia Street? How can a man like him come out and show off! They all covered their noses and mouths and dodged a path. It turns out that Wang Xiaowu is a bachelor, never takes a shower, and has an unpleasant smell. But this man has one skill, that is, he inherited his parents' good martial arts. His grandfather, Wang Qilu, was a martial artist in the former Qing Dynasty. His rank was as high as 1000, and he was also awarded Lan Ling. It was a beautiful moment. However, due to his rough personality and reckless behavior, he was quickly dismissed and went home. Most of the children at home went to a private school for a few days and had no culture at all. The position of the Wangs in the village is becoming more and more embarrassing, and their family is gradually declining. In Wang Xiaowu's generation, the situation is even worse. They can only live by pulling carts for the rich, and even getting a wife has become a problem. In the face of these years of famine, life in Wang Xiaowu is even more miserable. I just learned my parents' good martial arts, and sometimes I can brag about it in front of others. Today, Wang Xiaowu witnessed the behavior of Nanshe and other villages outside the crowd, and rushed out of the crowd with a sense of loyalty, ready to take a trip to this flaming mountain.

Zhang looked out in surprise. On weekdays, although he nodded when he met him, he always looked down on Wang Xiaowu. A rich family, scholarly family. A poor and ignorant person. Of course it is not true. But he didn't expect Wang Xiaowu to stand up for Dongyang people at this time. Zhang looked at him gratefully. Zhai Yonghe often helps Wang Xiaowu on weekdays, knowing his loyalty and taking his actions seriously. But you can't go into battle naked. So he said to Wang Xiaowu, "Xiaowu, do you really want to make this tone for our Dongyang city?" Wang Xiaowu nodded and said, "Yonghe uncle, you can rest assured! I, Wang Xiaowu, have nothing but this skill. For the benefit of our village, don't say that this is a fire urn, even Wang Xiaowu didn't say anything about going up the knife and going down the hill. " Everyone clapped their hands after hearing this. "Xiao Wu is really a man!" "Xiao Wu really knows how to drive!" ……

Zhai Yonghe called his servant and said, "Come, put a good dress on Xiao Wu! We can't treat the hero badly. "

"No, uncle yonghe. It's not too late for me to wear it after I drill through this urn. Just find me some cold water. "

As I spoke, the pottery jar was placed on a shelf made of bricks and stones. The firewood is also ready. "Ignition!" Zhai Yonghe personally ordered a fire.

However, it was not long before the pottery urn was burnt by hot air. Although it didn't turn red, it was expected that the pulp must smell of burnt meat. Everyone is worried about Wang Xiaowu.

Wang Xiaowu picked up a pot of cold water and poured it on his feet. He wiped the water on his face with his hand and went to the fire urn. Two strong workers lifted the urn to the ground with thick sticks. Wang Xiaowu had to drill from one end of the urn to the other. The urn was about seven feet long. If he can get away with it, he will win.

Wang Xiaowu took a deep breath and stepped back. His body bent like a full bow and rushed forward. As he approached the mouth of the urn, he raised his hands above his head like a sold live fish. In the blink of an eye, Wang Xiaowu jumped out of the urn. The jar mouth of the heel is only a foot long. It is really dangerous! All the onlookers applauded! "Xiao Wu is really amazing!" "Xiao Wu, you are really awesome!" When Wang Xiaowu stood up, everyone was shocked again. His face was covered with blood, and he was about to speak, but he spit out blood. He touched it with his hand and two Bai Sensen's front teeth fell into his hand. Wang Xiaowu turned his head and gave everyone a "hey hey" laugh. Suddenly, he felt very dizzy, black at the moment and collapsed to the ground.

Zhai Yonghe and Zhang saw it, and they hurried forward to help themselves. Zhai Yonghe said to his servant, "Zhang Wu, please ask some people to help Xiao Wu to our yard and make room for him to rest." "Li Gui, please ask the old man Chongwen to come over and wash Xiaowu's wounds." They carried the injured Wang Xiaowu out of Sanjieyi Temple.

Zhai Yonghe returned to his original place and continued to host the scene. "Dongyang people in the city have been drilled in. Are people from other villages trying? " Zhai Yonghe asked the leaders of other villages.

"Yes, why not!" Liu Hansan strode out.

? "You? Stop joking! " Zhang burst out laughing. It turned out that Liu Hansan was suffering from polio, and his left leg was almost unstable, but he could not climb the flaming mountain.

"Not me." Liu Sanyi waved and pointed to a bald man in his 70 s next to him and said, "That's him!"

The old man stood motionless, and his body seemed to be blown down by the wind at any moment. Look at that bony appearance again, it seems that I haven't eaten for several days. The old man even has difficulty walking, how can he drill this fire urn!

Hou Jinchang stood in the crowd and said, "Liu Hansan, is there no one in your village? Find someone so old to have a competition. He can be your father! It's outrageous. " They all pointed to scold Liu Hansan.

"That's not funny. I didn't call him. He volunteered. " So he turned to the old man and asked him, "Is it old Sunman?"

Without saying a word, Lao Sunman walked alone to the urn and shook his head and got in. Everyone held their breath and stared at everything in front of them.

The old man was just about to step into the fire urn when a little girl of six or seven years old ran out of the crowd. The little girl rushed to Sun Laohan's side, grabbed Grandpa's hand and cried, "Grandpa, don't go in! Don't ... "Old man Sun said weakly," Caoer, don't worry about Grandpa. People give us money, and we have to be worthy of others! "

Everyone realized that it was Liu Hansan who bought Zhang Laohan with money, and Zhang Laohan was desperate to drill this fire urn. "Liu Hansan, you are still not a person! You are going to die! " "If it is your own father, would you do that? What a sin! "

Liu Hansan couldn't stand everyone's scolding. Seeing the old man Sun shivering, he thought: If someone really dies, it will be in trouble. So he said, "Forget it, forget it, we quit Nanshe. Old Sunman, get down! Don't blackmail me if something goes wrong. "

Other villagers didn't want to drill the urn, but when they saw the withdrawal of Nanshe, they all said they wouldn't drill the urn. All the corrections first returned to the narrative of Xixia kiln.

Zhang stood up and said to the villages, "We Dongyang people don't make trouble and are not afraid of things. Now that Dongyang City has won the Firepot Drilling Competition, I'm going to be fair. In the future, we dongyang people should water the land first, and other villages have to be behind. But that doesn't mean we have to eat the water dry and then squeeze it out. Yangcheng River is the mother river of our cultivators, the river for saving lives. Without it, crops will be lost and some people will starve to death. We will use sluice to store water in the future, but we only account for three points, and the remaining seven points will be left to your other villages. How about my method? "

Liu Hansan didn't expect Zhang Hui to be so kind. He got up and said, "well, I agreed on behalf of our Nanshe village!" " The leaders of villages such as Xiyangcheng also agreed.

Zhai Yonghe said, "That's settled! Come on, let's burn another wick for the gods in the temple! Bless our village to make money safely and bless the people along the river. " They all said "Yes" and came to the statue to burn incense and worship again.

At this point, the dispute over water use in Yangcheng River has finally been satisfactorily resolved. And Wang Xiaowu's story of drilling a fire jar has become an eternal classic through word of mouth. It represents the brave and tenacious spirit of Dongyang people and is a precious spiritual wealth of the Chinese nation.

(End)