Chapter 37 The Villagers of Zhou Family Village (Thanks to Cream, Shepherd Linxi for the recommendation votes, thank you)

After careful observation and selection, Wang Keyue provisionally chose ten people: Zhou Mingkai, along with two other young lads—Zhou Mingzhi, 14, and Zhou Minglu, 13. These three were cousins, close in age, and boys by nature were energetic. With a bit of training and proper nourishment, results would show in less than a week.

In addition, there were four adult men. The tall Zhou Dashan, 28, was the village hunter. His wife, Zhou Li, was always by his side; the two spent years hunting together in the mountains and had abundant experience. Their parents were still alive, and they also had two young sons, which meant they had no worries on the home front. Both were willing to follow Wang Keyue.

The other two men were Zhou Wen and Zhou Wu, the elder and younger sons of Old Zhou. In their youth, since they were not academically inclined, their father had them learn martial arts from instructors at the local escort agency. Though they lacked talent in martial arts, it still gave them a measure of self-defense. So, despite the hardships of fleeing disaster, it was thanks to the desperate protection of these two sons that Old Zhou’s family survived.

Another man, Zhou Fulai, was a middle-aged man in his forties. Yet, in these times, forty was already considered elderly.

Despite his weathered face and apparent age, the system 9538 detected that Zhou Fulai’s physical condition was actually quite good. The reason for selecting him was his past experience as a merchant, traveling far and wide with caravans. He had been to Beiping County and even the capital of Changbai Commandery.

He was practically a living map. Wang Keyue thought rescuing this group was truly worthwhile!

The last two spots were given to two young girls, about seventeen years old, who claimed to be skilled at weaving straw baskets and hats. Wang Keyue was intrigued and kept them.

Once the group was confirmed, Wang Keyue assigned the ten people—seven men—to the Qing Class, appointing Zhou Wen and Zhou Wu as leaders. The two brothers already had a foundation in martial arts, saving Wang Keyue much concern. Once they had completed ten points of training, Wang Keyue would take over.

The two girls were placed under Cheng Yi’s guidance, while the hunter’s wife, Zhou Li, joined the women’s cooking team, responsible for preparing meals outdoors. It was said Zhou Li was an expert at roasting meat.

Approaching noon, the Zhou family gathered for a hearty reunion meal before their impending separation.

The scene of parting was deeply sorrowful—cries and sobs filled the air, as if it were a final farewell between life and death.

Yet Old Zhou was different from the others, his eyes brimming with joy. He patted his sons’ shoulders, carefully instructing them before speaking with heartfelt sincerity, “Go with the young master without worry. Your children will be cared for by your mother and me. All you need to do is remain loyal to the young master! He is a man of great ability—I’ve trusted my judgment all my life, so rest assured!”

After advising his sons, Old Zhou turned to address the weeping crowd behind him, his expression stern. “What’s all this crying about? They’re going with the young master to learn real skills! If anyone’s unwilling, speak up now, and I’ll arrange for someone else who is! Don’t forget the taste of hunger just because your stomachs are full—go hungry for a few days and see if you can still cry!”

His words immediately silenced the wailing young women. The memory of hunger stilled their tears.

“Hong Er, Hong San, Cheng San—you three are responsible for safely escorting these twenty-three people from Zhou Village back to our Wang Village. Also, deliver this letter to the Old Madam. Can you do that?” Wang Keyue produced a sealed letter.

The three young men promptly stepped forward. Hong Yi respectfully accepted the letter, replying in a clear voice, “We can!”

And so, amid tearful farewells, the villagers of Zhou Village followed Hong Er and his companions, pushing a cart laden with supplies as they departed.

The new clothes sewn the night before were left unworn; not a single child could bear to eat the candies in their hands. Whenever tempted, they would take them out, gaze at them, and when the craving grew, give them a tentative lick with their tongues.

The little ones clung to their parents’ sleeves with one hand, waving with the other. “Daddy, we’ll wait for you at home. Come back soon!”

Zhou Wen, Zhou Wu, and Zhou Dashan watched the small waving hands of their children and heard the hope in their words. Their eyes reddened.

Zhou Mingzhi and Zhou Minglu stood by Zhou Mingkai, appearing at ease. “Mother, don’t worry! We’ll be fine!” Both wore new linen clothes, looking especially spirited. Their mother sighed deeply again, helpless but resigned.

As for Zhou Fulai, being a man accustomed to wandering, he took the separation well. At home, he left only an old woman and two granddaughters—his daughter-in-law had returned to her family at the start of their flight, and his son, having gone to find her, never returned. Most likely, they had not survived.

Thus, the two groups parted ways. Wang Keyue led her party of more than twenty back on the road. She did not worry for those returning to Zhou Village, as it was still quite close to Wang Village—less than two days’ journey. They knew the route well, and Wang Keyue trusted in Hong Er and Hong San’s abilities. As for Cheng San, though a bit timid, he was still capable.