Chapter 408 - Chapter 408: Chapter 408: Shared Hardships_1 (1/2)

Chapter 408: Chapter 408: Shared Hardships_1

“We don’t drink,” answered one of them, and the other three nodded in agreement.

Seeing the steadfast attitude of the four servants, Xiumei did not press further. She felt a sense of mistrust toward her and her mistress from them—as if they suspected that they would be poisoned.

However, as house guards, their caution was understandable, and Xiumei could empathize.

The man, looking at this scene, addressed his servants with a benevolent expression, “Such a fine wine should not go to waste. Don’t disappoint this young lady’s kindness. Today is an exception; I allow you to drink.”

“But sir, we need to ensure your safety…”

“Just enough to warm your bodies, it will not intoxicate you, not to worry,” the man said, and then he issued a command in a more serious tone, ‘This is my order.”

The four servants had no choice but to bow and obey.

Upon seeing this, Xiumei brought over the jug that still had some wine left and offered it to the four men.

The four took turns to sip it twice.

By the time night fell, Wei Ruo and Xiumei had returned to the carriage. They covered themselves with blankets and lay comfortably.

The storm continued outside, but inside the carriage, it felt as warm as home.

In contrast, the eleven men outside were in a far graver situation, with only a few thin cloaks and blankets to fend off the cold.

Wei Ruo could not provide them with more clothes to keep warm—not because she did not have enough supplies in her space but because she could not take out too much.

She had already taken out a lot, and they didn’t know how long they would be stuck here. Wei Ruo would have to bring out food for every meal during their time here.

If she were to bring out a few blankets for them, no matter how spacious the carriage, it would raise suspicions.

Wei Ruo and Xiumei slept quite comfortably, but when Wei Ruo stepped down from the carriage the next morning, she saw that the snow outside the tent had piled up twice as thick.

Their shelter remained sturdy, with the snow piled up on and around it cleared.

She then saw the evident fatigue on the faces of Wei Yichen, Xiu Fengyuan, and others. It was clear they had not had a good night’s rest.

When Wei Ruo and Xiumei joined the others, they immediately set up the pot from the previous night, poured the remaining water from the leather bag, and added a bag of rice.

With more people present, they would probably just have enough rice for one meal.

Upon seeing Wei Ruo bringing out the rice, the eyes of those present couldn’t help but gleam.

They didn’t know how much food Wei Ruo had in her carriage, but instinctively, they felt there wouldn’t be much.

So, every time Wei Ruo brought out new food, it brought great joy to everyone.

Lu Yuhong couldn’t help asking, “Miss, do you still have food in your carriage?”

“Yes, we have some. I hope it will tide us through this snowstorm,” Wei Ruo replied.

In actual fact, the food and water Wei Ruo stored in her space would be enough for all of them to last until the New Year, even if consumed regularly.

“That’s wonderful!” Lu Yuhong exclaimed, overjoyed.

The faces of the few others also lit up with joy. They had been worrying about their survival as the snowfall had not ceased all night.

Wei Ruo’s words, however, comforted them somewhat.

Wei Ruo then added some pieces of dried meat and preserved eggs into the pot.

The preserved eggs were freshly peeled, chopped in her palm with a dagger, and thrown in.