Chapter 187

After Yusu returned to the village, he met Hong Ming.

After examining Hong Ming's condition, prescribing medicine for Shanyang to prepare, Yuhai brought the people from Hongshan Village.

When Hong Ming fainted, the people of Hongshan Village were initially disoriented. They didn't notice the difference in Yucun at first. When they realized it, they were speechless in the warm house, unsure how to express themselves amid the luxurious furnishings.

They even doubted if they were dreaming or if they had entered the embrace of gods.

"Is this really Yucun?"

"Or have we died and come to the arms of the gods..."

Hongshan Clan: "Stop talking nonsense; this is Yucun."

These youngsters, in their twenties, barely remembered Hongshan Clan when they left. Seeing the resemblance between Hongshan Clan and Hong Ming brought some reassurance.

Hongshan Clan urged, "Quickly tell us what happened to Hongshan Village."

The leading youth, eyes reddened, explained, "It's a snow disaster. No one expected such heavy snow this year. First, we couldn't hunt, and the stored food gradually became insufficient. Then, the heavy snow collapsed the roofs, most houses in the village collapsed, leaving us homeless. Many people were buried in their sleep by the snow."

"Later, the wild beasts in the mountains couldn't find food, so they came out in groups to eat people. We were forced to leave the village and head south. Passing by other villages, they refused to shelter us; some even wanted to capture us for food. We had no choice but to continue south."

"Many people froze to death along the way. When we reached the salt lake, the village chief thought of Yucun and brought us here."

If Yucun didn't take them in, this group would likely have frozen to death outside.

Hearing about their maternal family's plight, Hongshan Clan couldn't hold back tears. "How could this happen?"

The village chief comforted her, patting her shoulder.

Yusu sighed, telling Yufeng, "Arrange accommodation for the people from Hongshan Village, provide them with food, and get them some new clothes."

Yufeng nodded and took the people from Hongshan Village out.

"Village chief, they are my aunt's maternal family; I leave the rest to you and Aunt for arrangements."

The village chief sighed, "Alright."

...

Although Hongshan Village was just a short episode, it revealed the hardships of this winter.

Yusu felt that this winter might not pass so easily.

"Brother, the elders in the village say many people will die this winter. Is it true?" Yuzhou looked fearful, thinking it referred to Yucun.

Yusu ruffled his hair, "Our village will be fine."

Yuzhou breathed a sigh of relief, "I knew it; how could people die for no reason."

With his worries eased, Yuzhou went on, "Brother, I'm going to play with Yujie and Yukui."

"Wear more clothes, and let the snow wolf accompany you."

"Got it!"

Dressed warmly, Yuzhou, like a little ball, whistled at the door. The snow wolf leaped out, shook off the snow, and approached.

Yuzhou, through his gloves, patted its back, saying, "Let's go find Yujie and Yukui."

The snow wolf, trained to be responsive, nodded, crouched down, and allowed Yuzhou to mount. Swiftly, they traversed the snowy landscape, heading towards the Yushi family's home.

The Yushi family's house was at the foot of the mountain, now enclosed by a fence. Compared to the previous rudimentary dwelling, they now had a courtyard with three spacious rooms.

The family of three sat on a heated kang.

Yujie heard the snow wolf and brightened, jumping off the kang and running outside.

"You're not wearing shoes; where are you going!"

"Yuzhou is here!"

She lifted the thick door curtain, revealing a large snow wolf outside. Yuzhou sat on its back, smiling. "Yujie!"

Yujie looked at him, recalling the times when she used to affectionately call him "Yuzhou gege." Now aware of the age difference, she settled for calling him "Yuzhou."

Thinking about it, Yujie extended her hand, lifting him off the snow wolf. She brought him inside, patting off the snowflakes.

"Cold?"

"Not cold, I'm dressed warmly."

Seeing his joyful expression, Yujie knew he wasn't cold.

However, she reached out and covered Yuzhou's exposed cheeks with her warm palms. "Your face is a bit cold. You should have wrapped your face with the scarf."

Yuzhou pouted like a small goldfish. "Just for a moment; I'm not cold."

Yujie warmed his cheeks for a while, ensuring they were comfortable, then led him inside.

Yuzhou called out, "Yujie, Sister Yufish."

Yufish was spinning cotton thread. Like Xinya and the others, with nothing else to do in the deep winter, they brought back cotton and engaged in this simple activity. Basic tools were enough; it just required time and patience.

