Chapter 111: Informing

At lunchtime, Shen Lie returned with the two kids, and Sang Luo caught sight of the so-called slingshot.

She had imagined a slingshot to be a branch with a fork, tied with rubber bands at the ends, holding a piece of leather for the stones. Of course, rubber bands weren't available here, so it was made of similar materials.

However, the actual slingshot, handed over by the delighted Shen An, looked almost no different from a bow and arrow in Sang Luo's eyes.

It really was a bow.

Made of bamboo, the slingshot had a bow and string. The only difference from a bow and arrow was the string's midpoint, fitted with a small piece of leather to wrap around the stones instead of arrow shafts. It was small, perfect for a child Shen An's age.

Shen An cherished his new slingshot, while Shen Ning, being a little girl, showed less interest, just smiling and watching her brother play.

Already enticed by the aroma of cooking, the siblings put the slingshot aside and headed out to wash their hands. Shen Lie then bent down to Sang Luo, saying, "Yours needs to be bigger than what Shen An and Ah Ning use. I’ll make you a new one this afternoon. I'll hang some leaves beside our house, so you can practice at home. Once you master the slingshot, I'll make you a bow and arrow."

Sang Luo had to look up to meet Shen Lie's gaze, realizing at that moment that she was not yet sixteen, rather than twenty-eight. Seeing her reflection in his eyes, or perhaps the intense yet tender look of a young man, her heart skipped a beat, feeling an unusual sensation.

She quickly smiled and stepped back, "Alright, let’s wash hands and eat."

Turning around, she quietly exhaled.

Eighteen years old, she reminded herself to not stand so close next time.

This thought seemed unnecessary, as by the afternoon, Shen Lie had already finished making her slingshot and hung the leaves beside the house, teaching her how to use it personally.

What it feels like to be almost completely encircled from behind by someone of the opposite sex…

Sang Luo didn’t know in her previous life, and in this life, she couldn’t quite describe it – was it awkward, uncomfortable, or something else? Perhaps because Shen Lie seemed too young in her eyes, yet in reality, he was tall and leggy, towering over her by more than a head.

It definitely felt off, even though Shen Lie was very cautious to maintain distance and barely touched her, earnestly explaining techniques. But being so close, with his tall figure almost enveloping her, even the intrusion of his breath felt overwhelming.

It was then that Sang Luo realized, Shen Lie wasn’t Shen An or Shen Ning; it was entirely a different matter…

Learning to use a slingshot was more exhausting for Sang Luo than walking ten miles, constantly reminding herself that he’s only eighteen, just a high school student.

Fortunately, she was quick to learn, remembering the techniques and gradually getting the hang of it, swiftly sending him away after she felt competent.

Shen Lie cooperated, extremely so, making a swift exit.

If Sang Luo merely felt awkward and uncomfortable, for Shen Lie, it was like a drum beating in his heart, a first-time experience. If it wasn’t for Sang Luo's complete focus on learning the slingshot, unaffected by his presence, he might not have been able to maintain his composure.

He didn’t stop walking until he turned a ridge down the mountain, pausing to steady his wildly beating heart, palpable even beneath his thick coat.

He had felt his heart race like this when encountering a small pack of wolves in the deep mountains, but this was a different sensation altogether – exhilaration, elation, nervousness, an indescribable joy, just from standing a bit closer…

Shen Lie looked back towards the small courtyard halfway up the mountain, standing still for a while to calm his heartbeat, before striding towards the hill where Shen An and the others were practicing slingshots.

……

Shen Jin got a turn with the slingshot, sharing it with Shen An and Shen Ning. The older cousin didn’t say anything when he came over, smiling and even giving him some individual instruction.

Shen Jin was overjoyed, smiling so broadly he could barely close his mouth.

Shen Yin and Shen Tie were too young to use the slingshot, content with watching and occasionally touching it when their older siblings allowed, finding it fascinating.

The children became excited about collecting stones suitable for use as ammunition, considering each one a treasure.

In the evening, Sang Luo saw the younger children return gleefully with a pocketful of stones and paused her work on Shen Lie's clothes to sew two small crossbody bags for them, specifically for carrying stones.

The kids were thrilled with their new bags, carefully washing the stones they collected and drying them, ready to use the next day with their slingshots.

Within a couple of days, the other four families' children each had a similar bag, all modeled after Shen An and Shen Ning’s designs. Only Shen Jin didn’t have one, but he didn’t mind as his clothes had pockets. With his mother away, he could fill them with stones without being noticed, delighted just to have a slingshot to practice with.

