Dressed as a farmer's widow, she brought her daughter to stock up on food and reached the top

In these troubled times, Xiuying knew she had to warn the children. Her gaze was firm and serious. She never knew which would come first, an accident or tomorrow. She couldn't let them pay for their ignorance. War costs lives.

So, from the oldest to the youngest, they were all called into the main hall. The children stood in a row, their faces filled with confusion and a bit of nervousness, wondering why their mother was so serious.

Xiuying looked at the children in front of her and said slowly, "Children, the world is not peaceful nowadays. You should know that we may be facing huge changes." Her voice was low and powerful.

The children listened quietly, not daring to make a sound.

Xiuying continued, "Once war comes, it will not be a joke. The price paid is life." Her eyes swept over each child, full of worry and expectation.

The hall was so quiet that one could almost hear everyone's heartbeat. Xiuying took a deep breath and spoke in a graver tone, "You all need to be vigilant. You can no longer be as carefree as usual."

Xiuying looked at the children seriously and told them solemnly: "Children, there is no use running away. The most important thing to us is land. Even if you run away, you will be treated as refugees." Her voice was steady and powerful, revealing unquestionable firmness.

Xiuying narrowed her eyes slightly, a look of worry on her face. "You can't imagine how hard life is for refugees. Without an identity, without a place to stand, we're bullied everywhere and can't even get enough to eat."

The children listened with expressions of fear and confusion on their faces. Xiuying stepped forward and gently held the eldest child's hand, saying, "We are guarding this land. As long as we unite as one, we will always find a way to survive."

Remember, the land is our roots. Without our roots, we are nothing.”

Xiuying's eyes swept across each child's face, hoping that they could engrave these words deeply in their hearts.

Xiuying pursed her lips and said solemnly, "Children, although I have not experienced war personally, I have heard about people who were displaced because of war on TV... and in storybooks." Her eyes revealed deep compassion.

Our ancestors in China did not flee because of the war. It was a peaceful and prosperous era that was achieved after one generation fought for three generations. Xiuying's voice trembled slightly, full of respect for her ancestors.

"Mother will not let you die in vain, nor will she put you in danger." Her eyes were firm and resolute.

The children listened quietly, the fear in their eyes gradually replaced by a kind of determination. They gathered closely around Xiuying, as if drawing strength from their mother's words.

The world is not in chaos yet. Xiuying said to the children with a calm look and a firm tone, "If chaos breaks out, the first thing we must do is unite the villagers.

Children, you must know that merchant soldiers are not to be feared. What is to be feared are the bandits and robbers who take advantage of the chaos to rob people.” Her brows were furrowed, her expression serious.

"These bandits and robbers have no moral principles. They burn, kill, rob, and commit all kinds of evil."

Xiuying's voice rose slightly, filled with deep resentment: "They don't care whether you are old or young, as long as there is profit to be made, they will pounce on you like a wolf.

"When we face them, the strength of individual households alone is far from enough. Only when the whole village works together can we resist."

She glanced at the children's confused faces, hoping they could understand the seriousness of the situation.

"So, if anything changes, we must quickly unite the villagers and work together to protect our home."

Xiuying clenched her fists, as if she was ready to face any difficulties.

Xiuying solemnly advised the children, "Children, although the world is not in chaos now, we must be prepared." Her eyes were filled with worry and determination.

"First of all, we have to stock up on supplies. Food is the most important thing. Buy more grains that can be stored for a long time, such as rice and wheat, and have enough of them. And salt, this thing is indispensable." Xiuying counted on her fingers, one by one.

"Daily cloth and medicinal materials are also necessary. If you have a headache, fever, injury or illness, you can't do without medicine." She frowned, looking serious.

"Also, we need to prepare more tinderboxes and candles." Xiuying glanced at the children, observing their reactions.

Although the mall has everything, I still bought some in order to be able to take it out. Only Taohua and Shiliu knew about the existence of the mall.

"Remember, these things must be prepared quietly and don't attract other people's attention. We must plan ahead to have a glimmer of hope in troubled times." She took a deep breath, as if to turn all her worries into strength.

Shi Liu naturally understood Xiuying's intention. She wanted to provide a good cover for her mother, so she responded obediently: "Okay! Mom, Afan and I will go." Her eyes were firm and full of determination.

Afterward, she and Afan drove an ox cart to Nanyang Prefecture. Along the way, Shi Liu kept mentally reviewing the list of supplies she needed to buy. A gentle breeze brushed against her face, lifting a few strands of her hair.

Afan sat by, silent, steering the ox cart steadily. He stole a glance at the girl beside him and blushed slightly. He looked focused, his eyes fixed straight ahead, his hands firmly gripping the reins.

Shi Liu looked at A Fan and thought to herself, "A Fan is a man of few words but willing to take action. He's definitely the best person to send out." The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, pleased with A Fan's steadiness.

The oxcart moved slowly along the dirt road, the ruts stretching out behind it. The sunlight shone on them, illuminating two determined figures.

Shi Liu and A Fan drove their ox cart and finally arrived at the bustling Nanyang City. The streets were bustling with people and shouts were heard one after another.

Ah Fan was hurrying along without looking around when suddenly he heard a loud and joyful sound from the front. Ah Fan glanced over and found that the groom in the wedding procession was actually Luo Jingan.

His face suddenly changed and his heart skipped a beat. Thinking that he must not let Shi Liu see it, he quickly pulled the reins, wanting to take Shi Liu away quickly.

However, it was too late. Shi Liu looked around curiously and finally spotted the wedding procession. Her eyes instantly fixed on the groom, and the smile on her face froze instantly.

"Isn't that Luo Jing'an?" Shi Liu said in a trembling voice. Her eyes were wide open, full of disbelief and sadness.

Afan sighed helplessly, not knowing how to comfort Shi Liu. He pursed his lips and looked at Shi Liu with concern.

Shi Liu stared blankly at the wedding procession that was gradually receding, her mind constantly replaying Luo Jing'an's promise to her. Her eyes became empty, and tears welled up in her eyes.