Chapter 164: Surrounded / Rescued (Still in the City, Choose Your Own Version)

Around the shantytown of the county school, many people had gathered outside the Shen family's hovel.

When Shopkeeper Xu followed Uncle Xu over, he saw a dense crowd around the area where the Shen family's third branch resided.

Shopkeeper Xu, observing from afar, was puzzled. "Why are there so many people?"

Uncle Xu sighed.

Despite all his efforts to keep it a secret, he hadn't expected that without saying a word, Young Master would think about leaving at night. Seeing him preparing to go out early in the morning, he remembered the Shen family's children.

Initially, he had intended to follow and check on the Shen family's new residence. However, the shopkeepers on the main street were summoned by the constables to the county office, so only Uncle Xu went while Shopkeeper Xu only learned later that the Shen family's third branch lived in a shantytown near the city. He didn't know the exact location.

Hence, when he noticed Uncle Xu preparing to leave early in the morning, he realized that if Uncle Xu returned late, they would have to depart immediately. Thus, he stopped him and asked Uncle Xu to lead him to the vicinity of the county school to assess the situation of the Shen family's third branch.

Uncle Xu still refrained from mentioning yesterday's events and advised him not to get involved with the couple from the Shen family's third branch, considering their character.

Shopkeeper Xu, of course, was aware of the reputation of Third Master and Third Madam Shen. He replied, "It's alright, just observing from a distance will do. They managed to exchange some supplies earlier. If they can still endure for now, we don't have the means or right to intervene. If we encounter Shen Lie after leaving, my glimpse will not betray his trust."

The servant and his master arrived at the edge of the county school, both surprised by the commotion.

Shopkeeper Xu pushed his way to the back of the crowd and asked a nearby man, "Old sir, what's going on here? Why is everyone gathered?"

The man addressed as old sir glanced at him, observing that he was a middle-aged man in rough clothing, likely a resident of the nearby shantytown. He replied, "I don't know. It's too crowded, and I can't get through. They say it's a case of a husband and wife killing each other, leaving behind three children. Two of them are close to starving."

The old man's mood was somber, and as he spoke of being close to starvation, it seemed to echo his own fears for the future.

Upon hearing that it was a case of spousal violence, Shopkeeper Xu didn't immediately associate it with the third branch of the Shen family, given the mention of three children.

Uncle Xu, however, felt a sudden jolt in his heart.

The image of Li's hysterical breakdown flashed before his eyes. The Shen family's youngest child was already gone. Now, weren't there only three left?

Three children, two of whom were near starvation.

Uncle Xu's heart raced, and he pushed his way through the crowd, calling out, "Excuse me, please make way."

Those who had previously disapproved of Shopkeeper Xu's presence now hurriedly made room, catching the shopkeeper off guard. Suddenly realizing something, his heart skipped a beat, and he followed suit, pushing into the crowd.

At the heart of the gathering crowd was indeed the Shen family's humble shelter. Before they even stepped inside, the pungent smell of blood filled the air. Uncle Xu's breaths grew shallow, and he dared not advance another step.

Shopkeeper Xu followed closely behind, stopping beside his uncle. Noticing the elder's expression, he opened his mouth, swallowed, then asked, "Is this their home?"

Uncle Xu nodded, his throat and ears feeling dry.

Shopkeeper Xu clenched his hands by his sides and bent down to enter the shelter.

The scene that greeted him inside, Shopkeeper Xu knew, would haunt him for the rest of his life.

The light-colored straw mat on the floor was soaked with darkening blood. The person lying there was so gruesome that even he could not bear a second glance.

Of the six family members who had entered the city that day, one was missing, and of the remaining five, four were now lying prone.

One on the mat, their head, face, and neck were unrecognizable; a few steps away on the ground, a woman in rough hemp clothing had six or seven bloody holes, her body drenched in a pool of blood; the two young boys lay not far from their mother, one unconscious, the other—perhaps sensing someone had entered the shelter—barely managing to open his eyes before closing them again.

