Chapter 37 – Cannon Fodder Old Woman Fleeing Famine (Part 7)

This day, Wang Daya led her busy household: everyone had their own tasks, and nobody dared slack off.

Meanwhile, a big event was unfolding in the village: the Qian family had sold all their fields to the village chief's family. It caused quite a stir. Farmers couldn't believe anyone would sell their lifeline that cheaply—most villagers thought the Qians had lost their minds. A few suspected something more was going on, but the Qians only claimed they needed the money for their son's schooling.

When the Lin brothers returned home and reported the news, Wang Daya quietly warned everyone not to gossip about Qian Pozi visiting their home last night, to avoid unnecessary trouble.

At dinner that evening, the second daughter-in-law, Zhang Zhaodi, seemed on the verge of speaking several times—Wang Daya noticed her discomfort and felt concern, but since she wasn't there to foster in-law relations, she didn't interfere.

Over the meal, she cast a glance at her sons to silently remind them to stick to the plan.

That night, after the daughters-in-law and children had fallen asleep, Wang Daya took her sons into their fields.

Passing by the Qian family's land, they overheard Old Mrs. Qian husk corn and whispering to another woman: "Too bad we didn't trap that Wang old woman, but soon her entire family will suffer…"

The eldest son, kind-hearted but impulsive, nearly rushed to confront her—but the second son, sharper of mind, stopped him just in time. Wang Daya gave the second son an approving look, hidden under the dusk sky.

She quietly reminded them of their purpose and led them quickly to their cornfields. There, she used her space ability to gather the corn before them and explained:

"This is the treasure your father left me—something for storing things…"

She had hesitated before revealing the secret, unsure of her sons' loyalties. But after observing them these days, she realized the respect and trust they still had for her. It was time to let them in on the secret—for the strength and practicality of a lighter load on their escape.

Next, at the sweet potato field, she instructed them to leave the leaves intact and dig from the sides—to avoid attracting attention. Though more laborious, she did not want to stand out.

They worked until bare dawn, then returned home—just as the second daughter-in-law was preparing breakfast, which was perfect timing.

Wang Daya unpacked the morning's grain and signaled to her sons to rest briefly.

Back in their rooms, Zhang Zhaodi tried repeatedly to question her husband, but he held fast to their parents' instructions, so she got nothing.

Frustrated, she silently fumed—but Wang Daya, who had been monitoring her, noted the threat: deep down, Zhang Zhaodi's loyalties lay with her own family. If that didn't change, she might not remain part of the escape plan.

Wang Daya decided to hold off—for now—but made a mental note: any sign of betrayal would not be tolerated. This was too important of a mission.

During the day, Wang Daya asked the others to follow the same routine as yesterday, while she prepared to visit the town again to purchase supplies. Though they still had funds, she believed actual survival necessities are more valuable than money.

She planned to buy a donkey cart and herbal powders, with any remaining funds used as needed. She chose her second son, clever and capable of dealing with townsfolk, to accompany her—he was pleased to finally be out of the fields.