Chapter 131: Mutual Trust

After dinner, we heated water for everyone to wash up in turns. Outside the cave, we built a fire pit for lighting. Whoever needed to wash would simply close the cave door, and the rest of us would step out to give them space.

Having traveled for nine days, if it weren't for the early spring chill, we would have all reeked by now.

Once everyone had cleaned up and changed into clean clothes, it was almost the end of the 11th hour (around 11 pm). We extinguished the fire outside, sprinkled medicinal powder at the cave entrance, and closed the simple wooden door of the cave, ensuring our safety.

Considering the snake we found during the day, everyone was a bit on edge. Using the light from the fire, Old Lady Chen, Old Lady Lu, and Mrs. Zhou lit oil lamps they brought from home and carefully inspected the cave, inside and out, including the shelves where the grains were stored. Only after ensuring that no snakes had entered the cave unnoticed did they blow out the lamps, leaving the dying embers of the fire to flicker. Each family then settled down to sleep in their own allotted space.

No one fell asleep immediately; it was, after all, our first night here. Everyone naturally had people they worried about - in-laws, parents, siblings. These worries were shared privately within each family.

Shen An and Shen Ning also had their own concerns. Speaking softly with Sang Luo, she comforted them, rubbing their heads: "Don't worry, your family originally fled to Huainan Road and settled in Shili Village. Look, your grandparents, parents, and second uncle are gone, but aren't your third uncle and aunt still living well?"

Fate is one thing, but some people manage to survive by avoiding danger or being cunning and malicious. There might be other reasons I can't imagine or understand. In any case, their survival is a skill in its own right.

It made some sense, but Shen An replied, "Back then, we had our parents and grandparents to protect us; they could hide behind them. But now, who do we have? Surely, we can't rely on Xiao Jin, can we?"

Sang Luo chuckled at this clever remark and said, "Let me tell you a secret. Remember when Shopkeeper Xu traveled with us for a while? Your brother escorted him quite a distance, didn’t he?"

Shen An and Shen Ning certainly remembered. Hearing their sister-in-law mention this, Shen An thought back and recalled that his brother seemed to have bowed to Shopkeeper Xu at that time.

At that time, I didn't think much about it, but now that my sister-in-law mentions it, it makes me think. Shen An's eyes lit up: "Sister-in-law, are you suggesting...?"

He hardly dared believe it and hesitated to speak it aloud.

Sang Luo smiled: "Exactly what you're thinking. Within our capabilities, we'll keep an eye out. So, rest easy. Xiao Jin is different from you; he is your third uncle and aunt’s son. There’s an old saying, 'even a tiger does not eat its cubs.' While not absolute, most people still cherish their own flesh and blood. If they stay in Shili Village and aren’t directly invaded by bandits, the adults will find a way to provide food and drink. And if bandits do invade, think about the escape routes your brother prepared for Xiao Jin. He could be hidden for quite some time."

This reassured Shen An greatly. In his eyes, Shopkeeper Xu was extremely capable.

Shen Ning was still a bit confused and asked Shen An, who whispered his guess to her. She then patted her chest and gave Xu Wenying, who was in the next bed, a big hug.

Xu Wenying looked puzzled as Shen Ning smiled with twinkling eyes: "I promise to treat you especially well in the future!"

Old Lady Xu knew some of it. She had accompanied her son that day when he left. She clearly remembered the tasks Shen Lian entrusted to him. It was her son who proactively arranged with Shen Lian at a specific grain collection point to hide messages in bamboo slips. This arrangement led to Shen Lian asking him to discreetly keep an eye on several cousins in Shili Village, without compromising his own safety.

She smiled and patted her granddaughter's head: "Alright, it's been a long day, and we have to get up early tomorrow to work. Everyone should sleep."

Then, smiling at Shen Ning: "Ah Ning, you should sleep too, right next to Wenying."

Shen Ning happily agreed. The two families' sleeping mats were close together, mainly to avoid bugs and leave no gaps.

Xu Wenying, having slept in a cave before, was used to the fear of bugs but too tired to worry. The two girls lay down together, each under their own blankets, whispered a few words, and then fell asleep.

Wang Yunzheng and Xu Wenbo slept on the other side. Originally planning to read a book by the firelight, Wang Yunzheng unwrapped his book only to be caught by the old lady: "Yunzheng, go to sleep. Reading by this light is bad for your eyes. Diligence doesn't depend on this moment. You can read early tomorrow just the same."

Wang Yunzheng, who had great respect for his grandaunt, Old Lady Xu, quickly agreed, securing his bundle tightly before sitting and silently reciting with lips moving, eyes closed.

Shen An, initially curious about Wang Yunzheng's book, realizing it wasn't going to be shared that evening, also started to quietly recite "Thousand Character Classic."