The only child still standing, covered in blood, stood protectively in front of his mother and two younger brothers, watching Shopkeeper Xu warily as he entered.

Shopkeeper Xu never imagined that in just over ten days, their reunion would be so devastating. He stood with his mouth agape, momentarily speechless.

Uncle Xu followed inside the shed, his chest heaving violently as if something had plugged his nose and throat. He could only gasp for air with his mouth wide open, yet despite the horrifying sight before his eyes and the nauseating smell filling his nostrils, he was too stunned to react in any other way. All that remained were shock, disbelief, and perhaps some other indescribable emotions.

Shen Jin recognized him. After a moment of surprise, his defensive stance relaxed slightly. He opened his mouth to call out " peddler grandpa," but then hesitated and didn't dare to do so.

Before Mother closed her eyes, she had instructed him to take his brothers away.

But Xiao Yin and Xiao Tie were too weak to walk; he was too feeble to carry them. Besides, Xiao Tie's limbs had turned icy cold from hunger during the night. Shen Jin couldn't bear to think about it. He picked up every single bloodied yellow bean that had fallen to the ground, cleaned them, crushed them, and cooked them all to feed Xiao Yin and Xiao Tie.

He fed them bit by bit, and by the time he was done, the sky had already begun to brighten. Even if he hadn't cried out for help, the heavy stench of blood had attracted the attention of people in the neighboring sheds.

Though he didn't know why the peddler had appeared, this man was one of the few who had shown kindness or offered help to his brothers recently. Shen Jin was torn between seeking assistance and not doing so.

He had tried asking for help before. Neighbors from their old village, one after another, had come to check on their situation, and some were even standing outside the shed, not far away.

He had pleaded with each household, but either they hurriedly avoided him, or claimed they had no food and hastily left. Among those who lingered, a few had greed in their eyes. Several such individuals were gathered around the entrance of the shed, including two that instilled the most fear in Shen Jin.

The county office had long been devoid of officials and enforcers, and the soldiers had no control over this area. He dared not step out of the shed, nor leave Xiao Yin and Xiao Tie, and he was reluctant to seek help again so easily.

Silent, he didn't respond, but Shopkeeper Xu had already recovered from his initial shock and hurriedly approached to check on Shen Yin and Shen Tie's condition.

Seeing the man heading towards his brother, Shen Jin swiftly grabbed a nearby kitchen knife, trembling as he shielded Shopkeeper Xu.

"What are you doing?"

Shopkeeper Xu halted at the sight, then, remembering that this child didn't recognize him, he softly explained, "Is it Little Jin? My name is Xu Yuanchang, and I know your cousin Shen Lie. Before he entered the mountains, he entrusted me to look after you all. Step aside, let me see how your two younger brothers are."

Worried that Shen Jin wouldn't believe him, he pointed behind to Uncle Xu and said, "This is Uncle Xu, he's family. He used to disguise himself as a peddler and often visited your village just to keep an eye on you and your siblings."

Upon hearing the man accurately call out his name and mention his older brother, Shen Jin's hands began to tremble. At the subsequent revelation, tears immediately rolled down his cheeks.

So his big brother had always arranged for someone to watch over them. He started to sob quietly, then, remembering the dire state of Little Yin and Little Tie, especially Little Tie, he quickly stepped aside and pleaded, "Please, save my brothers. They're starving and have been eating mud cakes for days."

Shopkeeper Xu's expression changed upon hearing 'mud cakes'. He stepped forward, squatted down to examine the children's conditions, their temperature and responsiveness, then turned to Uncle Xu, "Come, help me carry one. We'll head straight to the clinic."

He then asked Shen Jin, "Is there anything important you need to bring along?"

Shen Jin was entirely unprepared for such prompt assistance and was momentarily stunned before realizing the situation. He hastily shook his head, then nodded frantically, turning to fetch a cloth bundle on his back, which concealed the small bow his older brother had given him and the stones he had collected.

Surveying the household items, he paid no attention to anything else, only grabbing a kitchen knife to defend himself.

That was as much salvaging as he could manage.

