Chapter 34: Building the City Walls

The biting wind whistled through the crumbling city walls, a sound like a low moan, as if recounting the past suffering of this land.

Feng Ruqing stood atop the wall, her gaze piercing as she surveyed the rolling mountain ranges in the distance. The carnage of the recent battle felt as though it had just unfolded before her eyes; the metallic scent of blood seemed to linger in the air, yet the true danger was far from over.

The dilapidated walls and the practically useless fortifications cast a heavy shadow over her heart. How could these ever withstand a real enemy? She clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white, a profound sense of responsibility swelling within her.

Returning to the village, Feng Ruqing immediately gathered the residents to lay out her plan for reinforcing their defenses. "We cannot sit here waiting for death," she said, her tone firm. "Only by strengthening our defenses can we protect our homes and our loved ones."

However, her proposal was like a stone cast into a placid lake, stirring ripples that were not all of agreement.

"How much would that cost?" a villager muttered, drawing murmurs of assent from those nearby.

"Exactly. It's a waste of both money and effort. What if those villains never return?" another villager questioned. "We have lived here for generations and have never seen such a spectacle. Why worry unnecessarily?"

An old man leaning on a cane spoke with a hint of dissatisfaction. The villagers' concerns were not entirely unfounded; after all, reinforcing defenses was no small task, requiring significant labor and resources. Following years of famine, most of the villagers lived in dire straits, and asking them to provide money and grain for fortifications was indeed a tall order.

Feng Ruqing understood their plight, but she knew even better that if the defenses were not improved, the consequences of another enemy raid would be unthinkable. She explained patiently, trying to persuade them, but the results were far from ideal. The atmosphere grew heavy, thick with tension. The two sides remained at an impasse, unable to convince one another.

Just then, a gruff voice broke the deadlock. "I support Ruqing!"

Brother Ma’s booming voice rang out through the crowd like a thunderclap, silencing the dissenters. He strode to Feng Ruqing’s side, standing as steady as a mountain, his rough hands patting the hunting knife at his waist as he swept a resolute gaze over the crowd.

"I support Ruqing!" he repeated, his voice even more resonant. "Have you forgotten what happened a few nights ago? If it weren't for Ruqing arriving in time, would we even be standing here now? Those men in black were ruthless, their every strike intended to kill. If not for Ruqing’s superb martial arts, we would have already..." He paused, leaving the rest unsaid, but everyone understood his meaning.

At this, some of the younger, stronger villagers clenched their fists in fury, their eyes gleaming with hatred as they stepped forward to stand beside Feng Ruqing, declaring their willingness to follow her command.

Brother Ma looked around, his gaze falling upon a young woman shrinking back. "Sister-in-law Cuilian, have you forgotten how your husband died? Those beasts didn't even spare the elderly or the children! If not for Ruqing, your child would have..."

Cuilian covered her face and began to sob. Her weeping was like a fuse, igniting the repressed emotions of the crowd, and many other women and children began to cry as well.

Brother Ma’s voice lowered, becoming even more powerful. "We can no longer rely on luck! Ruqing is right; only by strengthening our defenses can we protect ourselves and our families!"

His words landed with the weight of iron nails, driving into the hearts of the villagers. The unrest in the crowd gradually subsided, replaced by a heavy, shared realization. Feng Ruqing felt a warmth in her heart and cast a grateful look at Brother Ma. His support had undoubtedly infused her with immense strength. She knew the villagers were not unreasonable; they had simply lost their sense of crisis during their long period of peaceful living.

The villagers began to chime in, expressing their willingness to contribute labor and reinforce the defenses. A warm atmosphere began to spread through the tension, like a ray of sunlight in mid-winter, bringing a glimmer of hope.

However, a new problem soon faced Feng Ruqing. She had the labor, but what about the materials? Building the wall required vast amounts of timber and stone, as well as tools like iron nails and ropes.

Feng Ruqing looked at the empty village storehouse, a sense of powerlessness washing over her. She traveled everywhere, attempting to purchase or borrow supplies from neighboring villages, but returned empty-handed each time. Years of famine had long since exhausted the resources of this land; everyone was struggling just to survive. Who could possibly spare extra supplies to help them?

