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After securing the wood and tidying up, Wu Chen called for a brief meeting to discuss the next day's work. "Tomorrow, we need to divide our team for faster work efficiency. Some will stay behind to start working on the needed materials for construction, and others will continue harvesting."
He designated the teams: "Master Zhao, Xiao Han, Xiao Lin, and Zhao Tao will continue harvesting. The rest of us," he said, pointing to each one, "Jiang Liheng, Xiao Feng, Xiao Bai, and I will stay behind to start processing the wood."
Zhao Tao spoke up, "The magistrate's order of our first batch of supplies has probably been delivered to the magistrate's estate by now, and the renovation should start tomorrow."
Jiang Liheng, looking at the clear sky, then said, "Well, if it rains, we will all have to adjust our plans. Let's hope for clear weather."
The escorts gathered for their own meeting, discussing their rotation for the upcoming days.
Escort Wu Yunzhou, Escort Chun Haoyu, and Escort Bao Hong decided to take turns escorting the workers across the river while ensuring someone always stayed behind with the married couple, Escort Zhu Changli and Escort Hua Meilin as the fix combo to guard the cabin.
Hua Meilin, not hearing her husband's name, spoke up. "Since earlier, Zhu Changli has been doing all of Helper Jing's errands nonstop. Perhaps he should stay with the harvesting team tomorrow."
Zhu Changli chuckled, "I need a break from being an errand boy. I volunteer to go with the harvesting team."
As the team leader, Escort Chun Haoyu agreed to the suggestion. Escort Bao, with his tall and well-built body, would guard the cabin and assist Chief Helper Jing with various tasks. "Bao Hong, you'll guard the cabin with Meilin tomorrow and help Chief Jing with whatever she needs," he instructed.
Escort Bao Hong nodded, a playful grin on his face. "I'll be Chief Jing's right-hand man and make sure everything runs smoothly here."
Hua Meilin smiled, relieved. "Thank you, Bao-er. Zhu Changli, you can finally focus on the guarding work without running around for errands." she jested.
Zhu Changli grinned, "Looking forward to it. Let's make sure tomorrow runs smoothly for everyone."
With the short meeting adjourned, the escorts dispersed, ready to support the Dragon's Edge Woodcutters group in their efforts for the upcoming days.
Following the plans set, everyone prepared for bed. The men, including the male escorts, took baths at the bathhouse, which the hunters had built on the other side of a small shallow brook that could be crossed with just a few steps. The accumulated water from the brook could be heated manually from underneath, making it a very analog hot spring. Escort Zhu Changli discovered this hidden gem during his inspection around the perimeter earlier.
The women took turns using the outhouse, where the men had collected heated water into a large wooden tub for them to take refreshing baths. This allowed them to feel revitalized for the next day's work.
When Wu Meifen returned, visibly exhausted from her vigil, only Helper Jing assisted her with her evening routine. This included a bath and preparing her bed. Wu Meifen appreciated the help, knowing that tomorrow would bring another demanding day of prayer and work.
As the cabin quieted down, Wu Meifen reflected on the day's efforts and the work that lay ahead. Her thoughts briefly drifted to the memories of Ling Kai and their life together, finding closures in the rituals that connected her to his memory.
The night ended with everyone settling into their respective sleeping quarters, the cabin filled with the soft sounds of the forest and the quiet conversations of a few before fully falling asleep.
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On their second day at the cabin, the workers were greeted by the early morning sound of raindrops, which quickly escalated into a severe storm. The sky darkened, and the rain poured down with relentless force, accompanied by thunder and lightning.
"Everyone, gather in the main cabin," Wu Chen called out. "We need to organize our schedule for the coming days."
Over a warm breakfast, they discussed their plans. Cook Gu had prepared a hearty meal of congee with preserved eggs, steamed buns, and hot tea to keep everyone warm and energized.
The storm continued to rage outside, transforming the usually serene surroundings into a chaotic and tumultuous scene. The trees swayed violently in the wind, their branches whipping back and forth, some snapping under the pressure. Leaves and debris were scattered everywhere, and the outside ground turned into a muddy, slippery mess. The small brook that ran nearby had swollen into a raging torrent, its clear waters now muddy and overflowing its banks.
"Secure the wood in the shed," Wu Chen instructed. "We can't let it get wetter."
The workers rushed into the shed to protect the wood and some heavy equipment outside, securing everything inside as the rain grew heavier. Xiao Feng and Xiao Bai were visibly scared of the thunder and lightning.
The sound of the storm was deafening. Thunder cracked loudly overhead, and lightning illuminated the sky in blinding flashes. The rain pounded down in relentless sheets, each drop hitting with a force that could be felt through the walls of the cabin. The howling wind added an eerie, almost ghostly quality to the cacophony of sounds.