Xu Shopkeeper and Uncle Xu each cradled a child in their arms. As Shen Jinning prepared to leave, he glanced at Li lying on the ground and began to weep uncontrollably, his body trembling.

Seeing this, Uncle Xu felt compassion and whispered, "Saving your brothers comes first. If there's any way to attend to your mother later, I'll try to send her for cremation and retrieve her ashes. But if not, we must prioritize the living for now."

The phrase "finding peace in the earth" held no weight in a city where the starving had gone mad.

Shen Jin nodded, wiping away her tears while sobbing in gratitude.

Uncle Xu glanced at Shen San, as if he wanted to inquire something.

Shen Jin noticed this but lowered her head, not responding or mentioning anything.

The master and servant duo could roughly guess the situation and fell silent. After some thought, Uncle Xu still mustered the courage to ask, "You have a younger sister?"

Shen Jin's eyes instantly turned red, and she couldn't hold back her sobs. She remained silent, shaking her head, unable to utter a word.

With the image of the tragic demise of Shen Jia's third couple fresh in his mind, Xu Shopkeeper could roughly guess what had transpired. He patted Shen Jin's head, picked up Shen Yin, and, accompanied by Uncle Xu, hurriedly left the shed.

Outside the shed, among the crowd that had been standing a few steps away, there were villagers from Li Shi Village, former neighbors of the Shens. A thin man, recognizing the two strangers, especially one who was a familiar peddler in their village, stepped forward as they were about to take the Shen brothers away. "Who are you? Where are you taking these young ones?"

Xu Shopkeeper was amused but also annoyed.

He had stood there watching the spectacle without offering any help, yet now he was questioning him.

"And who might you be?" he countered.

The thin man replied, "We're from the same village. The kids usually call me uncle or uncle-like figure."

A fine uncle indeed, thought Xu Shopkeeper, who had no time for such nonsense. "I'm a friend of Shen Lie. Do you have an issue with me taking them away?"

At the mention of Shen Lie's name, the thin man's heart skipped a beat.

He had forgotten about Shen Lie.

While Shen San and Li Shi were gone, Shen Lie was still alive. If anyone really had ill intentions towards these children, it would be best if they didn't cross paths with Shen Lie. If word of such actions reached Shen Lie's ears, their entire family wouldn't stand a chance.

Although the eldest and third branches of the Shen family had severed ties, these younger ones still frequently visited the eldest branch; no one from the Shen family had ever tried to stop them. They were still welcomed.

A tremor ran through him, and he took a step back. "Ah Lie's friend, then why didn't you come earlier?"

Seeing Manager Xu staring at him, he quickly shook his head. "No problem, no problem, go on your way."

Manager Xu wasted no time. With the path now clear, he carried the child and pulled Shen Jin along.

The child's hands were still shaking, and his entire body was tense. Manager Xu couldn't afford to soothe him. As the crowd made way for them, he hurried toward the clinic.

Stepping away from the crowd, Shen Jin almost had to jog to keep pace with Uncle Xu, the shopkeeper, and his father, glancing back repeatedly along their hurried path until he was certain that the man he feared had not followed. Only then did he dare raise his eyes to address Uncle Xu, stammering, "Uncle Xu, there were two people guarding our shack earlier... they, they..."

The words "man-eating" simply couldn't be uttered under any circumstances.

He gasped a few times before saying, "My sister was taken by my father to them. You must be cautious."

Eyes swollen like peaches, she would still well up with tears when speaking of Sweetie, though her words were not always clear. Nonetheless, Shopkeeper Xu and Uncle Xu could understand her intentions just fine.

Indeed, it was as they had suspected.

Even her own daughter was offered as a pawn; no wonder Shen Jin didn't spare Shen San a glance before leaving.

Shopkeeper Xu glanced back and asked Shen Jin, "Has anyone followed us?"

Shen Jin shook his head. "Not yet."

Shopkeeper Xu nodded and said, "Alright, got it. We don't know that person. You should be more cautious."

As a professional literary translator, I will provide an elegant and contextually faithful translation of each line. Please provide the lines you would like me to translate.