The night was peaceful, filled only with the occasional crackling of the firewood and the chirping of insects, accompanied by a mix of deep and light, soft and loud snores.

Eventually, the fire died out completely, plunging the cave into darkness. After an indeterminate amount of time, they were greeted by the break of dawn amidst rhythmic breathing.

……

In the heart of Yun Valley, on February 15th, and dozens of miles away from Shili Village in the deep mountains, Shen Lian's group finally met up with Shopkeeper Xu and his people at the designated cave.

The Xu family had prepared significantly more grain than any of the other five families, a total of forty dan!

Some of it was acquired while assisting Sang Luo with her grain purchases, and the rest was gradually stockpiled later. Shopkeeper Xu kept a portion for himself, but the majority was transported to this location in stages, accompanied by his servants and trusted employees from his restaurant.

As for Shexian, they had already secured several years' worth of grain, well before the price hikes, under the guidance of their master.

"Please transport thirty dan back for my mother," Shopkeeper Xu requested, "and the remaining ten dan are gifts for your families, two dan each. As my family will be residing in the mountains, I trust we will be in your care."

The sudden offering of two dan of grain left all five families stunned, instinctively stepping back and politely declining. None dared to accept such a generous gift.

Grain was precious, especially in these troubled times. However, its value also made it a weighty gesture.

One should not accept a reward without merit, and Shopkeeper Xu had already assisted them greatly. Taking responsibility for his family was merely their duty; they couldn't dare to accept such a significant gift.

Given that each family's grain supply, if used sparingly, could last a considerable time, and with the valley's potential for cultivation despite its austerity, none were inclined to accept such exorbitantly priced grain.

Shen Lian also refused: "Shopkeeper Xu, your help has been more than enough. We really don't need this. We'll deliver the grain to your mother."

As Shopkeeper Xu attempted to interject, Zhou Village Head quickly cut in: "We really can't accept this, Shopkeeper Xu. Although our own grain isn't plentiful, it's enough for a few years if rationed, plus we can grow more. We only ask for help if truly desperate. If then your mother has excess, we might shamelessly ask to borrow some."

Everyone around nodded in agreement.

Shopkeeper Xu, reflecting on the situation, realized that for things to reach such a dire state, the world would have to be in turmoil for many years. Given the current news, this seemed unlikely. He looked at everyone, shaking his head with a wry smile: "I just wanted to offer some help."

Old Chen waved a hand dismissively: "That's not the right way to think. If you keep seeing us as outsiders, we'll feel uncomfortable."

Country folks are straightforward. Once they decided to include the Xu family, they treated them as one of their own. Helping with some grain or farming tips wasn't a big deal; accepting such a favor felt unwarranted.

Following Old Chen's statement, Old Lu added, "Exactly, if you keep insisting, we won't even dare help with the grain."

Shopkeeper Xu, finding the situation amusing yet respectful, bowed to the two older men: "Alright, I'll heed your advice. We’ll deliver it first, and if there's a need later, don't hesitate to ask my mother."

With the Xu family's modest consumption and the children's growing appetite, even if accounted for as adults in a few years, the forty dan of grain could sustain them for about five years without being too frugal. Lending some out wouldn't be a problem.

With the grain matter settled, Shopkeeper Xu led them deeper into the cave, insisting: "You may refuse the grain, but please don't turn down these next items."

Before even seeing what it was, they heard a chorus of chirping and quacking.

Being farmers, they didn't need to see to know what it was – their eyes lit up in anticipation.

Shopkeeper Xu, seeing their reaction, smiled: "I noticed you brought hens but no roosters. Thinking you might raise poultry, I prepared some recently hatched chicks and ducklings, carefully tended to ensure their survival. Please, divide them among yourselves. They're mostly hens, and any accidental roosters can be stewed before they crow. I had experts select them to ensure you can enjoy some eggs in the future."

The care taken in these preparations could not be more meticulous.

And indeed, everyone gratefully accepted the chicks and ducklings, both affordable and a real boost to quality of life. They hadn't had the chance to prepare live poultry in their hasty departure and took the opportunity to express their gratitude.

Initially thinking that chickens and ducks were the only items Shopkeeper Xu referred to, everyone was surprised when he opened a pair of carrying baskets, revealing a variety of carefully wrapped medicines: "One basket for my mother, please, and the other for you all. Hopefully, there's no need to use them, but in the mountains without doctors, it's better to be prepared."

This gesture truly touched everyone's hearts.

While each family had some basic medicines, their limited means restricted how much they could afford.

Old Lu, with a grateful smile, accepted: "This is indeed what we lack, we'll accept it with thanks, Shopkeeper Xu."

