Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

He looked at the still dry soil in the field, feeling anxious and helpless. He knew that this was only a temporary relief, and that he would need to continue to work hard to help the crops survive.

Zhang Ergou walked up to him, his tone a little tired: "Brother Xiangqian, this is not a solution. We have to think of a long-term solution, otherwise this drought will really destroy the land."

Li Xiangqian was silent for a moment. He knew Zhang Ergou was right, but there was only so much they could do. They could not control the weather, and all they could do was try their best to deal with it. His emotions were too complicated to describe. He was worried about the growth of crops, but also frustrated that he was so powerless in the face of this sudden drought.

"Ergou, don't worry about so much for now. We have to take it one step at a time. The most important thing now is to prevent the crops in the fields from dying of thirst. We can think of other ways later." Li Xiangqian finally spoke, with a firm determination in his tone.

Zhang Ergou nodded, knowing that this was the only way to go. The two of them once again devoted themselves to the intense work of watering. Although they had countless worries and doubts in their hearts, they knew that they could only be down-to-earth and deal with it step by step.

As the sun gradually rose, the temperature became hotter. Li Xiangqian's forehead was dripping with sweat, which flowed down his cheeks, but he did not bother to wipe it off. He only thought about how to make these crops survive this difficult time. He knew that every drop of water in the field was hope, and every irrigation was an investment in the future.

Despite his mixed feelings, Li Xiangqian still gritted his teeth and continued to work. He knew that the fight against drought had just begun, and he had to continue to fight on this land until he saw the crops regain vitality. He would not give up easily, because this land carried too many of his hopes and dreams.

Li Xiangqian stood by the field for a long time, looking at the crops that were gradually regaining some vitality, but the anxiety in his heart had not completely dissipated. He knew that today's irrigation only temporarily alleviated the dryness of the field, but if there was still not enough water in the days to come, the crops would sooner or later fall into crisis.

He felt that he had been forced into a helpless situation, and the current difficulties forced him to re-examine his situation. Although the water in the well could last for a while, he knew that the well water was not inexhaustible, especially in such drought weather. If the well water dried up, the consequences would be disastrous.

"We must find a way to get more water." This idea became more and more firm in Li Xiangqian's mind. He knew that the wells in front of him were far from enough, and he had to find other ways to ensure the irrigation of crops. He felt that the responsibility on his shoulders was getting heavier, not only for one season's harvest, but also for the future of him and this land. Li Xiangqian thought while drinking water. He considered many plans, but most of them seemed unrealistic. He felt a little irritable and felt like he was trapped in a dead end and couldn't find a way out. He has been accustomed to facing all problems alone for many years, but this time the difficulties caught him off guard.

"How about asking Uncle Liu for advice?" Li Xiangqian thought to himself. Uncle Liu was the most experienced farmer in the village, and he was well-informed. He might be able to give him some inspiration. Thinking of this, Li Xiangqian decided not to delay any longer and went to Uncle Liu to discuss countermeasures.

He walked quickly to Uncle Liu's house and knocked on the door. Uncle Liu was busy in the yard. When he saw Li Xiangqian coming, he hurried forward and said, "Xiangqian, why are you in such a hurry? What's the matter?"

Li Xiangqian didn't say much, and directly told him about the drought in the fields and his worries. After listening to him, Uncle Liu's expression became solemn, and then he slowly said: "Xiangqian, this drought is really troublesome. We can't rely on well water for long. If it doesn't rain, we have to find another way. He became more and more anxious: "Uncle, I am also worried about this. But there is no other water source around here. I really don't know what to do."

Uncle Liu looked at Li Xiangqian with a look of sympathy and concern. He thought for a moment and suddenly thought of something, so he asked, "Have you ever considered digging a small pond? There is a low-lying area behind our village with sufficient underground water. Maybe we can dig a pond to store water."

Li Xiangqian's eyes lit up. This suggestion immediately enlightened him. He had heard about digging a pond before, but had never thought about it carefully. Now facing the drought, perhaps this is a solution to the problem. Do you think that piece of land is feasible? Would it be too much trouble to dig a pond? "Although Li Xiangqian was tempted, he was still a little hesitant. He knew that digging a pond was not an easy task. It required a lot of manpower and time, and it might not be successful.

Grandpa Liu nodded, with a hint of certainty in his tone: "That piece of land is the only place in our village where we can dig a pond. The terrain is low and the soil is suitable for storing water. Although it takes some effort, as long as it is dug well, we won't have to worry about running out of water during the dry season. Besides, if you don't try now, there is no better way."

Li Xiangqian gradually came to a conclusion. He understood that this might be the most realistic option at the moment. Although it would require a lot of effort, once successful, it would solve his immediate problem.

"Okay, uncle, I'll listen to you. I'll ask someone to check out the land and start construction." Li Xiangqian's tone became much firmer, and he had already started to think about the next work arrangements.

Uncle Liu patted Li Xiangqian on the shoulder and comforted him, "Xiangqian, don't be too anxious, take your time. Digging a pond is a big project, but as long as you have a plan in mind, you can do it. People in our village will help you more or less, don't be afraid."

Li Xiangqian nodded gratefully, and felt a little warm in his heart. Although the road ahead was still full of difficulties, he had made up his mind that no matter how difficult it was, he would give it a try. Li Xiangqian began to prepare for digging the pond in full swing. He found a few young people in the village, and after discussing the location, they began to work. They chose to dig in the morning and evening when the temperature was lower, so as not to be exhausted in the high temperature at noon.

The excavation process was much more difficult than Li Xiangqian had expected. Although the soil on the ground was suitable for water storage, it was not easy to dig. In many places, the hard soil layer on the surface had to be turned over first, and then the digging was done bit by bit. Li Xiangqian could feel the vibration coming from his arm, and that touch made him realize the difficulty of this project.