Chapter 9 Nine

For the first time in three nights, Okonkwo fell asleep.He woke up once in the middle of the night to reflect on the past three days without feeling disturbed.He did not understand why he should have felt uneasy before.It's as if a person doesn't understand why dreams at night are so terrible during the day.While he was asleep, a mosquito bit his thigh, and he stretched and scratched his thigh.A mosquito buzzed by the right ear.He patted his ear, hoping to kill the mosquito.Why do mosquitoes often fly to people's ears?When he was a child, he heard a story told by his mother.The story was as foolish as all the stories women tell.It is said that the mosquito once proposed to the ear, and when the ear heard this, it fell to the ground and laughed.The ear asks, how long do you think you can live?You are already a skeleton.The mosquito felt insulted and walked away, so every time the mosquito passed by the ear, it always came to tell the ear that it was still alive.

Okonkwo rolled over and fell asleep again.The next morning, he was woken up by a knock on the door. who is therehe asked angrily.He knew it must be Ekwifi.Of his three wives, only Ekwafi dared to knock on his door. Ekinma was dying.Her voice came from outside the door. In this sentence, the tragedy and distress of her life were contained. Okonkwo jumped out of bed, unbolted the door, and ran to Ekwefi's hut. Ekinma lay shivering on a mat, and beside her was a large fire that her mother had kept burning all night for her. It's a fever, said Okonkwo, taking up his machete and going to the jungle to collect weeds, leaves and bark, which he used to make medicine for fever.

Ekwifi knelt beside the sick child, touching her moist and hot forehead with the palm of her hand from time to time. Ekinma, her only child, was the center of her world.Often Ekinma decides what food her mother should prepare.Ekwifi even gave her goodies like eggs, which are rarely given to children for fear of inspiring them to steal.One day, Ekinma was eating eggs when Okonkwo came in unexpectedly.He was taken aback when he saw Ekinma eating the egg, and cursed that if Ekiwifi dared to give the child an egg next time, he would beat her.But it was impossible to prevent Ekinma from getting something.After being reprimanded by her father, she loves eggs more than before.She especially takes great pleasure in sneaking eggs.Her mother now always takes her to their bedroom and closes the door tightly.

Ekinma did not call her mother Mama, as all children do, but her father Like other grown-ups, call her name Ekwifi.The relationship between the two of them is not just that of mother and daughter.They're sort of like peers, fueled by little secrets like eating eggs in the bedroom. Ekawifi suffered a lot in his life.She had given birth to ten children, nine of whom died at a very young age, most of them before the age of three.She buried one child after another in the ground, and grief turned to disappointment, and disappointment to helpless resignation.Bearing children is originally a woman's greatest glory, but for Ekawife, it has become a hopeless physical pain.The naming ceremony, which took place seven market weeks after the birth, also became a futile ceremony.Her disappointment deepened each time, and it was evident in the names she gave her children.There is a name that is almost like a wail, Owinbiko, which means: Death, I beseech you.But death ignored her.Owinbiko died at fifteen months.The next child is a daughter, and Ozo Emina means: Don't let this happen again.But she lived to eleven months and died again. After her, two more children died one after another.Ekawifi decided to name the next child Ong Uma, which means: death, you can do whatever you like.That's exactly what death does.

After the death of Ekwifi's second child, Okonkwo went to a witch doctor who was also the seer of the god Ahfa to ask why.The man replied that the child was an Ogbanji (pipa ghost), the kind of bad child who always reincarnated into the mother's womb after death. He said: When your wife is pregnant again, don't let her sleep in your house.Let her live with her natal family.That way, she would be able to hide from the malevolent Tribulation Planet and break its vicious cycle of life and death. Ekawifi did as he was told.As soon as she was pregnant, she went to another village to live with her old mother.There she gave birth to her third child, was circumcised on the eighth day, and did not return to the Okonkwo home until three days before the naming ceremony.The child was named Owinbiko.

After Owinbiko's death, there was no official burial.Okonkwo invited another witch doctor. His knowledge of pipa ghosts was well known in the clan.His name is Okageb.Uyanwa.Okagbu was a striking figure, tall, bearded, and bald.His face was pale, and his eyes were red and fierce.He often grinds his teeth while listening to those who come to consult him.He asked Okonkwo some questions about the dead child.Relatives and neighbors who came to mourn him all gathered around him. On what market day was he born?he asks. Wa Ye [Note: It is one of the four market days of the tribe. 】.Okonkwo replied.

Did he die this morning? Okonkwo replied that it was at this time that he realized for the first time that the child's death and birthday were on the same market day.The relatives also saw this coincidence, and they all commented that it was very noteworthy. Where do you sleep with your wife, in your house or in hers?the witch doctor asked. in her house. Tell her to come to your room later. The witch doctor then forbids any further condolences for the dead child.He took out a sharp razor from the sheepskin pouch hanging on his left shoulder, cut the child a few times, and then, holding it by its heel, he dragged it along the ground until he buried it in the fierce forest.After being treated in this way, it has to think carefully before reincarnating next time.If it was a stubborn child and came back, it would have cut marks on its body, or a finger would be missing, or there would be a black line where the witch doctor cut it.