Seeing Yuzhou enter, Yufish put down what she was holding and waved at him.

"Play with Yuzhou and Yujie. We'll roast something for you later."

"Wow!"

The three kids cheered together. Yufish smiled and shook her head, grateful to Yusu. Without him, in this winter, they would probably be worried every day about freezing to death in their sleep.

...

A few days later, the people from Hongshan Village gradually believed that they were indeed in Yucun.

They lived in warm houses, covered in warm animal hides, eating plentiful food. Each person still had a dreamlike, unreal feeling on their faces.

"I've been to Salt Village before, and it wasn't as prosperous as Yucun."

"I just went out for a walk, and you won't believe what I saw."

Dozens of young people spoke excitedly about what they saw outside. Their faces were filled with excitement, eyes shining.

"If only others could survive and reach Yucun."

"Indeed."

As dozens of people spoke, some of them seemed disheartened.

They were the fortunate ones; others weren't as lucky.

After some time when Hong Ming could walk again, he, accompanied by the village chief and Hongshan Clan, came to find Yusuo.

"Yusuo, thank you for saving our lives," Hong Ming deeply bowed to Yusuo.

Yusuo helped him up, saying, "You're my aunt's brother; we're family. No need to be so polite."

Yusuo's words not only warmed Hong Ming's heart but also brought a sense of warmth and comfort to Hongshan Clan. It seemed Yusuo didn't consider her maternal family as outsiders.

With more confidence about what she was going to ask next, Hongshan Clan carefully opened up, "Yusuo, there's something I'd like to request."

Yusuo replied, "Aunt, no need to be so formal. Just tell me what it is."

Hongshan Clan continued, "Hongshan Village is no more, and Hong Ming and the others have nowhere to go. After discussing with them, they are willing to join Yucun. Could you..."

Yusuo understood Hongshan Clan's meaning; she wanted the people from Hongshan Village to stay in Yucun.

Yusuo thought for a moment, then looked at Hong Ming, "Do you really want to join Yucun?"

Hong Ming, a bit embarrassed, said, "Yes. If you think it's not appropriate, we can understand. After the spring comes, we will leave and won't overstay our welcome."

Hong Ming also knew that they had enjoyed the shelter and hospitality of Yucun. If they insisted on staying, it would be ungrateful.

But their village had only a few dozen survivors, mostly men with just a few women. Without a shaman, they couldn't establish a new village. Their options were either to become wild people or join another village.

If Yucun declined, they would have to find another village willing to take them in after the spring, the only way to survive.

Hongshan Clan anxiously looked at Yusuo, fearing he would refuse.

She lightly touched the village chief, and he spoke, "Yusuo, I've met those fifty or sixty young people from Hongshan Village. They are strong and capable, with no major behavior issues. If they stay, they can share some of the workload. Let them stay. Rest assured, if they cause any trouble, I will personally handle it, no leniency!"

Hongshan Clan hastily said, "Yes, yes, I will make sure they behave. They won't cause any trouble."

Yusuo smiled, "Uncle, Aunt, I haven't said anything yet. Why are you in such a hurry? How about this, let them stay. After the spring, we'll hold a ceremony."

Hongshan Clan sighed in relief, expressing gratitude, "Yes, we'll follow your decision."

Hong Ming deeply bowed to Yusuo, "Thank you for taking us in."

Yusuo helped him up, "We're family; no need for so much ceremony. Spend the winter here at ease, and take good care of your injuries."

Touched, Hong Ming said, "Thank you!"

After that, Hongshan Clan and the others didn't linger and bid farewell to Yusuo.

After Yusuo saw them off, Jian Yunchuan and Lu Yan returned. On their way home, they happened to meet Hongshan Clan and the others. When they got back, Jian Yunchuan asked, "What did the village chief and the others come for?"

Yusuo replied, "Fifty-six people from Hongshan Village want to join our village."

Lu Yan asked, "Did you agree?"

Yusuo said, "Yes."

Jian Yunchuan pondered, "Although they are Hongshan's sister-in-law's maternal family, we don't know much about them. In case they're troublemakers, it could be troublesome."

Yusuo responded, "We can handle that later. It's not easy to refuse now, especially considering Aunt Hongshan's status. If we encounter problems, we'll deal with them then."

Lu Yan said, "I'll keep an eye on them."