The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 975: Chapter 952: Honor Amid Chaos 20

Anning mentioned wildfire, truly terrifying the people at home.

Even Hui, sitting in the carriage, heard that and quickly hugged Ke’er to calm down a little.

”We need to leave quickly.”

Xiao Jin immediately drove the carriage forward.

Xiao Yuan didn’t speak, instead, he focused on driving the carriage fast.

No one spoke afterwards, everyone just concentrated on the journey.

Along the way, they encountered pitiful refugees, some kneeling to block the road, hoping Anning would give them some food and water.

At such times, Xiao Yuan didn’t say a word, directly using a whip to drive these people away.

It’s not that they were heartless, but in such situations, they couldn’t afford to stop or give away any food or water.

If they gave even a little, they would be surrounded by refugees, and there’s a possibility all their supplies could be robbed, and even the children could be harmed or stolen.

Anning and Xiao Yuan leading their large family couldn’t take any risks.

Anning had previously told the children about such situations, and along the journey, the kids had seen similar incidents, where a kind-hearted family offered food to others and were consequently killed by the refugees.

After that incident, as they traveled, the children steeled their hearts, no longer daring to show any softness.

Thus, they hurried along, and as night fell, they were about to leave the mountain enclosure when suddenly someone shouted, ”There’s a fire, look, it’s on fire!”

Xiao Ling turned to look back and saw the area they had just left had inexplicably caught fire, the sky in the distance was bright red from the flames, accompanied by thick smoke, even Xiao Ling could smell a burnt scent.

”Move quickly.”

Xiao Yuan hurried the carriage even faster.

Xiao Jin tightened his face, continuously urging the carriage.

The carriage was fast, and the road was bumpy; during these times, the carriage lacked any suspension, and Anning and the others inside were shaken to exhaustion, grabbing the railing inside to avoid being thrown off.

Anning held Xiao Yin with one arm and grabbed onto something with the other.

Xiao Ying and the older children held each other’s hands tightly, grasping onto things to prevent being flung off.

Xiao Jin while driving reminded Hui, ”Hold Ke’er tightly, make sure Chong is secure, don’t fall off.”

”Sir, I’m being careful.”

Hui, once a delicate woman, had grown stronger after these days of upheaval.

The wildfire spread quickly, almost instantly coming close.

The burned forest ash scattered everywhere, Xiao Yuan could feel the black dust floating above.

His face was tense, continuously driving the carriage.

Just as the wildfire was about to reach them, they finally left the mountain area, arriving at an open space.

But, even then, the group dared not stop and continued driving for a while before halting.

The carriage stopped, Anning quickly jumped down to give water to the horses, while Xiao Ling sought hay to feed them.

After the long journey, the horses were both tired and thirsty, almost collapsing.

Given the situation, they couldn’t continue tonight and had to settle here.

Hui and several others stood on the carriage looking north, although evening had fallen, they could still see the sky brightly red.

”Luckily, thankfully.”

Xiao Jin sat heavily on the ground, both nervous and scared, his sweat soaking his clothes.

Xiao Yuan’s appearance wasn’t good either.

He had plenty of dust on his head, his face streaked with black and white, his body sweaty, and without water, he hadn’t washed for two days, giving off a foul odor.

Not just Xiao Yuan, even Anning, Hui, and the children weren’t clean either.

Water was scarce, and even if found, it had to be saved as drinking water, none dared use it for washing their faces or bathing.

Anning took a handkerchief, dampened it with some water, and handed it to Xiao Yuan to wipe his face.

Hui also gave Xiao Jin and Xiao Ling each a wet handkerchief.

After the three men wiped their faces, Anning said, ”Tonight, we can’t cook. Fortunately, we boiled water, let’s eat some dry rations with the water.”

Having just witnessed the power of the wildfire, no one dared to light a fire to cook.

The group took out dry rations, paired with already cooled water, and each ate their food, then lay scattered on the ground.

As the night fell, it wasn’t as hot; the open space occasionally had winds blow, making it feel slightly cooler.

After being cooped up in the carriage all day, hot and uncomfortable, everyone welcomed the coolness, whether man or woman, all sat on the ground.

Xiao Yin lay in Anning’s arms, looking up at the scattered stars.

At this moment, her breathing calmed a lot.

Along the journey, Xiao Yin had seen and endured much she couldn’t have imagined before; now, she just hoped to reach Southern Yi quickly, to stabilize and no longer wander.

Lying there, she could see Anning’s chin.

Looking at Anning’s tight jaw, she felt grateful that they separated from the first and second branches, relieved they didn’t travel together, or they might have been dragged down by those people.

Even though her parents were knowledgeable and thorough, it also depended on who they’re with.

Now, being with Fourth Uncle and Sixth Uncle, who both are reasonable and respect her father, they followed orders along the way, avoiding many dangers.

If they had been with the first branch, the elder brother’s arrogance might lead to disregarding her father, not listening to her parents, or even opposing them, dragging along a group with unclear distinctions, encountering unknown dangers.

Thinking this way, Anning and Xiao Yuan must have considered the same.

At that time, Xiao Jin also realized why Xiao Yuan was eager to divide the family even if it meant feigning illness with his wife.

At night, while Xiao Jin and Hui were on duty together, he softly spoke to Hui, ”Third Brother saw far ahead, knowing this journey wouldn’t be smooth; dividing the family early saved us from many troubles, if we were with the first branch, we’d likely be the first ones abandoned.”

Hui nodded continually, ”The first branch thought their Silver would be useful, but at times like these, what good is more money? Can it be exchanged for water or food?”

”The first branch feels their money is abundant...”

Xiao Jin couldn’t help but laugh thinking of the gold Xiao Yuan hid away, ”Third Brother’s gold stash far exceeded the first branch’s.”

Hui laughed too.

Though the journey was tumultuous and perilous, being with the third branch gave them steadiness, no fear, and hope.