Chapter 115: Are You Revealing Everything?

They agreed to let Sang Luo mark the four bags of grain they would entrust to each family to take away tomorrow. They would come to collect them before dawn the next day. With that, everyone bid farewell. Chen Youtian asked Sang Luo for Qin Fangniang’s blanket and took it away.

It was only then that Shen Lie realized that Qin Fangniang and Gan had been staying at home these days. He expressed his gratitude once again, and the two of them saw the others off together from the courtyard.

As they descended the mountain from the Shen residence, turning over the ridge, everyone’s faces were filled with joy. Suddenly, Old Man Lu stopped in his tracks and said, “Everyone, there’s something I’ve been thinking about that I need to mention first.”

Everyone halted in their tracks.

Old Man Lu glanced at Shi Dalang and then at Zhou Cunzheng before speaking, “Today’s matters are fine if those who came here know about them, but once we return home, let’s be careful not to say a word more.”

Shi Dalang was momentarily stunned, then he chuckled, “That’s only natural.”

But Old Man Lu shook his head, “I’m referring to our own family members, everyone’s wives and children.”

There was a moment of silence among the group, even Lu Erlang seemed a bit slow to catch on.

Old Man Lu continued, “There’s no such thing as an airtight wall in the world. We must manage our mouths ourselves. The more people who know, the greater the risk of information leaking. Besides, except for Alie and the old Chen family, everyone has their own relatives and families here.”

With that said, Lu Erlang understood.

When they received the notification from Shi Erlang today, Lu Erlang’s wife’s eyes lit up as soon as she heard they had found a place. She immediately asked if the place was big enough and if they could bring people from her maternal family.

Maternal families, even daughters-in-law who marry into a family, have maternal families of their own. Their concerns for their maternal families are just the same, but they all knew such matters couldn’t be raised.

The wives of Shi Dalang, Shi Erlang, and Zhou Cunzheng’s two daughters-in-law all had maternal families.

However, their maternal families also had maternal families, just like Lu Erlang, who had three brothers-in-law, each with their own wives and maternal families. It was impossible to bring everyone along.

Moreover, it wasn’t just one or two families; within each clan, not to mention distant relatives, there were countless close relatives.

With so many relatives and connections, even three nearby villages wouldn’t be enough to accommodate them, let alone an area only one-third the size of a nearby village.

They could do good deeds themselves, but it was evident that the three families were benefiting from the Shen and Chen families and couldn’t avoid repaying them with concern for their safety.

Everyone was intelligent, and they quickly understood Old Man Lu’s meaning, falling into silence.

Because they had a way out, naturally, they wanted to take care of their relatives as well. But their capabilities were lacking, which inevitably caused them some pain.

Zhou Cunzheng was the first to realize this. Back when he privately asked Shen Lie to take him along, he had made a promise then. So he was the quickest to nod now, “That’s the point. We can’t rely on others to keep their mouths shut. Let’s all be more cautious, decide which direction to go, how far and how long to walk, what features the terrain has. Once we return, let’s not mention a word. When we send the grain, let’s remind them not to be followed by others based on identifiable features. Whether it’s losing the grain beforehand or being surrounded later, it’s all about the lives of our families.”

Everyone nodded.

Shi Dalang, after thinking for a while, tentatively asked, “Dashan, can your family’s medicine be sold to me? Just a little bit, I’ll give some to my in-laws and my second brother-in-law’s family, so they can quietly practice archery like us and find hiding places deeper in the mountains.”

If they didn’t hide deep enough, they wouldn’t be safe even if chaos broke out. But without a certain level of skill, going deeper into the mountains might lead to a quicker death.

Chen Dashan glanced at him, “We can make some medicine for you. Give the money for the raw materials to Alie, and he’ll help. But telling your in-laws to go deep into the mountains… I’m not saying this, but without certain experience, even knowing archery might not be safe. If something happens, you might regret it.”

