The Daily Life of Farming and Raising Children in Ancient Mountain Residences

Chapter 146: What Did Wang Chunniang Do?

Accompanying Lu Dalang and his wife on their way were Zhou Dalang. Upon hearing Shen Lie mention there was something to discuss, he didn’t think much of it. Today was the first proper day for all the young and middle-aged to reside together in the valley. Previously, everyone had been busy with grain transport, so they hadn’t gathered all at once. Discussing future regulations seemed perfectly normal to Zhou Dalang.

Without further inquiry, he readily agreed, “Alright, I’ll go back and inform my family. After breakfast, I’ll have my parents come over, and I’ll also inform Uncle Shi’s family.”

Hearing Zhou Dalang say this, Lu Dalang smiled and said he’d go back to inform his family as well, returning after breakfast.

As they walked back, Wang Chunniang followed behind, turning around to disdainfully purse her lips.

Even to go pick wild vegetables, she had to have a whole conversation, showing off her endurance.

However, she knew she wasn’t well-liked in the valley now. She had to keep her tail tucked and be careful. So, she could only mutter to herself about it and dared not say a word more, not even daring to show any improper expressions, especially when people were around.

After Shen An and Wang Yunzheng finished their morning studies and returned home, they met Wang Chunniang’s lip-pursing face as soon as they stepped through their door. Shen An hesitated, thinking he might be seeing things, and took another look.

Wang Chunniang had just pursed her lips, and when she looked up, she met Shen An’s gaze. Startled, she nearly let out a gasp.

Just barely holding back her surprise, she forced a smile, “Little An, Little Ning, you’re back from your studies?”

Shen An and Shen Ning nodded and stopped with the Xu siblings to greet Zhou Dalang and the others.

After Zhou Dalang and Lu Dalang’s group had walked a little ways off, Shen An quietly asked Shen Ning, “Did Aunt Lu just now seem off to you?”

Shen Ning hadn’t noticed, looking puzzled, “Did she?”

But Wang Yunzheng nodded after glancing at Wang Chunniang’s back, “She pursed her lips.”

Shen An glanced at Wang Chunniang’s back and confirmed he hadn’t been mistaken.

By now, Shen Lie had entered the cave and was contemplating the dimensions of Sangluo’s two drawings against the cave wall and where the cave wall needed repairs. Shen An approached and asked, “Brother, did Uncle Lu and Brother Zhou come over for something just now?”

Shen Lie glanced at him, “Why do you ask?”

Shen An said, “Uncle Lu and Aunt Lu just left, right? We were just coming back with Ning and the others. Aunt Lu turned around and made a strange face at me. At first, I thought I was mistaken, but Yunzheng saw it too.”

Shen Lie didn’t find this strange, but his disgust deepened.

Ignorant, ungrateful, insatiable.

Though he barely showed any emotion in his eyes, his voice remained calm, “It’s nothing major. Put your books down and go to Dashan Brother’s and Aunt Xu’s houses to inform them. Have them make the trip after breakfast and come to our house to discuss future trips out of the valley.”

Nothing major?

Shen An looked puzzled, nodded, put down the bamboo slips in his hand, packed them into a cloth bag, and put them on the shelf before leaving.

After stepping out of the cave, he paused after a few steps.

If they notified the Chen and Xu families, what about the three families opposite?

Both the Lu and Zhou families had people come over. Was what Big Brother just said at the cave entrance about inviting Uncle Lu and them to come over after breakfast to discuss going out of the valley????

This seemingly commonplace remark – what did Aunt Lu’s lip-pursing mean?

Shen An tried to imagine the situation Big Brother mentioned and reconsidered the expression he’d just seen on Wang Chunniang’s face – was it mocking?

He pursed his lips, feeling dissatisfied.

Big Brother and Dashan Brother had labored for months, only to settle down just last night. Now, they wanted to go out and get food for everyone, and a few words before they left weren’t enough?

Mockery for what reason? Why mock them?

He glared angrily at Wang Chunniang, who was still walking on the mountain road opposite, feeling angry even for the Huzi’s own mother.

Moreover, who broke the grain bag in their house, and how did they still not come to a conclusion? If Mrs. Dang didn’t hold back, he didn’t dare to think… At this moment, Shen An couldn’t help looking at Wang Chunniang again.

“Can’t be true?