Shen Jin even asked about Shen An’s morning exercise routine and began secretly joining the group for early morning runs and exercises.

As the small militia training became more organized, another issue arose. On the fifth day, Zhou Li Zheng came to the village, unusually without announcements or banging a gong, and headed straight for Zhou Village Zheng’s house.

When Zhou Wu Lang rushed to inform Shen Lie and Sang Luo at the halfway up the mountain, they learned that their families had been secretly reported to the village authority.

The report accused them of acting suspiciously and harboring ill intentions.

Zhou Wu Lang said, "My father asked Brother Lie to come down to our house. My seventh uncle is there to ask questions. Just having one person from each family explain the situation should suffice."

After delivering the message, Zhou Wu Lang hurried away.

Shen Lie and Sang Luo exchanged a look, thinking the same thing. Shen Lie retrieved a package hidden under the bed and left, returning soon after empty-handed.

"I’ll go down the mountain for a while."

With all sensitive items properly hidden, Sang Luo had no worries and nodded in agreement.

……

In the Zhou family home, Zhou Lizheng had two bamboo slingshots laid out on a table beside him.

Zhou Lizheng sneered, "Just some little toys made for kids in the family, and now someone’s accusing us over this? Claiming ill intent? What ill intent could there possibly be? If they exaggerate and pin some serious crime on us, we and the entire Zhou family wouldn’t be able to shoulder it!"

The mention of "Zhou family" made Zhou Lizheng shiver inwardly. "Jiuzhang, it’s better not to make unfounded claims. We haven’t gotten involved in anything that serious."

Zhou Lizheng snorted, "That’s because you’re the village chief, Jiuzhang. What if it were a chief who’s against us? Wouldn’t they use this to make trouble? I need to find out who can’t stand to see our family doing well."

Zhou Lizheng dropped his gaze and remained silent.

Just then, Shen Lie, Chen Dashan, Shi Dala, and Lu Er arrived. Zhou Lizheng looked up and said, "You all know why I've called you here, right? Speak up."

Shi Dala, being the eldest, stepped in and indignantly declared, "Who can’t stand to see others doing well?"

He gestured to his missing right sleeve, saying furiously, "Look at my arm, lost not on the battlefield. How many from our village went to war? Only we four survived, thanks to A’Lie and Dashan’s skills and our hunting prowess. Having learned such a harsh lesson, can’t we train our own children and nephews? Won’t the court conscript soldiers again? Or will our family’s children and nephews be exempt next time? Should I watch them lose their lives or limbs on the battlefield too?"

Lu Er also spoke up in anger, "Exactly, village chief, who would so maliciously accuse us?"

Zhou Lizheng found himself at a loss for words.

The Dagan Dynasty encouraged neighbors to report on each other, protecting informants. He knew about Shi Dala and others’ ordeal, abandoned by the main army in enemy territory. The commander retreated with his favorites, leaving them as sacrificial pawns.

Concerned they harbored resentment, he came to investigate upon hearing the secret report. Now, seeing the children’s slingshots, he felt like rolling his eyes at the accuser's claim of privately made weapons.

Indeed, Shi Dala’s words held truth. He only had to look at that empty sleeve to be reminded of the risks they had taken on the battlefield, barely escaping with their lives. Naturally, they’d want to equip their children and nephews with survival skills.

He waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, I just came to check. Training your children and nephews is fine, but just be mindful not to take it too far."

He directed these words at Zhou Lizheng.

After all, they were of the same clan and family; any serious issue wouldn’t just concern Zhou Jiuzhang’s family alone.

Zhou Village Zheng, understanding the warning in his clan elder's gaze, chuckled, "Qi Ge, rest assured, am I not aware of such matters?"

Zhou Li Zheng nodded, "As long as you understand, that's good. There's nothing else; you can get back to your work."

Saying this, he turned and left.

"Qi Ge," Zhou Village Zheng followed him a few steps, escorting him out, "You should at least let me know who's considering me a thorn in their side, right?"

He quietly ventured a guess, mentioning a name.

Zhou Li Zheng glanced at him and shook his head, "Enough, it's not him. No need to dig too deep. Your families have been doing well lately, attracting some envy."

He had some knowledge of their affairs, having processed their travel permits.

Once the visitor had left, Zhou Village Zheng returned to the main room. Shen Lie inquired, "Was it something to do with our house?"

As for recent enmities, the most he'd done was beat up his cheap uncle.

Zhou Village Zheng shook his head, "No, it's likely from another family."

