Chapter 13: Encountering a Fleeing Group

A few days later, thirty miles outside Tianyang City, Lin Luoluo and her group encountered a ragtag group of people.

The people looked at them with longing eyes. On the two ox-drawn carts sat the elderly, the weak, women, and children. The slightly older children and young women walked beside the carts, while the able-bodied men walked at the outer edges.

The smell of meat wafted in the air, causing everyone to unconsciously swallow.

“Grumble…” A boy of around eight or nine rubbed his stomach and said, “Dad, I’m hungry. Can we stop here for a meal? It’s been so long since I ate meat. If I can just smell the meat and eat some flatbread with it, I can imagine that I’m eating meat.”

The man gently patted his head. “Alright.”

“Everyone, stop and rest in a shady spot. There’s water nearby, so it will be easy to get water. A few of you come with me to get some extra water. The others can start a fire and boil some water for lunch.”

After the man finished speaking, everyone went about their tasks, including the children. No one was idle, and no one, driven by hunger, begged Lin Luoluo’s group for food.

Lin Luoluo felt that these people had good character. Despite fleeing from a disaster and facing famine, they hadn’t lost their integrity and worked hard for their food.

Seeing that they meant no harm, Lin Da and the others went to the river to catch fish. Since they had practiced the martial arts Lin Luoluo had given them, their speed, internal energy, and strength had all increased.

In no time, they caught two large baskets of fish, while the fleeing group had only managed to catch a few. The man awkwardly scratched his head, then approached Lin Da and the others with a bold face.

“Bro, is there some trick to catching fish?”

Lin Da glanced at him.

“Uh, sorry, bro. I acted a bit rashly.” Catching food was an important skill, so how could it be casually shared?

Just as the man turned to leave, thinking Lin Da wouldn’t respond, Lin Da’s voice called out.

“When you fish, don’t aim directly at the fish. The fish’s position in the water is different from what we see with our eyes. You need to strike quickly, sharply, and accurately.”

“Ah, so that’s it! Thank you, little brother!” The man realized and cupped his hands in thanks to Lin Da.

“By the way, may I ask where you’re from?” he inquired.

“Ah… this year, the northwest is experiencing drought, and the harvest was poor. We thought we could tough it out, but then the Xiguo army attacked. The western border lacked supplies, and people were worried that the soldiers might starve. So, they voluntarily donated what little food they had to the border troops. But we didn’t have much left ourselves. Fearing the western border might fall, we brought our families out to search for a way to survive,” the man said with a helpless look, showing his desperation for life.

“Why not settle in Tianyang City ahead of us? Why continue heading north?” Lin Da asked, curious.

“Tianyang City has gathered too many people, at least a hundred thousand. They might not have room for us. So, we planned to try our luck in another city,” the man explained.

Lin Da nodded, indicating he understood.

“Little brother, if you can avoid Tianyang City, please do. The refugees there are too many, and it’s not safe,” the man kindly warned.

“Thank you for the reminder, big brother,” Lin Da said, cupping his fists in gratitude.

Afterward, they parted ways. Lin Da returned to Lin Luoluo and shared what he had learned.

Lin Luoluo frowned slightly, thinking for a while before saying, “Uncle Zhong!”

“Coming,” a voice called back. Soon, Lin Zhong arrived.

“Miss, what’s your command?” Lin Zhong asked, holding a bowl and eating as he approached.

“Wait a moment. Prepare two bags of grain, and some dried vegetables and meat. Have Lin Da and the others deliver them over there.”

“Oh, and send a basket of fish too.” Lin Luoluo waved her hand, wrinkling her nose in displeasure.

“Understood, Miss,” Lin Da said, suppressing a smile at his mistress’s expression of disdain.

“Uncle Zhong, after you rest, we’ll head toward Tianyang City.”

“Yes!” Although Lin Zhong had heard Lin Luoluo’s command to go to Tianyang City, he still couldn’t help but feel worried.

