Disaster Apocalypse: Farming, Family, and My Hidden Secret Space-Chapter 273. Move

"Missing your father?" Zhao Fushi gently looked at his pair of children.

"Hmm," the two children nodded in unison.

"Yun Ao, Yun Xiang, Luo Song, these are my son and daughter, Zhao Ji’an and Zhao Jixiang," he continued, addressing the two children, "Ji’an, Jixiang, these three are your elder brothers—your father’s students."

It was at this moment that the caution in the children’s eyes slightly faded. Following their father’s words, they stood straight and bowed to them. Despite going through such hardships, the children’s inherent manners hadn’t disappeared.

"Hello, Brother Yun Ao, Brother Yun Xiang, Brother Luo Song."

Zhao Jixiang glanced at her father, and, receiving encouragement, she too greeted them along with her brother.

Seeing the two children who were reduced to just skin and bones, Hua Yunao and Luo Song felt a pang of sadness.

Everyone at the academy knew that besides books, Zhao Fushi’s most frequent topic was his pair of children.

"Take this," Hua Yunao handed all the milk candies he had to the siblings. These were given by his sister, and he had saved them, not having indulged. They were highly nutritious, and the children needed them more now.

He quickly took out two pieces, and when the children weren’t paying attention, he popped one into each of their mouths, making the children look at Zhao Fushi in confusion.

"Daddy," Zhao Jixiang instinctively called out, the rich milky taste causing her to swallow involuntarily, and the deliciousness made her large eyes brighten up.

Zhao Fushi patted the children’s heads, suppressing the bitterness in his heart, and smiled, "Since your brother gave them to you, go ahead and eat."

"Thank you, Brother Yun Ao," the two children immediately expressed their gratitude and then slowly savored it as if it were something precious.

Zhao Ji’an even considered dividing his milk candy in half to give to his father, but Zhao Fushi stopped him.

Zhao Ji’an obediently followed his father, tightly clutching the oil-paper wrapper, planning to save the rest for his father and mother.

Luo Song rummaged through his belongings and frowned in frustration, realizing he would need to get into the habit of carrying some food with him in the future.

Zhao Fushi waved toward the children’s mother on the mountain and said to Hua Yunao and the others, "Let’s go."

Then, amidst their exclamations, Hua Yunao and Luo Song picked up the children, their featherlight weight causing them to grow serious.

If it weren’t for knowing they were carrying children, the weight could’ve been easily ignored.

"Husband...them?" Jin Shi anxiously looked at the three young men behind her husband, especially the two holding her children.

"Shuniang, take a closer look." Zhao Fushi was delighted, speaking with anticipation.

Jin Shi glanced curiously at the children’s father, and, trusting him, she bravely turned her gaze to the three young men. Her eyes widened suddenly in realization.

"You...are Yun Ao and Yun Xiang?"

Jin Shi looked at the brothers Hua Yunao and Hua Yunxiang, a bit uncertain.

"Shi Niang," the three greeted in unison, their loud voices confirming Jin Shi had not mistaken them.

"Oh, oh..." Jin Shi’s eyes welled up, nodding repeatedly, relief settling in, and she quickly invited them into their cave.

Then she moved to light their makeshift stove built on three stones, but Hua Yunao and the others stopped her.

"Shi Niang, no need for that. We’re not thirsty. Instead, let’s see what needs packing. We’re here to help move houses together."

"Move?" Jin Shi paused her actions and looked at the children’s father.

"I was just about to tell you. I meet the criteria for entering Nei Gu. Starting today, we’ll move to Nei Gu."

"Really?" Jin Shi was truly overjoyed, almost unable to believe it.

She hadn’t dared hope to truly get inside, only hoping the children could buy some grain.

Who could’ve imagined... Now they won’t have to worry anymore. Entering Nei Gu, buying some grain for the family’s needs shouldn’t be a problem, and they won’t need to worry about food security issues anymore. It’s just wonderful, truly wonderful!!

"Yes, but it cost fifteen taels." Zhao Fushi then handed the remaining five taels of silver to his wife, watching her carefully.

A tinge of pain flashed in Jin Shi’s eyes, but thinking about exchanging fifteen taels for a life in Nei Gu, where the children could safely go out and play without fear, without worrying about slipping off the mountain, made it feel worth it instantly.

"Can we move in right now?" Jin Shi didn’t look at Zhao Fushi, but anxiously asked Hua Yunao and the others.

Zhao Fushi felt assured at his wife’s tone, knowing she wouldn’t feel heartache, even though their family’s savings weren’t substantial.

"Of course, we’re here to help," Hua Yunao and the others nodded earnestly, respectfully looking at Jin Shi. As if infected by her delight, they eagerly told Fushi, "Let’s tidy things up quickly, and move there early so father and son can rest well tonight."

"Alright, alright," Zhao Fushi, having seen the various facets of humanity and feeling the pure intentions of his students, nodded with quivering lips, his eyes red for a moment. Then he looked at his wife, "Shuniang, start packing quickly."

"Oh, oh," Jin Shi wiped her tears and nodded repeatedly, moving swiftly.

Inside the cave, they quickly gathered the bedding, and the few clothes the family had, wrapping them tightly in a shabby sheet.

The remaining items were cooking utensils, bowls, chopsticks, and a dented iron pot, along with a kitchen knife and a hoe—these two items were significantly protective for them, as Zhao Fushi used them to fend off several intruders.

The food consisted of only some remaining elm bark powder in a cloth bag, a few handfuls of dry wild vegetables, and some fresh wild vegetables Jin Shi had picked early from the neighboring mountain. Besides that, there was a broken ceramic pot for storing water, and collected firewood.

When Hua Yunao and Luo Song’s gaze touched upon the family’s provisions, despite being mentally prepared, they were still moved and saddened when seeing the mere handfuls of wild vegetables and bark powder.

"Fushi, is this all you survived on?" Compared to his elder brother, Hua Yunxiang was more easily moved, his eyes turning red as he held the bark powder.

"It’s alright; we managed to get through it. Let’s not dwell on it. Once packed, let’s move quickly." Zhao Fushi forced a smile of feigned ease, knowing it was tough, yet they had survived, and now they had hope.

With that, he moved to carry the heaviest bedding himself.

"Fushi, let us," Hua Yunao took the bedding from Fushi’s hands, unbothered by its dirtiness, making Zhao Fushi’s nose tingle with emotion.

Luo Song packed the pots and pans, as well as food, into a basket, while Hua Yunxiang bundled up the rest, utilizing both arms and back to carry everything.

The belongings were indeed few, almost entirely taken over by the three. Zhao Fushi and his wife carried only a few personal clothing items, and Jin Shi simply had to guide the two children.

With Hua Yunao and Luo Song’s help, the Zhao family quickly descended the mountain.

When they reached their wooden house, Zhao Fushi and his wife looked at the busy scene inside, especially noting the added furnishings in the wooden house. Their noses tingled, and their eyes brimmed with warmth.

It was thanks to Hua Chengtian. Zhao Fushi had a good impression of him, as both sons were able to participate in the exams the year before thanks to Zhao Fushi’s encouragement.

Hua Chengtian was always known for reciprocating kindness multifold. Zhao Fushi was a good man and an accomplished scholar, and it’s only natural to help when one can.

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