CHAPTER 453: CHAPTER 453: ENTERING THE TOWN

Once Lingyun falls, the next will be Linzhou and Cangzhou... I can only hope the governors of the various states understand the seriousness of the situation.

Otherwise... in the face of a collapsing nest, how can there be unbroken eggs? Once Lingyun falls, the next will be Linzhou and Cangzhou... no one will be able to escape.

While the situation in Lingyun State is tense, hundreds of miles away in New Moon City, peace is rare.

After more than a month of busy work, Hua Village gradually became calm, with all the fields planted with crops.

The valley gate was firmly locked by iron chains.

During this period, Hua Chengtian took the village lads to the town. Although the shops remained closed, the streets were already populated with small vendors organized by the government, bringing some life to the area. It seemed as though people were gradually emerging from the previous gloom, with days appearing more hopeful. Occasionally, a few government officials passed by, keeping certain individuals in check.

Despite the presence of small vendors, the goods on display were extremely scarce, consisting mostly of homegrown vegetables, limited grains, a few fabrics, and rough salt provided by the government.

The difference is that the former currency, Silver Coin, is now replaced with barter trade. Given the scarcity of supplies, Silver has sharply depreciated and lost its original value.

So goods are exchanged based on mutual satisfaction of the buyer and seller.

Hua Chengtian specifically examined the coarse salt on the stalls, which was very rough, but its price was barely acceptable to the common folk.

That’s why, despite the high cost, the salt stall is the most popular, with two officials behind it to deter certain individuals.

Hua Chengtian scrutinized the situation and concluded that these should be refined by the government itself, which gave him some relief.

The salt, though coarse, was barely edible, most importantly solving the urgent need for salt among the people.

Upon returning to the village, he informed the villagers of the town’s situation but cautioned them that if they intended to go to town or search for relatives, they must act collectively.

Although the town appears calm, who knows what lurks in the shadows?

Those who have survived till now are no fools; some might do anything to live better.

Upon hearing that vendors had appeared in town, Hua Jinxuan decided to set up a stall. In the aftermath of a year’s scorching heat, even if people had stored grain, it would likely not be much. Recently, the space has absorbed considerable faith energy from the people, prompting Hua Jinxuan to take action.

Especially recalling the rainy night in her dream, if everyone were too weak from hunger, they wouldn’t have the strength to fight back or even flee, leading to certain doom. Then all her previous efforts would be in vain, which is an unacceptable outcome.

Learning his daughter intended to set up a stall, Hua Chengtian naturally couldn’t let her go alone. Hua Yunao and Hua Yunxiang also wished to go, and even Xiaoxiao didn’t want to be left behind.

Ultimately, Hua Chengtian accompanied Hua Jinxuan himself, though Hua Village faced no immediate danger, and there was a tall wall to protect it, with its top covered in broken tiles and sharpened bamboo stakes. Still, the house couldn’t be left without strong workers, especially since the brothers Hua Yunao and Hua Yunxiang had just added children to the family and were very busy. With them present, Qi Shi and Old Lady Hua could spare some time for other tasks, so both were left at home.

As for big Liu, Gouzi, and the other children, they were finally moved out under Hua Jinxuan’s arrangements.

Saving these children was purely out of pity, for they had become orphans at a young age but continued to strive to survive. Their resilience moved Hua Jinxuan deeply, and since she saved them, it was impossible to turn them into work horses at home.

Although the family never regarded them as servants and treated them well, the children instinctively tried to work harder, cautiously seeking favor, fearfully afraid of being driven out of Hua Village, which saddened Hua Jinxuan.

Therefore, after settling them at home, she discussed with her father and grandfather about building a few houses next to their home for the children, so they could have their own place and a true sense of belonging.

Upon learning that the benefactor sister wanted to build them houses, although the children didn’t wish to move out and wanted to live with Sister Anran, they finally complied with grateful hearts after hearing the benefactor sister’s words and moved out of Hua’s house.

The benefactor sister said that they needed their own place, as stability in heart would allow for better living, and being so close, they could meet anytime. Most importantly, having their own home meant no longer fearing being driven away.

In a few days, the family built three main rooms and two wing rooms on a vacant plot of land to the left of Hua’s house. Naturally, a kitchen and woodshed were included, with a cellar dug specifically for the children and two little yards fenced in the front and back. This allowed the children to plant vegetables and grains in the yard. Water could be fetched from the village or directly from their home next door, and with a little grain, they could attend classes with the village teacher.

This kind of life was something big Liu, Gouzi, and the children had never even dreamed of.

Thus, even after having their own home, they nearly always returned to Hua’s house to help with chores. Little Hua’er and Wan’er would also assist in watching the kids with Da Ya and Yun Niang. Most of the time, except for the oldest Liu, who wasn’t as agile, the younger ones practically became little tails, sticking close to Hua Jinxuan whenever possible.

When Hua Jinxuan planned to set up a stall, the clever Gouzi naturally wanted to join.

Hua Jinxuan liked Gouzi originally, and since Xiaoxiao was going as well, she simply allowed Gouzi to accompany them.

Thus, on the third day after Hua Chengtian returned from town, Hua Jinxuan, along with her father, Xiaoxiao, and Gouzi, hitched the family’s ox cart and headed to Shanggu Town with the villagers who were also setting up stalls.

The arrival of the ox cart in town caused quite a stir. Nearly every eye was fixed on the ox, ignoring the cart’s contents. People were fascinated by the strong-looking big yellow ox.

These days, only those with money and power could afford such cattle, especially ones so well-fed, indicating no shortage of food and drink, to the point where some gazes even revealed a hint of greed. But upon seeing the strong group surrounding the cart, those thoughts were quickly restrained.

Indeed, how could ordinary people possibly protect such large livestock?

Their group attracted considerable attention in town, including from the patrol officials responsible for street security, who couldn’t resist casting glances at them.

Inevitably, they foresaw this outcome when deciding to bring out the big ox, for the alternative was trudging along on foot. Despite the attention, Hua Jinxuan preferred this.

As long as nobody planned to target them, Hua Jinxuan didn’t care about the nature of those looks.

"Father, there are quite a few people on the street," Hua Jinxuan remarked to her father after surveying the area.

"Indeed, more people than a few days ago, which is good. It shows everyone is coming out again."

Watching the passing crowd, Hua Jinxuan nodded. Although incomparable to the Shanggu Town of the past, it was quite promising, indicating that the county prefect of Shanggu Town was doing a commendable job, instilling a sense of safety among the people.