Crossing the famine to find the white moonlight

As the famine-stricken days dragged on, Ye Wan noticed that the elderly and weak members of the group were finding it increasingly difficult to keep up, especially during high sun or when the mountain roads were steep. Many fell behind due to exhaustion, and some were even forced to stop to rest, slowing the group's progress. Seeing this situation worsen, Ye Wan realized she had to adjust the group's marching methods. Otherwise, not only would their speed be affected, but their morale would also gradually deplete.

After carefully observing the situation for several days, Ye Wan came up with a plan. One morning, she proposed to the group, "Everyone's been through a lot, but no one should be left behind on this journey. I suggest we schedule two short breaks each day and select some strong young men to take turns caring for the elderly and frail, so everyone can keep up with the group as much as possible while ensuring safety."

This proposal was immediately met with widespread approval. Many people were already feeling exhausted, especially the elderly and children, who found the journey particularly strenuous. Having regular rest periods would not only allow them to recover but also boost morale and confidence.

Ye Wan further explained, "Our goal isn't to rush blindly, but to ensure everyone arrives safely. Only by ensuring everyone has the stamina to go further can we go. I will assign several strong young men to take turns each day to help those in need, ensuring everyone can safely keep up with the group."

Her words resonated with the group, especially the elderly and children's families. They had long worried about their family members' frailty, fearing they would be left behind due to exhaustion. Ye Wan's proposal gave them hope, and everyone expressed their willingness to cooperate with her arrangements.

An elderly man said gratefully, "Miss Wan is so thoughtful and considerate, always thinking about us. Every decision you make for us gives us an extra layer of security."

A middle-aged man also volunteered, "Miss Wan, I'm willing to join the young and middle-aged team in taking turns to look after the elderly and children. As long as everyone can move forward smoothly, I will do my best!"

Under Ye Wan's organization, the young and strong members of the team were divided into groups of two each day, taking turns helping the weaker ones. This new arrangement not only effectively shared the burden, but also made everyone feel the warmth of the team. Whenever the elderly or children became exhausted, the young and strong would step forward to support them or carry them for a distance, ensuring everyone could move forward smoothly.

With this new rhythm, the team's speed increased significantly. The two daily rest periods allowed everyone to catch their breath and recover, freeing them from the exhaustion they'd experienced previously. Gradually, everyone developed a habit of allocating their energy between these fixed rest periods, ensuring they remained refreshed and ready to continue their journey.

Along the way, everyone's admiration for Ye Wan deepened. She not only discerned subtle issues within the team but also offered thoughtful solutions based on each individual's specific needs. Her calmness and wisdom earned their trust, while her thoughtfulness and care warmed their hearts, as if she were not just a leader but also a reliable family member.

During a break, an elderly mother came up to Ye Wan with her child and said gratefully, "Miss Wan, you've been so thoughtful of each and every one of us, and we're so grateful to you. Having you along the way has made us feel at ease."

Ye Wan smiled and patted the child's head, gently responding, "We are all family, and we should help each other. As long as we work together, we can reach the end and find a safe place."

Her gentleness and determination infected everyone. People in the team expressed their support and gratitude to her, their eyes full of trust and respect.

In the days that followed, this method of marching not only helped everyone maintain their strength but also boosted team morale. Ye Wan carefully considered every decision, always putting herself in everyone's shoes. This selfless spirit made her a core member of the team. Everyone grew increasingly reliant on her decisions, and whenever they encountered a problem, she was the first person they turned to.

One night, while the team was resting, several young men gathered around Ye Wan and whispered, "Miss Wan is truly our leader. She is not only wise, but also considerate of everyone. We feel at ease following her."

An elderly man also sighed, "Every decision Miss Wan made for us was for our safety and survival. She's such a good person. If it weren't for her, how could we have persisted until now?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, their trust and reliance on Ye Wan growing deeper and deeper. She was not only their guide on their journey, but also a pillar of hope and strength. Everyone silently resolved to follow Ye Wan closely, unwilling to give up easily, no matter how difficult and dangerous the road ahead.

Under Ye Wan's guidance, the team's pace became orderly, and everyone's energy was effectively distributed. Elderly and children no longer fell behind due to exhaustion, and the young and middle-aged people's shifts of support imbued the entire team with a sense of unity and warmth. Her calmness and wisdom instilled in everyone a growing trust in her, and many who had previously wavered gradually regained their faith.