Chapter 115: “Did You Reveal All Your Assets?”

They arranged for Sang Luo to mark the four bags of grain each family was to take the next day before dawn. Everyone then took their leave, with Chen You Tian taking Qin Fang Niang’s blanket from Sang Luo.

Only then did Shen Lian learn that Qin Fang Niang and Gan Shi had been staying overnight for company, expressing his gratitude as they bid farewell to the guests.

Down at the Shen family’s foothill, after crossing the ridge, though initially joyful, Lu Old Man suddenly stopped and spoke up, “Folks, there’s something I think we should discuss beforehand.”

Everyone stopped in their tracks.

Lu Old Man glanced at Shi Da Lang and then at Zhou Village Chief, saying, “Let’s keep today’s matters among ourselves. Everyone should be cautious at home, not a word more.”

Shi Da Lang was momentarily taken aback, then smiled, “Of course.”

But Lu Old Man shook his head, “I’m talking about our own families, including our wives and children.”

Everyone paused, even Lu Er Lang seemed slow to catch on.

Lu Old Man continued, “Walls have ears. We must be careful with our words. The more people who know, the greater the risk of information leaking. Besides, most of us have extended families here.”

This comment made Lu Er Lang understand.

When he had informed his sister-in-law about finding a place, her eyes had lit up, and she immediately asked if the site was big enough to accommodate her own family.

In-laws. Every wife has her own family; his wife also had her concerns, but such things were unspoken, understood by all as impossible to address.

Shi family's sisters-in-law, Zhou Village Chief's daughters-in-law – everyone had their own families.

But those families have families of their own. Like him, with three uncles who have wives, who also have families. It’s impossible to bring everyone.

And not just a few households - consider each family's extended relatives, numerous in-laws, and siblings.

Even three villages the size of Shi Li wouldn’t be enough to accommodate everyone, let alone a place only a third the size.

Helping others is commendable, but they’re benefiting from the efforts of the Shen and Chen families. It’s not fair to compromise their safety.

Everyone was wise enough to grasp Lu Old Man's point quickly, falling into a thoughtful silence.

Everyone naturally wanted to help their relatives, but their means were limited, which inevitably brought a sense of anguish.

Zhou Village Chief, having been one of the first to acknowledge this precaution, nodded quickly in agreement. “That’s right. We can't rely on others to keep secrets. Let's keep our own counsel. As for the hideout’s location and details, don't mention a word after we return home. Those going to transport the grain should be reminded too. Any slip-up could lead us to losing our food supply or worse, endangering our lives.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Shi Da Lang, after some thought, tentatively asked, “Da Shan, about that medicine your family made, could you sell me a small amount? I want to give some to my in-laws and my brother's in-laws, so they can also practice archery in secret and look for deeper hiding places.”

Hiding closer to the surface could be risky in real chaos, but without the right skills, venturing too deep could be even more dangerous.

Chen Da Shan looked at him and said, “We can make some for you. Just bring the money for the raw materials to Shen Lian. He will help. But sending your in-laws into the deep mountains without proper experience might not be safe. You might regret it if something bad happens.”

Shi Da Lang clenched his teeth, “It's better to be prepared. At least they can start training. I’ve been following you into the forest for over half a year and will explain things to them, showing them around the woods. Whether they go deep or not is their choice, but having skills and tools for survival always opens more escape routes. It could save lives when it matters most, and I’ll feel less guilty.”

That made sense.

Chen Da Shan hesitated but eventually agreed, “Alright, I’ll be in the mountains. Shen Lian or his wife can handle buying the materials. My grandma can make the medicine. I’ll talk to her about it, and you can coordinate with Shen Lian tomorrow.”

He added thoughtfully, “But it won’t be much - just enough for each family for emergencies. The poison is too dangerous to spread widely. It’s only for you and Shi Da Lang’s in-laws. Don’t share it with anyone else. If used on people in a chaotic time, we would be responsible for a grave sin.”

Shi Da Lang was overjoyed, “I understand and appreciate it. Even a small amount for survival is enough. I’ll be sure to instruct them carefully.”

Lu Er Lang and the head of the Zhou family also saw hope in this plan.