Shi Dalang gritted his teeth, “Preparedness prevents harm. At least let them practice first. I’ve been walking in the jungle with you for over half a year. I’ll find some time to explain in detail and take them into the forest a few times. They were planning to hide in the mountains anyway, whether or not they go deeper into the mountains is up to them. Having more life-saving skills and items is always an extra way out. When it’s critical, they might pick up a few lives. That way, I won’t feel guilty.”

That makes sense.

Chen Dashan hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded, “Alright, I’ll go into the mountains. Buying medicine will have to be arranged by Alie or his wife. If it’s about making the medicine, my grandmother will do it. I’ll talk to her when I get back, and you can talk to Alie tomorrow.”

He added after some thought, “But it won’t be much, just a little for each family. It’s for use in life-threatening situations. This medicine is too poisonous; I dare not spread it around. It’s only for your family and your uncle Shi’s family. Don’t let it slip to other relatives and acquaintances. This medicine is too toxic. If it’s used by someone with ill intentions, it will be a great disaster.”

Shi Dalang was delighted to hear this, “I understand. Having enough for emergencies is enough. I’ll make sure to explain it in detail.”

Lu Erlang and Zhou Cunzheng also saw hope.

…

In the courtyard halfway up the mountain, Shen Lie finally had dinner. Shen An and Shen Ning squatted on the side, looking at the skins, while Sang Luo embroidered the “Chen” character on the grain bags with hemp thread.

By the time he finished eating, Shen An had already heated up the water for his bath. After washing his hair and body quickly, Shen Lie was pushed to the bed by Shen An and Shen Ning, lying with his head resting on the dry cloth at the edge of the bed. Shen An and Shen Ning helped him dry his hair together.

Sang Luo was still making dried sauce in the kitchen. Shen Lie thought she would come over, as he had a lot to say to her. However, she hadn’t come yet, and his eyelids were getting heavier and heavier. Before his hair was completely dry, he fell asleep.

When Sang Luo came over, she saw the two siblings continuing to gently wipe their elder brother’s wet hair bit by bit, the one whose hair was being wiped had already fallen into a deep sleep.

Having spent thirteen days in the woods, it was probably the first time he had slept so soundly.

Sang Luo raised her index finger to her lips, then quietly turned back to the kitchen. She scooped up some half-burnt charcoal from the stove with the old clay pot that used to hold money, then carefully placed it beside the bed, gesturing for Shen An and Shen Ning to help Shen Lie dry his wet hair.

The atmosphere in the Shen household was warm and cozy, but it was a different scene in the households below the mountain.

Not to mention the Chen family, who were the most worry-free. The Shi and Zhou families were also relatively calm. As for the specifics of the location they found, when the heads of the households said it was inconvenient to disclose, no one pressed further. They were all busy preparing to depart early the next morning, gathering leg wraps, preparing dry rations, arranging baskets, and bringing along rainproof gear.

Even the daughters-in-law were thinking about their maternal families, saying they would find a way to help, at least to give their families some means of survival in the woods. They all wore grateful smiles, truly thankful.

Except for one anomaly: the Lu family.

The wife of Lu Dalang, Wang Chunniang.

She had been unhappy since she saw her father-in-law go to the Shen family to discuss important matters with only her second uncle-in-law and not her husband. Now, when she asked about the specifics, both her father-in-law and her second uncle-in-law remained tight-lipped.

Wang Chunniang was not pleased.

In other families, the eldest son and the eldest grandson were always highly regarded. How come it was different in their family?

Even if the old lady favored her second daughter-in-law, she could tolerate it. But now, it seemed like her father-in-law was openly favoring her second uncle-in-law.

When they were packing up, they noticed that one of their baskets was empty. Upon inquiry, they found out it was specifically for carrying grain bags for the Shen family. Mrs. Lu’s discontent was evident, especially when she learned that neither Shen Lie nor Sang Luo were going into the mountains.

When Mrs. Lu had objections, she rarely spoke them aloud. She kept them in her heart, feeling uneasy, remembering them for a lifetime.

