Rebirth of an Old Farmer: Escape from Famine with Children and Grandchildren

"But there is another viable option. That is to walk about two kilometers along this steeper, narrower, but relatively flatter ridge in front of us. You will see a small and dangerous canyon with a very wide bottom. There, the steep rocks on both sides gradually converge to form a natural barrier. At the narrowest point, there is just about five meters of space available for use. If we build a strong wooden bridge there, theoretically, it is completely possible for people to cross safely. If we build it a little wider, even livestock can pass through."

Su Mingjiang interrupted at this time and said, "Mom, but you know, that place is very high and dangerous. It may be too scary for children and women. They may feel scared and unwilling to cross it."

Xue Lao Hu nodded in agreement and replied, "There's another issue that can't be ignored. We've only studied the cliffs on our side, and although they've been eroded by days of heavy rain, they're still relatively stable. However, the situation on the other side is completely unknown."

Bai Xiuqin thought for a moment and then said, "Okay, let's decide it this way! Let's go on a field trip tomorrow and make a final decision. We can try to build a simple temporary bridge to see how it works."

When Su Mingjiang suggested to Bai Xiuqin, "Mom, the road ahead is overgrown with weeds and thorns, making it extremely difficult to walk on. Why don't we clear the obstacles and create a smoother path?"

Bai Xiuqin shook her head and rejected his kind suggestion. "Don't waste so much energy. Let's just go and see what's going on at the gorge and determine the specific materials and the exact amount of wood needed to successfully build a bridge that's strong and sturdy enough for people to use."

Zhang Deshui frowned as he held the bowl. "Look at the weather. It won't stop anytime soon. The rain might continue for several days. We need to prepare in advance."

Bai Xiuqin glanced at everyone, "Let's have dinner quickly. Xue Ni will discuss this with a few relatives later. Let's gather the food and make some dry food. From now on, we can just eat dry food on the road. Try not to cook or light a fire to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Bai San Ya yelled, "That's right, Auntie is right. I'm fed up with it. Every day people come up to us and ask why the smoke from our cooking stoves is still coming out, and if Jin Fulai's eldest son has given us something delicious. I tell them we're eating wild vegetable porridge, but they don't believe me and insist we're hiding some meat. What's even more outrageous is that they accuse us of receiving so much food and not sharing it. We're so heartless!"

Hearing this, Bai Xiuqin put down her bowl and said, "Okay, let's give each household some food today."

Bai Xiuqin's mother, Mrs. Ye, frowned and said to her, "My dear, people are like this. If you give them a little food today, they will thank you, but one day when their food reserves are gone, they will come back to ask for more. They might even blame you for not giving them more and scold you just the same."

Xue Lao Hu also nodded in agreement. Zhu Yousheng continued, "That's true. In the village, everyone seems to get along harmoniously, but once outside the village, they can fight over a few wild vegetables or fruits. If they knew you had extra food, it would be really troublesome. We don't worry about thieves stealing, but we worry about thieves thinking about it."

At this moment, a figure outside the straw hut hurriedly turned around and left.

Bai Xiuqin thought about it and realized that it was true, but she had received so much food from Jin Fulai's young master at that time. If she didn't share some with the villagers, she would feel a little uneasy and was hesitant.

The village chief suddenly lifted the straw curtain and stared at Bai Xiuqin with a serious face.

He questioned her angrily, "Xiuqin, no matter what, we are from the same village. Isn't it a bit too much for you to secretly prepare to escape alone and abandon us?"

Bai Xiuqin glanced at Su Yanyan and Su Dongyue, who were following closely behind him, and said with a hint of sarcasm, "Village Chief, how can you say that? We're just trying to find a way out now, and we won't leave until we find a safe place. There are so many of us, young and old, can't you see? Besides, our straw hut is right in front, and yours is in the back. We have to pass by your place to leave."

Then she turned her gaze to Su Yanyan next to her, "I don't know which unruly person is talking nonsense. Be careful that it will come back to haunt you. All he does all day is stir up trouble out of nothing."

Su Yanyan timidly shook her hands, looked up at Bai Xiuqin and asked, "I heard from others that you want to distribute food to all of us. Is this true? Is it really white rice or white flour?"

"Are you dreaming?"

Bai Xiuqin retorted directly, "How many times have you eaten white rice and white flour in your life? If you had a good life, how could you be driven back to your parents' home? Don't act innocent in front of me, I'm not someone who can be bullied easily! I'm a well-known powerful mother-in-law in this village, just try to provoke me. Even if your father doesn't work, I will still beat you to a pulp. Be careful with your words, don't look for trouble. If I really leave, what's the big deal? That's what I should do. And I'm taking you with me because I still have some sympathy."

"Speak nicely to me!"

Bai Xiuqin continued, "I don't owe you any favors, and I'm not controlled by anyone. If pushed to the limit, I'll take my parents and a few relatives and leave you all here!"

The village chief understood that Bai Xiuqin was secretly mocking him, and his face turned red. He thought: Oh, it's all Dongyue's fault. She talked nonsense without asking clearly.

He smiled awkwardly, then said, "Come on, come on, just continue eating."

At this time, Su Dongyue ran to Zhu Yousheng and looked at his bowl eagerly, "Uncle, I'm hungry. Can you let me eat what's in your bowl? I haven't eaten for a long time. Every day I only eat wild vegetables and tree bark."

Her voice sounded very weak, as if a gust of wind could blow her down.

Before Su Deshun could say anything, Bai Xiuqin yelled, "Get out of here! You still want to eat my food? You pushed my daughter-in-law into the flood, and I haven't even settled the score with you yet. Get as far away from me as you can!"

Before she finished speaking, the air in the room seemed to freeze instantly, and no one dared to say another word.

Su Yanyan's eyes rolled and she thought: If Su Dongyue can stay for dinner, then I can have a bite too. It seems that the porridge is pretty good.

So, she started to pretend to be pitiful and said, "Sister-in-law, don't say that, she just asked her uncle for food..."

"Shut up!"