Chapter Sixty-Two

Chapter Sixty-Two

"Uncle Zhang, where are you going?" Zhao Beichuan whispered.

The old man was startled and started running away. Zhao Beichuan got up and chased after him!

It was hard to navigate the night road, yet he somehow managed to keep up with the old man for a while.

Zhao Beichuan was anxious but didn't want to shout, fearing it would alert the officials and get Zhang Mao killed.

"Stop running! Do you want to get us all killed? Come back, I promise I won't tell the officials!"

Zhang Mao, while running, shouted back: "Don't chase me, don't chase me! Let me live!"

"No way! If you run, we'll all die!"

"Do you think we can go home once we reach Ying Prefecture? We'll all be captured as war slaves! Run with me, let's go home together..."

Zhao Beichuan almost fell for his words but quickly came to his senses. "Running will endanger our families; I can't go back!"

Zhang Mao had no children, only an old wife at home, so he didn't care about anyone else and was focused on escaping.

But age caught up with him, and soon Zhao Beichuan tackled him to the ground.

"Ahhh... You're trying to kill me... I'm fifty-three, let me live a few more years!" The old man sobbed, tears streaming down his face.

Zhao Beichuan, panting heavily, pulled him up. "If you don't want to live, shout louder!"

Zhang Mao shut his mouth, glaring at Zhao Beichuan as if he were the one responsible for their predicament.

No matter how much Zhang Mao struggled, Zhao Beichuan dragged him back.

Their commotion woke nearby sleepers. An official with a torch walked over, cursing. "What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?"

"I had a stomachache and went to the toilet."

"Don't cause trouble, go back to sleep!"

"Yes, yes." Zhao Beichuan glared at Zhang Mao, having given him enough face. If he tried to escape again, he'd hand him over to the officials.

Zhang Mao trembled and lowered his head, not daring to speak.

After a while, everything quieted down. The Qin family, who had probably heard the noise, rearranged themselves to shield Zhang Mao from any further disturbances.

Qin Dage said, "Da Chuan, get some rest. It'll be dawn in two hours."

"Okay." Zhao Beichuan lay down with his bag, still uneasy, fearing someone might escape and drag him into trouble.

Finally, just as dawn broke, he heard shouting and immediately opened his eyes.

"Spare us, sir! Please spare us!"

"What happened?" Zhao Beichuan asked quietly.

"Someone from Willow Village escaped, and now everyone is implicated."

Zhao Beichuan was shocked when he heard Willow Village, as Wang Youtian was from there. He rushed forward and saw seven people kneeling on the ground. Three people from their group had escaped last night, a whole family.

Fortunately, none of them were from the Wang family.

Soon, the officer approached with a stern face. Last night, he had warned the villagers about the consequences of escaping, but they still dared to try. Now, he wouldn't show mercy.

"Take these people away and give them a hundred lashes!"

"Spare us, sir! Please, sir, have mercy!" The people on the ground begged, their foreheads bleeding from the repeated knocks.

The officer showed no pity. If he didn't make an example of them, more would try to escape, and he couldn't afford to delay the supplies.

"Take them away!"

Soldiers rushed over and dragged the seven people to an open area, binding their hands and feet before beginning the punishment.

The military sticks were thick and heavy, each about eight feet long and weighing twenty pounds. The sound of the blows echoed, and within moments, some of the victims lost consciousness.

Some onlookers were too scared to watch, others cried, and some knelt and pleaded for mercy.

By the time the hundred lashes were finished, the seven people were dead, their bodies mangled.

This display of brutality silenced the villagers, who now dared not even think of escaping. They resignedly got up and continued pulling the carts.

Zhao Beichuan kept a close eye on Zhang Mao throughout the journey. He almost got implicated by this old man! If Zhang Mao dared to think of escaping again, he wouldn't hesitate to turn him over to the officials.

The candle flickered, and a pair of slender white arms wrapped around a muscular arm. Lu Yao looked up, his face twisted in pain and pleasure, sweat dripping down his body with every movement.

*

"Slower, slower... Ah, Beichuan..."

Lu Yao woke up, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. It was just a dream...

Sweating profusely and feeling sticky, he quickly got up to take a shower, washing his clothes while sighing, wondering where Zhao Beichuan was now.

It had been half a month since he left home. Initially, he struggled to adapt, but gradually, he began to accept and even get used to his absence.

But his longing remained, even manifesting in his dreams.

After finishing his laundry, the time was right. Lu Yao washed the soaked beans and carried them outside to start grinding soy milk.

In cold weather, he could grind the soy milk ahead of time, but now that summer had arrived, doing so would spoil it overnight. He had to grind it fresh in the morning.

Lu Yao patted Dahua. "Get up and get to work."

Dahua lay still in the livestock shed.

Lu Yao pushed it again. "Come on, don't be lazy."

"Hu-lu-li..." Dahua snorted uncomfortably.

"What's wrong with you?"

In the dark, Lu Yao couldn't check properly, so he went inside to wake up Lu Guangsheng. "Dad, come see what's wrong with Dahua."

