Chapter 146: What is Wang Chunniang up to?

Joining the Lu couple on their way were Mr. and Mrs. Zhou. Hearing Shen Lian mention an important talk, they didn’t think much of it, considering today was the first official day for the young and able to reside in the valley. Discussing future plans seemed normal to Zhou.

Zhou readily agreed, "Alright, I’ll let my family know and come back after breakfast. I'll inform Mr. Shi’s family too."

Hearing this, Mr. Lu also agreed to inform his family and return after breakfast.

The group headed back, with Wang Chunniang trailing behind. As she turned away, she scoffed.

She thought, having to discuss just to go out and pick some wild vegetables, as if it was something significant.

Although Wang Chunniang knew she wasn't well-regarded in the valley, she bit her tongue, careful to only mutter her discontent to herself and not to display any inappropriate expressions openly, especially behind others' backs.

Shen An and Wang Yunzheng, returning from their morning studies, just reached their doorstep when they caught a glimpse of Wang Chunniang's disdainful expression. Shen An was momentarily startled, thinking his eyes were deceiving him and took a second look.

Wang Chunniang had just sneered when she suddenly met Shen An's gaze, causing her heart to skip a beat and almost letting out an alarmed cry.

Barely swallowing her exclamation, she forced a smile, "Shen An, Shen Ning, back from studying?"

Shen An and Shen Ning nodded, pausing to greet Mr. Zhou and others with Xu siblings.

After Mr. Zhou and Mr. Lu left, Shen An quietly asked Shen Ning, "Wasn’t Mrs. Lu’s expression just now a bit off?"

Shen Ning, who hadn’t noticed, appeared puzzled, “Really?”

Wang Yunzheng, observing Wang Chunniang’s retreating figure, nodded, “She did sneer.”

Shen An looked again at Wang Chunniang's back, confirming his observation.

Meanwhile, Shen Lian had entered the cave and was examining the dimensions and necessary adjustments on the cave walls, holding Sang Luo's two drawings. Shen An approached and inquired, “Brother, did Mr. Lu and Mr. Zhou come by for something?”

Shen Lian glanced at him, "Why ask this?"

Shen An explained, "Mrs. Lu just left, right? Shen Ning, Yunzheng, and I were returning when she turned around and we met face to face. I saw her sneer, just for a moment. I thought I saw it wrong, but Yunzheng saw it too."

Shen Lian, upon hearing this, showed no surprise but his disdain deepened.

Shameless, ungrateful, insatiable.

Once out of the valley, he would keep as much distance from the Lu family's main house as possible.

His feelings flickered briefly in his eyes, but his voice remained calm, "It's nothing significant. Put your books away and go inform your Uncle Chen and Grandma Xu to come over after breakfast. We need to discuss future plans for leaving the valley."

No big deal?

Puzzled, Shen An nodded, placed the bamboo slips into a cloth bag, stored them on the shelf, and left.

He hesitated a few steps outside the cave.

Informing the Chen and Xu families about leaving the valley... what about the three households opposite?

The Lu and Zhou families had representatives here, perhaps the Shi family heard through them. So, what Shen Lian said to Mr. Lu at the cave entrance was about gathering after breakfast to discuss leaving the valley...?

Such an ordinary sentence, why did Mrs. Lu sneer at it?

Shen An thought deeply about his brother's words, and then considered the expression he saw on Wang Chunniang's face—was it mockery?

His lips pursed, feeling displeased inside.

His brother and Da Shan had tirelessly led everyone for months, only settling down last night. Now they have to lead people out again for food, and a few words before going out were met with scorn?

Mock what? On what grounds?

Annoyed, he glanced at Wang Chunniang, still walking along the mountain path opposite the valley. Even if she was Hu Zi’s mother, he felt angry.

Besides, who tore the bags of grain at their home? That matter still hadn’t been settled. His sister-in-law avoided discussing it in front of him, and he dared not think about it... Now, Shen An couldn’t help but glance again at Wang Chunniang.

Could it be?

