Dr. Xia eventually went up the mountain with them, along with Yao Lie. This time, he also went up the mountain to practice his skills and treat minor ailments on behalf of the villagers.

Yao Lie has been in Pinghe Village for so long that he seems to have lost contact with Yaojia Village. The food he brought with him has long been used up, and these days Pinghe Village has been providing him and Yunnan Yao's food together.

The others who had apprenticed with him had long since returned to their respective villages. Although he also wanted to go back, he knew that the journey was long and that he could not return home safely by himself. But now he could only wait for an opportunity, just like Lian Qingfeng and his son had done before.

He has been asking the refugees about the situation in Yaojia Village, but unfortunately there has been no news at all.

Although Yao Lie was anxious, he could only suppress his thoughts and concentrate on learning from Yunnan Yao and the others. He had taken the initiative to go up the mountain this time. Medical skills can only be improved through continuous exploration and practice. Since he couldn't go home now, he might as well learn more.

Amon and his companions were incredibly kind to the doctor. Not only did they not need his help along the way, but the doctor even carried their luggage on his back so they could travel light.

Not long after they left, Sicheng also received the heads of several other villages.

“Village Chief Si, we know this is putting you in a difficult position, but we are all in the same area now. If we continue to separate them like this, it will be difficult to manage. Merging the villages together would be the best solution.” Village Chief Shi of Xin San Village was the first to stand up and persuade them.

“Yes, we will definitely merge under the name Pinghe Village. Everything else will follow the old model, but we will all be under your jurisdiction from now on.” Village Chief Gao also stood up to express his opinion.

The other villages also nodded in agreement, because fighting alone at this time would not yield any good results; only by banding together could they better survive.

Si Cheng hadn't expected things to turn out this way, and he didn't want to take these things on himself at all.

“Our current model is quite good. Everyone patrols together and protects the peace of this area together, which is enough. There is no need to be tied together. Moreover, after the drought is over, everyone will still have to go back to their own villages to farm. At that time, the distance will be greater and it will be more difficult to manage.”

Old Zhao was getting anxious. He wanted to establish a formal identity more than the other villages. "Our village is always associated with Pinghe Village. Now the two villages are practically the same. Why don't we drop the village name and just call the people of Pinghe Village from now on?"

Village Chief Bai was furious when he heard this. "Old Zhao, didn't we agree on this before? That we'd stand together through thick and thin? What do you mean by pulling strings now?"

Old Zhao said, "I was just too anxious. Of course, it would be even better if everyone could be together."

Seeing that they were still arguing, Si Cheng stood up and refused, saying, "Let's continue to maintain the status quo. Each village should mind its own business. We can discuss any issues together later."

After saying this, without waiting for them to say anything, he turned around and left, and Yun Xun and the others quickly followed.

Sun Shaolei said, "Brother Cheng, why don't we agree to their request? This way, we'll be the largest village in this area."

The others looked at him in confusion. Everyone has a dream of becoming a hero. Now everyone is willing to take Pinghe Village as the leader. If things continue to develop like this, Pinghe Village will become the overlord of this area. Just thinking about it is exciting.

"The responsibility here is too great for me to bear. If you still don't understand, go back and ask your elders." Si Cheng left these words and walked quickly home. He would rather spend more time with his children than waste time chatting with these people.

The village chiefs of the other villages could only stand up, sigh, and return to their respective villages dejectedly after watching the people leave.

"Grandpa, why won't Brother Cheng agree?" Sun Shaolei told Sun Shiguang the whole story, wanting to hear his opinion.

Sun Shiguang tapped his grandson on the head. "This is not the time to play the hero. Do you know how much trouble it will cause if so many villages are included?"

Sun Shaolei said, "But the other village chiefs also said that they would still manage things as before, each managing their own affairs, but major decisions would be made by our village."

Sun Shiguang said, "At this time, what isn't a big deal? Right now, as long as people are alive, that's the most important thing. Can our village manage to keep up?"

"Isn't this a matter of each family taking care of its own affairs? Our village has never managed these things before."

Sun Shiguang pointed to the back mountain, "What did Chief Wu and the others come down to exchange this time? Our village will also have to manage these things in the future. Can you manage them all?"

Sun Shaolei: "We can agree on this beforehand. From now on, we will only be responsible for the security of this area."

Seeing that his grandson still didn't understand, Sun Shiguang gave him a hard slap. "At first, it might be able to keep things in check, but over time, the differences in everyone's lifestyles will become apparent, and that's when the real trouble begins. Why not just enjoy our good life instead of taking on all these burdens ourselves?"

Seeing that his grandson still didn't quite understand, Sun Shiguang got angry and kicked him in the butt. "Get out of here, go find your friends and discuss it with them. See if they think this is something that can be done?"

Seeing his grandfather's temper flare up, Sun Shaolei didn't dare linger and quickly ran out.

Everyone else received the same treatment at home and was severely criticized. Some people, however, suddenly realized the truth and started cursing the villages for being unethical, for even considering such a selfish and harmful tactic.

In less than a night, the whole village knew about the plans of the other villages. Those villagers who thought it was a good thing were all given a good talking-to and, once they understood, they immediately joined in opposing the merger.

Yunqi was surprised that other villages would have this idea. "These people are always thinking of ways to make things happen. They want to shift the blame onto us. It seems we've been too kind to them. They're trying to gang up on us."

Si Cheng, on the contrary, was more calm. "Human nature is like this. Everyone will avoid danger and harm. In addition, many people are envious of the large amount of supplies exchanged for Xinjiu Village this time."

Si Cheng understood their ulterior motives as soon as they mentioned merging. If he impulsively agreed, he would face endless trouble.

The whole village would be in turmoil, and it might even arouse suspicion in other places. I absolutely cannot accept such a thankless task.

Yunqi said, "These people are too cunning. Be more careful when you deal with them in the future, and don't always rush to the front in everything."

Si Cheng said, "Don't worry! I'm not stupid. I just want our village to get through this most difficult time. I won't take on too much responsibility or shoulder responsibilities that aren't mine."