"Ha, all the benefits go to your big clans, and all the responsibilities fall on the young men from small households. Aren't you worried that we young people might just abandon you?" Wan Mingchuan understood. If he wanted land, he couldn't get it, and he still had to risk his life hunting as arranged by the clan elders while carrying the banner of the village's priestly duties.
Usually, it's one thing to bully small families, but now that disaster has struck, they still want to pick on the weak?
The skinny old man stroked his goatee with a face full of smugness, "Abandon? No one's stopping you if you want to leave, just see how many would follow you. Besides ample resources for the sacrifices, do you know the intricate rituals involved?
Do you know why so many refugees can't establish safe settlements and desperately want to join Riverfront Village? You think they don't want to? Let me tell you, the village can do without anyone, except the priest who conducts the ceremonies. No matter how much wealth is accumulated, it won't secure divine protection!"
After speaking, he arrogantly scanned the crowd, and sure enough, those young men who were initially aligned with Wan Mingchuan remained silent, glancing around nervously.
Qiao Mei tugged at Wan Mingchuan's sleeve, signaling him not to act impulsively.
In these ancient villages, clan concepts have always been deeply entrenched, with families holding priestly skills sometimes being even stronger than the village chiefs. Families like the Lin Family and the Wan Family are just small households with very few friends or relatives. How easy could it be to oppose them?
The truth is, as mentioned, with the foundation of Riverfront Village, comes the opportunity for tributes. Each year many refugees try to join Riverfront Village and are turned away. If you anger them and get expelled, you'll be left wandering perilously on the Deserted Island.
Even if you have to endure some grievances and exploitation now, at least you're part of the village and have two plots of land to cultivate. You usually get slighted a bit from time to time; during adversity, just endure it and it'll pass.
"With such heavy rain outside, of course, we old folks with frail limbs can't go out in the rain. It's time for the young people to stretch their muscles," the old man, seeing he still held absolute authority, nodded in satisfaction, and unabashedly eyed a few young men who had just voiced opposition, "You all go back to the village and fetch some rain gear for everyone. This cave is cold and damp, not as comfortable as your own home's heated beds. Everyone needs rain gear to work in the fields."
The other young men were dissatisfied, but they had a few relatives to consider, unlike Wan Mingchuan, who was alone after his grandfather's passing. Under the eaves, one has no choice but to bow their head, so they could only accept the inevitable, obediently dashing through the pouring rain back to the village.
The remote mountain villages on the Deserted Island have always been short of doctors and medicine, catching a fever from the rain could be fatal.
"Alas..." The village chief looked awkwardly at the once united elders, then at the figures of the young people reluctantly running into the downpour, stamping his foot anxiously, "In times of trouble like this, we need unity more than ever, why must it be like this?"
Wan Mingchuan, unsure whether it was anger or his injuries, felt slightly feverish, his body trembling as he leaned against the stone wall and sat down again. As he has only himself to feed, he wasn't going to be manipulated by those old folks, and he wouldn't risk his life in the pouring rain.
This young master will rest right here today!
Seeing this, the old man glared, hoping to intimidate him. To suppress a rebellious youngster from the start would ensure no one dared challenge authority in the future, but the village chief hurriedly stepped in to mediate, "Youngsters are a little impulsive, please don't hold it against him."
He quietly reassured the other clan elders while pulling the old man aside, whispering, "In hunting and farming, Wan Mingchuan is one of the best. If we really anger him and lose a strong laborer, we'll be the ones at a disadvantage!
Let's both take a step back, I'll go talk to him properly.
Besides, have you noticed your eldest granddaughter's look in her eyes, haven't you figured out what's on her mind? Making him part of the family is more beneficial than letting things turn sour. Isn't he looking to till the land? As your grandson-in-law, there'll be plenty for him to farm!"
The old man softened upon hearing this, glancing at his plump and dark granddaughter. Many girls in the village were eyeing that lad, and taking him in as a grandson-in-law would certainly keep the best resources within the family. It was just his stubborn temper that needed taming; if not soothed, he'd eventually cause trouble!
"Fine, I won't hold it against the kid." The old man waved dismissively, huffing to show his generosity;
The village chief turned again to persuade Wan Mingchuan, "Didn't your grandfather teach you the importance of understanding the situation? You're injured and still confronting them head-on. If you're expelled and catch a chill in the rain, who'll care if you live or die?
The wisdom passed down through generations was learned through life and death! On the Deserted Island, sticking together is crucial for survival. Even if you have other plans, you should at least wait until you've healed."
He glanced around cautiously to ensure no one overheard, before continuing, "Do you think those refugees wanting to join our village for protection haven't tried other ways? Do you know why your grandfather was unwilling to leave even when facing exclusion and insults?
Because there's no way to survive out there!
Many people went to the town hoping to earn a living and settle, but what happened? The townspeople aren't foolish; the most they'd offer is some money, a place to stay overnight to escape the wilderness, which is already a great kindness. But who's going to buy land or a house with that small sum?
There's nowhere to build roots; any disaster or illness is a death sentence!
Born in this remote mountain village, you must accept your fate. Staying in the village at least means having your own home, your own land to farm. No matter what, you can live full. What will you do away from here?"
These heartfelt words left Wan Mingchuan with nothing to retort, and he could only sit leaning on the stone wall, sulking in silence.
Qiao Mei gathered some dry straw, busy weaving simple bamboo hats, her gaunt face growing more serious.
"Mother, aren't people going to get rain gear? What are you doing?" Lin Chunxi asked curiously.
Without lifting her head, she replied quietly, "There are more than two hundred people in this cave. Do you think those few could bring enough rain gear? There's no chance for us widows and orphans. While others with large families can find things to eat from their cellars, we have to find a way to work or we'll go hungry."
Lin Chunxi paused, then moved closer to help, her small hands clumsy but reducing her mother's burden.
The conflict came quickly and ended quickly. The villagers all silently distanced themselves from Wan Mingchuan. Only Qiao Mei and the two children remained unmoved next to him, creating an immediate and wide buffer zone around him.
"Brother Mingchuan, I have something to tell you." Lin Chunsheng slowly moved over, speaking in a barely audible whisper, "The silly girl from the He Family has taken a fancy to you. Her grandpa is likely thinking of first hitting you with a stick, then offering you a sweet date to make you marry her."
Upon hearing this, Wan Mingchuan's pallid face showed signs of anger due to his discomfort. He opened his eyes to look at Lin Chunsheng and asked, "Who did you hear that from?"