113 A balanced state of mind

As the several thousand-strong group made their way forward, most of them did so in extreme hunger. Especially since it was the beginning of winter, those who didn't eat were extremely cold.

At this time of year, the wild vegetables were beginning to shrivel up. Even a plant as tough as the shepard's purse had started withering.

The escaping masses scoured the roadside as they advanced, looking for anything from plants, to tree bark, and tree roots to eat.

At the beginning, the people from the stronghold still held on to their dignity. But now that they were this hungry, they dropped whatever they had left.

Instead, it was Ren Xiaosu and company who did not feel any stress. They had been eating such things all along.

When wild vegetables were eaten raw, they tasted bitter. They would leave an astringent aftertaste. Some people vomited after eating them as their bodies couldn't handle such foods.