novelraw Chapter 30: They Have Arrived
Chapter 30: They Have Arrived
Chapter 30: They Have Arrived
He Da has always had a favorable impression of scholars.
Whether before or during these chaotic times, the most capable people he had encountered included scholars.
Before the chaos, it was as expected. Our current dynasty values culture over military strength. "All vocations are inferior, only scholarship is supreme." "Within books lie golden houses, within books lie abundant grain." He heard such sayings frequently in teahouses and restaurants.
His entire family supported his younger brother's studies. Most of the rewards he received from running errands for nobles were used for his brother's education. Because he had a brother studying at the county academy, he held a bit of an advantage among the street loiterers.
Later, when the world fell into chaos, the county magistrate, Tan, who was in charge, possessed extraordinary methods and managed to secure a way out for the county town. This further convinced him of the scholars' abilities.
Therefore, even though gathering firewood had become difficult, he would still try to get more books for his younger brother if he had the chance. As long as one studies hard, they will surely become more capable!
Even if he couldn't become as capable as Magistrate Tan, the books he traded for now were previously very expensive. With the current difficult times, people were selling them cheaply or burning them. If the chaotic times eventually end, wouldn't they appreciate in value someday?
He had heard storytellers in restaurants mention how a certain farmer's ancestral tattered scroll was purchased by a noble for a chest of silver!
In any case, keeping them wouldn't result in a loss. It only took a few pieces of firewood, which wasn't troublesome for him.He Da had an open mind, but He Xiao Di, who was just over ten years old, was under immense psychological pressure and had experienced family misfortune. With the imperial examinations halted, his worldview had drastically changed, and he was filled with a somber aura.
When Magistrate Tan was around, scholars like them who could write and calculate were somewhat useful. Completing the tasks assigned to them meant they could exchange them for some food. But the magistrate had left half a month ago, and everything in the city had changed. They, the physically weak scholars, had become a burden to their families.
If they were more robust, they could do other work. But with his frail and small physique, he could only stay at home, boil water, and cook some gruel daily, to lessen his elder brother's burdens.
"Brother, don't trade firewood for books anymore," He Xiao Di said softly.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I don't care for ordinary books. I've heard you mention this one before, and I've also heard wealthy young masters talk about it. It's sold for a high price! Burning it would be a waste. It only takes two pieces of firewood, we're not losing anything!"
"Firewood is more valuable now, don't trade for it anymore. Try not to leave the city. Before, Magistrate Tan sent people to clear out the evil creatures outside the city, but now, after half a month, it will become increasingly dangerous outside." He Xiao Di said.
"Mm, I know that. I value my life. Once I've stockpiled some more firewood, I'll stay at home and not go out." He Da said.
"Brother, are you going out to chop firewood tomorrow? I'll go with you."
"Oh, no, no, you just stay home and read your books. I'll be back quickly."
He Xiao Di didn't say anything further. He lowered his head, not letting He Da see the expression in his eyes. He also knew that if he went along, he would likely become a hindrance.
However, other villagers living in the same courtyard, children of similar age to him, were all helping their families with chores, chopping and splitting firewood. Some were even using bamboo poles to rummage through street garbage, looking for anything useful to bring back.
He Da now forbade him from going out and kept him confined at home, unsure of what he could do. In the past, his whole family supported his studies; now, he was dragging his elder brother down.
Seeing the atmosphere turn silent again, He Da scratched his head helplessly. He knew his younger brother was feeling down; scholars' minds were just... Wait, scholars?
He Da's spirits lifted.
"I'll tell you more about Scholar Weng! This person clearly has some talent..."
His brother had listened intently when he recounted the story of Scholar Weng giving him the food package earlier.
Scholar Weng was really useful; he could be brought up in conversation when there was nothing else to talk about.
Just as he was speaking, Yu Jia Lao Er (Yu Family's second son) came looking for him.
He Da had to pause their conversation.
Yu Jia Lao Er inquired about Wen Gu and his companions. Apart from the food package He Da had received, there was nothing else he needed to hide.
"Did the children ride on their mule cart?" Yu Er asked.
"I heard the sound of children, but I didn't see them. I don't know their relationship. However, I feel that Scholar Weng and County Lieutenant Zhou don't seem like sinister or malicious people."
He Da stared at the other man: "What, does your family want to head north with them?"
Yu Er didn't answer directly but retorted, "Don't you?"
The two looked at each other.
At this moment, the street loiterer duo had a moment of telepathy.
The gangs in the city were only concerned with infighting. They hadn't read many books but harbored great ambitions, were greedy, and lacked foresight.
If they wanted to survive with their families, they either had to join them or leave their homes behind.
It was indeed a difficult decision.
Since that was the case, it would be better to follow the example of intelligent people with status. For instance, Magistrate Tan, Scholar Weng, and County Lieutenant Zhou.
"The situation in the city won't change in a short period. It's too dangerous to stay here for long," He Da said.
Yu Er looked at the dilapidated walls around them, his gaze unfocused: "I've inquired. The gangs in the city believe that the colder temperatures in autumn and winter will greatly reduce the threat from outdoor evil creatures. They think the garbage piled up on the streets doesn't need immediate attention for now, and they can focus on occupying territories and establishing rankings first."
He Da sneered: "What if the weather suddenly gets warmer for a few days? Are they waiting to die?"
