Yun Yiyi and the others continued uphill along the official road. The sun was now at its highest point in the sky, the hottest time of the day. The only sounds in the group were the sounds of encouragement. The children were also very quiet. Those older enough to walk struggled to follow their parents up the slope. The very young were either carried on their parents' backs or in cars.
Yun Yiyi's family's donkey cart also helped pull three children from the village. Earlier, Zhang wanted Yun Yiyi to ride on the donkey cart, but Yun Yiyi felt that she could hold on, so she didn't go.
"Everyone, work harder and walk another mile up. There is a forest there and we can rest there." The village chief shouted loudly while beating the gong.
"Village Chief, is it really only one mile? Are you not lying to us?"
"Village Chief, how did you know there was a suitable place to rest just a mile away?"
After hearing what everyone said, the village chief was at a loss for words. Perhaps he had promised the villagers too many good things, and the villagers no longer trusted him.
The village chief wiped the sweat from his face with the back of his hand and continued shouting.
"Listen to what you're saying. Does it make sense? When have I ever lied to you? Besides, I don't have clairvoyance, how can I see a mile away?"
After hearing the village chief's words, everyone burst into laughter.
"You still have the nerve to laugh. This is what Hunter Zhang told me just now after he came back from exploring the way ahead. So, stop laughing and hold your strength and move forward." The village chief continued to shout.
After confirming that what the village chief said was true, the villagers of Yunjia Village all worked hard to climb up the slope.
Yun Yiyi also heard the village chief's call from behind. Luckily, there was still a mile to go. If it were a few more miles, Yun Yiyi felt she wouldn't be able to hold on any longer. However, it was only a mile now. With some energy and a bit of preparation, she could still make it to the resting place in one breath.
"Mom, we're only one mile away from the resting place. It's finally time to rest. I'm so hungry." Yun Yiyi said, touching her empty stomach.
"Wait until we stop the car, and I'll make something delicious for Yiyi. Hold on a little longer, Yiyi." Zhang said slowly, panting.
"Mom, I understand." Yun Yiyi said as she helped Zhang push the cart up.
Everyone climbed the slope with difficulty for more than half an hour and finally arrived at the place where the village chief said they could rest.
This spot is about halfway up the mountain. Inside the official road, there's a forest of tall trees. There are only a few scattered, withered weeds beneath the trees, leaving the ground mostly bare. Perhaps from frequent footfall, the ground is clean and pebbles-free. With a little tidying up, you can rest right away. The best part is, from this section of the road forward, it's flat, neither climbing nor descending. This means you can rest in the woods along this stretch.
"As you can see, this section of the road is very flat, and there are plenty of places to rest under the trees beside it. So, everyone, move forward a little and spread out. We won't be walking this afternoon, and we'll spend the night here."
"The main reason is that we bought so many things in the capital city before and didn't pack them up. Taking advantage of the free time this afternoon, everyone should pack up and we will speed up our journey tomorrow."
"Also, let me emphasize that everyone should take a short break. Those on duty should come out to take up their duties. This afternoon, everyone will be refining lard and making delicious food, which will have a strong aroma. Therefore, the duties should be separated. One person should monitor the section of official road ahead, and another person should monitor the section of official road behind us. If you see any refugees approaching, call the police in advance."
"One last thing to say. We are halfway up the mountain. Only the men in the family can go to collect firewood. Children cannot go alone. Of course, adults can bring their children with them, but they must keep an eye on the children. When collecting firewood, if you find mint, stinking treasure, or mugwort, pick them up. When you refine the oil later, burn a few piles on the official road." The village chief shouted.
"Okay, Village Chief."
"Understood, Village Chief."
"I heard you, Village Chief."
The villagers' voices of answering began to sound one after another. After hearing it, the village chief waved his hand and told everyone to find a place to stay by themselves.
Although Yun the Butcher was the last to climb up, by the time they reached the top, some people were already resting in the woods beside the official road. So Yun the Butcher and his family continued to walk forward, but after about 300 meters, there was no one in the woods beside the official road.
Butcher Yun and his companions stopped. Second and Third Brother Yun drove the donkey cart into the woods. Zhang and Butcher Yun also pushed the cart into the woods. Zhang took the three children out of the cart and laid them on the ground. Everyone sat down and rested.
I'd been walking along the official road, feeling incredibly stifling and cold. Now, sitting under a tree, the scorching sun no longer blazing overhead, I felt instantly cooler. Plus, since we were already halfway up the mountain, there was an occasional cool breeze through the woods. The dryness instantly dissipated.
Butcher Yun sat on the ground for a while, then took his eldest brother Yun and his three brothers to the back of the woods to collect firewood. Zhang was busy unloading cooking utensils from the cart.
At that moment, the parents of the three children arrived to pick them up. They all came with something; some brought an egg, some a handful of pickled vegetables, and still others a handful of dried vegetables. Zhang refused to accept any of the gifts, and they began to argue with her. Finally, Zhang accepted them, but she insisted they not bring anything next time. Otherwise, she wouldn't help with the children anymore. Everyone knew Zhang's character, so they readily agreed.
Yun Yiyi sat there, stunned. They were pushing and shoving each other, which was too troublesome. She felt that she was not capable of doing this.
After they took the child away, Zhang began unloading the donkey cart. She first unloaded the food and vegetables needed for cooking, then the pig's offal, pig's feet, and fat. These would need to be sorted out after dinner.
Finally, Zhang untied the hen's rope and fed it with moldy cornmeal and water. Finally, Zhang hardened her heart and broke off two old leaves from the outside of the cabbage to feed it.
Yun Yiyi had almost rested enough, so she stood up and walked along the official road.
"Mom, I'll go find some big stones to build a stove for you." Yun Yiyi said as she walked.
"Okay, don't go far, Yiyi. And don't move too big stones." Zhang reminded worriedly.
"I understand, mother." Yun Yiyi waved her hand and continued to walk forward. After walking about 500 meters, Yun Yiyi found that the official road began to go down. It seems that I can save some energy when I walk tomorrow. Yun Yiyi thought happily.
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