But she couldn’t always contain her emotions. Her discontent showed on her face, making it obvious to anyone who glanced at her.

Having lived with this daughter-in-law for fifteen years, Mrs. Lu could almost read her mind. She was truly exasperated.

If you were to ask her what she was unhappy about, she would deflect, sometimes expressing concern about the danger of delivering grain into the deep mountains, other times murmuring about why there were so many people going from their household—Mr. Lu and his two brothers were going, even the young boys were going.

The eldest son of Mr. Lu, Shuanzhu, was fourteen years old. In half a month, he would turn fifteen.

In the end, what she cared most about was kept hidden. She would bring up those concerns that she was conscious of but wouldn’t be criticized by her mother-in-law for voicing, yet were still bothering her.

Mrs. Lu didn’t scold her, she just smiled. “Indeed, it’s dangerous in the mountains. While we’re still here, you and the eldest can think about whether you want to stay in the village in the future.”

Wang Chunniang was speechless at once.

Mr. Lu shook his head repeatedly. “Mother, don’t listen to Chunniang’s nonsense. It was Shen Lie and Dashan who first went to pave the way for us. If it was dangerous, could it be more dangerous than what they encountered on their first trip? They didn’t hesitate at all and went to find the way first. And we’ll be living in the mountains in the future, what’s the danger?”

Mrs. Lu’s expression improved, and she looked at her eldest grandson. “Shuanzhu, would you dare to go deliver grain into the mountains tomorrow?”

Shuanzhu’s eyes lit up. “Grandma, I dare. My archery skills are pretty good, and my second uncle will secretly give me some good arrows. Besides, my dad and my second and third uncles are all going, so I’m not afraid.”

Tie Zhu and Huzi were also full of envy. Tie Zhu said, “Actually, I think my archery skills are pretty good too, and I have enough strength. Grandpa, grandma, can’t I go too? I don’t need to carry a basket, I can carry a load of grain on my back.”

Huzi, being too young, knew he wasn’t included in this, but he still looked envious.

Mrs. Lu looked at her grandchildren, finally smiling. She then turned to her second son. “How is Tie Zhu’s archery coming along?”

Mr. Lu smiled. “It still needs some work. His strength and accuracy are lacking a bit.”

Mrs. Lu then looked at her second grandson and said, “Listen up, you still need more practice.”

Turning to her grandchildren again, she asked, “Would you be willing to deliver grain to Shen Lie and Sang Luo’s house up the mountain?”

All three brothers smiled. “We’re willing!”

Shuanzhu glanced at his mother, then quickly looked away. “Our family’s situation now relies a lot on Sister-in-law Sang Luo’s business acumen. She also taught me archery.”

Tie Zhu laughed, completely unaware of the tension between his mother and grandmother. “We owe our escape to Brother Lie and Brother Dashan. Of course, I’m willing. I said I’ll carry a basket and go along. If I can’t shoot arrows, and there are wild animals, I’ll climb a tree while you guys shoot.”

Huzi chimed in, “Now that there are refugees, Xiao An’s family is small, and they live in an inconvenient place, especially when his brother isn’t home, it’s not safe.”

Mrs. Lu’s eyes had already softened, and Mrs. Feng Liu pursed her lips, lowered her head, and smiled. Only Wang Chunniang looked embarrassed, feeling frustrated that none of her sons took her side.

Mrs. Lu didn’t bother to look at her. She just addressed her grandchildren, “You’re all good kids. When you receive kindness, remember it well. Even if you can’t repay every favor with a flood of gratitude, at the very least, you should be aware of your debts and maintain a grateful heart. When you have the ability or when the other party is in need, you should repay it. That’s the way to be a decent person. Furthermore, this time helping to transport grain isn’t considered repayment. Your brother Lie and sister-in-law Sang Luo have already paid you for it. You’ll understand this on the way.”

The matter of the poisoned arrows was still unknown to the family. The old man had asked Old Man Chen privately about it. Those medicines weren’t cheap, and it took quite a few medicinal ingredients to produce a bit of finished product. Shen Lie and Sang Luo had spent a lot of money on it. Originally, it was the idea of the Shi family to buy some, and Dashan agreed.