Yu Er remained silent. After a moment of thought, he asked, "When are Scholar Weng and his group leaving?"
He Da looked at the darkening sky: "They shouldn't be leaving tonight. Tomorrow is uncertain. If you want to find them, you'll have to be early."
At this time, outside the county town.
Wen Gu and his group had returned to their hidden shed. County Lieutenant Zhou changed into clean clothes before interacting with his children.
The county town of Feng County was too dirty now. To prevent contamination, he changed his clothes directly.
He didn't dare to throw away the clothes he changed out of. With the current shortage of supplies, everything had to be used sparingly.
When starting the fire, he placed the clothes beside it to gently dry them with the heat.
Wen Gu took out his notebook and looked at the rough map he'd inquired about from Blacksmith Yu that day. He said to the group, "We won't be in a hurry to set off tomorrow morning. We'll stay for half a day. I'll plan the route first."
Little Liu and County Lieutenant Zhou had no objections.
Daoist Master Qingyi looked at Little Liu: "Don't you find this situation familiar?"
Little Liu hadn't really noticed and didn't see anything wrong with Wen Gu's decision. It was indeed necessary to plan the route properly before setting off; sharpening the axe does not delay the felling of wood.
Daoist Master Qingyi pouted silently, unwilling to say more to these dull commoners.
Before going to sleep that night, Wen Gu was still contemplating this matter.
Although they were short on people, he would only wait for half a day.
If the people still hadn't arrived after half a day, there would be no point in waiting, and they certainly wouldn't enter the city.
There was too much garbage in the city, and who knew what other epidemics it might harbor. The medicinal herbs everywhere were almost depleted; if one fell ill, there would be no medicine to take.
In any case, the route map was the biggest gain from this trip.
It was a pity about the talented individuals he had taken a liking to. If the city were even slightly cleaner, he would have entered to lend a hand.
Wen Gu turned over and continued to ponder.
Logically, after throwing out several large paper packets of his grain powder, there should have been some response.
Looking at the Confucian classic in He Da's hand, combined with his conversation with the gatekeeper, there was likely a younger brother, around ten years old, in the early or intermediate stages of learning nearby. Having someone they cared about meant having a weakness.
Since He Da could inquire for news in the county town, he must know other people.
Additionally, regarding Blacksmith Yu, his family was struggling financially, everyone was unemployed at home, and there was no income. They hadn't been able to leave with the previous group due to certain reasons. Their situation would be even more difficult now, so they must be considering their options.
People of this era didn't dare to leave their homes casually, fearing the dangers of the journey and having nowhere to settle, wandering from place to place. The chaotic times would only make things more difficult.
And Wen Gu, who had supplies, knowledge, a reception point in the north, appeared kind, and was assisted by the county lieutenant and the immortal master.
What a great leader!
The city was becoming more chaotic; these people shouldn't be unmoved.
Now, Wen Gu was like a fisherman standing by a pond.
As the saying goes, "To catch more fish, one must bait the hook generously."
After tossing out a few packets of supplies, there had to be a reaction. Those meager supplies would only last a few meals, right? It wasn't disaster relief food.
Those who came close, even if not one bringing four or five, at least one or two, right?
Perhaps my baiting technique is wrong?
The next day, early in the morning.
Wen Gu had Little Liu keep watch around them. Although he did wish for a "buy one get one free" or "buy one get two free" situation, he had to consider other possibilities.
Human hearts are complex, especially in such chaotic times.
"Everyone, pack your belongings first. If you notice anything unusual, quickly get in the cart and leave."
In any case, in the current world, the people in the city wouldn't dare to chase too far even if they left the county town. They would have time to escape.
Wen Gu also told Zhou Shan to let the three children in the cart come out and move around. Constantly staying in the carriage would affect their mental health.
The shed had a fire pit, and the three children had been wiped down with coarse wine. As long as they didn't stray far, it would be fine.
County Lieutenant Zhou thought that after finishing their chores, the three children had slept soundly and their spirits had improved significantly, so he agreed. He would be watching here, ready to respond quickly to any abnormalities.
Wen Gu had the three children, one older and two younger, mix some concentrated feed for the donkeys and mules. They might need to carry heavier loads next, so they needed to eat well. Eating only grass wouldn't suffice.
There was only a little bit of the mixing material left.
Wen Gu mused that they had too few people in the team. If there were more people, there would be enough manpower to gather more feed ingredients and stock them up.
Just as he was thinking, a few calls of kites were heard in the sky.
Little Liu quickly ran over, "Someone's coming! I saw them from the rock just now. There are only two of them: one looks like He Da from yesterday, and another stranger about the same age as He Da."
Since there were only two people, there was no need for an overreaction.
The two young children, upon hearing that strangers were approaching, quickly ran behind Zhou Shan: "Dad!"
"Take your younger siblings to the cart," Zhou Shan said to his nephew.
After the three children were inside the mule cart, Zhou Shan stepped forward with his saber. Even if only two people were coming, caution was necessary.
Wen Gu tidied his clothes and walked out of the shed, his gaze clear and sincere.
It must be He Da, the fish... cough, He Da and Yu Er, right?
Daoist Master Qingyi, who was grinding medicine, glanced in that direction and shook his head.
Wen Gu, this person, looks at dogs with a clear and sincere gaze.
(End of Chapter)