Lu Guangsheng got up quickly. "Why are you up so early?"

"I couldn't sleep, so I got up. I noticed Dahua doesn't want to move today. Is it sick?"

The two of them carried an oil lamp to the livestock shed and checked Dahua under the dim light. Dahua indeed seemed off, lying on the ground weakly, refusing even the beans Lu Guangsheng offered.

"Yesterday, I noticed something was amiss. It didn't eat much of the hay I put out."

"What should we do?" Lu Yao was worried.

"Don't worry. If it's still like this when it gets light, we'll go to Willow Village and ask your father-in-law for help. He's raised livestock for years; he should know what to do."

"Oh, then the shop won't open today."

Lu Yao sat on a wooden stool next to Dahua, stroking its head. "Your dad isn't home, and now you're acting up. What if something happens to you? What will I do?"

Dahua weakly lifted its head and nudged his hand, as if trying to reassure him not to worry.

They waited until dawn, but Dahua's condition didn't improve. Lu Yao quickly gathered some things and decided to go to Willow Village.

Willow Village wasn't far from town, just a half-hour walk away. Lu Yao had been there twice before and knew how to find the Wang family, so he headed straight for their house.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, he heard shouting inside.

"Whoever heard of someone being so fussy during pregnancy? Not working in the fields is one thing, but why can't they even do household chores?"

"They left clothes out to dry and didn't bring them in. How heavy could a basket of beans be? They didn't even think to grab it when it rained. Truly, never seen such laziness! No noble blood, yet full of noble ailments."

Lu Yao's face fell. Didn't they say the Wang family had good morals? Why were they talking like this about Lu Yun?

"Lu Yun, are you home?"

The shouting inside suddenly stopped. Soon, Lu Yun came out of a nearby room. "Third Brother, why are you here?"

Lu Yao said, "Who was spouting nonsense in that room? Eating too many beans and spewing filth?"

Lu Yun chuckled. His brother's mouth was still as sharp as ever. "Who knows, maybe they have black hearts."

Lu Yao still wasn't satisfied and shouted, "Do you have no parents or did you spring from a stone? Bullying a pregnant man? Don't think my brother-in-law isn't around means you can bully Lu Yun. He has family!"

"Enough, Brother... don't stoop to their level." Lu Yun's eyes welled up with tears, deeply moved.

"Don't be afraid. If the Wang family doesn't give us an explanation today, you're coming home with me. I can still support two people!"

Soon, the two sisters-in-law came out of the house, looking displeased. The elder sister smiled apologetically. "Oh, Lu Yun's Third Brother is here. Come in and sit down."

Lu Yao sneered. "I dare not enter. Afraid I might smell something dirty."

The younger sister raised her eyebrows. "What are you saying? Every pregnant person does their share of work. Why can't Lu Yun?"

"That's none of your business. Who are you to judge? Does Lu Yun eat or drink from you? Don't act high and mighty!"

"You!" The woman's face turned red with anger.

Lu Yao ignored her and turned to Lu Yun. "Are your in-laws not at home?"

"No, there's a funeral in the village today. They went to help and should be back soon."

"Hmph, no wonder."

The two women exchanged glances, huffed, and went back into their rooms.

Lu Yun led Lu Yao into his own room. He was making baby clothes using the fabric Lu Yao had given him at their wedding.

"Third Brother, aren't you busy at the shop today? Why are you here?"

"Dahua is sick. I wanted to ask your father-in-law to take a look."

"Oh, is it serious?"

"I don't know. It just lies on the ground and won't eat."

"Once my father-in-law comes back, I'll have him go with you to the town to check on it."

Lu Yao nodded. "How are you doing?"

"Pretty well. The baby is behaving, and I'm due in three months."

Lu Yao saw that his belly wasn't very big, indicating he had controlled his diet and exercised. He felt slightly relieved.

"Do your sisters-in-law always talk to you like that?"

"Not really. They only do it when my in-laws aren't home. I ignore them; it's not like it hurts me. Let them talk."

"Still, that's outrageous! Next time they say anything, tell your in-laws!"

Lu Yun smiled. "Even if I do, they'll just scold them a bit. It would just upset my in-laws unnecessarily. Never mind."

Lu Yao felt frustrated with his brother, who had one major flaw: he was too easygoing. At home, because of his good nature, he was often bullied by the original self.

"You don't say anything, so I will. If they dare to curse you to your face this time, next time they might hit you. Don't let these people get away with it!"

Lu Yun looked at his brother with bright eyes, feeling warmth in his heart for the first time as he experienced family support.

After chatting for a while, the Wang family's elderly couple returned.

Perhaps fearing that Lu Yao would report them, the eldest and second daughters-in-law rushed to their in-laws to complain first.

As Lu Yao supported Lu Yun and walked out of the house, he saw Old Man Wang listening grimly to the two daughters-in-law as they gossiped about how harsh Lu Yao's words were.

Old Lady Wang quickly said, "Shut up! Go back into the house!"

The two daughters-in-law shrank back in fear, immediately closing their mouths and entering the house.

Old Lady Wang approached with a forced smile. "My two daughters-in-law are shallow-minded; I hope you didn't take offense."

