c3 - Are Women a Burden on the Escape from Famine? Give Them to Me
Chapter 3: Beheading Although it seemed broader, like the ancient concept of football, this vast land was under the governance of an empire. However, in this era of warlords vying for dominance, the land was divided into city-states, each controlled by various factions, ruling over their own domains within hundreds of miles. Lu Wei was approaching the northern frontier, near the Forest's Edge, in the northern part of Yongzhou. This area belonged to a particular clan of rulers, encompassing significant territory—stretching nearly a thousand miles east to west, and almost three hundred miles north to south. Within this vast region, three major cities and over a hundred smaller towns and villages thrived, sustaining several hundred thousand inhabitants. Despite the land's harsh wilderness and scant populace, famine and disaster occasionally struck, driving people to flee, and one could still encounter wild beasts in the wilderness. Lu Wei lived in one such village and traveled with a merchant convoy, taking advantage of their protection, although the protection was not always certain. If they encountered beasts or bandits, the merchants had to fend them off with weapons, and it wasn't uncommon for them to choose to abandon followers when faced with danger. Thus, traveling with the convoy was mostly a matter of expediency, a chance to dodge disaster, albeit temporarily. It was a loosely maintained safety—a place where one need not worry about immediate threats. Lu Wei's ragged group often found themselves at the mercy of the elements, overcoming sickness, hunger, and exposure to pests. Hunger gnawed at their bellies, and they had long since exhausted any food supplies. Their survival strategies had evolved to become increasingly brutal—eating even the flesh of rats, snakes, and anything with the barest hint of nourishment. Reading historical texts or considering familiar work, they realized the importance of security. But now, such security was a distant memory, and all too often they found themselves at the mercy of those stronger than the average group. Lu Wei had been with his younger sister, aware they were prime targets for exploitation. Constant vigilance was necessary to avoid threats, and they often had to hide from others to protect themselves. That night, Lu Wei quietly helped his sister find shelter—a small ditch that offered a bit of cover and was out of view. Every precaution was taken to ensure that no light or sound would betray their location. Their lives depended on it. Yet, survival was unpredictable. They managed to find deep enough forests to take refuge, though sightings of dangerous beasts often drove them deeper into hiding. Despite these challenges and prodigious encounters with mystical creatures, Lu Wei held onto hope and stubbornly clung to life. The scouting party paused as it neared their hiding place, remaining vigilant. Lu Wei watched with bated breath, gauging the threat. He debated whether to plead for his life or to prepare for a desperate fight. Either way, he realized his options were few and far between. Frightened and on edge, he steadied himself, took deep breaths, and tried to maintain composure. In the ominous silence, he could hear his heart pounding, nerves warned him of danger. Any careless movement could be disastrous. Yet, the decision was clear; there was no going back. An unsettling calm descended as he saw a figure emerge through the shadows, wielding a sturdy branch rather than a blade. Relieved it wasn't a fine weapon, he steeled himself for the confrontation that seemed unavoidable. Earlier, he had surmised the perimeter, ensuring potential exits were free from traps or unwanted company. Hunkering down in the snow-covered forest, he watched intently as they approached. The urgency of the approaching threat amped up his resolve. They had ventured too close, and the only option now was confrontation. Suddenly, the stalker's advance halted, a moment of silence pierced the night before a soft thud. The body collapsed as they dropped into the leaf-strewn ditch. Reassured only slightly, Lu Wei tightened his grip on the knife, though his fear abated slightly. The immediate threat was subdued. His heart continued to race, adrenaline both exhilarated and terrified him. The night's true test of survival weighed heavily. Gazing at the chaotic scene, he clamped his jaw and reckoned that luck and caution balanced on a thread. Complete and relentless preparedness was their only ally in such a dismal life-or-death struggle.