……

In the half-mountain courtyard, Shen Lian finally sat down for dinner. Shen An and Shen Ning were examining skins while Sangluo embroidered a Shen mark on the grain sacks with hemp thread.

After his meal, Shen An had prepared bathwater for him. After a refreshing bath, he was nudged towards bed by his siblings, resting his head on a dry towel, as they gently dried his hair.

Sangluo was still busy in the kitchen. Shen Lian thought he'd wait up for her, as he had much to discuss, but despite his best efforts, he fell asleep before she arrived, with his hair still damp.

When Sangluo entered, she found the younger siblings quietly continuing to dry their brother's hair, who had already fallen deeply asleep.

After spending thirteen days in the woods, it was likely he hadn't had a proper sleep.

Sangluo signaled them to be quiet and returned to the kitchen to scoop some half-burnt charcoal into an old ceramic pot, bringing it to the bedside to help dry Shen Lian's hair more quickly.

While the Shen household basked in warmth and affection, the scene in the other houses down the mountain was quite different.

The Chen family was the least worrisome. The Shi and Zhou families were also coping well, only revealing that they had found a place but not specifying the location. Everyone was eagerly preparing for the next day's departure, sorting leg bindings, preparing dry food, arranging carrying baskets, and packing waterproof cloaks and rain sheets.

The daughters-in-law were also mindful of their parents' homes, promising to help in any way they could, especially by providing some means of survival in the woods. Everyone wore smiles of gratitude.

There was an exception in the Lu family.

Lu Dalang’s wife, Wang Chunniang.

Initially upset that her father-in-law only took her uncle-in-law and not her husband to discuss important matters at Shen's house, she grew more discontent when they remained tight-lipped about the specifics.

Wang Chunniang was displeased.

In her view, every family usually prioritizes the eldest son and his children, so why was her family different?

She was already frustrated with the grandmother favoring the second son's wife, and now it seemed like the father-in-law was also biased towards the uncle-in-law.

Her annoyance surfaced especially when she realized one of their family’s baskets was reserved solely for carrying grain sacks for Shen Lian’s house, particularly upon learning that Shen Lian and Sang Luo wouldn’t be going to the mountains.

Wang Chunniang was the type to harbor grievances silently, rarely voicing her issues outright, preferring to brood over them indefinitely.

However, she couldn't hide her discontent well; her expression often betrayed her feelings, making it obvious to others.

Having dealt with this daughter-in-law for fifteen years, the elderly Mrs. Lu knew her ways all too well and was utterly exasperated.

When questioned about her moodiness, Wang Chunniang would evade direct answers, at times expressing worry about the dangers of transporting grain into the mountains, and at other times fretting about how many family members were involved in the task, not to mention all three of Lu Dalang’s brothers, including the family's main support.

“Zhuanzhu,” Lu Dalang's eldest son, was just fourteen, about to turn fifteen in half a month.

Wang Chunniang cautiously concealed her primary concerns, raising only the points she felt comfortable expressing and that she believed wouldn't provoke her mother-in-law's ire.

Mrs. Lu, the grandmother, didn’t rebuke her, only saying with a smile, “The deep mountains are indeed dangerous. While there’s still time, you and Dalang can think it over thoroughly, whether to stay in the village in the future.”

This left Wang Chunniang speechless and flustered.

Lu Dalang hastily disagreed, “Mother, don’t mind Chunniang’s nonsense. The mountains might be dangerous, but Shen Lian and Dalashan have already scouted the path for us. Could there be more danger than what they faced on their first journey? They set out without hesitation to find the way, and we're planning to live in the mountains later, so what’s there to fear?”

Mrs. Lu's expression softened somewhat, then she turned to her eldest grandson, “Zhuanzhu, tomorrow you’ll carry grain into the mountains. Do you dare to go?”

Zhuanzhu's eyes sparkled with excitement, “Grandma, I do. I’m quite good at archery. My uncle will also give me some good arrows secretly. Plus, with my dad and my two uncles going, I’m not scared.”

Tiezhu and Huzi looked on enviously. Tiezhu said, “Actually, I think my archery isn’t bad either, and I’m strong. Grandma, Grandpa, can’t I go too? I won't carry a basket, just a load of grain.”