Shopkeeper Xu returned the gesture with a bow: "Glad you accepted, my efforts weren't in vain then."

He also brought out cooking pots, bedding, and other household items prepared for his family. Unlike the others' earthenware, the Xu family had relatively sophisticated iron pots, affordable only to those with the means.

Recalling something, Shopkeeper Xu pulled out a set of stone chiseling tools from one of the baskets and handed them to Shen Lian: "Last time you mentioned living in caves, so I prepared these. Take them, they'll be useful for any smoothing or repairs. I don't think Qinghe can use these, so I won't offer them to him."

Shen Lian chuckled: "I was planning to ask for your help in getting a set. These will come in handy. Don’t worry, considering all you've done for us, I'll make sure your mother's place is well taken care of."

Wei Qinghe, touching his nose, acknowledged his lack of skill in such matters.

Shopkeeper Xu, beaming: "I'll thank you in advance then."

Old Chen and the others, seeing the stone chiseling tools, also expressed their appreciation. Having seen Yun Valley's caves, they knew not to expand them rashly but understood the need for comfort and safety. Everyone praised Shopkeeper Xu for his thoroughness.

The group got busy organizing their belongings. The grain was packed in one-stone bags, fitting neatly in the carrying baskets along with other miscellaneous items. As everyone was occupied, Shopkeeper Xu pulled Shen Lian aside for a private conversation.

"About the matter you entrusted to me last time, there's something I think I should tell you."

Shen Lian tensed up upon hearing Shopkeeper Xu's words and quickly looked at him for more information.

Shopkeeper Xu gestured dismissively, smiling: "It's not about those kids, it's related to the military conscription and grain levy."

He shared the information gathered by his servants disguised as peddlers in the village: "Now, your third uncle's family must have used all their savings to avoid conscription. They don’t have much grain left, and Li's injury hasn't been treated by a doctor. My servant saw the children applying some herbal remedies on it. That's the current situation."

Chen Dashan, listening nearby, showed a cold expression: "Your third uncle and aunt really know how to act, having the means to pay for conscription yet so cruelly pushing you out."

The amount required for conscription isn't something that can be saved from mere farming in a year or two. With meager earnings from the land and after paying taxes and expenses, saving even a small amount is an achievement. Hence, they must have had this money years ago, probably only short by a little. If Shen San had the will, they could have borrowed or earned the shortfall by hunting.

It all boils down to their reluctance to spend such a large sum on a nephew.

Shopkeeper Xu sighed inwardly. He understood the Shen family situation better after having his servants keep an eye on the village recently. He admired the eldest Shen family for still caring about their cousins and preferred to associate more with Shen Lian and Sang Luo, considering them good acquaintances.

He took Shen Lian's request more seriously as a result.

Hearing about Shen San using money for conscription instead of buying grain, Shen Lian's eyes grew cold. He realized that Shen San was indifferent not only towards them, as step-siblings, but also disregarded his own children's welfare for his comfort.

Seeing Shopkeeper Xu waiting for his response, Shen Lian said, "No need to interfere with Shen San or Li's affairs, no matter what happens. We owe them no favors. Just help me keep an eye on the children... When the Shen's grain runs low, please pay extra attention. I fear they might be sold for grain before any battle reaches us."

Shopkeeper Xu, familiar with the selling of children for grain, understood the situation. He nodded: "Alright, those kids are smart, managing wild herbs well. For now, they are safe, but I’ll be vigilant and inform you if needed."

Shen Lian bowed, but Shopkeeper Xu gestured him not to: "Between our families, such formalities are unnecessary."

The two shared mutual trust and understanding, each aiding the other in difficult times.

Shen Lian didn't say much more, allowing Shopkeeper Xu to chat with Wei Qinghe about his grandmother and the children's well-being.

He also mentioned what he brought, like oil, seeds, and salt. Salt could last long and was brought in abundance, but oil would rely on hunting. He instructed Wei Qinghe to trade grain with Shen Lian for more oil and to learn vegetable farming from the others.

Oil being limited, Wei Qinghe was told to use the small jar he brought sparingly and exchange grain for more oil from Shen Lian later, and also to learn vegetable farming from the others.

Before leaving, Shen Lian took out a small medicine bottle from his pocket and handed it to Shopkeeper Xu, pointing at Chen Lao Han and Chen Dashan, saying, "This medicine stops bleeding upon contact. It’s from Chen family’s recipe. It's been key to our safety in the mountains. Keep this bottle for self-defense. We’ll need two trips to transport all the grain, so we'll have to trouble you and your people to keep watch for another day or two."

Hearing that the medicine stops bleeding upon contact, Shopkeeper Xu realized it was a valuable item for survival in these chaotic times. He thanked Shen Lian and the Chen family, carefully storing the bottle before sending off the group.