He thought of Hu Zi, with whom he had grown up. He tried to dismiss the thought, not daring to ponder deeply, but inevitably recalled the incident last winter, when Hu Zi’s mother leaked the details of everyone's grain storage, leading to a hurried midnight meeting to devise a plan.

Though he didn't hear everything, he pieced together the gist of it.

……

Hiding in the valley, despite stocking quite a bit of grain, they ate sparingly during the non-agricultural season, thus meals were simple.

Today, Sang Luo also made a bean porridge for breakfast, mainly with soybeans, supplemented with a bit of red beans and rice.

Right after breakfast, when Shen Ning was washing the dishes, people from various households started arriving. Starting from the Lu family on the other side and picking up others along the way, by the time they reached the Shen family’s cave, everyone had gathered with the arrival of the Xu family.

Shen Lie had something to say, and indeed, many people came, every adult and child, drawn by the excitement. Fortunately, there were plenty of logs drying outside each family’s cave, so everyone just picked a log to sit on for the discussion.

With everyone present, Shen Lie didn’t beat around the bush.

"I've roughly explained the outside situation yesterday. I believe everyone wants to gather as much food as possible before chaos erupts. Once it does, we should avoid leaving the valley if possible."

"The reason I've asked everyone to come over today is that there are two matters I need to discuss beforehand."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Old Man Chen asked, "What do we need to be mindful of?"

Shen Lie smiled and explained, "I want to make the situation clear. Going out of the valley is dangerous, and each family needs to weigh the risk of leaving."

This surprised everyone; they hadn’t expected this angle. However, most didn’t take it too seriously. Shi Er’s wife joked, "We know, but we have you and Da Shan, plus Lu Er and our uncle are also capable. Being cautious should suffice, right? We’ve always managed this way."

Shen Lie shook his head, "Shi Er’s aunt, it's not that simple. Our successful grain trips were partly due to experienced leaders and extreme caution, but mostly because of the poison arrows."

Mention of the poison arrows made everyone pause.

Indeed, the expensive medicinal herbs used for the poison arrows, purchased by Shen Lie and Sang Luo. Every expedition, Shen Lie or Da Shan would distribute a small bottle for emergency use, to be collected afterwards.

They had encountered fierce beasts, wolves, and jackals on their journey. Even the women and children, who only ventured once, faced several dangerous encounters. They owed their safety to the courage, attention to detail, and skill of Shen Lie and his companions, along with the use of those poison arrows.

"As Shen Lian suddenly brought up this matter, everyone felt a jolt of alarm, quickly realizing that the arrow poison, costly and not inexhaustible, was a limited resource."

"Indeed, Shen Lian said, 'The arrow poison is expensive. These past months, transporting grain has depleted a lot. Today, I must tell everyone that I don't have much arrow poison left. In these chaotic times, what happens next is uncertain. The little I have left, I plan to save for emergencies.'"

"Therefore, I must clarify today: from now on, when leaving the valley, there won’t be arrow poison for everyone. You'll have to rely on your own strength for protection. If you plan to take your families, ensure you can keep them safe. Otherwise, think carefully."

"With this revelation, everyone reacted differently, most in shock. They were excited to leave the valley for food, but suddenly hearing that their protective charm was gone, many were at a loss."

"Sang Luo glanced at Wang Chunniang, noticing her initial shock and subsequent pallor, before subtly averting her gaze."

"Chen's elders, including Chen Popo, Chen Lao Han, and Chen Da Shan, looked at Shen Lian with surprise."

"Being well-acquainted, especially Chen Da Shan, who had long partnered with Shen Lian, understood the gravity of the situation with just a glance, quickly masking his reaction."

"Chen Popo and Chen Lao Han, shrewd as they were, followed Sang Luo's calm demeanor, silently agreeing not to disclose anything, maintaining impassive faces."

"This instant reaction of the Chen family went unnoticed."

"Gan Shi, one of the more level-headed members of the Shi family, asked Shen Lian, 'So, without arrow poison, will venturing out be riskier?'"

"Since entering Yun Valley, they had been shielded and knew little about the outside world."

