Chapter 113 After Winter

Madam Cheng and Jiang Xiyue fell ill and were unable to get up for a long time.

This was true weakness.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Master Cheng no longer bothered to manage them, letting Madam Cheng fend for herself.

He continued his days of being served hand and foot, but occasionally summoned his son to inquire about the convoy's progress.

Cheng Hao managed to deflect all his questions.

Days passed, and the snow showed no sign of stopping.

Food, however, was steadily being consumed.

Yet, as the year drew to a close, everyone managed to scrimp and save some provisions to celebrate a warm New Year together, hoping to usher in good luck.

The delicious hot pot ingredients and other vegetables were also mostly eaten.

The last remnants were consumed on New Year's Eve.

Despite being wanderers, the children were happiest during the New Year.

They were all immensely joyful.

The adults, having not seen anyone else for days, felt a growing unease.

But they did not show it.

After all, with at least three convoys still around, the sense of loneliness was not as overwhelming.

Otherwise,

This vast expanse of white, devoid of human presence, would be truly terrifying.

Thus, in the blink of an eye,

The New Year had passed.

Everything was damp, and the snow began to melt, making it even colder than before.

Cheng Hao looked at the courtyard, having stayed there for several months and feeling utterly fed up.

Su Miaomiao felt the same.

The two of them, one standing and the other seated on a stool, faced the damp ground and began to plan.

"In a while, we'll have to set off. This place looks peaceful, but it's actually unstable. We must head towards more populated areas to gather information. I wonder how things are outside after all these months. Once the snow melts further, it will be time to depart."

Su Miaomiao chattered on, her hands tucked neatly, her mind preoccupied.

Cheng Hao agreed.

"Everyone's strength is still intact. Although a lot of food has been consumed, at least no one has fallen ill. Instead, everyone has become stronger, which is an added layer of security on the road. We should continue our journey."

The primary need was to gather the latest news, as being completely cut off from information was rather disconcerting.

They discussed this openly.

Laifu, who happened to be passing by, overheard and poked his head in to ask, "Young Master, Young Mistress, are we continuing our journey?"

Su Miaomiao did not hide anything from their subordinates. She nodded briskly and said, "Yes! We're going to continue. When the weather is good and the timing is right, we'll pack up and set off!"

Laifu's face immediately showed a sense of urgency. He nodded quickly to indicate he understood.

Cheng Hao chuckled and asked him, "What do you understand?" he was genuinely curious.

After a year,

The adolescents in the convoy had grown significantly in height due to good food and exercise!

Laifu was now much taller and sturdier, like a young man.

Laifu naturally replied, "I understand that everyone needs to store more provisions for the journey! We should also bring more of the firewood we saved earlier. With the melting snow everywhere, it will likely be damp. Firewood won't dry easily. Fortunately, we have oilcloth, so we can wrap it up and fear nothing!"

He spoke with such conviction.

This amused Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao greatly, and they praised his progress.

Laifu scratched his head and smiled, bid farewell to the couple, and returned to his work.

The news of their imminent departure spread through the three convoys.

Everyone was aware.

There was, however, a rare division of opinion.

Some felt they should simply hide here and live in seclusion.

These individuals were, without a doubt,

Master Jin, Master Cheng, and Madam Cheng.

Madam Cheng was already in a frail state. A common cold had left her with lingering ailments. Since she didn't take proper care of herself and didn't receive timely treatment, her health was now very poor. She coughed constantly, and it was estimated she would never fully recover.

She rarely went out to exercise, so speaking now left her breathless.

She was barely clinging to life.

Under such circumstances, the idea of enduring the hardships of travel was something she clearly did not wish to do.

Jiang Xiyue, being young, recovered quickly and did not suffer any lingering health issues. However, she had rarely ventured out, spending her time in her room helping to care for Madam Cheng. She naturally knew that following Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao would be the right choice, but because she disliked them, she could not agree with their words.

She deferred to Madam Cheng's wishes.

She also stated that it was not appropriate to depart and that they didn't know what the situation was outside, which might not be any better than here. This place was somewhat hidden, deep within the mountains. The villagers were now more proficient at hunting, and by spring and summer, wild vegetables would flourish, and there would be more game. It was better to stay.

However, only these few people were unwilling to leave and wished to settle here.

Everyone else listened to Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao. The couple had always been logical in their actions, and they were now explaining the pros and cons to everyone.

"Don't be fooled by the fact that our lives seem manageable now. It's purely good luck that we encountered such a severe cold snap, making it impossible to travel. Even if we could, we wouldn't get far, which is why we haven't encountered any dangers!"

"But surviving the winter and hoping for the same in spring and summer?"

Su Miaomiao said, crossing her arms, "When we can move freely again, others will be able to as well. What if we are surrounded here then?"

Cheng Hao nodded and added, "Even if no one comes, it's dangerous. Without people, we won't get any information. How will we know what's happening outside? Where have the enemy soldiers advanced to? Where have they fought?"

All this was unknown. And while their current location was indeed advantageous during winter, it might not be so in spring or summer.

Furthermore, this place wasn't particularly hidden; it was just difficult to find.

Those familiar with the area,

Could still find them.

In short, staying here was by no means a foolproof plan! It was better to move and observe.

Although the road ahead was perilous,

The current combat strength of everyone was much safer than before.

And by moving out, they could encounter people and gather information about the current situation.

Only then could they make new judgments.

Moreover, this place wasn't particularly far from Gao Family Village, so they could continue onward.

Their initial goal was to reach a stable neighboring country.

They hadn't truly forgotten.

It was just that they now had an additional plan: to see how things unfolded as they traveled. If circumstances permitted, they might find a place to settle for a while. If not, they would continue to advance towards their original objective.

Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao's words naturally convinced everyone.

They felt that the couple was always right!

Listening to them was the correct course of action!

Li Datou, who had been learning martial arts from Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao, had greatly improved his skills!

He was also extremely supportive of the couple. He immediately shouted, "Our Young Master and Young Mistress are so capable. Whatever they do is right! I'll listen to everything you say. I'll do whatever you ask me to do! I will never betray you!"