Chapter 96: The Mysterious Mountain Village Part One

sive range of crops.The millet was primarily grown to help her recover after childbirth. So the couple put a lot of effort into cultivating it. Their hard work and anticipation paid off, as the mille...Xu Huaiyi sought to be clear of conscience, not foolishly taking on all responsibility. So after he finished speaking, he calmly added, "Village Chief Uncle, this is just my personal idea. As for the specific arrangements, we still need to listen to your decision and everyone else's opinions."

He was very clear in his stance, demanding democracy and rejecting dictatorship.

But the villagers are all honest and simple, with little experience. Even if you give them democracy and freedom, they can't make up their minds, especially in this kind of situation.

Xu Cunzhang's mind was crystal clear at this point. Who else could he possibly listen to besides Xu Huaigui Along the way, whenever Xu Huaigui took the lead on anything, it always went smoothly. Therefore, at this very moment, he hardly needed to hesitate and immediately decided, "Let's rest in the mountains for a few days and see what happens before deciding on the next step."

He settled the matter with a final word and then asked the villagers perfunctorily.

Of course, the villagers all nodded in agreement.

Then, the team turned around and marched majestically into the mountains.

As the old saying goes, "It's better to run towards a mountain than watch it get closer." After walking for most of an hour, we still couldn't reach the mountain. Looking back, there was still a considerable distance left, especially compared to the official road. This path was incredibly rugged and difficult. The villagers were pushing carts and carrying things on their backs, making the journey even more arduous and tiring.

Xu Huaiyi was driving the mule cart at the front, and it wasn't easy either. The further they went, the narrower the road became. If he wasn't careful, the wheels would get stuck in the potholes. Both the mule and Xu Huaiyi were tired. Gu Huanxi held their daughter and carried their son, both of them had already gotten out of the cart and started walking.

They continued walking for a while before stopping to rest.

The villagers collapsed onto the hay, too tired to get up. Though they were panting from exhaustion, it wasn't entirely without benefit. As they got closer to the mountains, there was an abundance of edible wild plants. Some low-growing shrubs like mulberry and jujube trees were everywhere. The children and women were delighted, picking them as they walked. This secured their dinner for the day.

Xu Huaiyi picked up the waterskin, drank a few mouthfuls, wiped his mouth, and whispered to his daughter-in-law, "I'll go take a look ahead first. If anything is amiss, it's better to be prepared."

Gu Huanxi gazed at the distant mountains, stretching endlessly before her. She nodded and said, "Hmm," then added with concern, "Don't be reckless, okay If you run into trouble, come back first and discuss it. Don't think that because you have some skills, you can just rush in headfirst."

Xu Huaiyi helped her tuck her slightly messy hair behind her ear, his brows softened yet firm. "Wife, with you and the child waiting for me here, my life is precious. Unless it's for you two, I won't take any unnecessary risks."

"Well, it's best to always keep that in mind. Otherwise, let other men spend your hard-earned money, sleep with your wife, and beat your children."

“...”

That's a really cruel way to care about him.

When Xu Huaiyi left, his cheeks were aching. His daughter-in-law's description of the scene was completely unimaginable. When he thought about it, every man looked gloomy.

He rode his donkey, surprisingly fast. When he ran back, his whole face was beaming with joy, like he had just found a treasure.

Seeing this, the villagers' spirits were lifted.

The village head pushed the crowd aside and rushed forward, asking, "Huaiyi, what's going on ahead"

"Xu Huaiyi exclaimed excitedly, 'Village Chief Uncle, there's a small village ahead. Although the houses are dilapidated and seem to have been abandoned for many years, they are surrounded by stone walls that can provide shelter from the wind. We could rest there for a few days. It's perfect! Most importantly, there's a well in the village, as well as persimmon trees, walnut trees, and further up the mountain, chestnut trees and oak trees. They have enough to replenish all the food we've consumed since we left."

His voice was so loud that most of the villagers could hear him. They were all overjoyed at once. Right now, food was more precious than their own parents! Who wouldn't be excited

And, it's even free.

Xu, the village chief, clapped his hands and laughed heartily, saying "Good!" three times in a row!

This is truly a blessing in disguise.

Then what are you waiting for

This time, without anyone urging them, the villagers set off enthusiastically. Their legs weren't sore, their waists didn't ache, and their arms felt strong. They felt like they could push hundreds more kilograms of grain without breaking a sweat.

This is the power of food, and the pull of hope.

Compared to the villagers' excitement, Gu Xiaoyu felt more puzzled. He looked at the looming mountains and asked Gu Huanxi, "Mother, why don't those refugees guarding the city gates think of coming to the mountains to find food Why would they rather starve and wait for the government to rescue them than try to find other ways out"

"This is a good question." Gu Huan smiled and gave him affirmation first. Children love to think and use their brains, and they definitely need more encouragement and praise. Then she explained, "This is one of the weaknesses of human beings. When a disaster strikes, only a few people will actively save themselves. They have courage and confidence, daring to fight for their own chance of survival. Most people prefer to rely on others because they are afraid to take risks and cannot bear the consequences of self-rescue. They passively wait for others to rescue them. In their eyes, it seems more practical and secure."

"But it's not safe now..."

"If disaster relief is timely, they will be able to weather the famine."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xiaoyu's eyes dimmed, and she pursed her lips without saying a word.

Gu Huanxi patted his head, smiled, and didn't offer comfort. Some emotions need to be digested by himself, no one can replace him.

Actually, until now, she still couldn't figure out what Gu Xiaoyu's true identity was. She just had a hunch that he wasn't an ordinary person. The teachings she gave him were also based on intuition and felt right at the time. She didn't even think about whether he could use them later. As long as he asked and wanted to learn, she would definitely teach him everything she knew.

Half an hour later, they finally arrived at the small village Xu Huaiyi had mentioned. It was called a village, but there were only seven or eight fairly intact courtyards. However, the houses were completely uninhabitable. The roof beams and everything else had been burned to ashes. Luckily, the walls were made of stone, so they managed to survive.

Besides that, it's just overgrown with weeds and looks desolate.

But not far away, towering and lush trees laden with persimmons and walnuts are enough to offset all the barrenness. Joke, if this place wasn't desolate, wouldn't there be people bustling about Then they wouldn't get to pick up such bargains for free! They'd be chased out of here by the villagers!

The villagers were eager to go picking, but Village Head Xu held them back. "Don't rush," he said, "First, settle your belongings, the elderly, and children. We'll be staying here for a few days. Those things growing on trees aren't going anywhere. Listen to me, tidy up the courtyard and move everything inside. It'll offer some protection from the wind at night, and if there are wild wolves or boars coming down from the mountains, it'll provide some security. Don't take this lightly. Look around, see how this place ended up deserted."

Hearing this, the villagers all dispelled their idea of going to pick fruits immediately. They first busied themselves cleaning up their courtyards. Several families gathered together and arranged everything neatly inside. This way, it indeed looked much more reassuring.

After finishing all the work, it's time for lunch.

Xu Huaiyi, as he added fuel to the fire, mysteriously said to his daughter-in-law, "Do you know how this place was destroyed It wasn't wild boars or wolves from the mountains, nor an epidemic. I guess it was enemies who came knocking, killing everyone and then setting everything on fire."

Gu Huanxi didn't listen at first, thinking he was just over-obsessed with martial arts dramas. Who knew, he avoided others and quietly showed her two things, and she couldn't remain calm anymore.bled on for several sentences, but Xu Chang only caught the three words "accepted." He was instantly excited, his breathing quickening and his hands trembling. "Accepted Really accepted"Xu Huaiyi was...