Seeing the concern on his face, Lin Luoluo sighed and added, “Uncle Zhong, there’s a reason I’m going to Tianyang City.”

“I understand. Lin Zhong will follow the master’s instructions,” he said, looking reassured.

Lin Luoluo raised an eyebrow. It seemed that he no longer considered her just the daughter of the general’s household but truly his master.

Having received Lin Luoluo’s orders, Lin Da and the others carried the food to the refugee group.

When the man saw them bringing supplies, he approached and asked, “Little brother, what’s this?”

“Big brother, our master is kind-hearted. She sent some grain over to help you. This should help you last a little longer,” Lin Da said, placing the supplies on the ground. Uncle Zhong had advised them to refer to the young lady as “master” to make it easier when acting outside.

“This… we can’t accept this for free. You have so many people with you who need food as well. Little brother, take it back!” The man felt guilty.

“Big brother, don’t worry! Our master doesn’t lack this small amount of grain, but for you, it might be a life-saver. You should take it for the sake of the elders and children. They are weak and can’t afford to go hungry. Please accept it!” Lin Da said before turning away with his companions, not waiting for a response.

“Little brother, thank you! And thank your master for us!” The man called out, his voice filled with gratitude as they walked away.

Lin Da waved his hand without turning back.

The man watched their retreating figures, his eyes red. He didn’t wipe his tears until they were out of sight and ordered his companions to carry the grain back.

When the children saw the supplies, they cheered. The women and elderly were moved to tears, and the men had red eyes.

“Big sister!”

“Big sister!” Lin Zirui and Lin Wanwan ran over, their faces covered in dirt and grime, followed by Lin Er, Lin Shi, and Gu Changqing.

“Slow down!” Lin Luoluo, who had been playing with Lin Ziyu, saw them running too fast and nearly tripping. Though she knew the two little ones had martial training and wouldn’t fall easily, she still couldn’t help but warn them.

“Big sister, look at the wild vegetables I dug up. Can we have them for dinner tonight?” Lin Zirui said excitedly.

“Big sister, look at the herbs I dug with Brother Changqing,” Lin Wanwan added.

The two little ones immediately showed off their harvest as soon as they reached Lin Luoluo.

“Well done! Zirui and Wanwan, you’re both amazing, knowing so much about wild vegetables and herbs,” Lin Luoluo praised them, giving them a thumbs-up.

“Big sister, you don’t know. The kids over there are so impressive. They all know about wild vegetables. They taught me how to dig them. Every time we stop to rest, they go digging and gathering firewood. Even the four- or five-year-old kids are working hard. They probably do it all the time.”

“We Zirui are also capable,” Lin Luoluo smiled, watching him puff out his cheeks as he spoke. Unable to resist, she kissed him on the cheek.

“Aiya! Big sister, I’m a man now. Men and women shouldn’t be too close. You can’t kiss me,” Lin Zirui said, rubbing his cheek and lowering his head shyly.

“Little brat, I’ll kiss you as much as I want! Let’s see if you still complain,” Lin Luoluo said, planting another kiss on his cheek.

“Aiya! I’m not talking to you anymore!” He ran off, though whether out of anger or embarrassment, it was unclear.

“Big sister, can I learn medicine? Brother Changqing said I learn herbs quickly. It’s just a shame I’m a girl. Big sister, I want to try it. I want to be like the women in your world,” Lin Wanwan asked, looking at her eagerly.

“Of course, you can. As long as you want, big sister supports you. But learning medicine is tough. Can you stick with it?” Lin Luoluo asked, looking into her eyes.

“I can!” Lin Wanwan said, her gaze firm.

“Alright, here’s a medical book for you. If you don’t understand any words, come ask me.” Lin Luoluo handed her a book from the space.

Lin Wanwan eagerly clutched the book to her chest and immediately climbed into the cart to read.