Huzi, being too young, knew he wouldn't be included this time and felt only envy.

Mrs. Lu, observing her grandsons, finally showed a smile and asked her second son, “How well does Tiezhu shoot with the bow?”

Lu Erlang replied with a smile, “He still needs more practice. His strength is lacking, and his accuracy decreases at a distance.”

Mrs. Lu looked at her second grandson and said with a smile, “You hear that? You need more practice.”

She then addressed her grandsons, “I'm asking you, would you be willing to carry a share of grain for Shen Lian and Sang Luo to the mountains?”

All three brothers grinned and exclaimed, “Willing!”

Zhuanzhu glanced at his mother, quickly averted his gaze, and said, “Our family owes much to Sister Sang Luo and my second aunt's business ventures. My archery skills were also taught by Brother Lian.”

Tiezhu cheerfully commented, oblivious to the subtle tension between his grandmother and mother, “We fled thanks to Brother Lian and Brother Dalashan leading us. Of course, I’m willing to help. I may not be great at archery, but if we encounter wild animals, I can climb a tree while the others fight.”

Huzi chimed in, “With the refugees around, the Shen family, having fewer people at home and living remotely, is unsafe without their elder brother around.”

Mrs. Lu beamed with pride, and Feng Liuniang suppressed a laugh with her head lowered, while Wang Chunniang looked awkward and frustrated, feeling that none of her three sons understood her feelings.

Mrs. Lu, unconcerned with Wang Chunniang’s mood, addressed her grandsons, “You’re all good kids. Remember to be grateful for others' help. At the very least, recognize the good and be thankful. When capable or when the other party needs help, be ready to reciprocate. It’s a fundamental human principle. Moreover, helping transport grain this time isn’t really a repayment. You’ll understand what I mean by compensation when you set out tomorrow.”

The arrow poison was unknown to the family; the elders had privately asked Old Chen about it. It was expensive to produce, and a small amount cost a lot. The Lian couple hadn’t skimped on expenses. Initially, it was the Shi family that wanted to buy some, and Dalashan had agreed.

However, Mrs. Lu decided not to inform her daughter-in-law or buy any for Wang’s family as it didn't seem appropriate. Therefore, even her eldest son was unaware of this.

After glancing at her sons and daughters-in-law, Mrs. Lu added, “Actually, Dalashan is the one helping Lian. They're the only two who know the route and can lead. One of them has to stay in the village to protect us, the elderly and weak, in case we need to flee to the mountains. Having Lian at home means Dalashan is willing to make back-to-back trips. We should not take undue credit for others' gratitude.”

The Lu brothers nodded in agreement, and after a moment's contemplation, even the younger generation seemed to understand, with the smallest like Shitou and Ah Xu a bit confused but still absorbing the lesson.

Mrs. Lu, having imparted her wisdom in daily life, felt satisfied as everyone seemed to grasp her point, except for one. Deciding not to waste further effort on her, she concluded her admonition, sparingly mentioning Wang Chunniang to preserve her dignity in front of the children.

Emphasizing the importance of discretion, Mrs. Lu reiterated, “Another crucial thing, which I’ve been reminding myself and will repeat today, is to keep family matters private. The world is becoming chaotic. Guarding our grain is guarding our lives and those of our friends. Do you understand?”

Everyone nodded, even the youngest Ah Xu affirmatively murmuring his understanding.

Mrs. Lu then dismissed them, advising, “Alright, prepare early, sleep well to be energized for tomorrow. Chunniang, Liuniang, help tidy up in the house and then assist with preparing dry food in the kitchen for them to take tomorrow.”

Back inside their house, Mrs. Lu sighed to her husband, “Back when we were poor, I was young and inexperienced. Dalang was attracted to her. We lived far from her village, and upon inquiry, we heard she was diligent and capable. A covert visit confirmed it, and we agreed to the marriage. Little did I know, her apparent virtuousness was superficial. She’s petty and lacks judgment. These years, if not for fear of negatively influencing Zhuanzhu and his siblings, I would have separated the household long ago for peace of mind.”

Old man Lu shook his head, "Enough, no need to get angry. Once things settle, we'll find a good wife for Shuan Zhu. Having a capable person to take charge of the next generation will be enough."