Owinbiko's death made Ekawife very depressed.Her husband's first wife already had three sons, all strong.After she gave birth to her third son, Okonkwo slaughtered a goat for her according to the custom.Ekawifi had nothing but good wishes for her, without the slightest dislike.But her resentment towards her Patronus prevented her from celebrating their good fortune with others.On the day when Nwoye's mother celebrated the birth of her three sons in a row with a feast of wine and dance, everyone was happy except for Ekwifi who was frowning.Her husband's first wife thought it was a sign of unfriendliness.This is an idea that ordinary wives would easily have. How did she know that Ekawifi didn't want to reveal her pain to others, but just wanted to hide it deep in her heart.How did she know that Ekawifi didn't blame them for their luck, she only resented her patron saint for not giving her happiness.

Later, Ekinma was born, and though also frail, she seemed determined to live.At first Ekwifi greeted her with the same indifferent resignation he had received with the other children.But when Ekinma lived to the age of four, five, and even six, maternal love came to her heart again, and with it came anxiety.She was determined to make Ekinma a healthy child, and she expended all her energies.As if to repay her, Ekinma occasionally had periods of good health.During this period, she was full of life, like fresh palm wine.At such a time, it was not at all apparent that she would be in any danger.But suddenly, she couldn't do it again.Everyone knows that she is a pipa ghost.This sudden onset was characteristic of children of her kind.But she's lived so long that maybe she's finally decided to stay.It is true that some of these children grew to loathe the vile cycle of life and death, or to pity their mothers, and stayed.Ekwifi deeply believed in his heart that Ekinma would definitely stay.She believed this because only with this confidence could her own life have meaning.After a witch doctor dug out Ekinma's soul bag more than a year ago, her confidence grew stronger.At this time, everyone also believed that she would survive, because her relationship with Pipa Ghost World had been severed.This reassured Ekawifi.But Ekwifi had had so much anxiety about her child that she couldn't be completely at ease now.Although she believed that the soul bag that was dug out was a real soul bag, she couldn't ignore the fact that some extremely cunning children often led people to dig out a fake soul bag.

But Ekinma's soul bag looks very real.It was a smooth round stone wrapped in a dirty rag.The one who dug it up was Okagbu who knew a lot about these kinds of things and was well known throughout the clan.At first, Ekinma was reluctant to listen to him.This was to be expected.None of Pipa ghosts are willing to hand over their secrets easily, most of them have never handed over their secrets, because they died when they were very young, and people have no time to ask them. When she was nine years old, Ekinma fell ill. After recovering from her illness, Okonkwo once asked her: Where did you bury your soul?