The infirmary was currently filled with wounded soldiers, and hardly any civilians came to seek treatment. As such, Xu Manager's group stood out prominently upon entering.

The senior physician was so busy that he barely had time to rest his feet. Xu Manager took a glance, then approached the clinic manager who was tending to soldiers with minor injuries.

One who could run a medical clinic typically had some medical knowledge themselves, even if they hired physicians to attend to patients. Given Xu Manager's years at Dongfu Tower, he had a solid network of connections in the county.

Approaching, he called out to the clinic manager, "Manager Fang?" The moment Manager Fang turned around, he recognized Xu Manager and exclaimed in surprise, "Xu Manager?"

His gaze fell on the two children in the servant's arms, both of whom showed little sign of life. He asked, "What is this?"

Shopkeeper Xu said, "These two children have been hungry for a long time and have been eating mud cakes for several days. Please examine them first and tell me if they can be saved and how."

Upon hearing this, Shopkeeper Fang's expression changed, and he didn't dare to delay. He informed the injured soldier who was being treated and promptly led Shopkeeper Xu to an examining table. After taking their pulses and inspecting their abdomens for any swelling, he asked in detail about what the children had eaten recently, specifically how many mud cakes, and for how many days.

After Shen Jin answered all his questions, he let out a sigh of relief. "Thankfully, they haven't eaten too many mud cakes. Despite being severely hungry, they were brought here in time. There's still hope for them. If they had consumed more mud cakes, I would truly be at a loss."

Looking at Shopkeeper Xu, he whispered, "I must be honest with you, I don't have much medicine left. Fortunately, in his case, medicine might not be necessary. Just give him some salted sugar water back home, and if possible, a bit of rice soup. Gradually introduce some thin congee. With proper care, he should recover."

Shen Jin, upon hearing that his brother could survive, was so overwhelmed that his hands trembled. However, his excitement turned to fear when he noticed a figure outside the clinic after glancing aside.

Not daring to look outside, he cautiously tugged on Shopkeeper Xu's sleeve, his voice slightly quivering as he spoke softly, "Uncle Xu, someone is following us. They're standing against the wall opposite the clinic."

Shopkeeper Xu understood the situation and didn't glance outside. Instead, he whispered to Shopkeeper Fang, "They probably intend to use your back door to leave."

Reaching into his sleeve, he handed over a small piece of silver and said, "Do you have any malt candy? To be honest, I can't afford it now. In the county, even edible items can't be purchased with money anymore."

Shopkeeper Fang hadn't expected Shopkeeper Xu to be unable to afford even malt candy at this moment. He nodded and replied, "Yes, we have some, but not much. I'll have the apprentice fetch two pieces for you to take."

Scholar Jin's soft words were also heard by Manager Fang, who realized that Manager Xu and his companions might be in trouble. Being astute, he didn't look outside but called out to the apothecary apprentice, "Lead them inside. Dilute some salt and sugar water and give it to them first. I'll prescribe some medicine later for you to decoct and administer. Then, we'll perform acupuncture."

His voice was loud enough for those outside to hear clearly.

After speaking, he whispered to Manager Xu, "Tell the apprentice yourself and take the sugar. Leave through the back door and dissolve it at home before giving it to them."

Manager Xu expressed his gratitude and looked at Manager Fang again, wishing him well.

Manager Fang nodded. They, as healers, were now under the watch of soldiers; whether they were safe or not depended on fate. After bidding farewell to Manager Xu, he turned to attend to his tasks.

While talking to Manager Fang, Manager Xu and Uncle Xu discreetly glanced outside, memorizing the appearance of the person Scholar Jin mentioned. Coincidentally, the apothecary apprentice approached, guiding them to the inner room.

...

Upon entering the rear chamber, they explained the situation to the apprentice, who then handed them two pieces of malt sugar. Silently, they followed the apprentice out the back door. They took narrow alleys, weaving their way back to the old residence in the western part of the city.

When Wei Lingzhen saw him return with three children, she was momentarily at a loss for how to react.

