Chapter 196 - Restless Night

When Old Man Lu saw in the valley that Lady Lu had brought out her two sons, he instructed Shi Tou and Ah Wei to return home first before asking her, "Are we heading to the Shen family now?"

Lady Lu shook her head. "Let's go to the Chen family. Ask Sanlang to summon Shen Lie."

She was well aware of what needed to be said. Regarding such a messy matter, Lady Lu didn't want to drag the Shen family into it any further.

...

The arrival of the Lu family did not come as a surprise to Old Man and Lady Chen.

Ever since Lady Lu had requested Wei Qing to inform the Lu brothers, mentioning Chendashan's name, Lady Chen and Old Man Chen had vaguely guessed something.

The Lu family was currently being grilled on fire by Wang Chunniang. In truth, which family in this valley hadn't been put in such a position? The valley outside was not peaceful, and judging from Wang Chunniang's frenzied behavior today, she would bite anyone she could get her hands on. Anyone would be uneasy in her shoes, but they all trusted the elderly couple of the Lu family, waiting for their response.

Old Man Chen looked at the burlap bags carried by the Lu family and asked, "What is this for?"

Lady Lu replied, "I've come with a thick skin to plead for a chance at survival for those few children of Shuzhu."

This remark left Old Man Chen and Mother Chen momentarily unsure of her intention.

Looking to the side at the Shen family, Madam Lu asked, "May I borrow your place to have a conversation?"

Old Man Chen wouldn't dare refuse, so he nodded and called Second Mountain and Little Ya out of the cave, asking them to go play outside for a while. Then, Mother Lu instructed Third Brother Lu to invite Shen Lie.

Having already inquired about the day's events earlier, Chen Dashan watched with a cold gaze. He only remained silent as he listened to the request to find Shen Lie, awaiting his arrival.

In truth, Shen Lie and Sang Luo had only recently departed from the Chen residence. Shen An and Shen Ning did not know much about what had transpired during the day. Furthermore, Shen Jin and Shen Yin were deeply affected by the incident. Shen Lie did not wish to have them recount Wang Chunniang's absurd remarks, so he inquired of Old Lady Chen. Naturally, Old Lady Chen had only heard half the story, but it was enough for everyone to piece together a rough idea of what had happened.

When Lu Sanlang came to invite them, the four members of the Shen family wore grim expressions. Upon learning that Mother Lu was waiting next door, Shen Lie said to Sang Luo, "Rest for now. I'll go over."

Sang Luo had no intention of getting involved in the Lu family's affairs, so she nodded and instructed Shen An to close the door after Shen Lie left.

...

By the time Shen Lie arrived, the Lu family had already been invited into the cave by Old Man Chen. Both Father Lu and Mother Lu, unable to remain seated, instinctively stepped forward upon seeing Shen Lie, but their embarrassment held them back.

Apologies were in order, but it wasn't their first time in such a situation. Neither Father Lu nor Mother Lu could muster the face to do so. With a look of guilt, Mother Lu said, "I truly apologize for today's incident. I understand that our apologies hold little value, and you might not even want to hear them. But since we've brought our wayward child here, I'm afraid he might cause you further distress. That's why we've come personally."

"Go straight to the point," Shen Lie said, his expression now tinged with coldness despite his attempt to hide it. He had indeed lost patience with the Lu family's main branch and had no desire to listen to their empty words. All he wanted was to know how the Lu family intended to deal with this situation and what they meant by 'accountability.'

With her dignity utterly shattered, Lu Po found it difficult to continue speaking, but she still managed to force out the words, "Our family has decided to send the entire main branch away."

"Send them away?" Before Shen Lie could respond, Chen Dashan asked, "Where to? How can you ensure our valley remains secret?"

In Chen Dashan's view, only one method of sending them away wouldn't endanger the valley. However, there were seven members in that family. Looking at the three bags Lu Po had brought, he couldn't imagine they would abandon them so easily. If they had been willing to do so, this incident wouldn't have happened.

