c6 - Are Women a Burden on the Escape from Famine? Give Them to Me

Chapter 6: Turbulent Times "Misunderstanding? Was it really a misunderstanding?" Lu Wei scoffed with a cynical smile. Chen Qi combed his fingers through his hair and gave a cursory glance around. The wind rustled cold and unfriendly, causing Lu Wei's skin to tingle. "There's no harm done, truly." "Last night, both of us misjudged each other, almost deceived by baseless rumors—our brothers were pit against one another due to a misunderstanding, an unfortunate yet respectful skirmish." Consider it a stroke of luck that you and your brother were unscathed, sparing my embarrassment. Don't worry, you rest well tonight; I'll be coming by in the morning with my brother to make amends. If there are any issues, let’s simply meet and chat over some drinks. How's that?" With those words, Chen Qi hauled out a half a kilo bag of millet and pushed it towards Lu Wei with a grin, revealing gleaming white teeth. Having finished listening to Chen Qi, Lu Wei let out a slight chuckle and responded with an air of nonchalance, presenting no particular stance on the matter. Reluctantly accepting the rice, Lu Wei's eyes gleamed as he thought about the precious grains. In the north where provisions were scarce, millet was a hard-fought gain. Having survived these chaotic times and returned to a land with lacking resources, even white rice was as rare as gold. Though the taste might be less appetizing than more exotic grains, its value during these famine-ridden days made it a lifeline. Who could turn their nose up at salvation? Just when Lu Wei was troubled about where to acquire food next, feeling a wave of sleep crawling over him, this unexpected gift felt like a pillow sent for blissful slumber. This half a kilo of white rice wouldn't only be submitted to the inventory system; it was bound to multiply, tenfold. Though times were tough, adaptability was a skill Lu Wei prided himself on possessing, maximizing the value of what little he had. Enemies may exist, but here lay no grudges he'd perpetuate. Already accepting the gesture of goodwill, he saw no point in deception. He'd made his choice, allowing the rice to reach his hands. "That's settled then," Lu Wei said with a smile. "It seems I misjudged you. Since neither of us holds grudges, let's go according to plan—let's put it all behind us and move forward. Who would dare dispute that?" Decisions made with open eyes aren't so easily upturned. Thus, securing his machete to his waist, the murderous intent which had once flickered in Lu Wei's heart dissipated entirely. As Lu Wei sheathed his machete, tension eased from their surroundings, and Chen Qi, with newfound camaraderie, offered Lu Wei the grain. "Please don’t take offense if it’s not sufficient." Lu Wei accepted the offer without a hint of reservation, extending his hand with a laugh: "Ha, why bother with politeness now? We’ve formed a rapport, haven’t we?” Chen Qi's squinting eyes sparkled—they were sharp yet not unfriendly. "No harm at all; you're a tough one. We’ll speak again soon." "Indeed." Lu Wei waved his hand in departure, watching Chen Qi leave with rapt attention—and he pondered, could the rice be poisoned? "Brother Ma, why did you give away half a kilo of rice? Was that necessary?" Chen Qi asked, his face pained at the expenditure. Ma sneered, "What else should we do? Should I have left it be and lay awake all night worrying? Rather protect from theft then face it head-on during the night." "Damn it, I was hoping for a creamy rice porridge." … Upon realizing he had stayed too long, Lu Wei hastily set off with his sleigh to catch up with the merchant caravan. By noon, the caravan halted for rest, unwilling to journey further due to potential dangers en route. Around midday, as the sun peaked high, small trade arrangements sprang forth. Some sold clothing, others silver, and some even braved selling prized possessions. A few ponds away, livestock of skin and bones were at a depreciated price. The universal yearning was for grains. The talks of trade revolved around grains. Whoever had control over foodstuffs had control over survival. Even as prices skyrocketed, the exchange of grains became imperative. Lu Wei's half a kilo of rice was a currency he hesitated to part with but aimed to sustain his journey to find his missing younger sister. Though the allure of Wu's voluptuous wife was a mere distraction, his focus was unwavering. Among the trading, decimated livestock wandered aimlessly as traders hustled with red grass tags—a near-idyllic representation of these turbulent times. Then capturing the sight were spectacles not uncommon—a beautiful woman selling herself for food. Lu Wei mingled briefly, pondering decent material trades. As times grew desperate, far-fetched schemes emerged—not disappointing despite a lack of formal semblance to prior sensibilities. Escaping far without protection was futile, for beast-haunted lands yielded more terror than hope. Thus, armed guards insulated prosperous caravans—Lu Wei's envy was but a distant reflection of aspirations held. He often contemplated; had he trained in weaponry once news struck of disorder? Despite visions of war and famine, Lu Wei intended not to be ensnared by mires of despair; the line between survival and heedlessness was thin. Indeed, the weaponry, almost aristocratic in nature, commanded esteem rather than dread. What once was kin greeted foreign tongues, and past roots became inconsequential as fated ambitions sought grounding within unfamiliar lands. Villagers bred for this tumult, yet unlearnt in foreign arts, sought solace within ever-closing realities. In the village, distance cloaked connections: separation from urban life brought periodic gatherings to stock provisions. Lu Wei’s historical transport across lands was but a narrative—impelled to uncharted alcoves. Flight from adversities engendered less eased existence, even if foresight beckoned passivity amidst proclaims for mindful accommodations. Potentially underhanded now, opportunities taken were most astutely appreciated, unlike earlier years of inundated privilege within arms reach. His sister and the carriage marched on, fostering caution from earlier considerations—dug in preparation for his own stake in future prospects. With evening upon them, he orchestrated unwieldy adaptations—unabashed warmth beckoning near. Messages unconfirmed announced possible encounters, yet in tremulous nights, coordinated accords loftily considered unbeknownst among fellow patrons. Stalwart kin awoken by distant cries and contracted in cerulean grasp; unadorned shadows beneath meandering play. The trade of dawns, each crafted fickle; surviving by measure, ensuring promptness over nudged abandon; return emissaries forened wander... By nightfall, whisperings, unnamed foe, patter of soft soil, marrow longing. Dreams of kind abyss awash plentiful, yearning swiftly bred; fealty acknowledged by tufts unshaven, cadence aligned nearer... The system again quietly stirred from dormancy: “Ding, in exchanging (gifted) half a kilo of rice, you triggered a reward: one liter of water.”