If you don't consummate the marriage for three years and then marry a successful educated youth

Wang Sheng said in a deep voice, "Stockpile some easy-to-store, non-perishable grains in the cellar. Don't mention the locust plague to avoid causing panic. I'll stockpile more when I get back; I don't want to experience another year of famine."

Xiao Ding blinked and nodded: "Yes, Master, I know what to do. I won't tell anyone about the locust plague, otherwise everyone will rush to plunder the grain, and the price will be high."

"Okay, go ahead and get busy. Don't say anything out of line. The higher-ups should let us know once they find out."

*

Several people stood on the riverbed, observing a dozen chickens and ducks eating insects within the enclosed area. The team leader frowned and said, "They're really eating insects now?"

"I feel like there are just as many bugs as I thought. Is it just my imagination, or are the bugs just popping out all the time? The chickens and ducks are eating too slowly. Sigh, it'll take forever to finish eating them."

"Yes, it's a bit too slow."

Jiang Lie said in a low voice, "Father, I think we can do it in two steps. First, have someone dig a pit and burn some firewood. Then sweep the larvae into a bag and pour them into the fire pit to burn them to death."

"It's just a matter of consuming some firewood. I don't believe these insects can keep multiplying. We work during the day and take turns sweeping up the larvae and burning them at night."

"As for the chickens and ducks, they definitely ate them, but there were so many insects that it wasn't obvious because there were so few chickens and ducks. When the commune holds a meeting, Dad, you can suggest that the commune find chicken and duck farms to cooperate with."

The team leader immediately understood his son's meaning, and his eyes lit up: "You mean, let the chickens and ducks from the chicken and duck farms be transported here to eat, so that the factory can save on feed?"

"Moreover, chickens and ducks that have eaten insects have better meat and eggs. This approach is feasible, but we need to confirm one thing: the insects that chickens and ducks eat are not poisonous."

"We can only cooperate with chicken and duck farms after confirming that they are not poisonous. Also, someone needs to watch over them after they are delivered, otherwise they could be stolen and cause serious harm. There's also the risk of attracting wolves and weasels."

Jiang Lie nodded: "We need to prepare to deplete the larvae. As long as we are fast enough, the locust plague won't be too severe."

The brigade leader stood up and sighed, "Well, that's all we can do now. I hope the commune meeting goes smoothly. My two arch-enemies like to contradict me."

"Making trouble won't do. I wonder if they have larvae there. Why do we have so many larvae here? What's causing this?"

Wen Yao said softly, "Father, it's the environment. This year, there was little rain and a lot of drought during the plum rain season. Otherwise, this big river wouldn't have dried up. If we didn't drink spring water, we would probably be without water."

"For locusts to cause a plague, the first requirement is drought, as locusts can lay their eggs when the land is exposed. The second requirement is rain after a drought, as the humid environment is more conducive to the hatching of locust eggs."

"This kind of climate isn't just here; it's the same throughout Yuncheng. Once the environment is suitable, a locust plague is inevitable. The reason we haven't heard any news is probably because no one knows that these are locust larvae."

Since it didn't attract attention, naturally no one reported it.

Even they only just discovered it; other places might have discovered it later, or they might have discovered it but not taken it too seriously—all of these are possible.

The captain scratched his head, looking worried: "Oh dear, the weather in Yuncheng today is so strange. It doesn't rain when it should, and it rains when it shouldn't."

"Alright, we'll talk about it during the meeting. If it's true that it's happening in other places, we can't be at ease even if we suppress it here. Who knows if it will spread from other places and fly over here?"

"Yaoyao, let's prepare three plans: chickens and ducks will eat them, people will catch the larvae and burn them, and you can also study how these locusts hunt, whether it's by smell or something else."

"Find out the smells they hate the most, and prepare in advance by sprinkling them on the field ridges. We can't say it will completely prevent them from getting away with it, but we can at least prevent some of it."

Wen Yao nodded and said, "Father is right. I've been thinking about this issue these past few days. The white leaves I gave you before were effective against many insects. I wonder if they'll be effective against these locusts."

"I plan to catch some and keep them at home, giving them plenty of food so they can molt as soon as possible, and then see if burning the white leaves will have any effect on the pungent smell."

The team leader's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly: "Good, good, good. It's up to you to figure out how to make a flavor that locusts hate so they won't stay in our fields. Catch more larvae to take home and study."

"If you need anything, I'll reimburse you. This is a good thing for the brigade, and I can't let you lose money. If the brigade doesn't have it, Jiang Lie will take you to buy it."

"Okay, I understand, Dad. You should go back and rest too."

Jiang Lie chimed in, "Yes, Father. Go back and write down what you want to say. Think about how to get their attention. Don't let people who don't get along with you lead you astray."

"You're going to a meeting to get the commune involved and have the chicken and duck farms intervene in the locust plague, not to argue with the enemy. Don't delay important matters."

The captain rolled his eyes at him: "You brat, do you think your dad is that impulsive? I know what's important and what's urgent. Don't worry, I'll make sure the chicken and duck farm matters are handled properly."

"Then you stay here, I'll go back and write it down."

"Yes, Father, you go ahead."

Wen Yao caught some larvae, put them in a glass bottle and took them home. After returning home, she used a fine net to enclose the larvae and put enough food in for them to eat.

Jiang Lie walked over and frowned as he looked at the larvae munching on the grain. "Wife, how long will it take for these insects to grow wings if they keep eating like this?"

"A month earlier than those in the riverbed, about half a month earlier. When food is plentiful, they molt faster."

"I've never observed these things before. I didn't expect they could actually eat them. No wonder the locust plague was described so frighteningly in the book. I'll write it down. You go and do your work."

Wen Yao was busy with various tasks, including making medicine in the evening. She didn't stop until after nine o'clock. After washing up, it was already past ten o'clock. She went to bed, snuggled in the man's arms, and closed her eyes.

She said wearily, "I'm so tired today. You're not allowed to bother me again tonight, understand?"

Jiang Lie gently kneaded her hand, his Adam's apple bobbing, and he whispered, "Okay, I won't bother you anymore, you can go to sleep."

The next morning, when Wen Yao got up to get out of bed, she noticed some red marks on her wrists and fingertips on the back of her hands, clearly indicating that she had been gripped forcefully.

She slowly walked up to Jiang Lie, looked up at him, and asked, "Did you do something bad again last night?"

"Ah, wife, I didn't! I'm so honest and obedient, how could I do something bad? You can't wrong me, wife."

"Really? Then why are my hands red?"

"...Hmm, it might be from accidental rubbing. I've already applied medicine, so why is it still so red? I'm sorry, honey, you said you wouldn't touch me, and I really didn't."

Wen Yao pinched his soft waist lightly, and said irritably, "I knew you were restless. I'll make you some cooling tea later, and you won't be so hot-tempered and agitated after drinking it."