"Shen Lian, looking at Shi Da Lang, said, 'Uncle Shi, who has traveled with us through the deep forests for over half a year, knows the dangers best. Even us, hardened by years of military life, have faced injuries from wild animals. It's one thing for us alone; it’s dangerous but manageable. However, if you bring others, weigh the risks carefully.'"

"Not to mention encountering black bears – the reason we found this valley – and wolf packs, which are plentiful. I’ve sold many wolf pelts and still have some in my cave. We are safe here due to our advantageous location; wild animals can't get in. You might have faintly heard wolf howls at night, right? Wild boars are around the outskirts – we encountered a group on our way back. The inner area is likely no less populated."

Wang Chunniang's face turned even paler.

Sang Luo glanced at her and quickly lowered her eyes, concealing the smile in them.

Shen Lian pointed to the several sets of shelves under two trees outside his door, "Seeing the shelves Aluo made for planting vegetables, and everyone else doing the same, we've freed up space on the mountain walls for beans. With everyone's allotted farmland and stored grains, and by being frugal, we won't starve, though we might feel a bit hungry."

As he spoke, he glanced subtly at Wang Chunniang, then continued, "So, consider carefully whether to venture out of the valley. Outside is dangerous, with the risk of injury or death, but good luck might bring meat; inside, it's tough but safe."

Everyone fell silent.

Lu Erlang and Shi Dalang didn't find anything unusual; only those who've trekked the mountains understand the truth in Shen Lian's words.

A mass exit would indeed be unmanageable; they lacked the capability to protect everyone.

The medicine Shen Lian had been using was already a lot; they couldn't expect him to keep supplying indefinitely.

Lu Erlang commented, "Shen Lian's words are true. The mountains are more dangerous than you think. For example, with arrow poison, wolves hit by an arrow were quickly dealt with. Without it, it's hard to kill them, and a dying wolf could easily maul or injure several weaker individuals. This is why we've been relatively peaceful inside, as some of us can protect our families, but average skills might only ensure self-preservation."

Shi Dalang nodded, asking Shen Lian, "What's the other matter you wanted to discuss?"

Shen Lian gestured towards the outskirts of the valley, "The second issue concerns our usual entrance and exit point for transporting grain. Starting today, unless in grave danger, we'll no longer use it due to its low and exposed location, making it unsafe and risking revealing our valley. Chen Dashan and I will disguise the exterior and switch to a different exit."

Shi Dalang looked towards the valley's largest and highest cave, unreachable for him with one arm missing.

"That's about thirty feet high, isn't it?"

Shen Lian nodded, "It's risky, but doable. Chen Dashan and I can assist with ropes from above. We'll also disguise the perimeter and modify the other cave entrance for easier concealment and transport."

"The ground-level canyon entrance is too narrow and direct, not ideal for modifications. The mid-mountain one, however, is suitable for the new shelter technique, allowing for easier storage of large baskets, firewood in winter, and other supplies directly in the cave, freeing up space in the lower canyon."

“That’s all for today. Only Dashan and I will go out to work on the two entrances. If you plan to leave the valley for foraging or hunting, it will be from tomorrow. Take today to think about whether to go out or not. It’s up to you.”

That statement effectively concluded the discussion for the day.

……

The families didn’t need to return home to deliberate; they started discussing right there and then.

At the Shi household, Shi Dalong felt it was manageable. Though disabled in one hand, he found it safe to go out with his younger brother, who was quite adept.

In the Lu family, Lu Erlang glanced at his younger brother: "I should be fine if I take you with me."

The Zhou family appeared perplexed. The village head and his wife exchanged glances, considering their three sons, uncertainty written on their faces...

Zhou’s daughter-in-law suggested, "Maybe we should just focus on growing more vegetables and raising chickens? Adding more beans seems sustainable, doesn’t it?"

They had enough food stored, and wild vegetables weren’t essential.

Zhou Dalong felt somewhat apprehensive; not very skilled himself, Zhou Erlang looked at his parents and wife, suggesting, "We don’t have to go every time, but maybe joining the others occasionally could work?"

