Koi Fubao: Being loved by everyone on the road to escape from famine

He recalled that along the way, Xiao Zhixue had asked him to pick some herbs in the fields by the roadside. At that time, he was confused and didn't know what was going on.

Now thinking back, it turned out that those herbs were prepared for the purpose of curing that Master Duan.

Xiao Tingxuan's admiration for his sister grew deeper and deeper.

There was a faint but firm light flickering in Xiao Tingrui's lowered eyes, and a long-lost hope quietly arose in his heart.

If his younger sister Xiao Zhixue really possessed such miraculous medical skills, then would he have a chance of survival and completely get rid of the shackles of illness after suffering from the stubborn disease for many years?

Xiao Zhixue was unaware of the turmoil in her brother's heart. She took out a brand new hundred-liang silver note from the embroidered sachet on her body and handed it respectfully to her father Xiao Wei with both hands.

The delicate patterns on the banknote sparkled in the sun, illuminating her resolute yet slightly immature face.

She said softly, "Dad, you keep this hundred taels, and I'll keep the rest for later use."

Xiao Wei stared at the heavy banknotes in his daughter's hand, and his rough hands trembled slightly.

He was a man of few words, but he knew very well that behind the banknote was Xiao Zhixue's hard work in saving lives and healing the wounded with her medical skills.

How can a father feel at ease spending his daughter's hard-earned money?

What's more, since she recovered from her illness, Xiao Zhixue's way of handling things has been more thorough and experienced than that of her father.

The future journey of fleeing famine is unpredictable. If she keeps the money for herself, she will be able to make proper arrangements and deal with various unknown difficulties.

Zhou Shuqiong on the side also echoed softly: "Yes, don't refuse. Yan'er has this intention, so we should accept it."

Seeing this, Xiao Wei no longer insisted and carefully put the banknote into his arms.

After going through many hardships, the family finally reached the edge of the cliff.

The mountain peaks stood like barriers, and the cliffs were steep and dangerous. They couldn't help but recall how they had mustered up the courage to climb up here, and they felt deeply moved.

Xiao Zhixue looked down at the mountain with sharp eyes, and saw that the flood was blocked by the mountain and failed to invade this temporary shelter. She was secretly glad in her heart.

However, this is not an ideal way down the mountain. The villagers of Keqiao Village who had gathered here have disappeared without a trace, including Fan Yanmu and the other two. Apparently they have successfully and safely descended the mountain.

Faced with the situation before her, Xiao Zhixue had an idea: Since those villagers with their families could find a way out in a short time, there must be a secret path leading down the mountain hidden here.

She made the decisive decision to go alone to find this potential way out, leaving her exhausted family behind to recuperate.

When Xiao Wei heard this, his brows furrowed, his worry was evident in his words, and he insisted on accompanying them.

He knew very well that although his daughter was extremely intelligent, she was still young and it was too risky for her to explore alone.

Seeing her father's resolute attitude, Xiao Zhixue felt distressed and tried to comfort him softly, "Dad, you have walked such a long way today, you must be very tired. You two can rest here. I can go alone and will be back soon."

However, how could Xiao Wei agree to let his daughter go into danger alone?

At this time, Xiao Tingrui, who had been silent all this time, stepped forward and said firmly, "Little sister, I'll go with you."

Although he was aware of his weak constitution and the long journey had already exhausted him, if he retreated at this moment, he would only make himself appear useless and cowardly.

He was determined to protect his sister, even if it was just a small amount of strength, to share the burden with her.

Seeing this, Xiao Zhixue nodded gratefully, gently put down the heavy bag on her shoulders, and took out a sheepskin water bag from it.

She quietly poured a few drops of precious spiritual spring water into it and handed it to Xiao Tingrui: "Brother, drink some water first, and then we will find a way together."

Xiao Tingrui took the water bag. His throat was extremely dry and he couldn't wait to drink it in big gulps. However, he was worried about the limited water supply and did not dare to drink too much.

However, as the cool and sweet water slid into his throat in an instant, he felt all the fatigue in his body recede like a tide, and he felt refreshed. His steps became lighter and he followed Xiao Zhixue's steps closely.

Xiao Tingxuan witnessed all this, and although he also wanted to go with them, considering that he could not leave his elderly parents behind, he had to resist the urge and chose to stay and accompany them.

Xiao Zhixue and Xiao Tingrui explored the dense forest in the east side by side. When they encountered various herbs along the way, Xiao Zhixue would always pick them carefully after confirming that they were correct.

Although Xiao Tingrui could not identify the specific types of these herbs, he understood that his younger sister was preparing for future treatment, so he stayed by her side silently and gave her silent support.

After Xiao Zhixue picked the herbs, she carefully wrapped them in a piece of worn blue cloth, put it on her back, and continued her exploration journey with her brother.

Many times, Xiao Tingrui looked at his sister Xiao Zhixue's thin but strong shoulders, feeling mixed emotions, and couldn't help but want to take the heavy herbal bag from her shoulders.

However, every time he reached out his hand, his sister would firmly reject him with her clear and resolute eyes.

"Brother, just focus on finding the way down the mountain. I will carry the bag myself." Xiao Zhixue's words were loud and clear.

Xiao Tingrui remained silent, with an indescribable sense of self-blame surging in his heart.

He is three years older than his sister, and should have protected her from the wind and rain in times of trouble and shouldered more burdens.

However, due to his poor health, he was always unable to do anything and could only watch from the sidelines, unable to share his sister's hard work.

The brother and sister walked side by side, carefully searching for the path leading down the mountain while picking precious herbs along the rugged mountain road.

The sunlight shines through the sparse leaves, casting mottled shadows on the corners of their clothes. The air is filled with the faint fragrance of grass and trees, which interweaves with the smell of earth on their bodies, forming a simple and tough picture of the mountains and forests.

At this moment, a rustling sound suddenly came from the quiet grass, breaking the tranquility of the forest.

Xiao Zhixue had sharp ears and eyes, and immediately caught the unusual sound.

She quickly signaled Xiao Tingrui to stop, and the two of them kept quiet tacitly, for fear of disturbing any potential danger.

She looked towards the source of the sound and saw a small gray head poking out from the dense grass.

The gray rabbit chose their direction without hesitation and ran straight towards the brother and sister.

With a "bang", the gray rabbit was so panicked that it bumped into the tree trunk next to Xiao Zhixue and fell to the ground instantly, without a sound.

This scene was both shocking and somewhat funny, and it instantly eased the tense atmosphere.

Xiao Zhixue couldn't help laughing. She was just thinking about how great it would be if she could have some wild game to satisfy her craving, and now, a rabbit just came knocking on her door. It was truly a godsend!

She picked up the rabbit's ears and shook them gently to confirm that it was dead. Then she nodded with satisfaction, turned around and winked at Xiao Tingrui, saying playfully:

"Brother, look how sensible this rabbit is. It knows how hungry we are, so it offered itself to the table. When we get home later, I'll stew some rabbit meat for you to try. I guarantee it'll be delicious!"