But Mrs. Lu didn’t plan to tell her eldest daughter-in-law about this, nor did she plan to buy from the Wang family, as it wasn’t appropriate. So even her eldest son didn’t know about it.

She glanced at her sons and daughters-in-law again and said, “Moreover, when it comes to this, it’s Dashan who helped, and he and Sang Luo are the only ones who know the way and have the ability to lead the way. One of them must stay in the village. If anything happens, someone needs to protect us old and weak when we go into the mountains. Shen Lie can stay at home, and Dashan is willing to run back and forth. Other families might politely thank us, but we accept it without hesitation. We might even be oblivious to our own weight.”

Lu Dalang’s brothers nodded, and even their grandchildren thought carefully about it, eventually nodding too. The younger ones, like Shi Tou and Ah Xu, were still a bit confused, but it wouldn’t hurt to hear these principles more often.

Teaching children, grandchildren, and daughters-in-law was always about teaching in everyday situations. Mrs. Lu saw that everyone had taken it in, so she considered her lecture complete. As for the one who couldn’t absorb it, well, she couldn’t teach her anymore.

Thinking about giving Mrs. Wang, who was the mother and matriarch of the children, some face in front of the kids, she didn’t single her out for further reprimand. She just instructed, “And the most important thing, which I’ve been constantly reminding myself of lately, I’ll say it again today: don’t gossip about family matters outside. If chaos breaks out, guarding the grain is like guarding the lives of our whole family, as well as the lives of the several families we’re close to. Do you understand?”

Everyone nodded, even the youngest, Ah Xu, said in a childish voice that he remembered.

Mrs. Lu then waved her hand to dismiss them. “Alright, get ready and go to bed early. You’ll have energy for tomorrow. Chunniang, Liu Niang, go back to your rooms and tidy up. Come to the kitchen later and help prepare some dry food for them to take on the road tomorrow.”

Back in the house, Mrs. Lu sighed to Lu Dalang, “Back when we were poor, it was because of my lack of experience when I was young. The eldest son chose her. Our villages were far apart, and when I inquired, I only heard that she was diligent and capable. I secretly went to see for myself, and indeed, she wasn’t bad, so I agreed. I didn’t expect her to be only outwardly virtuous but inwardly petty and unclear. For so many years, if it weren’t for fear that our five children would be influenced by her and have their words warped, I would have thought about splitting up this family a long time ago, out of sight, out of mind.”

Lu Dalang just shook his head. “It’s fine. There’s no need to get angry. Shuanzhu is also grown up now. When the days are peaceful, we’ll find him a good wife. Having someone capable and stern to manage the household for the next generation of the main branch will suffice.”

Mrs. Lu nodded. “It’s the only way. Nature is hard to change. After teaching for over a decade and still seeing no improvement, there’s nothing more I can do.”

Putting aside these thoughts, Mrs. Lu took out the leg-binding cloth strips that Lu Dalang would need the next day and placed them on the table. “Let’s not dwell on it. You’ll be carrying grain tomorrow, too. Rest early. I’ll go to the kitchen and prepare some dry food for you to take with you.”

…

Speaking of Wang Chunniang, she felt utterly embarrassed in front of the whole family in the main hall. Blushing furiously, she followed her husband back to their room. However, once inside, she hesitantly asked Lu Dalang, “Did Dad say anything about whether we can bring my family?”

Lu Dalang: “…”

He hadn’t even thought about bringing her in-laws. He hadn’t even asked his father about it.

Moreover, could he say that his father was now wary even of him? The journey was divided into two parts, with him carrying the front half and not needing him for the back half.

Lu Dalang sighed. He could only advise, “It’s best not to bring it up again in the future. Where could we accommodate them? Your father, your four brothers, your uncles, cousins, and how many more? Besides, your four sisters-in-law also have their families.”

Wang Chunniang: “Why should we bring their families?”

