LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 4
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the fields, the group from Shu Village arrived at Li Village, their hearts heavy with the weight of the day’s news. They brought with them baskets filled with food, bundles of clothing, and handmade blankets, each item a symbol of solidarity and support.
But as they entered the village, a chilling silence greeted them. The once-bustling streets lay eerily quiet, and the air felt thick with an unspoken sorrow. Hua Mei felt her stomach twist as they passed through the entrance, taking in the scene before her.
There were no adult men in sight—only women and children. The women moved about, their faces pale and drawn, eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. The children clung to their mothers, their expressions wide-eyed and bewildered. The sense of loss was palpable, and Mei felt a lump rise in her throat.
Granny Feng stepped forward, her presence commanding. “We are here to help!” she announced, her voice cutting through the silence. The women turned toward her, their expressions shifting from despair to cautious hope.
“Granny Feng! You came!” one of the women exclaimed, her voice cracking with emotion. “We thought we were alone…”“No one is alone,” Granny Feng replied firmly. “We are a community, and we will support each other in this dark time.”
As they set down their burdens and began to distribute the supplies, Mei wandered deeper into the village, drawn to a clearing that had once been a gathering place. What she found there sent a shiver down her spine.
Signs of a fierce struggle were evident—scattered belongings, overturned baskets, and even deep gouges in the earth where the fight had taken place. The air still carried an unsettling energy, a whisper of the violence that had unfolded.
“Look!” one of the women shouted, pointing to a series of strange markings on the ground. Mei knelt closer, her heart racing as she recognized the patterns. It was the same earth manipulation she had seen in the confrontation that had taken Uncle Li.
“What could have happened here?” another woman murmured, her voice trembling.Granny Feng approached, her expression grave as she surveyed the scene. “It seems the elder who took our loved ones was more than just a soldier. This was no
ordinary draft—it was an assault. We must be vigilant. They may return.”Mei’s stomach churned at the thought. “What can we do, Granny? How can we protect ourselves and the children?”
Granny Feng’s gaze sharpened, a fire igniting in her eyes. “We will fortify this village. We must come together and teach the women and children how to defend themselves. We cannot allow fear to paralyze us.”
As they rallied together, organizing defenses and gathering the villagers, Mei felt a renewed sense of purpose. They would not be defeated by fear. Together, they would honor those who had been taken and ensure that their spirits lived on through resilience and strength.
As the night deepened, the fires of their resolve flickered brightly against the encroaching darkness. They were women and children standing together, ready to fight for their home, their community, and the future.
Long Wei PoV
Long Wei sat on the porch of his family’s home, staring out at the wheat fields that swayed gently in the evening breeze. The weight of the past weeks pressed heavily on him—his father gone, Uncle Li taken, and the shadow of fear hanging over the village. The sound of laughter and chatter felt distant now, memories of a time when life seemed simple and safe.
Just then, he noticed a familiar figure approaching. It was Hua Mei, her expression a mixture of concern and determination. She walked with purpose, her head held high, even as the gravity of the situation threatened to weigh her down. Wei’s heart lifted at the sight of her, grateful for her friendship during these dark days.
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“Hua Mei!” he called, standing up to greet her. “I’m glad to see you.”
“Hello, Wei,” she replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I brought some things to help. I thought your mother might need a little support.”
As she stepped onto the porch, Wei gestured for her to sit beside him. “Thank you. We could all use it. Mother has been working tirelessly in the fields since… since Father left.”
Hua Mei nodded, her brow furrowing as she looked out over the fields. “I can’t believe everything that’s happened. It feels like a nightmare we can’t wake up from.”
“We have to stay strong,” Wei replied, though doubt crept into his voice. “But sometimes, it feels impossible.”
She glanced at him, her eyes softening. “I understand. It’s hard to find hope when everything feels so uncertain. But we have each other. We can support one another through this.”
Just then, Long Len emerged from the house, wiping her hands on her apron. She smiled warmly at Hua Mei. “Hello, dear! What a lovely surprise. I hope you’re hungry; I made some soup.”
“Thank you, Auntie,” Hua Mei said, her face lighting up a little. “I’d love some.”
As they settled down at the small table on the porch, Wei watched as his mother ladled soup into bowls, the rich aroma wafting through the air, momentarily lifting the heaviness that clung to them. They ate in companionable silence, the warm food a small comfort against the chill of their worries.
After a few moments, Hua Mei spoke up. “I’ve been thinking about what we can do for Li Village. Granny Feng is rallying the women there, and I believe we can help them.”
Wei looked up, intrigued. “What do you mean?”
“We can organize resources, gather supplies, and even teach the children some basic self-defense. We need to be prepared in case the soldiers return,” she explained, her voice gaining momentum. “It’s time for us to take action.”
Long Wei felt a flicker of hope ignite within him. “You’re right, Mei. If we work together, we can support each other and show that we won’t be broken by fear.”
Len smiled at their exchange, her eyes reflecting pride. “That’s the spirit, my son. You two have the strength of the village behind you.”
As they finished their meal, Wei felt a sense of purpose returning. They might have lost much, but they still had each other and a community that could rise together.
“Let’s meet with Granny Feng tomorrow,” Mei suggested. “We can see what needs to be done. We can make a difference.”
Wei nodded, feeling the weight on his shoulders begin to lift, if only slightly. “Yes, let’s do it. For everyone we’ve lost and for those still here. We won’t let fear take us.”
As the sun set, casting golden hues across the fields, Long Wei felt a renewed determination swell within him. Together with Hua Mei and the village, they would face whatever came next, standing firm against the shadows of despair.