"It's fine. Quarrels between sisters-in-law are normal. But since my brother-in-law is not at home and Lu Yun is pregnant, I hope you can look after him more."

"Of course, of course. Come inside. My husband will slaughter a chicken for lunch."

Lu Yao waved his hands. "No need. We have urgent matters at home. Today, we came to ask Uncle Wang to help me check on our mule in town. It hasn't eaten since yesterday and couldn't stand up this morning. It seems quite ill."

Upon hearing this, Old Lady Wang called her husband over. "Lu Yun's Third Brother's mule is sick. Please go and help check on it."

"Sure, shall we go now?"

Lu Yao nodded. "Yes, I'm worried it might get worse if we delay."

The old man grabbed his wooden toolbox, prepared it, and followed Lu Yao out the door. Lu Yun sent him off at the gate before reluctantly returning to the courtyard.

On the way back, Lu Yao noticed a long funeral procession ahead, which seemed to involve different families.

"Uncle Wang, what happened in the village? Why are there so many deaths?"

Wang Gou sighed. "You didn't know? Those are the people who went to serve labor duty and died along the way."

Lu Yao paused, his heart tightening. "How could so many die from labor duty?"

He sighed again. "Misfortune! Our townspeople were originally going to Fanyang to build the imperial palace, but halfway through, they were redirected by the Ping Prefecture government to transport supplies to Ying Prefecture."

Lu Yao didn't understand the difference.

"Transporting supplies is exhausting and dangerous, with the risk of enemy ambushes. Some villagers fled their duties, resulting in seven others being beaten to death. The officials only collected the bodies two days ago."

Lu Yao stumbled, seeing stars and nearly fainting.

Old Man Wang quickly supported him. "I know you're worried about your husband. I share your concern and haven't told Lu Yun for fear of scaring him."

It took Lu Yao a while to compose himself, barely holding back tears. "Thank you, Uncle, for telling me this."

Wang Gou waved his hand. "No need to thank me. I just hope they all return safely..."

*

Back in town, Old Man Wang examined the mule, finding the problem to be minor but troublesome.

The mule had developed mouth ulcers, with its lips and tongue severely damaged, emitting a foul odor when opened.

Wang Gou instructed Lu Yao to mix salt water and clean the mule thoroughly, causing it great pain and making it thrash uncontrollably.

After cleaning the mule's mouth and applying his homemade herbal medicine, the mule appeared better and started eating beans again.

Old Man Wang washed his hands. "Feed it less for a few days and clean it with salt water daily. Here's a packet of medicine; apply it as I showed you."

Lu Guangsheng said, "Thank you for coming such a long way."

"Between our families, what's the point of thanks?"

Lu Yao managed a weak smile. "Uncle, stay for lunch and have a drink with my father."

Wang Gou, burdened with worries, agreed, appreciating the company.

Lu Yao brought out some braised dishes and eggs, bought a jug of wine and a pound of peanuts, and the two old men sat down to drink.

"This is the first time we've had a drink together. Let's make it a good one."

Wang Gou nodded, having his bowl refilled.

"In a few months, Lu Yun will give birth. Wonder if it'll be a girl or a boy."

"The first child, whether a girl or a boy, is fine. They're both good."

Lu Guangsheng smiled. "Indeed. They're still young and should have more children. I adore Tian; he's capable and diligent."

Wang Gou felt pained and took a large sip of wine.

"Brother, why do you seem troubled today? Has something happened at home?"

Wang Gou then recounted the labor duty incident. "We were supposed to go to Fanyang, but they changed the route halfway. A few villagers fled, and seven others were beaten with military rods, leaving them deformed from the waist down, unable to even wear pants."

"Aah!" Lu Guangsheng turned pale, remembering his own experience as a conscript years ago. He knew the dangers of transporting military supplies, where everyone became a potential slave in times of war.

Wang Gou shed tears. "All three of my sons went this year. I don't know if they'll come back alive."

Though Lu Guangsheng didn't have sons serving labor duty, his two sons-in-law were like his own sons. His eyes welled up. "What can we do? What can we do?"

"There's nothing we can do. We can only pray."

The two old men cried in the room, while Lu Yao wept in the kitchen. He had thought they would be back within three months, but now faced this dire situation. Anger rose in his throat, making it hard to speak.

The people in the room drank for over an hour. Lu Guangchuan got drunk and cried himself to sleep. Old Man Wang had a better tolerance, so he packed up his things and prepared to go home.

Lu Yao filled a large bowl with food from the pot and gave him more than ten preserved eggs to take back.

The old man wiped his eyes and said, "Don't worry too much. He might be back in a few days."

Lu Yao nodded and, with a hoarse voice, said, "Please look after Lu Yun and don't let him worry."

"I understand. Go inside now; no need to see me off."

After seeing Old Man Wang off, Lu Yao gave Dahua some water. She seemed much better than in the morning and was even able to stand up and eat grass. It looked like the medicine was quite effective.

That night, Lu Yao developed a high fever, burning up and convulsing, mumbling incoherently.