Lu's wife agreed, "That's all we can do. You can't change someone's nature. I've spent over a decade trying without success. I can't do it anymore."

Setting aside her worries, she brought out the cloth strips for Old man Lu to tie his legs the next day, "Let's not think about it now. You'll be carrying grain tomorrow, better rest early. I'll make some dry food in the kitchen for you to take."

……

Then, she mentioned Wang Chunniang who had blushed furiously in front of the family, only to quietly ask her husband in their room, "Did your father say anything about taking my family along?"

Lu Dalong: "..."

He never even considered involving his in-laws, nor had he asked his father.

Besides, he couldn't say that his father was now wary of even him, assigning him only the first half of the journey and excluding him from the rest.

Sighing, Lu Dalong could only advise, "You better not bring this up again. How can we take them along? Your father, your four brothers, uncles, aunts, and your brothers' wives also have their own families."

Wang Chunniang: "Why should their families be included?"

Lu Dalong: "..."

"Why should your family be the ones we take?"

"Are your parents human and mine not?"

Lu Dalong felt trapped, knowing any response would either lead to an argument or his wife's tears. So he said, "We don't have the resources to help everyone. We informed them when buying grains and beans. Your family and your uncles can gather around fifty to sixty able-bodied men, much stronger than our solitary family. Don't worry about it."

As for the message he sent to his father-in-law who didn't bother to buy any grains, what could he do?

Sitting by the bed and weeping, Wang Chunniang listened as Lu Dalong grew frustrated. He couldn’t do anything but ignore her and start preparing for the next day’s mountain trip. Halfway through, he suddenly asked, “You didn’t mention how much grain we bought to your family, did you?”

Wang Chunniang froze, a flicker of guilt in her eyes.

Lu Dalong's face darkened.

He realized his father’s caution against him was justified.

Glaring at his wife with eyes red with anger, he accused, “It seems you’re too comfortable, itching for trouble at home.”

Wang Chunniang felt both ashamed and angry, embarrassed by the blunt confrontation but also regretting her actions.

As a mother herself, worried about her own children, she knew her parental home hadn’t bought any grains this year...

Wang Chunniang's voice trembled, “I didn’t say much, just mentioned our grain purchases during my earlier visits to my family.”

Her comments were initially aimed at mocking Feng Liuniang's pride in earning money and buying grains. But during the complaints about how the mother-in-law favored others, her mother and sister-in-law had teased out these facts while sympathizing with her.

Enjoying the solidarity in criticizing her sisters-in-law and mother-in-law, and being flattered about her seemingly comfortable life, she carelessly let slip more than intended.

Lu Dalong knew his wife too well. If it had been just a casual mention during the initial grain purchases, it wouldn’t have affected their family much, and she wouldn’t look so guilty.

He pointed at her, speechless, feeling grateful to Shen Lian and Chen Dashan for finding a way out early. They had to hurry to transport the grain before chaos ensued, and absolutely couldn't let her family tag along.

He caught his breath, still feeling frustrated, and pointed at Wang Chunniang, "Fine, you don't have to stay home. Even Tie Zhu wants to go to the mountains. Why can't you? Tomorrow morning, come with me to carry grain. Better that than being slow and getting noticed by your family."

Wang Chunniang, dumbfounded: "Which woman carries grain to the mountains?"

Lu Dalong snorted: "So what if it's a woman? In the countryside, don't women work just as hard as men? You complain about too many from our home going to the mountains? You even underestimated the number – my father will also be carrying grain tomorrow. If it weren't for fear of leaving the house too empty and attracting attention, believe it or not, my mother would join as well."

"You only worry about the number of people our family is sending. Why don't you consider that we have more mouths to feed and more grain than a small family like the Shi's?"

"Since you've exposed our family's situation to your natal family, help with carrying the grain. The sooner it's done, the better. We can't leave you in the village alone; I fear you might endanger our whole family. I'll discuss this with our parents."

Wang Chunniang, weakened by the confrontation but somehow finding strength, clutched Lu Dalong's arm, "Please don't tell your parents, I'll carry the grain. I'll go with you."

She chose to carry grain to save face at home, fearing the humiliation if her in-laws discovered she had leaked family secrets to her natal family.