Manager Xu waited until she latched the door before whispering, "These are the children Jie entrusted me to care for. The youngest one has passed away, and their parents also perished last night. So, I brought them here."

He then handed the small package of malt sugar wrapped in oiled paper to Wei Lingzhen and said, "These two little ones are almost starving to death. I just took them to the clinic, and this is a bit of malt sugar we got in exchange. Dissolve it in salted water a few times and give it to them."

Turning to Shen Jin, he added, "Make another bowl for him."

The older child wasn't much stronger than the two younger ones; his complexion was terrible, and he might collapse in another day or two from hunger.

Upon hearing that they were Shen Lie's cousins, Wei Lingzhen promptly took the malt sugar and hurried to the kitchen.

Throughout the journey, Shen Jin had been on edge. It wasn't until they entered the courtyard that he dared to believe that he and Little Silver and Little Iron had truly escaped danger. Without hesitation, he knelt down and pounded his head on the ground in gratitude to Manager Xu and Uncle Xu.

With a person in his arms, Manager Xu couldn't pull Shen Jin up, so he could only call out for him to rise.

When Xu Wenhong carried a bucket of soil and opened the main house's door, he witnessed this scene.

Manager Xu couldn't explain everything, so he simply instructed his son, "Wenhong, help your little brother Jin up and bring him inside."

Then, he carried Shen Yin into the main house.

Xu Wenhong was still confused about how he suddenly gained a younger brother. Nevertheless, he put down the bucket, helped Shen Jin up, and led him into the main house.

As Wei Lingzhen was still boiling water in the kitchen, Shopkeeper Xu and Uncle Xu had already settled the two youngsters on the main room's bedding and came out first.

With so much delay, it was time for Uncle Xu to head to the city wall. Moreover, he had promised Shen Jin to help retrieve Li Shi's body. He needed to figure out a plan for that as well.

Of course, he didn't intend to go himself. The Shen family was currently under the watchful eyes of some ill-intentioned individuals, especially those two Shen Jin had pointed out. One of them had even followed them brazenly. His master and servant were recognized by these people today; thus, if he went over, he might attract unwanted attention.

Uncle Xu pondered how to ask the men who had been assisting with carrying the injured and corpses these days to lend a hand. These men were under the jurisdiction of the garrison and were responsible for such tasks. No one would question them if they went to retrieve Li Shi's body.

Just as he was contemplating, Shopkeeper Xu called him to wait and entered the kitchen to whisper something to Wei Lingzhen. Wei Lingzhen returned to the main room briefly and soon came back with a golden bracelet, handing it to Shopkeeper Xu.

Shopkeeper Xu turned around and passed the item to Uncle Xu, saying, "The Shen family is being watched by a few malevolent individuals who also saw us today. Be cautious when you leave later. Use this bracelet to bribe the supervisor and find an excuse to avoid carrying the injured today. Ask the soldiers to retrieve Li Shi's body, cremate it, and help collect her ashes. Retrieve them discreetly and return promptly."

He continued, "If dealing with Li Shi's matter becomes difficult, don't force it. Your safety is paramount. I'll resume digging the tunnel, and we'll leave at night. Avoid any further complications."

Uncle Xu's escape was the top priority. As for Li Shi, Shopkeeper Xu didn't hold much affection for her. However, since Uncle Xu often interacted with the children and witnessed her tragic death, he couldn't bear it and agreed to help. If possible, she should be properly buried; if not, it was her fate.

Taking the golden bracelet, Uncle Xu replied, "With this, I believe there shouldn't be any issues. At my age, pretending to have a back injury and asking for a day of rest shouldn't be too difficult."

A golden bracelet to facilitate the funeral, and a day's leave granted.

The petty steward was greedy; a golden bracelet was a substantial reward for him, and his request wasn't overly demanding. With the army in chaos, it should be manageable to arrange.

Without further ado, he turned back to change into the attire of a refugee that he had worn when leaving the city. He then mussed up his hair to conceal most of his face and hunched his shoulders slightly more than usual before stepping out through the door.