Under the impact of the children's childish but firm words, the mood of the crowd gradually showed signs of changing, and the panic in the air seemed to fade a little.
Su Huaiyue looked at Wei Zhi and Wei Li who stepped forward, her eyes slightly red. She was proud of the children's bravery, but also felt sorry for them having to face such a dangerous situation at such a young age.
She gently touched Wei Zhi's head, and placed a soft kiss on Wei Li's forehead, saying softly, "Good children, your courage has been seen by your mother, but this journey is difficult and dangerous, you must stay close to me, understand?"
Wei Zhi nodded vigorously, his little face full of seriousness: "Don't worry, mother, I will protect my sister and help you and uncle."
Wei Li also responded obediently and shrank into Su Huaiyue's arms, as if to draw strength.
Seeing that the situation had stabilized somewhat, Lord Li began to arrange the follow-up matters in an orderly manner: "Everyone should rest early tonight and recharge your energy. Before leaving tomorrow, be sure to carefully check your luggage and bring all necessary protective equipment."
Although the people from other families were still worried, after being persuaded, they all returned to their resting places, some talking in low voices, some thinking silently, each trying to digest this sudden change.
Wei Ersao stood alone with a complicated expression, the balance in her heart swinging back and forth between fear and responsibility.
She was afraid of the epidemic and war in the southwest and was reluctant to risk her life, but she was also afraid of the old lady's scolding.
I slept in fear all night.
At dawn, the thick, inky mist had not yet completely dissipated, and a soft ray of light struggled to penetrate it, gently falling on the temple where the group temporarily stayed.
The doors and windows of the temple creaked in the wind. Su Huaiyue got up early. She was light and graceful. After simply tidying up her slightly worn but clean clothes, she started packing her luggage without stopping. Her movements were skillful and quick, as if she was used to such a rush.
People from other families also started to get ready and pack up to hit the road.
At this moment, Su Huaiyue noticed that the young man who accidentally broke in last night was curled up in the corner of the inn, wrapped in a tattered blanket, but he could not hide the chill rising from the bottom of his heart.
He had woken up long ago when he heard the sound of everyone busy packing up. At this moment, he had a pair of clear eyes, which were full of anxiety and confusion. He looked at the unknown mountains and forests outside the window, and his body couldn't help shaking slightly.
Su Huaiyue was so busy that she noticed something strange about the boy. She walked over to him, squatted down, and asked softly, "What are your plans next?"
The young man raised his head, a flicker of fear in his eyes. At fourteen or fifteen, some men would have already fought on the battlefield, but this young man in front of him whispered with tears in his eyes, "Sister, I'm afraid I'll die alone in these mountains. I want to go with you. But... there's a plague in the southwest, and I had such a hard time escaping with you..."
The boy's hands were tightly clutching the corners of his clothes, his knuckles turning white from the force, showing his extreme fear.
Su Huaiyue looked at the young man like this and couldn't help feeling a trace of pity in her heart.
She smiled gently and said, "Don't be afraid. If you're willing, come with us. I'm not a miracle doctor, but I can try to cure the plague."
Wei Li poked his head over at this moment. He was almost healed and regained his energy. "Brother, don't worry. My mother is very powerful. She can cure anything. Then you won't have to run away from home anymore."
A flash of surprise flashed across the boy's eyes, but then dimmed again. He stammered, "Sister, I...but I don't have anything I can do to repay you. Following you would only be a burden."
Su Huaiyue gently patted the boy's shoulder and said comfortingly, "When you're out and about, it's only natural for us to help each other. We shouldn't always think about repaying you. If you follow us, there will be more eyes watching us along the way, which can also help."
"What's your name?" Su Huaiyue suddenly remembered that she seemed to have never asked the boy's name.
"My name is Feng."
"Is there anyone else at home?"
"There is a grandmother who lives with my second uncle."
"Okay, then you can come back to the southwest with us."
The young man listened to Su Huaiyue's gentle voice, and a warm current surged in his heart. He nodded vigorously and choked up, "Thank you, sister. I will do my best to help."
Su Huaiyue responded with a smile, then stood up and continued packing.
Seeing this, A Feng also hurriedly stood up, folded his worn blanket, stuffed it into his bag, and then followed Su Huaiyue's example to help organize some miscellaneous items.
Lord Li asked the officers to check the carriage. When he came in from outside, he happened to see the young man from last night helping Su Huaiyue pack her things. He was slightly stunned.
Su Huaiyue briefly explained the situation. Lord Li pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, let's go together, but everyone must be careful. This journey is already difficult, and one more person means more risk."
After everyone packed up, they slowly left the temporary temple as the sun rose.
Along the way, the sound of horse hooves was dull, the wheels creaked, everyone was silent, and the atmosphere was so depressing that it made people breathless.
Everyone has fear and worry about the unknown in their hearts. The road ahead is long and life and death are uncertain.
But Su Huaiyue's existence is like a bright lamp swaying in the darkness but always shining, giving everyone the courage to move forward.
Wei Che looked at Su Huaiyue from time to time, his eyes full of trust and dependence.
As soon as they stepped into the southwest, a strong, pungent and slightly bitter smell of mugwort hit them in the face.
The smell was so strong that it instantly made several people in the team feel sick to their stomachs. Several young and strong officers couldn't help but vomit on the spot.
Seeing this, Su Huaiyue immediately took out the homemade mask from the package she was carrying. The mask was carefully sewn with soft cotton cloth, with a layer of special herbs in the middle.
As she quickly distributed them, she said, "Put them on quickly. Although this smell can ward off evil spirits and insects, it's too strong and bad for your health. Don't panic, everyone. Wearing a mask will make you feel better."
Her voice was steady and calm, which gradually calmed everyone's panicked hearts.
Then, she took out the prepared nutritional supplements from the depths of the package. They were pills that she had carefully brewed using precious medicinal herbs and spiritual spring water, and fed them to Wei Li and Wei Zhi.
"Eating this can enhance your immunity." Su Huaiyue said softly, her eyes full of concern.
Then, she took out the remaining spiritual spring water from the space and distributed it to everyone to drink.
The spiritual spring water is clear and sweet, with a hint of coolness, as if it can dispel the haze in the body.
After drinking the spiritual spring water, everyone felt a warm current flowing through their bodies and their spirits were lifted.
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