Thinking of the Huzi cub he played with since childhood, he quickly suppressed this thought, not daring to dwell on it. However, inevitably, his mind would recall the events of the night in the twelfth lunar month last year. It was Huzi’s mother who leaked the details of everyone’s hoarded food, and in the middle of the night, each family was anxiously discussing ways to deal with it.

Although they had stored a considerable amount of food in the valley to avoid disaster, they still ate frugally, only two meals a day when not busy with heavy physical work, making the cooking simple.

On this side, Sang Luo also had a meal of bean porridge today, mainly made of soybeans with a bit of red beans and rice.

After finishing breakfast, Shen Ning took the bowls to wash, and visitors started arriving from each family. Starting from the Lu family on the other side, each family called out to the next until they reached Shen’s cave. When the neighbors from the Xu family came over, everyone was present.

Shen Lie had something to say, noting the large number of people from each family, with all the adults and children joining in the excitement. Fortunately, there were plenty of wood materials left outside the cave, so they each chose a piece to use as a stool and sat down to talk.

With everyone gathered, Shen Lie didn’t beat around the bush.

“I briefly mentioned the situation outside yesterday. I believe everyone wants to gather as much food as possible before the chaos ensues, so we can stay in the valley and avoid going out if possible.”

“The reason for inviting everyone here today is to address two important matters upfront.”

Everyone nodded, and Old Chen said, “Go ahead, what should we be aware of?”

Shen Lie smiled and said, “Let me clarify the situation first. There is danger in leaving the valley, and each family must weigh the risks for themselves.”

Most people were taken aback, not expecting this. However, many didn’t take it too seriously. Mrs. Shi Erlang said, “We understand, but with you and Dashan here, along with Lu Er and our family’s eldest, we should be fine if we’re careful, right? We’ve come this far together.”

Shen Lie shook his head, “Mrs. Shi Er, it’s not that simple. Our successful trips were due to experienced guides leading the way each time, being cautious enough. But the biggest reliance is actually the poison arrows.”

As soon as poison arrows were mentioned, everyone was stunned.

Indeed, Shen Lie and Sang Luo spent a lot of money on the poison arrows made from medicinal herbs. Each time they set out, Shen Lie or Chen Dashan would give everyone a small vial as a backup, to be collected at the destination.

They had encountered fierce beasts and wolf packs along the way, even the women and children who had only traveled once had encountered them several times. It was all thanks to Shen Lie and the others being brave, skilled, and having the poison arrows that they arrived safely.

Suddenly bringing up this matter, everyone felt a jolt in their hearts. Those who reacted quickly realized that the poison arrows were expensive and not something to be used recklessly.

Indeed, Shen Lie continued, “The price of poison arrows is high, and we’ve consumed a lot in the past few months. Today, the first thing I need to tell you is that I have very few poison arrows left. The situation in the future is uncertain, so I’m not planning to use the remaining bit for now; I need to save it for emergencies.”

“So, I must make it clear today that if we run out of poison arrows in the future, I won’t be able to provide them anymore. Everyone will have to rely on their own strength for protection. If you want to bring your family along, you must be capable of keeping them safe. Otherwise, it’s better to think twice.”

After hearing this, everyone reacted differently, but most were at a loss. They were excited to go out and gather food, but now they heard that their protective talisman was gone, and they were unsure how to proceed.

Sang Luo glanced at Wang Chunniang, who was initially stunned, then her face turned pale, and she discreetly looked away.

However, Mrs. Chen, Old Chen, and Chen Dashan looked at Shen Lie with surprise.

The two families were very familiar with each other, especially Chen Dashan, who had been Shen Lie’s partner for years. Just by meeting Shen Lie’s gaze, he sensed that something was amiss and quickly composed himself.

Mrs. Chen and Old Chen were also astute. They glanced at Shen Lie, then at Sang Luo. Seeing Sang Luo’s calm expression, the elderly couple exchanged a knowing look and remained silent, showing no sign of their thoughts.

No one noticed the Chen family’s instantaneous reaction.

Mrs. Gan was a bit worried, but she was the most clear-headed in the Shi family. Mrs. Shi Erlang, still looking bewildered, turned to Mrs. Gan for advice. Mrs. Gan had already asked Shen Lie, “Will it be more dangerous for us to go out without poison arrows?”

Since entering the Yun Valley, the valley had been sealed off, and they had been well protected inside. They didn’t know much about the situation outside the valley.

