for robbery. Do you still need to smear our reputation Isn't that too unkind" I warn you, my uncle is in poor health and if he gets scared, you won't be able to afford the consequences!"Li Lao Si let...Old Mrs. Li spoke first, "Now that it's quiet, we should settle the accounts from today! Some people, our Li family no longer wants to travel with!"

Everyone's face turned pale, and they held their breath.

Some were surprised, some were ashamed, and some were confused.

Someone, slow of wit, asked aloud, "What's going on, Mrs. Li We agreed to leave together, it's only been two days, why are you breaking up the group"

Others also nodded, apparently not understanding what was going on.

Li Laotai waved her hand, signaling everyone to be quiet, then said.

"Earlier, our family received news and we told everyone. We never said anything about taking back the food we lent you. We just thought that since we've known each other for so long, if we could help out, it would be a good thing, right"

Then, our house was ready to leave immediately. Because everyone pleaded, we waited half a day longer and set off together. The second child and his brothers were busy running around, never refusing any task.

At this point, she took a deep breath, her expression clearly showing her anger.

"Our family has always thought that we haven't done anything wrong to everyone, and we also hope that we can take care of each other. But how do we, as a family, take care of everyone When it comes time for everyone to help our family, they are so heartless! "

During the day, Lao Si gathered everyone at the back of the line, afraid they would be scattered by others. When those two scoundrels from the Liu family came with their men to steal our food, they brandished knives and even wanted to kill the old, young, and children sitting in the carts.

"Well, the few families who were walking along beside the cart suddenly turned around and ran, not willing to help at all!"

She pointed at some people who were looking down with guilty consciences, calling them out by name.

“Hu Laosan, Hu Laosi, and Zhang Shitou, what were you thinking At the time, all of you had sickles and axes in your hands. You just needed to lend a hand to give us some time to dodge, why did you stand there and watch us get attacked Do you even have a conscience! You ate the food we grew and traveled with our family, when we needed help you hid, do you even have any shame”

The three men named, wished they could disappear into the ground.

They also knew in their hearts that what they had done was wrong, but at the time, out of fear, they really didn't think that much about it.

The rest of the villagers finally understood what was going on, and someone shouted in anger.

"Did Li's wife speak the truth Hu Lao San, Hu Lao Si, aren't you guys usually quite tough in the village Why are you so scared now"

"That's right, ungrateful! We're all from the same village. We should help each other out, especially Li's family!"

A chorus of boos and insults erupted, their eyes filled with shame and disdain.

Hu Laosi, perhaps angered by the scolding, retorted with a justification.

We didn't mean to do it, those people rushed up with knives, who wouldn't be afraid Whose head isn't made of stone!

Zhang Shitou thought for a moment and whispered in agreement, "I'm not unwilling to help, it's just that I'm truly afraid. Besides, Liu Tiezhu is determined to go after Li Luoche, there's nothing we can do to stop him!"

Everyone was so angry they could grind their teeth to dust. The village chief even brandished his pipe and wanted to rush forward and beat him up.

Li Lao Er quickly stopped him and then said.

It's natural to fear death, but when we're all fighting together, people like you can't afford to be scared. Even if we protect you, you might panic and expose our backs to the enemy.

Li Laosi also nodded, "We've discussed it at home. You don't have to return the grain you borrowed earlier, but you absolutely can't come with us. There are refugees everywhere on both sides of the road. It won't be hard to find a place to settle. From now on, we'll go our separate ways. Whether or not you survive depends on your luck."

Hu Laosan, Hu Laosi, and Zhang Shitou all remained silent.

They don't want to leave the team, after all, being in the middle of things, someone leads the way, and everything is taken care of.

But the villagers relied on the Li family; they had offended them, and there was no way out.

Old Li said again, “Today our team is like loose sand, scattering at the slightest push. If we keep going like this, it won't work. So, we discussed with the village head, and from now on, we will cooperate and divide the work on the road. Everyone will have tasks, and we will arrange meals and sleep together. We must all stick together, and no one is allowed to have second thoughts.”

At this point, everyone considered it. If they felt uncomfortable and didn't want to be controlled, they could follow Old Hu and his men. At least they would have each other's backs.

After saying that, she no longer cared, and led her several sons back home.

Just now, Li Lao Si and Li Lao San pulled out their oilcloth, and using a short pole they built a simple shed. They hung mosquito netting at the entrance.

Family joy, peace and good tidings, and even Master Zhang the divine physician are resting inside.

Jia Yin didn't know when she got bitten by a mosquito on her forehead. Doctor Zhang was holding her and applying ointment.

Jia Yin remembered how many people were left in the village, reaching out for Grandma's hug.

Li Laotai quickly hugged her, coaxing Jia Yin to call grandma, afraid that her granddaughter would be frightened by what happened during the day.

She was still calling out to Li Laosi, "Wash your hands well, don't get too close to Fu Niu. The child has a sensitive nose, be careful not to smell the blood and be frightened."

Li Lao Si agreed and went to find a place to take a bath.

When he returned, the villagers had already made a decision.

Besides those three families, only Zhang Shitou's sister's family also went out.

They were a little temperamental and wouldn't leave even when urged. At that moment, they shouldered their burdens, took their packages, and went to a distant place to build a campfire and set up camp.

Li Lao Er saw this and called Li Lao Si, joining forces with the village headman, to begin counting the number of people in the village, young and old.

Finally, a total of ninety-seven people from the whole village, including Li's family and Zhang the physician, were included.

There are twelve able-bodied youngsters who need to take care of eight children and twenty-two elderly people, including Zhao Shu.

There were twenty women left, and thirty-four men of mature age.

That is to say, the refugee group from QingShui Village needs the most food and care for the elderly and children. They also need able-bodied young men who can work and wield a knife.

This situation is really disheartening.

After deliberating for a whole hour, Li Lao Er finally began to announce the assignments to everyone.

Twelve half-grown children, led by three elderly men with disabled arms, were responsible for gathering firewood and fetching water during each camping trip.

Eight little children, usually riding in carts pulled by mules and donkeys, were looked after by three elderly cripples, including Zhao Shushu. Even during their encampment, they always had to be watched over.

Thus, the womenfolk didn't have to worry about anything else but being responsible for all meals, both breakfast and dinner, for everyone. Whenever they had the chance, they would also forage for wild vegetables to supplement their food supply.

The rest of the old men and women were responsible for guarding things, baskets, bundles, etc., and feeding the mules and donkeys. They also took turns keeping watch at night.

Of course, they are only auxiliary, the main force is still young and middle-aged men.

During the day, they should stand guard on the outer perimeter of the formation, protecting the elderly, women, and children. At night, they take turns standing watch.

As for meals, each household provided a daily ration of food per person to the communal kitchen.

When all the food is gone, we'll discuss what to do.

This way, everyone has something to do. No one can slack off or take it easy, and no one will tire out the Li family.

The villagers buzzed with questions, confirming their duties. Not only did they not feel burdened, but they felt a sense of security.

If you have something to do, prove your worth. Only those who are useful can survive.

This is a truth that will never change, no matter what.h her. 。The village head was a busybody, wanting to go in and out of the village three or four times a day. This left Wu's mother all alone at home. The women next door also each had their own jobs t...