Crossing the famine to find the white moonlight

During this arduous journey, Ye Wan's leadership and kindness gradually won the support of most of the group. However, Ye Ershun's family, having fallen behind and suffered setbacks on the trail, grew increasingly resentful of Ye Wan. Li Ruotao, in particular, felt that Ye Wan's prestige was stealing their attention and was unwilling to let her dominate the group's progress. Consequently, Li Ruotao once again incited Ye Ershun, attempting to challenge Ye Wan in public and weaken her influence.

On a narrow path, the team paused briefly to distribute water. Ye Ershun seized the opportunity and stood up to ask, "Sister, we've been following you all this way, but why do I feel like you're always taking detours? We almost got left behind several times. It's been so tiring! Everyone's so tired, shouldn't there be a better way?"

His words were filled with dissatisfaction, attempting to stir up resentment towards Ye Wan among the group. Li Ruotao immediately chimed in, "Yes, Miss Wan, we've been following you all the way, but you've always had ample supplies. I wonder where all that came from. We're all on the same team, so why is it that we have to work so hard while you always have the ability to find food and water so easily?"

Li Ruotao's words were laced with sarcasm, hinting at her doubts about Ye Wan. Her words set off a murmur among some in the team, especially among the newer members, who were skeptical of Ye Wan's plans. Li Ruotao watched as curiosity gradually grew on everyone's faces, feeling secretly delighted, thinking that this was finally a chance to shake up Ye Wan's position within the team.

Facing the doubts of her brother and sister-in-law, Ye Wan remained calm. She stood calmly in the center of the group and said calmly, "Ershun, you question the path I've chosen. I understand everyone's hard work. But do you remember who worked hard to find water and food for everyone along the way? And who prioritized the elderly and children when distributing supplies?"

Her voice was low but powerful, and her gaze swept calmly over Ye Ershun's family. She continued, "Our journey has been difficult, and we've all experienced hardship and hunger. But precisely because of this, we must support each other, not blame each other. Your family has cared for their own selves several times in times of crisis, even falling behind. If it weren't for everyone's support, you would have collapsed long ago."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the group recalled Ye Wan's help during their journey. She had always quietly given, providing support to the elderly and the weak in need, and she had never been stingy with her resources. Her words reminded everyone of the countless sacrifices and care she had made for the group along the way. Their doubts gradually dissipated, and instead, they began to feel resentful of Ye Ershun's family.

An old man walked up to Ye Wan and said firmly, "Miss Wan, you've led us all this way. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid we old bones would have given up long ago. We are not blind to what those selfish people think. You're right. Only by helping each other can we go further on the road of escape."

Another woman also stood up and looked at Ye Ershun's family angrily: "Miss Wan has been with us all the way, always giving priority to the children in allocating food and water. But your family always tries to save effort for yourselves, repeatedly dragging us down, and now you want to blame us?"

As the voices of support for Ye Wan grew, the rest of the group began to express dissatisfaction with Ye Ershun's family. Many elderly people and women who had been helped by Ye Wan stood up, accusing the family of selfishness, disregarding the interests of the team and focusing solely on self-preservation at a critical moment. A faint chorus of accusations and doubts rose from the crowd, surrounding Ye Ershun's family and leaving them with nowhere to escape.

Seeing the situation was unfavorable, Li Ruotao's face turned grim. She was about to open her mouth to refute, but Ye Wan's calm gaze made her feel guilty. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Ye Ershun saw that the situation was irreversible and could only lower his head and remain silent, standing there in embarrassment.

Seeing everyone siding with her, Ye Wan felt a sense of relief, but she didn't act complacent or aggressive. Instead, she spoke calmly, "I'm grateful for your support, but we still have a long way to go. I've been planning your itinerary and trying to find the right path, but that doesn't mean I won't make mistakes. If you have better suggestions for the future, I'm happy to hear them and discuss the way forward together."

Her attitude was gentle and generous. She did not harbor resentment towards Ye Ershun's family's doubts, but instead left everyone with a mature and steady impression. This generosity made the people in the team respect her more and their trust in her deepened.

A young man stepped forward, bowed deeply to Ye Wan, and said sincerely, "Miss Wan, we trust you. You are our guide on this journey, and we will obey your words. No matter how difficult the road ahead is, we will follow you."

Hearing this sincere support, Ye Wan smiled slightly, her eyes gleaming with warmth. She nodded gently and said to everyone, "Thank you for your trust. If we work together, we will definitely reach a stable place. As long as we work together, the future will definitely be bright."

From that day on, Ye Ershun's family's standing within the team plummeted, and almost no one cared to talk to them anymore. Li Ruotao, feeling humiliated, often hid aside, not daring to look anyone in the eye, not even having the energy to complain. Ye Ershun, fearing his sister's counterattack, dared not openly challenge her again. They realized that no matter how much they tried to sow discord, the team had already developed an unshakable trust in Ye Wan.

Ye Wan's calmness and wisdom earned her genuine authority within the team, while her tolerance and kindness gave people a sense of security in their despair. Whenever the team moved forward, they would unanimously follow her, obeying her commands and increasingly viewing her as an irreplaceable leader.

At night, Ye Wan sat alone at the edge of the camp, silently thinking about the next journey. Her mother, Ye Cui Niang, walked over to her, gently patted her shoulder, and said with a smile, "Awan, you've done a great job, I see. You've endured a lot of grievances along the way, but I know you're a responsible person."

Ye Wan gently held her mother's hand, her eyes filled with determination. "Mom, although the road to escape the famine is difficult, as long as we work together, there will always be a way out. I will do my best to lead everyone to find a place that belongs to us."

In the silent night, Ye Wan's eyes shone with determination. She knew the road ahead was treacherous, and more trials might await her. But she also understood that the trust her team placed in her was her greatest strength. She was determined not to betray that trust. No matter how many hardships they faced, she would lead the team forward toward the light, until they found true peace and security.