"Look at you, Xiao Feng," Xiao Han teased. "If Yiyi saw you now, she'd laugh her head off."
"Shut up, Han," Xiao Feng muttered, trying to hide his fear.
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Inside the cabin, they could feel the vibrations of the thunder through the wooden floors. The temperature dropped, and a chill filled the air, making the warmth of the indoor fires even more comforting. The cabin creaked and groaned under the strain of the storm, but it held firm, providing a safe haven for the team.
Chief Helper Jing Xiu noticed Wu Meifen standing near the entrance of the cabin, gazing outside at the heavy rainstorm, lost in deep thought.
Her practical working clothes, a simple yet sturdy tunic and trousers, were being swayed by the strong wind. The tunic was a deep brown, worn from use but still durable, and her trousers were tucked into sturdy cloth shoes reinforced with leather soles, caked with mud from their work. Wu Meifen's dark hair was pulled back into a loose bun, stray strands whipping around her face.
She hugged herself tightly against the cold, her expression a mix of contemplation and concern. Her eyes, usually sharp and focused, now seemed distant as she watched the relentless downpour. The rain beat against the ground in a chaotic rhythm, and the wind howled around the cabin, but Wu Meifen stood still, almost as if she were rooted in place by her thoughts. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, and she shivered slightly from the cold.
Jing Xiu could see the tension in her posture and the way her shoulders were hunched against the elements. Concerned, she approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her from her reverie.
Chief Jing approached Wu Meifen. "Mistress Wu, it's too dangerous to pray by the river today. The storm is too fierce."
"I had no intention of going out today," after a few moments of silence, Wu Meifen assured her. "We can delay the prayers if needed. Safety comes first."
Satisfied, Chief Jing nodded and returned to the main hall where the workers were bonding. Wu Meifen, however, had other plans. She retreated to her room to focus on organizing the inventory they were currently harvesting for the second batch of orders for the magistrate.
In her room, Wu Meifen set to work with a determined focus. The room was dimly lit by a small oil lamp, casting a warm glow over the wooden table where she had spread out her inventory lists. Scrolls, ink, and brushes were neatly arranged around her. She meticulously reviewed each item, ensuring that all the harvested wood was accounted for.
The sound of rain against the window created a soothing backdrop, helping Wu Meifen concentrate. She dipped her brush into the inkstone and began writing, her strokes deliberate and precise. Each piece of timber was noted, categorized by type and quality. She cross-referenced her notes with the initial estimates provided by Master Zhao and Master Jiang, ensuring everything matched up.
Jing Xiu hesitated at the door before knocking softly and entering. "Mistress Wu," Chief Helper Jing Xiu said softly, offering a gentle smile as she held out the tray, "I brought you some warm tea and a few sweets. I thought you might need a little comfort on a day like this while working." In her hands, she carried a tray with a steaming pot of tea and a small plate of sweet snacks.
Wu Meifen turned, her distant eyes focusing on the tray before meeting Jing Xiu's gaze. She accepted the offering with a nod of gratitude. "Thank you, Chief Jing. The tea is most welcome."
Jing Xiu poured a cup of tea and handed it to Wu Meifen.
Wu Meifen watched the content of the tea, the warmth of it seeping through the cup and into her hands. She took a sip, feeling the soothing warmth spread through her. However, her thoughts were far from soothed.
Jing Xiu hesitated for a few moments, watching Wu Meifen continue to work after taking one sip before speaking again. "Mistress Wu, if there's anything on your mind, I'm here to listen."
Wu Meifen paused her writing, the brush hovering above the parchment. She didn't look up immediately, but the offer of support seemed to soften her rigid stance slightly. "Thank you, Chief Jing. It's just… this storm, it reminds me of the one that took Ling Kai."
Jing Xiu's face softened with understanding. "I remember him well. He was a good man. It's natural to feel unsettled in such weather."
Wu Meifen sighed, finally setting down her brush. "I can't help but think of the work we've done, the sacrifices made. This storm feels like an omen, a reminder of what I've lost and what we stand to lose if we're not careful."
Helper Jing Xiu nodded. "Ling Kai would be proud of what you've accomplished here, your father too. And he'd want you to take care of yourself, especially now. You'll get through this, as you have before."
A faint smile touched Wu Meifen's lips. "You're right. Thank you, Chief Jing."
Jing Xiu inclined her head respectfully. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call for me. I'll be checking on the others in the gathering hall."
After Chief Helper Jing Xiu left, Wu Meifen took a deep breath and returned to her work. Despite the storm outside, she felt the need to stay diligent. The inventory had to be perfect, and she wouldn't let the weather or her memories distract her from her responsibilities.