c5 - Are Women a Burden on the Escape from Famine? Give Them to Me

Chapter 5: The Unseen Side "Brother, does it still hurt?" Lu Xiaoxiao asked, her heart aching as she turned her gaze onto Lu Wei, noticing the bandages on his arm with concern. "No, it doesn't hurt anymore. Take the ceramic pot over there," Lu Wei instructed, gently patting her head. Lu Xiaoxiao quickly fetched the pot as directed, though she remained puzzled about what her brother planned next. "Eating blood pudding now? Are we really doing it?" She hesitated as they prepared to savor the cooked blood, her mind filled with uncertainty. "Yes, let's finish it quickly. Once we're done, we can take a walk around, maybe find something useful," Lu Wei responded, setting the plan in motion. “Okay, that sounds good. Brother, you should have more.” “You finish it first, then I'll have some.” “I’m serious, you should eat more.” The siblings divided the blood pudding in half and devoured it along with the soup, leaving nothing behind. The frigid cold was fierce, but the warmth of the blood pudding traveled through them, offering comfort and vitality. They felt a warm breeze brush against their cheeks, easing the chill permeating from their whole being to their feet. Lu Wei, trained in endurance and skill, had become robust like a seasoned athlete. Despite the threat of famine and starvation, they had now satiated themselves well, readying them against the persistent cold. Once they finished eating, Lu Wei signaled to the group and they prepared to continue their journey with the caravan. Lu Xiaoxiao swiftly packed their things in preparation to move. Her belongings included a ceramic pot, a machete, a small bed with dry grass, some clothing, and an assortment of miscellaneous items. Everything was meticulously loaded onto a sled. After the sled was packed, Lu Wei carefully wrapped Lu Xiaoxiao in bedding to shield her from the cold as they prepared to set out. The cattle and sled dogs were harnessed, everyone prepared for the journey, as Lu Wei commanded the sled from the front. As they passed a spot previously used by Er Lai to lie down, now sleeping like a corpse encased in frost, Lu Xiaoxiao couldn't help but glance at the horrifying visage. "Afraid?" Lu Wei glanced at his sister, humor lighting his eyes as he teased her. “No, I’m not afraid. I’ll be fine just as long as we’re together,” Lu Xiaoxiao stubbornly asserted, trying to sound braver than she felt. "Don't be afraid. Eventually, you'll get used to it and those fears will diminish." His impromptu life lesson, though brutal, emphasized survival and the reality that the pursuit of life can require harsh measures. Lu Xiaoxiao instinctively relied on her brother’s wisdom, fixating her gaze on the motionless body to gather courage. In her brother’s arm, she found bravery, her fear transforming into an odd curiosity with each glance at the skeletal remains. Later, under cover of darkness, a figure sought escape—Ma Zi and Chen Qi, wary as ever, had guarded the night. “Looking for revenge now that Er Lai is dead?” Chen Qi's voice was intense, his face twisted in anger as he relayed the sensation of disgust. "Slap!" Ma Zi struck Chen Qi's head. "Was Er Lai your father? Why seek vengeance for him? Steer clear of unnecessary troubles unless you fancy getting hacked apart yourself." Chen Qi rubbed his aching head as he uttered meekly, "But, if he enacts revenge against us, what then?" The glint in Ma Zi's eyes sharpens dangerously, sinister intent surfacing. "If he dares, we'll break his legs. Let him go muddle his complaints elsewhere." Immediately, Chen Qi's eagerness to engage soared. "You're right, let's do it!" he enthused. Another slap landed as a quick reprimand to temper his reckless enthusiasm. "You reckless fool! Going all in headfirst without a clue! The world runs on cause and effect, but also careful consideration.” Ma Zi spat saliva, drenching Chen Qi’s unspectacular face as he lashed out in disdain. “What should we do, then?” Chen Qi felt lost, his mind spinning under the scornful instructions. Annoyed yet pained, Ma Zi retorted, “We’ll try offering up half a pound of grain we swiped.” Chen Qi followed orders without question, wary if he’d suffer repercussions otherwise. In the sparse refugee crowd where thousands were scattered thinly, Lu Wei sidled with Lu Xiaoxiao to a quiet spot for refuge. The travelers quickly perceived a vigilant stance, ready to act if need be, while Lu Wei stripped clothes from Er Lai's lifeless form, shaking each garment to dispel any claim of belonging equally. "Anyone here recognize this outfit? Speak out, and we’ll go back to resolve any concerns,” Lu Wei called out, breaking the silence. There was a pause as murmurs ticked over the crowd—no item as precious this could remain unnoticed. Closely inspected, Lu Wei maintained composure as he observed the group, assessing threats with caution while holding Er Lai’s garments. He stood firm, declaring, “Speak truthfully. I don't want anyone feigning ignorance to mislead or cheat.” As voices began to rise, one unscrupulous individual scattered the crowd with discontent. “Shut up, all of you!” Lu Wei's roar silenced the noise into stunned stillness. “I'll only warn you once. If any false claim arises, feigning to be acquaintances, you’ll be at my mercy when exposed.” With a gesture summoning intensity, Lu Wei drew his machete, the reflection raw and determined. Steel exuded a chilling command, making unscrupulous intentions back down. When calm resumed, few reluctant souls remained, fear evident though grounded as legitimate claims surfaced. As Lu Wei prepared to question them, a familiar voice punctuated the air, high-pitched and raspy yet carrying an odd calm. "Brother Lu, may I have a word with you?" Abruptly turning, Lu Wei recognized Ma Zi advancing, wielding a stick with tense grip and evident ambivalence. “Recognize them by any chance?” Lu Wei signaled towards others, maintaining composure and an icy front, spanning conflict. With hesitation, they approached still as Ma Zi sought to temper conflict with peace, his brother Chen Qi ever at the ready. Thus mingled shadows and nerves fed before Lu Wei’s firmness, only the relentless chill witnessed and endured as the path settled once more into a path drawn fraught yet braved.