Lu Po clearly understood this as well. Even though the decision had been made beforehand, it was still hard for her to utter the words. "Last year, Second Brother mentioned that the vast mountain range we're in took you two more than two months to traverse. It was only because of your skills that you and Shen Lie didn't get lost. So... I hope you can accompany my Second and Third Sons on a journey deeper into the mountains. The deeper, the better. Ideally, a place where no one will enter for several years or even longer."

"I know my two good-for-nothing sons. If you find them a cave and set up some protection, they wouldn't dare step out, nor would they have the ability to escape."

This was tantamount to exile. The Chen family had inquired about the dangers when Chen Dashan returned, but they hadn't fully grasped the severity. Only Shen Lie, Chen Dashan, who had actually crossed that treacherous mountain range, and Lu Er, who was now looking at his mother with raised eyebrows, truly understood.

Shen Lie's eyes lowered slightly. The mocking look that had flickered in Chen Dashan's eyes when he first heard the plea for a chance at survival had somewhat faded.

"Do you truly understand the situation in those deep mountains? If you don't, you can ask Uncle Lu, who has been there. It's a place where fierce beasts roam. I'd be lucky to protect myself, let alone guarantee anyone else's safety."

"No need to ask." Lu Po shook her head. "I know."

"Zhuangzhu is fifteen, Tiezhu is thirteen. I've taught them what I can, and found suitable caves for them. If they survive, they'll have established themselves, and their future will be secure. If they don't make it... well, that's just their fate."

"I no longer have the face to ask of Ah Lie. We also need someone to stay outside the valley. Originally, I shouldn't have involved you in this matter. But I know my second and third sons aren't yet capable enough, hence my request for your presence to lend support. I don't ask for you to protect anyone specifically, only that you accompany them on this journey, and if possible, offer some assistance to them and their nephews. After all, it's my selfish desire."

Pausing, she pleaded with Chen Dashan, "Can you help and join this trip?"

Chen Dashan lowered his gaze, remaining silent for several breaths. After Chen Po glanced at him repeatedly, he finally turned to Shen Lie. "If Second Uncle Lu and I leave for one or two months, will you and Uncle Shi manage the valley?"

On one hand, involving the Lu family was troublesome. On the other, either his departure or Shen Lie's would not only affect themselves but the entire valley's seven households.

Shen Lie pondered for a moment. "People in the valley can move around nearby. For distant trips, a few individuals from different families like Zhou, Feng, Zheng, and Gan can join forces. However, Uncle Shi and I won't be able to venture far."

It was peak season for gathering mountain produce, effectively narrowing the range of movement for the entire valley.

Old Man Lu sighed, feeling a heavy weight in his chest. Old Lady Lu also bowed her head.

Shen Lie didn't dwell on this issue, instead reminding Chen Dashan, "The valley can't spare more hands. Can the three of you handle seven people? If trouble arises halfway through the journey and words are exchanged, it could lead to disaster."

He had no doubt Wang Chunniang would resort to such tactics.

When Lu Po heard this, she finally spoke again, "The eldest is timid and wouldn't cause trouble in the forest. The other children have also been talked to. Shuzhu and Tietuzhu could lend a hand. If you're still worried, we could gag them a few days ago. As for Wang Chunniang, she won't be able to make any fuss."

At this, not only Chen's family but also Lu Erlang and Lu Sanlang turned their gazes towards Lu Po.

Lu Po looked down and said, "I used an old folk remedy that I've seen before. She should be unable to speak now."

Upon hearing that she was silenced, Chen Dashan didn't say anything else. "Alright, I'll accompany you on this trip."

What else could they do? Kill the entire family of seven or leave them in the valley, potentially causing a bigger problem one day? They could only deal with the consequences of sheltering them back then.

Chen Dashan didn't refuse the food and meat left by the Lu family. He had done laborious work for Lu Da for free, so he didn't feel guilty taking it. Compared to the time and energy he would spend inside, the provisions were a fair exchange.