As the sun set, the sky burned with fiery red clouds, casting a reflection upon Feng Ruqing’s weary face. She stood at the door of the empty warehouse, looking at the distant mountains, her heart filled with helplessness. The scarcity of supplies stood like a mountain before her, making her feel suffocated.

"Is there really... no way?" she whispered to herself, her tone tinged with despair.

Suddenly, a voice sounded behind her. "Ruqing, I have an idea..." Feng Ruqing turned to see Brother Ma. He scratched his head and gave a simple, honest smile. "Our village doesn't have much, but we have plenty of stone. Why not use what's right here and build a wall out of stone?"

Feng Ruqing’s eyes lit up. Of course! How had she not thought of that? At the foot of these mountains, stone was the one thing they had in abundance! She tapped her forehead, laughing at herself for being so blinded by the lack of traditional materials.

She immediately gathered the villagers and proposed a plan of "work-for-relief."

"I know everyone is struggling right now," she said earnestly, "but building these defenses is urgent. I propose that everyone contributes their labor to build the wall. I cannot pay wages right now, but I can compensate you with grain. Once the autumn harvest comes, I will repay you double."

As soon as her words left her lips, the surrounding villagers fell silent. The sunlight bathed Feng Ruqing, her eyes filled with determination and hope, while behind her stood the dilapidated houses of the village and the people waiting to be saved. Her voice echoed in the quiet air, and then, slowly, expressions of realization and admiration dawned on the villagers' faces.

Some villagers were moved to tears, hailing Feng Ruqing as the savior of the village. They crowded around her, creating a scene of adoration.

In an instant, the villagers responded one after another, and the previously dampened morale surged. This unexpected measure acted like a shot of adrenaline, injecting new vitality into the village.

The villagers worked with great enthusiasm: the men transported stones, drenched in sweat; the women took charge of moving earth and cooking meals; even the children participated, picking up scattered pebbles and handing tools to the adults. The entire village was in motion, a scene of bustling activity.

Through their collective efforts, the fortifications gradually took shape. A wall built of giant stones rose from the ground like a winding dragon, guarding this tranquil land.

Feng Ruqing did not remain idle. She utilized her own connections, contacting friends from her time in the military to have scarce supplies—such as iron nails and ropes—shipped in from elsewhere to further reinforce the structure.

Watching their home’s defenses grow stronger day by day, the villagers were filled with respect for Feng Ruqing. They had witnessed firsthand how this seemingly fragile woman had led them out of despair and used her wisdom and courage to protect their home.

As for Feng Ruqing, seeing her efforts bear fruit filled her with a sense of accomplishment. When the first line of defense stood tall and imposing, the wind roared. Feng Ruqing stood on high ground, her hair and robes dancing in the gale, with the solid wall and cheering villagers behind her.

She raised her arms, her voice clear and resonant, echoing through the valley: "From this day forward, we no longer fear any enemy! Our home will be guarded by our own hands!"

The villagers erupted in thunderous cheers, waving their tools, their eyes gleaming with excitement. This was more than just a line of defense; it was a symbol of their renewed hope and a testament to their unity and resolve. Children ran about happily, their crisp laughter echoing through the mountains as if celebrating this hard-won victory.

In that moment, Feng Ruqing’s image in their hearts became monumental, like a guardian deity shielding them from the wind and rain, bringing them safety and hope.

However, amidst the celebration, Feng Ruqing kept a clear head. She knew this was only the beginning; the real challenges lay ahead. Those forces that sought to see her dead would not give up easily. She had to be fully prepared to protect the peace they had so dearly won.

Just then, Mistress Zhang came running over in a hurry, her expression panicked as she whispered a few words in Feng Ruqing’s ear.

Feng Ruqing’s expression changed instantly, her eyes sharp as blades.

"Strangers? In the dark alley?"

Night fell, and the stars twinkled in the sky. Clad in black, Feng Ruqing slipped silently into the dark alley...