What is a soul bag?she asked rhetorically. Of course you know what a soul bag is.You buried it somewhere in the ground so it could come back from the dead to torture your mother. Ekinma looked at her mother.Her mother stared at her with sad pleading eyes. Answer this question now!shouted Okonkwo who was standing beside her.All the family members were present, as well as some neighbors. Leave her to me.The witch doctor said to Okonkwo coldly in a confident tone.Then to Ekinma: where did you bury your soul? Where they buried their children.she replied.Silent bystanders began to discuss. OK, take us there quickly.said the witch doctor. The crowd set off, with Ekinma leading the way, followed by Okageb, followed by Okonkwo, and then Ekwefi.Ekinma went to the road and turned to the left as if to go to the river. Didn't you just say that the soul is wrapped in the place where they buried their children?the witch doctor asked. No, Ekinma said, her brisk walk revealing the pride she felt inside.She ran quickly, and then stopped suddenly.Everyone followed her silently.The women and children who came back from the river with pitchers on their heads were surprised to see this group of people, not knowing what had happened.Later, when they saw Okagbu, they guessed that it must have something to do with Pipa ghost again.Because they are very familiar with everything about Ekawifi and her daughter. Ekinma came to a large udala tree and slipped into the undergrowth to the left, the crowd still following her.Because of her small stature, she moved faster through bushes and vines than those following her.The dead leaves and dead branches crackled under people's feet, and the branches were pushed away, making the jungle very lively.Ekinma walked deeper and deeper, and everyone still followed her.Then she turned suddenly and turned back toward the road.Everyone stood still, let her go first, and then lined up to keep up. If you take us here for nothing, I'll beat you up if I don't!Okonkwo threatened. I told you, leave her alone.I know how to deal with her.Okagbe said. Ekinma led the group back to the main road, looked left and right, then turned right.In this way, they returned home. Finally, Ekinma stopped in front of her father's hut.Okageb asked: Where exactly did you bury your soul?Okagbu's tone has not changed, it is still serene and confident. Beside that orange tree.Ekinma said. Then why didn't you say it sooner, you crafty daughter of Okalogori.Okonkwo cursed angrily.The witch doctor ignored him. Well, come and point me to the exact location.He said to Ekinma calmly. They came to the tree, Ekinma said, and it was here. Point there with your finger.Okagbe said. right here.Ekinma touched the ground with her fingers and said.Okonkwo stood by, shouting and shouting like thunder in the rainy season. Bring me a shovel.Okagbe said. When Ekwafi returned with a shovel, Okagbu had put aside his sheepskin bag and large shawl and was wearing only the inner garment, which was a thin long strip of cloth like a It is wrapped around the waist like a belt, then passed between the legs, and tied to the belt at the back.He immediately began to dig where Ekinma pointed.The neighbors sat around and watched the hole he dug deepen and deepen.Soon, the black soil on the surface was dug away, and the red soil underneath was used by the women to smear the floors and walls of their houses.Okagbu dug tirelessly without saying a word, his back glistening with sweat.Okonkwo stood by the pit.He asked Okagbu to come up to rest and let him dig.But Okagbe said he wasn't tired yet. Ekwifi returns to her hut to cook cassava.Okonkwo brought out more cassava than usual because he was going to treat the witch doctor to dinner.Ekinma went with her to help with the cabbage. There is too much cabbage.she says. Don't you see the pot is full of cassava?Ekwifi asked, and you know, the leaves tend to shrink when boiled. Yes, Ekinma said, that's why the lizard killed its mother. right.Ekawifi said. He gave his mother seven baskets of cabbage to cook, and when the cooking was over, there were only three baskets left.So it killed its mother.Ekinma said. And that's not the end of the story. Ah, said Ekinma, now I remember.It took another seven baskets of vegetables and cooked them by itself.After cooking, there were only three baskets left.So it committed suicide. Outside the hut, Okagbu and Okonkwo were still digging to find out where Ekinma had buried her soul.Neighbors sat around and watched.Now that the pit has been dug so deep, they can't see the people in the pit, they can only see the pile of red soil being thrown out higher and higher.Okonkwo's son, Nwoye, stood on the edge of the pit, and he wanted to see all that had happened. Okagbe continued digging in place of Okonkwo.He dug silently like last time.Neighbors talked to Okonkwo's wives.The children were bored and went to play separately. Suddenly, Okagbu jumped up from the pit as nimbly as a leopard. Almost there, he said, I've touched it. Everyone immediately became excited, and the people who had been sitting stood up. Call your wife and children.he said to Okonkwo.Ekawifi and Ekinma had heard the commotion and ran out of the house to see what was going on. Okagbu jumped into the pit again, and people gathered around the pit.He dug a few more shovels of soil, and then he touched the soul bag.Carefully he lifted it with his spade and dropped it to the ground.When the soul bag was thrown up, several timid women were scared away.But they soon turned back, all standing at a considerable distance, looking at the rag.Okagbu crawled out of the pit, without saying a word, without even looking at the people, went to his sheepskin bag, took out two leaves, chewed them in his mouth, swallowed them, and used Lifting the rag with his left hand, he untied it.A smooth pebble fell out.He picked it up. Is this yours?he asked Ekinma. She replied yes.All the women rejoiced when Ekwife's suffering was finally over. This happened more than a year ago, and since then, Ekinma has never been sick again.But suddenly she was shivering again in the night.Ekwafi moved her to the stove, spread her mat on the floor, and lit a fire.But her illness was getting worse and worse.Ekawifi knelt beside her, touched her moist and hot forehead with the palm of his hand, and prayed thousands of times.Although her husband's other wives said it was just a fever, she would not listen to them. Okonkwo came back from the jungle with a large bundle of weeds and medicinal leaves, roots and bark from various trees and shrubs on his left shoulder.He went into Ekwefi's hut, put down the load on his shoulders, and sat down. Bring me a pot, he said, and leave the child alone. Ekwifi went to get the pot, and Okonkwo selected the best part from the large bundle of medicinal materials, chopped them into pieces in proper proportions, and put them in the pot; Ekwifi poured some water. Is it enough?She asked when the pot was almost half full of water. Let me add a little more.Are you deaf?Okonkwo called to her. She set the pot on the fire and Okonkwo picked up the knife and was about to go back to his hut. You keep an eye on the pot, he said as he walked, don't let it boil.Once boiled out, the medicinal power is gone.After Okonkwo returned to his hut, Ekwafi watched over the cauldron as carefully as if it were a sick child.Her eyes moved from Ekinma to the steaming pot, and from the pot to Ekinma. Okonkwo waited long enough for the medicine to boil before returning.He looked at the medicine pot and said, the medicine has been cooked. Bring Ekinma a low stool, he said, and a thick mat. He took the pot off the heat and put it in front of the stool.Then wake Ekinma up and sit her on a stool with her legs straddling the steaming pot.He covered the thick mat with the pan, and Ekinma struggled desperately, unable to bear the suffocating steam, but she was held down hard.she began to cry. When the mat was finally removed, she was dripping with sweat.Ekwifi wiped her with a cloth and laid her down on another dry mat.She fell asleep right away.