Lu Dalang: “…”

Then why should we bring your family?

Your parents are people, but your brothers-in-law’s parents aren’t?

He couldn’t say such things. If he did, it would either lead to an argument or his mother-in-law crying. He could only say, “We don’t have that capability. We’ve informed them when buying grain, and we’ve sent messages when buying beans. When your family and several uncles gather together, there are about fifty or sixty strong men, much stronger than our family, which is standing alone. So don’t worry about it.”

As for sending messages over, her father didn’t even buy any grain. What could he do about it?

Wang Chunniang sat on the edge of the bed, wiping away tears. Lu Dalang’s head was pounding, but he couldn’t do anything about it. He could only pretend not to hear it and start packing things he would need for tomorrow’s trip to the mountains. Halfway through, he realized something and turned to ask Wang Chunniang, “You didn’t tell your family how much grain we bought, did you?”

Wang Chunniang’s body stiffened, and her eyes began to flicker.

Lu Dalang’s face turned dark.

He wasn’t wrong to be wary of her.

He glared at Wang Chunniang, his eyes red with anger. “I see you’re not happy with how well things are going and want to stir up trouble at home.”

Wang Chunniang felt both ashamed and angry. She knew a bit about her parents’ and siblings’ temperaments, but being confronted so bluntly by her husband still made her feel utterly embarrassed. Despite her embarrassment, she was starting to regret it.

She was a mother too, with children to protect. Her family hadn’t bought any grain this year…

Trembling, she said, “I didn’t say much. I just mentioned it a few times when we bought grain for the first couple of times.”

In fact, she was cursing Mrs. Feng Liu, bragging about earning a few coins and making a fuss when bringing back a few grains, criticizing her mother-in-law for favoritism, all stemming from those casual remarks when scolding Mrs. Feng Liu, which her mother and sister-in-law had managed to coax out of her.

Some people joined in scolding her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, standing on her side to vent their anger, and praising her for her good life, boosting her ego. Some of her words weren’t taken seriously, and she ended up blurting them out herself.

Lu Dalang knew his wife very well. If she had only mentioned it a few times when buying grain for the first few times, it wouldn’t have had much of an impact on the family. She wouldn’t have this expression on her face.

He pointed at Wang Chunniang for a long time without saying a word. Now, he could only thank Shen Lie and Chen Dashan for finding a way out early, sending the grain away quickly while things weren’t chaotic. If they left later, they definitely couldn’t let the in-laws catch up.

Taking several deep breaths, he couldn’t suppress his frustration. He pointed at Wang Chunniang and said, “Fine, I see you don’t need to stay at home. Even Shuanzhu wants to go to the mountains. How can you not go? Tomorrow morning, you’ll join me in carrying grain to the mountains. It’s better to go early and avoid being bothered by your in-laws.”

Wang Chunniang was dumbfounded. “Since when do women carry grain to the mountains?”

Lu Dalang snorted. “Why not? In the countryside, aren’t women just as capable as men? You’re worried about too many people going into the mountains, aren’t you? Let me tell you, you’ve underestimated it. My father will also go to carry grain tomorrow. If it weren’t for fear of the villagers paying too much attention if we cleaned out the village, believe me, my mother would also go to carry grain.”

“You’re only thinking about how many people are going from our family. Why don’t you think about how many people there are and how much grain there is? Compared to the Shi family with only a few people, our family has a lot more people and grain. Since you’ve leaked the family’s situation to your parents, then help carry the grain. The sooner you finish, the better. You can’t stay in the village anymore. I’m afraid our whole family will be sold by you sooner or later. I’ll go and talk to my parents about it.”

Wang Chunniang felt weak, but she didn’t know where she found the strength to rush forward, grabbing Lu Dalang. “Don’t tell Dad and Mom. I’ll carry the grain. I’ll carry it with you guys.”

Taking the initiative to carry the grain, she could still save some face at home. If her father-in-law and mother-in-law knew she had shaken the foundation of the family to her parents, she would have no face left in the future.