Locust infestation

In the 49th year of the Ming Dynasty, a catastrophic locust plague descended upon the land, consuming every green crop in its path. Fields that once promised bountiful harvests were reduced to barren wastelands. Villagers found their courtyards, streets, and skies filled with swarming locusts. The pests multiplied at an alarming rate, devouring everything in sight and leaving the people on the brink of starvation.

The Emperor, in a desperate attempt to quell the disaster, established the position of "Locust Catcher," a role specifically designed to combat the infestation. However, the efforts proved futile. The locusts were too numerous, and the appointed officials could not keep up with their relentless onslaught. Chaos and despair spread through the villages as people fought over scraps of food. Even the peel of a sweet potato became a treasure worth fighting for.

Chance, witnessing the suffering and chaos, was reminded of his childhood in his grandmother's village in the modern era. He recalled how his grandmother had tackled a similar locust problem by raising ducks, which naturally preyed on the insects. The memory sparked an idea.

Gathering the village elders and leaders, Chance proposed a plan that seemed unorthodox by the standards of the time. "We need to raise ducks," he explained. "Ducks feed on locusts. If we can increase their numbers, they will help us control the plague."

The villagers were skeptical at first. "Ducks? How can they solve such a massive problem?" one elder questioned.

Chance persisted, sharing his childhood memories and the effectiveness of ducks in controlling locust populations. He described how ducks not only ate the locusts but also provided eggs and meat, which could alleviate the hunger ravaging the village. Gradually, the villagers' skepticism turned into cautious optimism.

With a collective effort, the villagers began raising ducks. They gathered eggs, set up incubators, and nurtured the ducklings. Families that had been torn apart by despair now found a new sense of purpose. The sight of ducklings waddling through the village brought smiles to faces that had long forgotten how to smile.

As the ducks grew, they were released into the fields. The results were almost immediate. The ducks feasted on the locusts, reducing their numbers significantly. The once devastated fields began to show signs of recovery as the locust swarms diminished. The villagers, who had been fighting over scraps of food, now had duck eggs and meat to sustain them.

The success of Chance's plan spread quickly. Neighboring villages, hearing of the miracle solution, began to adopt the same strategy. The Emperor, upon learning of this innovative approach, was both astonished and impressed. He summoned Chance to the palace to hear more about his methods.

"You have done what my officials could not," the Emperor said, his tone a mix of admiration and curiosity. "Tell me, how did you come up with this idea?"

Chance recounted his childhood experiences, explaining how his grandmother's wisdom had inspired the solution. "In my grandmother's village, ducks were our first line of defense against locusts. They are nature's way of balancing the ecosystem."

The Emperor nodded thoughtfully. "Your ingenuity has saved countless lives. I will decree that your method be implemented throughout the kingdom. You shall be known as the 'Duck Sage,' a title befitting your contribution."

Chance felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that he had made a difference. The villagers who once fought over scraps now had a sustainable source of food. The fields began to flourish again, and the locust plague was brought under control.

In the following months, as the duck populations grew and spread, the kingdom saw a remarkable recovery. The once desolate fields were green again, and the villagers thrived on the produce of their land and the sustenance provided by the ducks. The famine that had threatened to decimate the population was averted, and peace returned to the land.

As Chance walked through the village, now bustling with life and activity, he felt a profound sense of gratitude and humility. He had drawn on the wisdom of his past to solve a crisis in the present. The villagers, now free from the fear of starvation, hailed him as their savior.

One evening, as he sat by the river, watching the sunset paint the sky with hues of orange and pink, he thought of Rossy. Her courage and determination had been a guiding light for him. Though they were worlds apart, her spirit remained with him, inspiring him to act with compassion and ingenuity.

The ducks, now an integral part of the village, swam peacefully in the river, their quacks a harmonious chorus of life and resilience.

This is a story that took place in the 49th year of the Ming Dynasty