Chapter 44: Sanctuary

As Li Fourth Uncle and the others conversed, Li Mu finally understood what had transpired.

It turned out that after Li Fourth Uncle told him about the Axe Gang showing up, they immediately began sending people to several villages to spread the news and invite others to come and lend a hand. At the time, Li Mu had been preoccupied with planning how to escape with Ninth Aunt and paid no attention to any of this.

Now, upon closer inspection, he realized that many of those who had come to help were familiar faces. During his recent travels from village to village, fixing hooves, he had gotten to know quite a few people. When they saw him, they greeted him with smiles, calling out, “Brother Mu, Brother Mu!” Yet Li Mu felt somewhat disoriented.

He knew all these people; they seemed honest and straightforward in daily life, but earlier he had witnessed their fierce side. Such a rugged spirit! Only this phrase came to mind.

Reflecting on the state of the world, he realized the authorities only cared about collecting taxes and neglected everything else. Gangs held sway over the county. He had once thought ordinary folk must struggle to survive. Yet now he saw that the people had their own way of getting by.

Their way of survival was unity.

When gang members came knocking, if trouble befell one village, everyone would rise together. In such circumstances, even the gangs would be wary of offending these villagers too easily.

At last, Li Mu understood why, when he suggested visiting other villages, Ninth Aunt had agreed without hesitation. The bonds between people here carried more weight than he had imagined.

When people from several villages came to help, it was impossible for the Li Family Village not to show some appreciation. That very noon, a banquet was laid out in front of Ninth Uncle’s house to entertain the villagers from each community.

Li Mu did not preside over the event; though he had gained some reputation, he was not yet qualified to handle such important matters. It was Grand Third and Li Fourth Uncle, along with others, who took charge.

The food was provided jointly by Li Family Village, with each household contributing smoked meat, smoked fish, and various grains to host the guests.

Altogether, over two hundred people came from several villages, and the feast consumed a considerable amount of provisions. In this era of material scarcity, Li Family Village offered their very best.

Some of the visiting villagers felt embarrassed and tried to decline, but having come to lend their strength, how could they leave with empty stomachs? They valued benevolence and righteousness, and so did the elders of Li Family Village.

With the villagers’ warm invitation, all the guests stayed. Soon, the area outside Ninth Uncle’s house bustled with laughter and conversation. Everyone knew each other, and the gloom cast by the Axe Gang’s visit was swept away.

Unfortunately, wine was still too precious; aside from a little at Grand Third’s home, no one else had any. Even so, the feast lasted until dusk, only then did it disperse, and everyone returned to their own villages.

As the villagers helped clean up, Li Mu stepped forward to tally up how much food had been consumed and went door to door distributing payment.

At first, everyone refused, but Li Mu insisted. His explanation left no room for argument.

“The village protects its people—Ninth Aunt need not be modest about that. But there’s no reason we should share the cost of the banquet... This is money left by Ninth Uncle; it’s his family’s affair, so it’s only right he pays. Please, don’t refuse.”

Of course, it was actually Li Mu providing the funds, but he could not say so now, only attributing it to Ninth Uncle.

He did not go out of his way to thank the villagers for defending Ninth Aunt; such formality would only make people feel uncomfortable, as if Ninth Aunt did not consider them ‘her own’. Nor could he say he was paying out of pocket, or else the villagers would feel uneasy about accepting the money.

Everyone acknowledged that he had benefited from Ninth Uncle’s kindness and thus considered himself part of that family. But when it came to silver, if he paid personally, others would feel compelled to do the same. Otherwise, would it not seem inappropriate? If he benefited and paid, and others had benefited as well, must they also pay?

Thus, he attributed the payment to Ninth Uncle. Hearing this, the villagers laughed.

Li Fourth Uncle chuckled, “You rascal... enough, since Brother Mu says so, let’s all accept it. After all, it’s ‘Old Ninth’s’ money. He’d pay anyway, no problem.”

He looked at Li Mu with even greater satisfaction, clearly approving of his tact.

In this era, everyone’s life was hard. People could contribute effort and manpower, but if they were expected to contribute money as well, it would inevitably cause discomfort for some.

Li Mu’s approach pleased everyone.

In truth, not much was spent; the entire banquet cost less than five taels of silver. The real expense was the smoked meat, while grains were readily available in each household. Smoked fish and similar items came from the river and cost nothing.

Of course, Li Mu meticulously calculated everyone’s share.

With Ninth Uncle’s fate uncertain—he might return tomorrow or not for a long time—and the Axe Gang still lurking, Ninth Aunt’s peace depended on the village’s protection.

It was vital for all the villagers to feel comfortable and believe that Ninth Aunt was worth helping.

Busy until nightfall, settling accounts, many left satisfied.

Only Grand Third, Li Fourth Uncle, and a few others who had been particularly active in the incident remained.

“Though we forced the Axe Gang back for now, this isn’t over. I’ve spoken with the folks from the other villages; for the time being, our people should avoid going to the county town lest they get targeted by the Axe Gang. I’ve asked the other villagers to help gather news,” Grand Third said, after most people had left.

Li Fourth Uncle and the others grew solemn and nodded.

Indeed, the Axe Gang had been driven back today, but this was far from finished. It could even be said it had only just begun.

The Axe Gang had suffered a setback; based on their understanding of the gangs, they would not let it go so easily.

In the village, the gang could not do much, but if someone went to the county town and faced deliberate retaliation from the Axe Gang, it would be trouble.

The county town was, after all, the gang’s turf, and villagers could not compete.

Especially those like Li Fourth Uncle who had been particularly active in today’s confrontation—the Axe Gang would likely single them out.

If they ventured to the county town, the risk of revenge was high.

“Then we simply won’t go. Autumn is approaching, and there’s plenty to do at home,” Li Fourth Uncle replied nonchalantly.

The others agreed—they would not leave recklessly.

Though they spoke lightly, Li Mu knew they were taking a considerable risk. Especially Li Fourth Uncle and those who often earned their livelihood in the county town—they would suffer losses because of this.

But at this point, there was no need for further words; he simply made a mental note of it.

The group chatted for a while longer, mainly discussing possible moves the Axe Gang might make and how to respond.

After all, this was the Axe Gang; their village’s conflict with such a group could not be taken lightly. Especially since the village’s only warrior was still missing.

Only when the moon was high did everyone disperse and return home.

Li Mu and Ninth Aunt were left, still tidying up the last bits.

Ninth Aunt had been busy all day, her gaze unfocused. Only now did she suddenly speak.

“Brother Mu...”

Li Mu, who had been sweeping and lost in thought, snapped back to reality and looked at Ninth Aunt.

“Aunt?”