Heavenly Blessed Baby: Fleeing Famine, Busy to Prosper!-Chapter 20: Will the Two Doctors Stay or Go?

The village chief’s heart was beating so fast that he wished it could just jump out of his mouth.

In fact, he had also been inclined to head south earlier.

After all, the land of fish and rice sounds like a good place to live.

But after listening to Doctor Yin’s analysis, he realized how dangerous his previous thoughts were.

"Gentlemen, in this situation, is our best option to head north?"

The village chief asked cautiously.

Yin Cheng and Qin Minglang exchanged a glance and nearly chuckled simultaneously.

Qin Minglang said, "Village chief, this is a matter for the entire village. No matter which direction we go, the possibility of survival is much greater if we move together rather than trying to survive alone."

Yin Cheng added, "As the saying goes, a single chopstick is easily broken, but a bunch of chopsticks is not as easy to break. As long as everyone stays united, we can overcome any difficulties."

They both wouldn’t make the final decision.

The village chief understood this principle, so he didn’t press them further. Instead, he stood up, gestured, and signaled others to follow him outside.

The courtyard was already crowded with people.

Not only had the men from each household come, but many women and children were there too.

Those who were whispering softly quieted down upon seeing the village chief and looked at him longingly.

The village chief sighed internally, but his expression remained calm: "It’s chaotic to the south now, so we can’t go there. Therefore, after discussing it, we’ve decided that our village will head north."

"What? Village chief, are we really going to flee?"

"Village chief, what will happen to our homes if we leave?"

"Village chief, can’t we just stay? We’re just a small village hidden in the mountains; maybe the rebels won’t find us here!"

The reactions were surprisingly unanimous; no one wanted to leave.

The village chief didn’t want to leave either, but it seemed like there was no choice.

He raised his hand, signaling for everyone to be quiet.

The lantern under the eaves of the village chief’s main house was already lit, casting a warm glow through the red silk cloth.

Yet this light did not provide warmth; instead, it made everyone’s hearts sink.

"I understand everyone’s feelings; if we could stay, I wouldn’t want to leave either. But think about it; saying they won’t find us is just a chance. But what if we can’t hide?"

"I’m old and don’t have much to lose, but what about the children at home? If we adults are gone, even if the children are hidden, how will they survive later?"

The village chief’s voice was filled with desolation.

Qi Zheng had also come to the doorway at this moment. Seeing the village chief like this, he felt uncomfortable too; he knocked his pipe and said, "Everyone go home and think it over. As long as we’re alive, we can always earn back the houses and lands. But if we’re gone, what’s the use of leaving these houses and lands?"

These words calmed everyone down a bit.

If people are alive, life can be difficult, but it can still go on.

But if people are gone, then there’s truly nothing left.

The village chief cleared his throat and continued, "The elders of the village, please stay. The rest can go home and think over whether to leave. After we elders decide on the day to set off, we will notify everyone."

The decision to leave had been made, but choosing the day required careful consideration.

Every household’s people, items, livestock, and provisions for the journey needed to be packed.

As the saying goes, a broken family is worth thousands; no doubt every family had many things they couldn’t bear to leave behind.

Deciding what to bring and what to leave always required careful thought.

The villagers left with their heads hanging low, even the mischievous children could pick up on the adults’ uneasy mood and stayed as quiet as quails, afraid that any mischief might earn them a spanking.

Qi Zheng stayed behind, as did the other elder villagers.

Yin Cheng and Qin Minglang were also asked to stay.

"Gentlemen, we don’t know how many dangers lie ahead on the road. Would you two accompany us?"

The village chief hoped they would travel together.

Having a doctor along could save a lot of trouble.

Yin Cheng and Qin Minglang exchanged a look, and Qin Minglang was the first to speak, "I am originally a person from Yongping Village. Since the village is leaving, naturally, I will go as well."

Hearing this, the village chief and others heaved a sigh of relief.

Yin Cheng grunted, "I wasn’t planning on leaving, but the two young boys from the Qi Family almost forcefully dragged me out. They vowed to take care of me in my old age, so of course, I’ll stick with their family."

Saying this, Yin Cheng glanced at Qi Zheng, seemingly wanting to see his reaction as the head of the Qi Family.

The idea that his sons vowed to care for someone else’s old age might be hard for most to accept.

Yin Cheng had mentally prepared himself for Qi Zheng’s anger or even denying it publicly.

At worst, he would return to the city and guard his little home till the end.

But he didn’t need his mental preparations.

Qi Zheng puffed his pipe and, quite agreeably, said, "Since Mr. Yin has joined my family, he is one of us. As long as Mr. Yin doesn’t mind, the Qi Family will do our best to take care of him."

Yin Cheng was a bit surprised, but then he smiled.

How could a family that raised two simple boys be unreasonable?

The Qi Family was quite good, indeed very good!

With both doctors joining, the village chief felt much better, even alleviating some of the bitterness of fleeing.

"We’re one big family now; if Yongping Village stays united, we’ll surely find a place better than here." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

The village chief suddenly felt more confident, "Let’s decide when to set off and how to travel!"

He still needed to ask the two doctors for advice on this.

There was no other way, as they were the most worldly people in the village.

Yin Cheng waved his hand, "In terms of knowledge, I’m less informed than my junior. Junior, you should handle this matter!"

With his words, everyone remembered that Doctor Qin seemed to address Doctor Yin as senior brother.

So they were really senior and junior apprentices?

Oh my, they had never known that the two had such a relationship!

Qin Minglang smiled at Yin Cheng, "Senior Brother, when it comes to routes, I might know a bit more. But in other matters, you surpass me."

"Alright, stop being polite with each other and just help us figure out the route!"

Qi Zheng puffed his pipe again, "First let’s decide on the departure day, so the villagers can start preparing. Especially those with relatives in other villages; they need time to ask if they want to come along."

His words made everyone look at Qi Zheng.

What?

Would they really bring people from other villages along?