When Wang Xiuxiu returned to the house, her gaze inadvertently swept over the fluffy little nest in the corner.
Songsong was curled up inside, sleeping soundly, just like an old man.
Wang Xiuxiu suddenly realized what was going on and couldn't help but raise her hand and gently pat her forehead.
I felt like I'd forgotten something, and now I finally remember!
I completely forgot to arrange what to do with this little thing!
She hurried to Songsong's nest and gently scooped the sleeping Songsong out of the nest.
Songsong's little body was curled up in a ball, its fluffy tail wrapped tightly around itself, making it look both cute and innocent.
Wang Xiuxiu resisted the urge to pet it, gently shook it, and softly called out, "Songsong, wake up, Songsong!"
Shaked awake, Songsong stirred and struggled to open her eyes a crack, gazing sleepily at Wang Xiuxiu as if asking, "Master, what's wrong?"
Seeing that Songsong had finally woken up, Wang Xiuxiu placed it on the table next to her and gazed at it.
“Songsong, there’s a severe drought outside, and I have to flee. I know you’re a very intelligent little guy, so I want to ask you what you think. Do you want to come with me, or do you want to go back to the mountains?” Wang Xiuxiu said softly, her tone filled with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.
After saying that, she stretched out both hands and smiled at Songsong, saying, "Look, the left hand means to leave with me, and the right hand means to stay."
Songsong blinked, as if it really understood its master's words. After thinking for a moment, it suddenly leaped lightly and landed accurately on Wang Xiuxiu's left hand.
Wang Xiuxiu's eyes lit up, and she felt a surge of joy. But fearing that Songsong might think this was just a game they played casually, she said, "Let's play again. This time, the left hand represents staying, and the right hand represents leaving. You choose."
As soon as she finished speaking, Songsong jumped onto Wang Xiuxiu's right hand with a "whoosh".
Wang Xiuxiu was overjoyed and hugged Songsong tightly.
"That's great, Songsong, you're willing to come with me!"
However, joy turned to sorrow. At this joyous moment, Chen Chunhua's loud voice rang out from outside: "Wang Xiuxiu! Stop dawdling and come help!"
Wang Xiuxiu sighed helplessly, gently placed Songsong back on the table, and hurriedly ran out to help.
---
The next morning, the villagers who had decided to flee gathered at the threshing ground.
Wang Xiuxiu roughly estimated that there were about seventy or eighty people.
Everyone had different expressions on their faces, but without exception, they all carried a sense of confusion about the future.
The journey to escape was fraught with difficulties.
Along the way, they not only had to endure the hardships of a long journey, but also faced serious threats from man-made disasters.
On such a difficult journey, the chances of survival would undoubtedly increase greatly if one could travel with familiar people.
The drought situation is becoming increasingly severe and has now spread to the Ping Chau area.
After some discussion, the village chief decided to bypass Pingzhou, take Yangzhou, and go directly to Jinzhou to avoid disaster.
There are two reasons why we did not go to Yangzhou, which is closer to Yazhou.
Firstly, although Yangzhou is adjacent to Yazhou, the distance is too close. Once the drought spreads, Yangzhou will probably not be spared either.
Secondly, I have heard that the taxes and levies in Yangzhou are numerous and heavy, and the people live in poverty, making it far from an ideal place to settle down.
The village chief stood at the front of the crowd and said loudly, "Fellow villagers, the journey is long, so please take care of each other!"
---
Back in her room, Wang Xiuxiu first carefully checked her belongings.
Fortunately, she didn't have much stuff, and she had recently exchanged her loose silver notes for larger denominations, making it easier to pack up.
Wang Xiuxiu scanned the whole room, thought for a moment, and then found some needles, thread and fabric. She sewed a small backpack for Songsong that he could carry on his back, and put a small handful of peanuts and nuts inside.
Before dawn, the Wang family had already packed up and hurriedly drove their donkey cart to the village entrance to gather.
Wang Xiuxiu originally thought that her family had set off early enough, but when she arrived at the village entrance, she found that three oxcarts were already parked there, and more than a dozen figures were eagerly waiting.
Just then, a familiar figure strode over from the crowd, coming specifically to greet them.
It was Cui Erlang.
He smiled and said warmly, "Sister Xiuxiu, let me help you with your things."
Without a second thought, Wang Xiuxiu waved her hand and refused, "No need, no need, thank you, Brother Cui. This bundle is not heavy at all, I can carry it myself."
After saying that, she gently picked up her bundle and gestured to Cui Erlang.
Although Cui Erlang was kind-hearted, Wang Xiuxiu always had some reservations about him, especially after seeing the almost fiery look in her sister-in-law Hong Xiaodong's eyes, she dared not ask Cui Erlang for help.
Fortunately, Cui Erlang didn't insist. He chatted with Wang Chengwen for a few minutes and then returned to his own team.
Wang Xiuxiu watched his retreating figure, muttering to herself, "What sins has Cui Erlang committed to attract the attention of this married man?"
At the appointed time, the village chief gave the order, and Stone Village began its journey of fleeing thousands of miles away.
Supporting the elderly and leading the young, carrying packs and herding livestock, they slowly made their way along the rugged mountain path.
The Wang family was relatively lucky; they had a donkey cart available for them to use.
Although only Wang Degui and Wang Chengwen could sit comfortably, compared to the villagers who were struggling to move forward with their families and heavy bundles on their backs, the Wang family was already much more relaxed.
Wang Xiuxiu placed the bundle containing Songsong in the corner of the donkey cart and walked along the road, feeling both apprehensive about the future and expectant of her new life.
She looked back at the receding Stone Village and whispered, "Never again."
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