Chapter 130: Going to Collect Herbs Alone
The jeep bumped along the rugged mountain road and eventually became completely unable to move forward at the foot of a mountain where the forest was even denser and there were fewer people.
Shen Lingning held the still sleeping Fubao in his arms, kissed her hot forehead for the last time, and then reluctantly handed her over to Wang Xiulan's arms.
"Godmother, Fubao...I'm leaving it to you."
Her voice was hoarse, but filled with unquestionable determination.
"Don't worry, Lingning! I will take good care of Fubao even if it costs me my life! You...you must be careful!"
Wang Xiulan took the child and couldn't stop crying.
Zhao Changhe's face was solemn as he gave a deep order to the two capable guards, Xiao Zhang and Xiao Li: "Your mission is to fully cooperate with Comrade Shen Lingning and protect her safety!
All actions must be under her command! If necessary... protect her! "
The two young soldiers instantly understood the gravity of his words and snapped to attention: "Yes! Commander! We guarantee the mission will be accomplished!"
Shen Lingning shook her head. She looked at the vast, steep, and snowy depths of Mount Zhongnan.
His voice was calm but resolute. "Thank you for your kindness, Godfather. But this time, let them stay at the foot of the mountain to provide support. The situation in the mountains is unclear, and having more people would make them a bigger target, making it easier for something to go wrong. This is my personal matter, and I can't let my comrades risk their lives."
She knew very well the dangers of fishing in the cliff beehive and ice cave, and she couldn't let these two young warriors risk their lives for her personal matter.
Xiao Zhang and Xiao Li immediately panicked: "Director Shen! This can't happen! It's too dangerous! The commander ordered us to protect you!"
"Yes, Director Shen, that's what we do! We're not afraid of danger!"
Shen Lingning looked at the two young soldiers with sincere faces and was moved, but he had made up his mind.
She softened her tone but remained firm: "I know you mean well and it's your duty. But think about it, if any of you gets into an accident while helping me find medicine, how can I ever be at peace with myself for the rest of my life?"
Even if Fubao is rescued, how can I explain it to her?"
She paused, her calm deliberation revealed. "I'm not blindly going there to die. The equipment my godfather prepared for me is very complete, and I've also carefully consulted Mr. Chen about directions and precautions. You guys staying at the foot of the mountain aren't idle; the mission is more important."
First, protect Aunt Wang and Fubao. Second, keep communication open with the outside world. If... I mean, if I don't come back in three days, you must report to Uncle Zhao immediately and find another way to save Fubao. Don't let the whole army be wiped out.
Third, when I need support, you are my fastest backup."
She was clear and organized, clearly explaining the pros and cons and the division of tasks. She took into account both the overall situation and individual safety, and gave the two soldiers important responsibilities, making it impossible for them to object.
After hearing these words, even Zhao Changhe nodded secretly, and his evaluation of Shen Lingning became higher: his goddaughter is not only affectionate and loyal, but also courageous, knowledgeable, decisive, and sensible. She is definitely not an ordinary person.
Xiao Zhang and Xiao Li looked at each other. Although they were still worried, Shen Lingning's words were reasonable and gave them a clear pick-up task. They were no longer simply excluded.
He had no choice but to agree: "Yes! Director Shen! We will set up camp at the foot of the mountain to meet you! You must be careful! Use flares to contact us at any time!"
Shen Lingning nodded, said no more, and neatly put on the marching backpack that he had prepared according to Zhao Changhe's suggestion, which was filled with ropes, ice picks, dry food, first aid kits, etc., turned around and resolutely walked into the vast mountains and forests.
Her figure quickly disappeared behind the snow-covered bushes and rugged rocks. She was thin but upright, with an unswerving determination.
The road in the mountains is more difficult to walk on than I imagined.
In late autumn on Taibai Mountain, some places have already seen heavy snowfall. The accumulated snow covers the uneven ground, and traps may be hidden under the dead branches and leaves.
The cold wind scraped against his face like a knife, causing pain, but it also allowed Shen Lingning, who was almost overwhelmed by exhaustion and despair, to barely stay awake.
She struggled to identify the direction based on Mr. Chen's vague instructions and map.
He took every step with extreme caution, making sure he had a firm grip before moving his center of gravity. His entire body was trembling slightly from the constant tension and cold.
His ears were perked up, catching any unusual sounds in the mountains and forests, and his eyes dared not relax for a moment, scanning the road ahead for possible dangers.
A huge fear wrapped around her heart like an icy vine - she was afraid of taking the wrong path, afraid of returning empty-handed, afraid of being too late... afraid of losing her Fubao.
The fear almost suffocated her.
But the next second, a stronger, almost brutal determination surged from the deepest part of his heart, suppressing the fear.
She took a deep breath of cold air, and the stinging sensation rushed into her lungs, making her more awake.
"Defending the country,"
She shouted silently in her heart, as if the name could give her strength.
"You must bless me, bless me to get the medicine and save our Fubao! Our family must be reunited! Definitely!"
This idea became the only belief that supported her.
If she failed, she didn't dare to think about the consequences, nor did she want to think about it - that would not be the future, that would be completely gone.
If, if that day comes, she won't be able to survive!
Fubao is not only her child, but also her little partner along the way, and a supporter and companion of her firm beliefs.
Their emotional bond is deeper than that between any mother and daughter...
So, she couldn't imagine...
Tears slowly fell from her eyes and flowed into her hair. She wiped them with her sleeves. Now was not the time to cry.
At this moment, her mind, due to the extreme pressure and sense of purpose, showed an abnormal sharpness and clarity, like a string stretched to the extreme, clearly guiding her every move;
Her emotions were buried deep beneath this clarity, surging, yet temporarily locked away, and she dared not express them at all.
On the way, she passed a relatively flat valley and saw in the distance several mountain people wearing thick cotton jackets and dog-skin hats, who were cutting wood in a collective forest farm, humming rough songs and carrying huge logs with difficulty.
Seeing the bustling and age-old collective labor scene, Shen Lingning subconsciously avoided it and concealed his whereabouts even more carefully.
In this day and age, entering the mountains without permission, especially going so deep, is against the rules, and she doesn't want to cause any trouble.
Following the route pointed out by the old man, she found a small waterfall covered with icicles.
The waterfall is not strong, but due to the cold it is covered with icicles, which sparkle coldly in the sunlight.
Behind the waterfall, there was indeed an inconspicuous cave entrance, which was only wide enough for one person to pass through by bending over, and the entrance was covered with moss and broken ice.
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