After the Lu family left, Qin Fangniang, who had remained silent all along, sighed. She didn't know what to say about such a situation.

Chen Po commented, "It's not easy for them. With six grandchildren, five of them have been sent away. It's hard to predict what will happen next."

Being a grandmother herself, Chen Po could empathize more. However, her sympathy was mainly for the elderly couple and the children. As for the two older ones... Chen Po instructed Chen Dashan, "Take care of yourself first. If you have extra strength, help the Lu family's uncles and nephews as well."

Grandson still had to venture into the depths of the mountains. No matter how capable, how could elders not worry about their younger generation? But with Lu Woman seeking them out and the matter genuinely involving the valley, they couldn't refuse.

As Chen Dashan accompanied Shen Lie out, Shen Lie privately advised, "On this trip, you should still be cautious around that couple and maintain some distance. Let the Lu family handle things themselves."

Fools weren't terrifying; it was those who were foolish, venomous, selfish, and cowardly that were truly frightening. You could never entrust your back to such people.

Chen Dashan nodded. "I understand."

If they truly proved unruly, there would be plenty of opportunities along the way to deal with the pair. However, it wasn't his place to do so. Lu Er wasn't an idiot. If he had to bear the consequences of every action, he and Shen Lie wouldn't have traveled together for these past few years. If not for Lu Er, he wouldn't have taken on such a messy task.

The two exchanged glances, understanding each other. Shen Lie patted Chen Dashan's shoulder and asked, "I won't be able to leave recently, so I'm planning on training Xiao An and Xiao Jin again. There are quite a number of people in the inner circle now, and there are living quarters up there that won't attract attention. Would you like Er Shan to join in?"

When their manpower had to be divided into several groups, Shen Lie realized that their valley's combat strength was insufficient. Who knew when they might encounter a situation beyond their control? It was most important to foster their own growth.

Upon hearing this, Chen Dashan's face lit up, and he chuckled. "Of course, why not? He's thirteen already. Help me discipline this kid. If he doesn't train, he'll only learn farming and carpentry skills from my grandpa and dad."

Shen Lie laughed upon hearing this. "Alright, then get some rest early. I'll head back first."

He needed to inform Sang Luo about the Lu family's matter. He also hadn't visited Shen Jin yet. With the issue now resolved, it was time for him to make a trip over.

...

Having heard Shen Lie's account of the situation with the Lus, Sang Luo remained silent. She had no inclination to pity anyone; those who brought trouble upon themselves and dragged their children down with them were not deserving of her sympathy.

This was already the old woman's utmost effort to secure a chance at survival for that family. It was likely that the couple would not even appreciate it. The hope now was that the five children would not let the old lady's efforts go to waste.

She turned to Shen Lie and said, "Go upstairs and check on Little Jin and the others. If necessary, spend more time talking with him. That child must have been under immense pressure in the county, otherwise he wouldn't have reacted so strongly."

Shen Lie nodded and left with Shen An.

...

At the Lu residence.

Before Old Man Lu and Old Lady Lu could enter the cave, they noticed Zhuangzhu standing by the entrance, gazing outward. Upon seeing his grandmother, he hurriedly approached, but hesitated to ask anything, remembering the disappointment in her expression earlier.

Old Lady Lu caught sight of him and asked, "Want to know why your mother has lost her voice?"

Zhuangzhu lowered his head.

Widow Lu replied, "There's a cure. If you survive and return when times are peaceful, I'll tell you what medicine to use."

Hearing that there was an antidote, Lu Shuzhu felt a slight relief.

Seeing his reaction, Widow Lu no longer regretted giving away the entire first family. What could she have done anyway? Their biological parents, it was nature. She could only be grateful that her grandchildren at least had upright characters.

"Get everything ready and go to bed early. We'll leave at the third watch."