Shen Lie looked at Shi Dalang and said, “Uncle Shi has been with us in the deep mountains and forests for over half a year and knows the dangers best. We are the most experienced among the four of us, with better reflexes and strength than ordinary people. We’ve been injured several times by wild beasts in the mountains. If it’s just us, it’s okay, despite the dangers. But if we bring others, we need to consider carefully.”

“Without going into details, we found this valley because we encountered a black bear. Not to mention wolf packs, there are quite a few of them. We’ve sold quite a few wolf skins, and I still have a few in my cave. We have the advantage here, as wild animals can’t enter, but you may have heard the wolves howling at night. As for wild boars, they are on the outskirts, and we encountered a group on our way back. There should be more inside.”

Wang Chunniang’s face grew even paler.

Sang Luo glanced up and then lowered her eyes, hiding a smile.

Shen Lie pointed to the dozen or so sets of shelves under the two trees outside his door and said, “This time, I saw Aluo setting up these shelves to grow vegetables. I heard that everyone followed suit. This way, many positions on the mountainside are now available for planting beans. Planting higher up, along with the fields each family has, and the stored grains, we can save some. Although we may not eat our fill and may have to endure some hunger, we won’t starve.”

Without leaving a trace, he glanced at Wang Chunniang and then looked away, saying, “So, whether to leave the valley or not, everyone needs to consider for themselves. Leaving the valley is risky; there may be injuries or even death. Of course, if you’re lucky, you might get to eat meat. Not leaving the valley will be tough but safe.””

“Everyone fell into silence.

Lu Erlang and Shi Dalang didn’t think much of it; only those who had walked in the mountains knew that Shen Lie’s words were very sensible.

Rushing out all at once, indeed, they wouldn’t be able to protect themselves; they didn’t have that ability.

Shen Lie had used quite a lot of medicine along the way, and even if there were some left, they couldn’t expect people to continue providing for them without a second thought.

Lu Erlang said, “Alie’s words are true. The mountains are indeed dangerous, even more so than you imagine. When encountering a wolf pack, previously, a poisoned wolf could be easily dealt with by one arrow. But without poison, it’s difficult to kill them. They could harm several elderly, weak, women, and children before dying. This is why there are many refugees on the outskirts now, while our area remains relatively peaceful. Those of us with better skills might be able to protect a family, but for ordinary folks, just protecting themselves without injury or death is already commendable.”

Shi Dalang also nodded and asked Shen Lie, “What is the other thing you need to address?”

Shen Lie pointed towards the outer periphery of the valley and said, “The second matter is regarding the entrance and exit we have been using for grain transportation. Starting today, if we don’t encounter a major danger, we won’t use this entrance and exit anymore. This location is too low, and there are high mountains in the distance where people can hide. It’s difficult for people leaving from here to conceal their tracks, making it unsafe. It could expose the existence of the valley. Chen Dashan and I will go out to disguise the outer area again, and in the future, we will use a different entrance and exit.”

Shi Dalang looked up at the largest and highest cave in the valley. It was too high, and he had never been up there.

“Is it nearly thirty feet high?” he asked.

Shen Lie nodded, “It’s quite dangerous, but it’s accessible. Chen Dashan and I can go up and throw down a rope to assist. We will disguise the outer area, and the entrance to that cave can also be modified for easier concealment and transportation.”

“The ground entrance at the gorge is too narrow and directly faces the mountain; it’s not easy to change, and if altered, it won’t be safe. The halfway point is suitable for utilizing the new shelter’s method. Larger baskets and backpacks can be stored there in the future without worrying about finding another place to hide them. In winter, firewood can also be brought in, and they can be stored directly in caves halfway up the mountain, saving space in the lower gorge.”

“These are the two matters. Today, only Chen Dashan and I will go out to handle the two entrances. If you plan to go out for foraging and hunting, it will start from tomorrow. Today, you can carefully consider whether to go out or not. It’s not mandatory; everyone has a choice.”

With that, Shen Lie concluded today’s discussion.

…

Each family didn’t return to their own homes but started discussing on the spot.

In the Shi family, Shi Dalang didn’t see any problems. Although it might not be safe for him to go out with Mrs. Gan due to his disabled hand, taking his brother out should be fine as Shi Er had decent skills.

As for the Lu family, Lu Erlang looked at his third brother and said, “I should be fine taking you.”

