This is not something that ordinary farmers can afford!

Under normal circumstances, many farmers wouldn't even have that much savings!

This is still based on headcount, and it's only one person's share, which is already outrageous.

It's obvious they want money, or they don't want people to pass and are blocking some of them!

But it looks different from the city gate before. This time it's been upgraded so much and a lot of people have been sent to guard it. It just doesn't look right!

Su Nanxi and Mo Qinghe went to investigate and the news they got was pretty much what they had guessed: if you pay enough money, they'll let you through; otherwise, not even a fly can get through!

That's just how arrogant and tough they are. People at the bottom have no choice but to follow the rules they set, otherwise, the weapons they have are no joke!

This time, public resentment was even greater. Almost everyone was filled with anger and chattered incessantly, but the eldest brother didn't care at all, as if he hadn't heard a thing, and just stood there at the door.

What others do is none of their business; they'll let them pass if they get paid—it's that simple!

A small number of people went, but most of them didn't have the money and didn't even dare to dream of it!

But those who didn't go over didn't leave either; they all stayed in the open space in front of the city gate, gathering in increasing numbers and becoming more and more noisy.

Su Nanxi sensed something was wrong and told the village chief to lead everyone to retreat to one side, away from these people.

The village chief thought it was fine; staying here wasn't a solution anyway. They'd just stand there and get roasted, and nothing would change in the short term. It would be better to rest to the side so they could think of a better solution and see how things went.

Although no one understood why they were retreating, and the village chief hadn't said whether they should stay or continue, they still obeyed and moved aside.

Seeing the situation ahead, everyone felt heavy-hearted and depressed. More and more people rushed over, but very few could pass through. It seemed that you really couldn't pass without money!

They were all worried about whether they could make it through; they didn't have enough money!

Two taels of silver, not two coins!

A whole family, how many people! Just imagine how much money that would cost!

That's simply not enough!

We all came together, and now that we're all here, are we going to leave some people behind and go on our own?

What does this mean?

Even if a few years pass, can we be sure that things will go well?

Being all alone, it's obvious that you're weak and vulnerable, making you an easy target for bullying. Everyone wants to take advantage of you!

It's obvious that going alone isn't the best option!

However, they really couldn't think of the best solution, and they were so anxious!

He couldn't help but curse inwardly, even hoping that the goalkeeper would be beaten up by the crowd to show them what he had done wrong!

However, they also understand that this is just what they think; in reality, it won't be easy to achieve!

Who wants to be the first to stick their neck out?

But I just can't feel right unless I curse in my heart!

I just feel uncomfortable!

At least I feel a little better after cursing.

Su Nanxi looked around and asked the village chief, "Village chief, is this the only way through? Are there any other paths that lead there?"

The village chief was lost in thought when he was asked the question. He paused for a moment, then told Su Nanxi, "Yes, look, over there on the mountain, do you see it? Someone has already thought of it. They are probably very familiar with this area. If you take the mountain path and cross it, you will reach another place."

Upon hearing the village chief's words, everyone looked in that direction and indeed, some people had already started walking on the mountain next to the city gate, and they didn't seem to have gone very far.

Su Nanxi understood. People in the mountains could get out by taking mountain paths or shortcuts, so this method seemed feasible.

That makes perfect sense!

If all else fails, hiking along mountain trails is a great option!

Because many people simply can't afford that much money!

Another point is that the price might be higher at the next station, and they might even be asking for ten taels!

You might pass this time, but you won't pass next time!

It's impossible to get through, absolutely impossible!

That's putting people in a really difficult position!

Ordinary people don't have much savings to begin with, otherwise they wouldn't be living such a hard life. Asking for so much money all at once is like risking their lives.

Regardless of the official reasons, charging money like this is simply outrageous!

Therefore, people without money have to find other ways to make a living.

Hiking on mountain trails has its advantages, but it also involves many uncertainties and significantly increases the risk. No one knows what you might encounter in the mountains!

Moreover, being in an unfamiliar place, it's easy to lose your way and take the wrong path. That's one thing, but there are unknown snakes, insects, and wild beasts in the mountains!

Many people hesitate when they think about these things.

They weren't sure if they could handle it!

The same applies to Su Nanxi and the others. There are many of them, including the elderly and children, and many of them need care and protection!

The village chief understood this as well and analyzed the pros and cons with everyone. Everyone had grown up in the mountains, so it wasn't difficult for them to understand. They understood immediately, but after listening, they all fell silent.

They themselves hesitated and couldn't make up their minds for a while.

Finally, they looked towards the Mo family and the village chief's house.

Su Nanxi sighed, "Looking at me won't help! Everyone should think it through themselves. We won't offer any guidance or demands. Once you've made a decision, you have to be responsible for yourself! Let me make it clear first: your personal safety is your own responsibility. Everyone is the same. Relying on others is unrealistic! But if you're in trouble, we will still work together to help!"

They fell even more silent.

Because not only adults, but children understand this principle: once you choose this path, you have to grit your teeth and get through whatever comes your way!

If both the Mo family and the village chief's family are in danger, they can only rely on themselves. No matter what happens next, they must not hold grudges!

The village chief didn't want to say too much, as he couldn't really guarantee anything. If he said too much, someone might use it against him.

He squatted on the ground, holding a small twig in his hand, and drew something on the mud.

Su Nanxi could tell at a glance that he was definitely drawing a map.

The drawing was too rudimentary; she couldn't understand it.

The village chief blurted out everything he knew and guessed.

While people on this side were discussing the feasibility, the crowd at the city gate suddenly became restless.

Su Nanxi stood up abruptly, looked around, and told everyone to move back a bit.

They stepped back a short distance, and just as they stood still, a major change occurred in front of them.

"Everyone stand here, no one is allowed to wander off!" Su Nanxi noticed that something was wrong and wanted to go and investigate.

She returned very soon.

"The people are so resentful that some people couldn't stand it and started a riot, which led to others rushing over in droves, and it's all in chaos! The city gates will probably be closed, and no one will be allowed to pass."

After Su Nanxi finished speaking, everyone felt depressed again.

That's great, we don't even need to think about feasibility anymore, we've already made the decision for them, haven't we?

They weren't even given a chance!

As expected, the people ultimately gained nothing, and the city gates were closed!