Chapter 10, Drought (II)

Regardless of whether it is the Wang family or the Chen family, both have made ample preparations for this southern migration. It can be said that this convoy is entirely composed of horse-drawn carriages. Each carriage, in addition to being pulled by four horses, also has two additional horses as backups.

Another young man of the Wang family said, "Father, let us bathe first, and the remaining water can be given to these beasts."

Just as the matron regained her attention, Chen Rong's voice came from the carriage, "Matron, let our horse chew on the satin water."

Since yesterday afternoon, Chen Rong, who did not want to pay attention to the Wang family's expressions, returned to the middle of the convoy

At this point, the elder's expression became complex as he looked towards Chen Rong in the carriage, his eyes revealing astonishment. The concubine was the same; she stared blankly at the swaying curtain of the carriage and said hesitantly, "Miss, it seems you have known for some time?"

At this moment, the vehicle in front suddenly slowed down

Wang Zhuo furrowed his brows, gazing at the Chen family members bustling about by the pond behind him. After a moment of contemplation, he shouted to those around him: "You all go fetch a few buckets of water as well"

Yes

After the horses were fed, the journey resumed. This time, everyone ceased their clamor and began to travel with full effort

Another hour has passed

That night, the convoy settled down by the water source. Under the mocking gazes of the young members of the Wang family, Chen Rong calmly instructed everyone to refill the half-empty buckets and basins that had spilled due to the overturning of the carts. Then, under the watchful eyes of Ping Yu and others, she chose a clean spot at the water source to take a bath

At this moment, everyone in the convoy felt as if their throats were being scorched by fire, suffering from intense thirst. Meanwhile, the galloping horses were also weak and exhausted.

At this point, the Wang family youths no longer had the leisure to play. Under their urging, the convoy moved swiftly, covering thirty to forty miles in just one morning

However, the sun still blazes fiercely in the sky, and on both sides of the road, all the fields remain parched and cracked. Along the way, even the sky appears gray and dim. The wells encountered not only have no water but the thick accumulation of withered leaves indicates that this place has been suffering from drought for a long time

It is strange, this journey has been quite peaceful. Why did the Wang family send out scouts?

Yes

As noon approaches, the weather is becoming increasingly hot

The strong men rushed in front of the Wang family elders, and it is unclear what exactly they said. In an instant, the murmurs and complaints of the Wang family members were incessant.

Wang Zhuodun shouted: "A carriage is empty whether it is filled or not, why say so much? Just load it up!"

At this moment, the Wang family descendants finally ceased their clamor, yet faintly, murmurs and complaints could still be heard

The numerous servants worked together with a united effort, yet they only managed to produce three large tubs and several small basins. Of these three large tubs, one is for Chen Rong's bathing, while the other two are for the male and female servants to use for bathing.

From within the carriage, a soft response from Chen Rong could be heard

Everyone was taken aback, and a young man from the Wang family exclaimed: "Uncle, why must you believe the nonsensical words of a woman"

The convoy continued to advance forward

As the response just fell, a young man from the Wang family hurriedly said, "Father, no, absolutely not." He lowered his voice and, under the anxious gaze of Wang Zhuo, continued, "Father, as the head of the Wang family, you have in a short span of time inquired twice about a branch family’s illegitimate daughter from the Chen family. Would this not tarnish your esteemed reputation to elevate Chen's A-Rong?"

The sun began to set in the west, and the wind that blew was no longer so hot

After walking for more than ten miles, a pool of water appeared ahead. The Chen family's servants filled three large wooden barrels, then filled several small wooden basins with water, and finally dampened those thick satin fabrics

After a pause, Wang Zhuo's weary voice sounded, "Go and call Chen's A-Rong over."

Yet, ahead lies a haze of gray; it is clearly only early autumn, but what is presented before everyone is merely a desolate expanse of withered hues

The matron looked up at the sky and said to the carriage, "My lady, it is a bright sunny day."

The entire team was exhibiting a sense of panic and unease, yet only Chen Jiazongma, who had chewed satin water three times, remained spirited and vigorous

In the past twenty days or so, whether it is the Wang family or the Chen family, they have consumed a considerable amount of grain, thus freeing up some horse-drawn carts, which are just right for transporting this water

As the clear water appeared before everyone, suddenly, a young girl exclaimed sharply: "Uncle, why are you giving water to these beasts? It's so hot, and I still want to take a bath"

Upon Wang Zhuo's reprimand, no one dared to say anything further and could only follow behind the Chen family to fill the water. However, they only intended to do the bare minimum, managing to fill a total of twenty bathing tubs with water

The convoy continued to move forward

The glaring sunlight shone upon the earth, scorching the ground until it was searing hot. As the horse-drawn carriage moved, the dust rose up into the sky, lingering for a long time. Judging by this scene, it seemed that this place had not seen rain for quite some time.

Yes

The old man said softly from the side: "Those people say that there is no water source for thirty miles ahead, and all the wells we have seen along the way are dry. The villagers say it has not rained here for a month. They usually fetch water from the rugged mountains to the east. Those mountains are at least twenty miles away, and it takes a whole day to go there and back."

He said at this point, gently reassuring: "After the horse drinks water, we will hasten our journey and must find a sufficient water source as soon as possible. By then, whether you want to bathe or play, there will be plenty of water."

At this moment, the Wang family disciples faintly sensed that something was amiss. Within the ranks, their complaints transformed into anxious inquiries and curses.

After a moment of silence, Wang Zhuo's commanding voice rang out again, "The water for the horses is limited to eight buckets. With so many of you, who will be able to bathe with these eight buckets? Stop causing a commotion; no one is allowed to bathe with the water in the buckets"

She herself did not mind washing, but she also forcefully demanded that all the maids thoroughly clean as well

The convoy continued to advance. In the next several miles, three large water ponds appeared. Looking at the clear, rippling water, the Wang family members shook their heads repeatedly. Wang Zhuo frowned even more, feeling frustrated as he thought: It is just an ignorant girl pretending to be knowledgeable, yet I actually listened and took it seriously. Alas, I will become a laughingstock for others again

In this case, the thirty-li journey was completed in just one hour

Early the next morning, Chen Rong ordered everyone to re-wet the thick satin in water before they began to wash up and set off.

At this moment, the convoy had already come to a stop

Everyone in the convoy was engulfed in intense unease. The further they traveled south, the more they were horrified to discover that the fields on both sides of the road were increasingly riddled with ravines and severely parched

Uncle, we are merely bathing; as long as we do not splash water, it will be fine

The convoy fell silent for a moment, and soon after, Wang Zhuo's commanding voice was heard, "Do not act recklessly. Until we find well water, no bucket of water is to be wasted."

In the anxious eyes filled with hope of the young disciples, Wang Zhuo commanded: "Wang You, you all feed and water the horses well, then go ahead to scout the path. Report back once you find a water source!"

The matron curiously asked, "What happened?"

Madam Ping noticed that the servants of the Wang family were taking several buckets out of the carriage and began to feed the horses

On this day, when the sun rose from the east, it was dazzlingly red.

Indeed, it is such a waste to give such clean water to livestock

Ping Yu extended her head and saw ahead a cloud of dust rising to the sky, which was caused by several strong men dressed in the attire of the Wang family's servants returning on horseback

Fortunately, those who are now by her side are all loyal servants of the Chen family. Although they find their young lady's actions to be overly dramatic, they still quietly carry out her orders.