Upon this pronouncement, though the children were sad and fearful, they knew it was inevitable. Only Lu Dalang seemed to be in a daze, staring at Old Man Lu and Widow Lu as if he couldn't believe they were really abandoning him and his five children. His lips moved, as if he wanted to plead for mercy, but he remained silent, knowing his parents too well.

...

It was destined to be a sleepless night. Jin and Yin, one stirred by memories and the other newly aware of some truths, neither dared to sleep. Even Shen Lie's comforting words didn't help much. Shen An, being smaller, ended up staying with them upstairs.

The same was true for Lu Dalang. He couldn't get any rest, tossing and turning as he pondered how to plead. In the latter half of the night, his eyelids grew heavy, and he dozed off. In his dreams, he relived the scenes of being surrounded by wolves during their grain collection trips.

In the past, there had been Shen Lie, Chen Dashan, Lu Er, and Shi Dalang – many who had charged ahead of him. But this time, he was alone. The image of the wolf pack charging at him startled him awake with a cry.

In the deepest recess of the cave, a lantern hung from a stone wall, its feeble light filtering through the winding cave walls, bunks, and shelves, barely reaching where he was.

It was this sliver of light that finally made Lu Dalang realize it was all a dream, though the palpitations in his heart felt all too real.

Lu Dalang could no longer sleep, gripped by fear. Lying heavily on the bed for more than a quarter of an hour, he frequently glanced at the small cave where Wang Chunniang was locked away. The thought that had crossed his mind during the day resurfaced.

The scenes from the dream played repeatedly in his mind, compelling him to rise silently. He reached Lu Po's bedside, cautiously maneuvering around the sleeping Lu Laohan, and stretched his hand towards the space under Lu Po's pillow.

Lu Dalang didn't remember how he found himself standing before the wooden lattice door, reaching out to touch the cold lock.

"Dad? What are you doing?"

A voice from behind startled him so much that Lu Dalang let out a gasp. He turned his head to see Lu Shuzhuang half-sitting on the bed on the second floor, staring at him – it was unclear for how long.

Author's Note:

Yesterday, I pondered for a long time whether I should alter the plot involving Little Jin or simplify the previous chapter. Especially the previous chapter, while writing it, I felt a great deal of oppression as I immersed myself in the characters. However, I found it challenging to make any changes, especially to two specific parts. Little Jin's character is quite unique; at only nine years old, he has experienced things that many adults might never have gone through. The intertwined storyline between Jin and the Lu family is difficult for me to handle at my current level. Yesterday, I tried for a day, and today for two hours, but I realized that it's hard for me to improve the story further after it's already written and formed in my mind. So, I've decided to accept it as it is and continue writing this chapter. I hope you all enjoy reading it.

Regarding the mute drug, I've always been hesitant to describe cutting off the tongue. It's not out of sympathy for Wang Chunniang, but rather for Lu Po and the children. A couple of nights ago, I researched extensively on drugs that could cause muteness. The earliest formulas I found were two: one involving a plant, which wouldn't be feasible in their context, and the other requiring two ounces of charcoal ground into powder, mixed with white wine, claiming to render someone speechless within twenty minutes. The antidote was also simple, just a sulfur detox pill. This method seemed more achievable but was vaguely described. Upon further investigation, I couldn't verify its authenticity – it seemed to be found only in one answer, and I'm unsure if it's legitimate (it looks suspiciously like fiction). According to some medical professionals, there's no actual drug that can truly make a person mute. Even in historical records, such as the "Liu Taigong Biography" in the "Records of the Grand Historian" and "Wild Gleanings: Ministry of Justice" by Ji Xianlin, the methods mentioned involved physically mutilating the tongue. Therefore, the depiction of a drug causing muteness in various dramas might not have a real-life counterpart. Of course, ancient Chinese medicine might have been exceptionally advanced and lost to modern times. Let's not delve too deeply into this matter and assume this formula is true, even though it seems quite unreliable. We'll consider it a fictional invention for our story.