Initially suspecting Shen San, but once his clan elder denied it, it likely wasn't him. In such cases, his elder, bound by certain norms, might not reveal everything, but with the Zhou family's reputation at stake and a direct inquiry made, if he had indeed identified the right person, his elder wouldn't cover for them.

"The success of your families' businesses in the county, coupled with recent bulk grain purchases, must have attracted some attention. But it's fine. We just need to be cautious on our own, continuing as we are."

With Zhou Village Zheng involved, Zhou Li Zheng wouldn't trouble them over such relatively sensitive matters.

Shen Lie nodded, saying, "Uncle Zhou, we'll need your attention here, as tomorrow morning Da Shan and I must head into the mountains. This time it's crucial; we might be gone for several days."

Heading into the mountains meant scouting for a fallback plan deep in the woods. Originally planned for two days ago, but they had prepared arrow poison. Venturing deep into the forest with this precaution meant a safer journey, though preparing the poison had taken five or six days, hence the delay.

They also prepared for the possibility of unrest in their absence, though it seemed unlikely.

Hearing this, Zhou Village Zheng's eyes brightened, "Good, good. It’s tough on you both. Don't worry about things here; I'll keep an eye out. No news from the county yet, and I've inquired at the Wang family. It seems it hasn't reached our Huai Nan Road yet."

After finalizing their plans, everyone returned to their homes.

Back home, Sang Luo inquired about the situation, and Shen Lie briefly explained.

Sang Luo sighed, realizing it was a byproduct of the system, making even trust among villagers challenging.

Shen Lie, seeing her expression, reassured, "It's just some children's slingshots, and with Uncle Zhou involved, there's no need for excessive worry."

"Da Shan mentioned that the medicine is almost ready, so we should be heading into the mountains early tomorrow morning."

It was already time to go, having stayed a few extra days waiting for the medicine to be ready, which surprisingly made it hard to leave.

Hearing Shen Lie's plan to head into the mountains the next morning, Sang Luo paused and then said, "Good. I've finished your clothes. They're folded on the bed. Try them on to see if they fit well, so I can make any necessary adjustments."

She had been so engrossed in practicing with the slingshot recently that she had put aside her sewing. Fortunately, she had just finished Shen Lie's outfit in time.

Shen Lie smiled upon hearing that Sang Luo had completed his clothes, "I'll go check them out."

He briskly entered the room and found the neatly folded clothes that Sang Luo had sewn over the past few days on the bed he shared with Shen An.

The material was ordinary, but Shen Lie was delighted, even more so than when Sang Luo had bought him a new outfit at the clothier’s in the county.

After trying on the clothes, he found that they fit perfectly and were meticulously stitched.

This was the first time since the year they fled the famine that someone had selflessly and carefully made him clothes, truly caring for his comfort.

Initially intending just to try them on, Shen Lie found himself not wanting to take them off.

Sang Luo, busy soaking beans in the kitchen, soon saw Shen Lie approach in his new clothes, inspecting them closely: "They look good, fit well too."

Shen Lie smiled, pleased: "They fit very well, and I really like them. Thank you."

Sang Luo nonchalantly replied, "Of course, we're a team, after all."

These past few days, Shen Lie had frequently ventured into the mountains, bringing back thirteen wild chickens. Twelve were traded for silver at the Eastern Fortune Tavern during his trip to the county for grain, while one ended up in their family’s stomach.

Shen Lie heard a new phrase from Sang Luo – 'division of labor and cooperation'.

Glancing down discreetly, he observed Sang Luo's cheerful smile and thought to himself how he hoped their cooperation would continue like this.

With a warm smile, he said, "I'll change back into my clothes and then go with Da Shan into the mountains to catch some more wild chickens. This trip is mainly to find a hiding place, and I’m not sure how many days we’ll be out; it could be as long as ten days or even half a month. We won’t sell these chickens; you all should keep them at home. Every few days, you can enjoy one."

Listening to him considerately planning meals for those at home, Sang Luo felt a warmth in her heart. She realized that she had been far less concerned about him in comparison.

With this thought, she suggested, "When you go to the county for grain this afternoon, buy a jar of sweet fermented rice."

"Buy sweet fermented rice?"

Sang Luo nodded, "Yes. We have glutinous rice at home, and I know how to make it, but we're short on time. Get a jar, I need it."

Author's note:

Sweet fermented rice, also known as sweet rice wine or anciently called Li. I'm writing it according to modern methods for ease of reading. Other common items in the story will likely be treated similarly.