This left the Zhou family with some decisions to make.

The Xu family hadn’t even considered hunting. With sufficient grain, chickens, ducks, and vegetables, they felt no need to venture out.

With Chen Dashan in the Chen family, they had no worries – he could easily handle bringing along either of his parents.

Then there was the Lu family's eldest branch, where Lu Dalong trembled his lips, hesitating to speak.

The fifteen-year-old Shuanzhu glanced at his father, then at his mother, hesitantly suggesting, "Maybe I could go?"

Wang Chunniang's expression shifted instantly, pulling her son back, blurting out a firm no.

She quickly reconsidered; having someone reliable to accompany might actually be a good idea. She glanced at Shen Lie and Chen Dashan, then shifted her gaze to Lu Erlang.

Wang Chunniang's lips trembled slightly as she mustered courage and asked, “Uncle Erlang, could you perhaps consider taking Shuanzhu with you?”

After the two branches of the family separated, it wouldn’t be right if no one from their side ventured out, would it?

Shen Lie's lips curled slightly. Lu Erlang and the eldest branch of the Lu family, particularly Wang Chunniang, weren’t much better off than his family or the third branch. Taking care of a few nephews was one thing, but as for his brothers and sisters-in-law...

He just smiled.

Predictably, Lu Erlang responded with a cold demeanor, "Big sister-in-law must be joking. I'm not capable of taking care of so many people."

Wang Chunniang, taken aback, retorted, “I meant, what if we let the little uncle stay behind and Shuanzhu takes his place? Would that work?”

Lu Sanlang, not one to mince words, rolled his eyes openly. It was absurd – when it's time for battle, big brother’s life matters, but Erlang’s doesn't.

And when there’s an advantage, they push Shuanzhu forward, trying to swap him out.

How clever of her.

After all these troubles, she still expects Erlang to be as agreeable as he used to be.

Lu Erlang, ignoring her, turned to Lu Dalang, "Big brother, do you think so too?"

Lu Dalang, his face flushed red, stammered, "No, no."

He reached out to pull Wang Chunniang.

Shuanzhu frowned and said, "Mom, I meant I could go by myself."

Wang Chunniang grabbed him abruptly, "Nonsense."

She looked at Lu Erlang again, wanting to say something, but was interrupted by Lu Popo, who was tired of her scheming: "Enough, let's go back. If you don't have the skills, just farm. We won't starve. Why crave meat so much? Do you expect meat to fall from the sky while lying at home? You must be capable of catching it."

She turned and smiled at Shen Lie and Chen Dashan, "In our family, it will be Erlang and Sanlang who go."

That settled the matter.

Lu Dalang remained silent throughout the entire discussion.

As every family had furniture to make, the meeting dispersed after the decisions were made.

Before Sangluo could react, Chen Popo leaned in and whispered, "What did Wang Chunniang do?"

Sangluo's brow twitched at the sound of this.

The old lady must have grown eight hundred pairs of eyes, right?

Her expression too clear, Chen Popo chuckled and led her into the cave: "Just wait for the outcome, right? Only their family can't leave now, and furthermore..."

She glanced outside the cave, seeing only Shen Lie and her own family, then whispered: "We've made plenty of medicine, it's not all used up yet. I recognize those herbs, you and Shen Lie learned to identify them on our way here, and in three months, they’ll be ready to harvest. I know what you two are up to."

Sangluo burst into laughter, hugging Chen Popo's arm: "Thank you, Grandma, for not exposing us."

Chen Popo gently pinched her cheek: "If she didn't stir trouble, you and Shen Lie wouldn't be so full. Alright, now tell me, what did Wang Chunniang do?"

Sangluo looked at the old lady, smiling: "What Shen Lie said was true, we really can’t take too many people. Rushing out all at once would only lead to regret if something happened."

After receiving a half-serious, half-joking glare from the old lady, Sangluo asked her to wait a moment, turned, and took out two folded bags from the shelf: "I don’t know what she did; I saw nothing and have no proof. But take a look at these and compare them to the bags gnawed by rats at your place."