He hesitated for a moment, then pointed to a woman walking not far away and said, "Manager Weng, there's something else... I've noticed that many people in your village are wearing clothes and jewelry... the styles and materials are quite mixed? Unlike the usual attire of us country folk..."

The question was a bit rash, but the village chief didn't care.

Old Man Weng was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, his hearty laughter sounding as if the village chief had asked a very interesting question.

"Brother Chen, you're so observant!" He pointed in the direction the woman had disappeared. "What's so strange about that! Our Wengjia Village is nestled against the mountains, and everyone passing through has to take the road at the entrance of our village. In the past two years, you've been the only group of people fleeing famine who have passed through here!"

He counted on his fingers, “Some went south, some went north, some brought their families, some fled alone… there were all kinds of people! Some of them ran out of food, or their family members were sick, and they had no cash, so they would exchange the things they had that were worth something for a drink of water or a bowl of food with us.”

Old Man Weng sighed, “We’re farmers too, and we’re kind-hearted. We see them as pitiful and help them whenever we can. If someone hands us a bracelet or a decent piece of clothing and asks to exchange it for food and drink, what can we say? We can’t refuse, can we? So we exchange it. Over time, villagers accumulate all sorts of odds and ends, all kinds of things.”

He pointed to his fairly decent-looking jacket, "Look, this is what I got. A passing merchant gave it to me a couple of months ago when I was exchanging it for grain. It's alright to wear."

His explanation was reasonable and full of "warm-heartedness".

The last string that had been taut in the village chief's mind snapped open.

Yes! On the road to escape famine, how many people sold their children or the last of their possessions just for a bite to eat?

The villagers of Wengjia Village kindly took them in; exchanging them for something in return is perfectly normal!

Those various clothes and jewelry were obtained in exchange for people's kindness!

What fat sheep? The kids don't understand; they just look like wild sheep with their dusty faces.

What sealed windows? They're just scared of wolves.

What's with the high walls and spikes? They're for protection against wolves!

All the "doubts" were given a perfect and reasonable explanation.

Village Chief Chen's tense face completely relaxed, and he even rubbed his hands together somewhat embarrassedly.

Looking at the villagers around him, eagerly waiting for him and longing for rest, especially Jiang Fu and Jiang Shou's anxious expressions, and then at Old Man Weng's kind smile, the last bit of wariness in his heart vanished.

I was really frightened by what that girl said.

You're overthinking it! There are still more good people than bad in this world!

He smiled with relief and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Old Man Weng. "Oh dear, Brother Weng, I was just overthinking things! Please don't take offense! It's just that... this journey has been so difficult, and I've been worrying about the slightest thing! I'm so sorry!"

Old Man Weng waved his hand magnanimously, "I understand! I understand! It's not easy for anyone! Let everyone rest easy! We'll get things done first thing tomorrow morning!"

"Good! Good! Good!" Village Chief Chen was completely relieved and turned to the villagers who were staring at him expectantly, shouting, "Alright! Rest easy! We'll exchange grain and make pancakes tomorrow morning!"

"Oh! That's great!"

"Thank you, Steward Weng!"

"I'm exhausted, I can finally lie down!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, their tired faces now showing complete relaxation and gratitude.

They rushed happily toward their respective houses.