The Zhou family seemed a bit confused. Zhou Cunzheng and his wife exchanged glances, looking at their three sons, all hesitating…

Zhou Cunzheng’s wife said, “Can’t we just focus on growing vegetables and raising chickens, maybe plant more beans?”

Wild vegetables weren’t essential; their family had a considerable amount of stored grain.

Zhou Dalang indeed felt a bit weak in the legs. He wasn’t very skilled, but Zhou Erlang, looking at his parents and wife, tentatively said, “We don’t need to go out every time, but occasionally following everyone out should be okay, right?”

This decision needed to be discussed further within the Zhou family.

In the Xu family, they weren’t even considering hunting. They had plenty of food, along with chickens, ducks, and vegetables. If they didn’t go out, they could still live comfortably.

In the Chen family, Chen Dashan naturally didn’t need to be mentioned; he could handle either his father or mother without any issue.

That left the Lu family’s main house. Lu Dalang bit his lip, remaining silent for a long time.

His fifteen-year-old son, Shuanzhu, looked at his father, then his mother, and hesitantly asked, “For our family… should I go?”

Wang Chunniang’s expression changed immediately; she grabbed her son and adamantly said, “No.”

After a moment, she reconsidered. If there was someone else to accompany him, it might work. She looked at Shen Lie, Chen Dashan, then shifted her gaze to Lu Erlang.

Wang Chunniang’s lips trembled slightly, emboldening herself to say, “Uncle Er, could you take Shuanzhu?”

Lu Erlang’s face turned cold, “Big Sister-in-law, you must be joking. I can’t handle so many people.”

Wang Chunniang was taken aback, “I meant… could you stay home and let Shuanzhu go instead?”

Lu Erlang didn’t bother to sugarcoat it; he rolled his eyes, feeling amazed at how clever she was. When there were benefits, she wanted to send Shuanzhu, but when it came to going out, the elder brother’s command was absolute, and the second brother’s life was expendable.

In times of advantage, they would send Shuanzhu, but when danger loomed, they would change their minds. How cunning.

Lu Erlang didn’t respond, looking at Lu Dalang, “What do you think, Big Brother?”

Lu Dalang blushed, “No, no.”

He reached out to pull Wang Chunniang.

Shuanzhu frowned, saying, “Mom, I mean, I can go by myself.”

Wang Chunniang grabbed him, “Nonsense.”

She looked at Lu Erlang again, wanting to say more, but Lu’s mother-in-law was annoyed by her schemes, “Alright, let’s go back. If you don’t have the skills, you won’t starve by farming. Why crave meat? What good comes without effort? You have to fend for yourself.”

She turned to Shen Lie and Chen Dashan with a smile, saying, “We’ll send Erlang and Sanlang.”

And so, the matter was settled.

Lu Dalang didn’t utter another word from beginning to end.

Each family had furniture to make, so after the decisions were made, they dispersed.

Sang Luo hadn’t had a chance to smile yet when Mrs. Chen approached her, whispering, “What did Wang Chunniang do?””

Upon hearing this, Sang Luo’s eyebrows jumped.

Could it be that Mrs. Chen had eyes in the back of her head?

Her expression was too telling. Mrs. Chen chuckled and pulled her towards the cave, saying, “Why not just see the outcome? If their family can’t go out, and…”

She glanced outside the cave, seeing only Shen Lie and her own family, then continued, “You’ve made quite a bit of medicine, haven’t used it all yet, and I recognize those herbs. I taught you and Alie to identify them on the way here. They’ll be ready for harvest in three months. Did you think I wouldn’t know what you two were up to?”

Sang Luo chuckled and hugged Mrs. Chen’s arm, saying, “Thank you for not exposing us, Grandma.”

Mrs. Chen gently pinched her cheek, saying, “If she didn’t interfere, you and Alie wouldn’t have eaten so much. Alright, spill it. What did Wang Chunniang do?”

Sang Luo glanced at Mrs. Chen and chuckled, “Shen Lie was speaking the truth. Indeed, he can’t take too many people. It would be too late for regrets if they all rushed out and something happened.”

Mrs. Chen gave her a semi-serious, semi-playful glare before smiling and asking Sang Luo to wait. She then retrieved two stacked bags from the shelves and handed them to Mrs. Chen, saying, “I don’t know what she did without any evidence, but take a look at this. Compare it to the bags that were gnawed by rats at your place a few days ago.”