Crossing the famine to find the white moonlight

As the famine intensified, the village's food supply gradually ran low. Ye Wan knew that if she stayed here any longer, she would sooner or later find herself in dire straits. Rumors circulated among the village that many villagers had already joined the famine-stricken refugees, heading south for the supposedly more fertile land, where the climate was said to be more stable and there were greater opportunities for survival. After much deliberation, she decided to take Xiaotong with her. Although her mother, Ye Cui Niang, treated her coldly, she was still a close relative, so she decided to take her along, lest she be left alone and helpless in the village.

The road to escape famine was filled with unknown dangers, but she knew it was her and her child's only chance of survival. She took extra care to ensure the well-being of her mother and Xiaotong, specifically dividing the supplies she had obtained from the system into small portions and hiding them in her bag for emergencies. While carefully concealing her hidden resources, she secretly planned how to ensure the safety of her family on this treacherous journey.

A few days later, the village's famine-fighting army set out in a mighty procession. Filled with fear, the villagers carried their scant luggage, their backs laden with dry rations, their clothes tattered, their eyes shone with exhaustion and despair. Ye Wan held Xiao Tong tightly, her mother, Ye Cui Niang, following behind, their backs blending into the dense mass of the procession. Like a thin, serpentine snake, the famine-stricken army slowly moved forward, each one's steps heavy and slow, as if unable to lift a single step, yet forced to muster the last of their strength to move forward.

Throughout the journey, Ye Wan remained vigilant. She knew that the true nature of people fleeing famine would gradually reveal itself. In an environment of starving people, trust in one another was unbearable. Some of the refugees around her wept softly, others remained expressionless, moving forward blindly like the walking dead. Ye Wan observed them, her mind on high alert, always prepared for any unexpected event.

Along the way, Ye Cui Niang often stumbled and fell back due to exhaustion, forcing Ye Wan to slow down and reach out to support her mother. Although Ye Cui Niang did not appreciate Ye Wan's help and her face remained indifferent, she still silently accepted her daughter's support. Although Ye Wan was somewhat disappointed, she did not give up caring for her mother. She knew that the journey of fleeing famine required the whole family to rely on each other. Although family ties were weak, she would not easily abandon anyone.

The first day's journey was incredibly arduous. The refugees walked across the parched earth, the air thick with the scent of dust and grass. Xiaotong was young, and every few steps left him breathless. Ye Wan had no choice but to carry him on her back, whispering soothing words as they walked. Though tears blurred with exhaustion, Xiaotong clutched his mother's clothes tightly, making no sound. Accustomed to his mother's warm embrace, he knew not to burden her on this journey.

In the afternoon, some in the group began to collapse, their strength failing. Some could no longer stand. Ye Wan watched the fallen, feeling a heavy weight weighing on her heart. She knew the perils along the way were not only a test of physical strength, but also of the will to survive. Every step was a battle against death, and she had to remain calm to protect Xiaotong in this desperate situation.

Just then, a commotion erupted from the group ahead. Ye Wan quickly hugged Xiao Tong tightly, looking forward with alarm. Someone in the group was snatching the rations from an elderly man. Several young and strong men, no longer patient enough to wait in line, began to use force to take the food from the weaker man. The elderly man struggled feebly, uttering faint pleas, but the men paid him no heed. They simply coldly seized the rations and mercilessly pushed him down.

Ye Wan witnessed this scene, and a chill grew in her heart. She realized that in this group of refugees, perhaps the law of the jungle was the only "rule." She secretly touched the food hidden in her bag and silently made up her mind not to expose her supplies easily, lest she become prey. She turned around, tightly grasped Ye Cui Niang's hand, and whispered, "Mom, let's walk faster, don't fall behind."

Ye Cui Niang, witnessing the scene, also had a hint of fear in her eyes, and nodded silently. Although she was cold towards her daughter, faced with this life-or-death situation, she still obeyed her daughter's instructions. Ye Wan led her mother and Xiao Tong, quickening their pace, trying to maintain a distance from the front of the group to avoid unnecessary disputes.

As the day wore on, the team finally stopped at a wasteland for a short rest. As night fell, the desolate fields were filled with silence and chill. People all around, wrapped tightly in tattered clothing, huddled together in groups for warmth. Ye Wan arranged Xiaotong and his mother on a slightly flat surface and wrapped Xiaotong in a bundle, trying to protect him from the night's chill.

As the night deepened, the group gradually quieted down, leaving only the rustling of breathing and gentle coughs. Ye Wan glanced around warily, making sure no one was watching. Then, quietly removing a small piece of dry food from her bag, she broke it into pieces and shared them with her mother and Xiaotong. She moved with great care, fearing the slightest noise would draw attention.

When Ye Cui Niang saw the dry food, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She asked in a low voice, "Where did you get this dry food?"

Ye Wan feigned indifference with a smile, whispering, "I found this in the mountains a few days ago. Mom, please eat it quickly. We have to travel tomorrow." She spoke lightly, trying not to let her mother notice anything unusual. Ye Cui Niang did not ask any more questions, but chewed the dry food silently.

In the darkness of the night, Ye Wan watched with a determined gaze as Xiaotong gently bit off a mouthful of dry food, her heart brimming with confidence. While the resources provided by the system were limited, for them, mother and son, these supplies were like a lifeline. She knew they had to rely on the system's help to keep them going.

The next morning, the group set out again. Ye Wan remained vigilant, keeping a close eye on her surroundings, trying not to expose herself to danger. She noticed that many of the refugees were exhausted, their pace slowed by hunger and exhaustion. She gritted her teeth, suppressed her inner fatigue, and struggled forward, carrying Xiaotong on her back. She knew she couldn't stop, couldn't give up. If she lost her resolve, her and Xiaotong's fate would plunge even deeper into despair.

On the way, Xiaotong would ask her quietly from time to time: "Mom, when will we arrive?"

Ye Wan touched his head and gently comforted him, "Hold on a little longer, we'll be there soon." Although she didn't have a definite answer in her heart, she didn't want Xiaotong to despair. She hoped that Xiaotong could hold on to hope, so that he could endure this long and painful journey.

Over the next few days, Ye Wan continuously retrieved small amounts of supplies from the system, carefully distributing them to her mother and Xiaotong. She exercised extreme restraint in her use of supplies, only quietly taking out rations and water when her strength was running low to stay awake. These hidden resources relieved hunger and despair within the group, and gave her more strength and confidence.

However, the days of fleeing famine were still difficult. The long journey and the harsh environment gradually caused many to collapse, but Ye Wan always protected Xiaotong and Ye Cui Niang. Her caution and vigilance brought them a sense of security and kept them alive amidst the turmoil.

Whenever it was late at night and everyone was asleep, Ye Wan would look at the sleeping Xiaotong and feel comforted and strong. She knew that the journey would be filled with more challenges, but she was ready. No matter how difficult the road ahead, she would keep Xiaotong alive.

The journey of escaping famine has just begun, and Ye Wan knows that the road ahead will become increasingly dangerous. However, she is no longer the fragile woman who just arrived, but a mother who has gradually learned how to survive in troubled times.