Chen Lan woke up the next morning to find that Xu Mingxuan had already left, likely for morning exercises. The kang was still warm, suggesting Xu Mingxuan had added firewood to the stove after getting up. Chen Lan checked the system time with her mind; it was almost eight o'clock, getting late, and Xu Mingxuan should be back soon.
She didn't linger in bed any longer and immediately got up to dress and wash, completing the routine in one go. Because she had prepared a lot of ingredients the previous night, many dishes were left uncooked. Today's breakfast was very simple: she added vermicelli, Chinese cabbage, potato slices, and the remaining uncooked meat from last night into the leftover lamb soup from the previous night, making a hearty stew. She then placed corn wowo heads on top of the pot to steam. Breakfast was ready!
Seeing that Xu Mingxuan and the others hadn't returned yet, Chen Lan purchased a complete set of well-drilling tools, as well as bricks, cement, and stones for building the well, from the system. She also bought a small diesel generator and a supply of diesel fuel.
After Chen Lan and Xu Mingxuan quickly finished breakfast, Xiang Xi and Er Zhuang left ahead with the ox cart, carrying all the well-drilling tools, without waiting for Chen Lan and Xu Mingxuan. Xu Mingxuan needed to wait for Commander Liu to discover the letter from "a patriotic wanderer" before arranging subsequent matters.
During this time, Chen Lan searched the system for online direct sales manufacturers of hot water bottles, enamel cups, shoes, socks, clothes, and bedding. As before, Chen Lan purchased end-of-stock inventory.
Not long after, Xu Mingxuan returned! The couple wasted no more time and set off, each carrying a large backpack. They ran at a rapid pace. Although Chen Lan often wandered in the mountains, she lacked endurance compared to Xu Mingxuan. After half an hour, Chen Lan was panting and her pace had significantly slowed. Seeing Chen Lan falling behind, Xu Mingxuan also slowed down, waiting for her. Chen Lan quickly caught up to Xu Mingxuan, noticing his steady breathing and only a slight sheen of sweat on his forehead.
Chen Lan, catching her breath, thought, it's truly difficult for people in this era to travel; it's basically all done on foot. Having an ox cart to ride in was considered a luxury.
As they walked, Xu Mingxuan said, "Lan'er, in fact, the east of Dongning borders Russia. We are only about twenty kilometers from the 'October District' in Russia. The road is just a bit difficult to travel, it's all high mountains, and there are large predators like Siberian tigers and leopards roaming. It's very dangerous. We'll see which side is closer and easier to travel when the time comes!"
Chen Lan nodded as she walked and then said, "Mingxuan ge, safety is most important. We can't let Siberian tigers eat us. It doesn't matter if the road is farther! Besides, I've already asked my father-in-law to buy us a military motorcycle. Soviet territory is too vast to be without a vehicle. Otherwise, we'd run our legs off. When we get there, I'll take you on the motorcycle, and it will be much faster. You won't have to worry about time."
As the couple walked and talked, they eventually discussed the origin of the place name Dongning. Xu Mingxuan said, "Actually, Dongning was a place where convicts were exiled during the Qing Dynasty."
Chen Lan immediately felt curious and asked, "Oh! So this is what was described as the harsh, cold land beyond the pass, a place where convicts were exiled? Then, what's the connection to the name Dongning?"
Xu Mingxuan explained as they walked, "Because this place is located to the east of Ningguta, it was named Dongning."
Chen Lan suddenly realized. So Ningguta, mentioned in TV shows from her previous life, was here? The emperor's words in the dramas, "exiled to Ningguta, never to return to the pass," referred to this Ningguta?
Although the couple walked and talked, they didn't slow down. Before long, they caught up with Xiang Xi and Er Hu.
When the four of them arrived at Honghualing Village, Grandpa Chang, Uncle Dunzi, and Uncle Chang Er, along with the strong young men of the village, were already waiting at the village entrance. Seeing that the group had indeed brought an ox cart full of well-drilling tools, Chen Lan noticed that everyone visibly relaxed. Grandpa Chang and the other two, along with the villagers, joyfully welcomed them. As soon as the ox cart arrived at the depression near the well, everyone pitched in to unload the items, then stood by, waiting for instructions from Xiang Xi and Er Zhuang.
Xiang Xi didn't stand on ceremony. He assembled the equipment, filled the diesel generator with fuel, and immediately began directing everyone to work.
Xu Mingxuan and Chen Lan communicated with the two Chang brothers for a while longer about the trip. The brothers then went to prepare. Before long, they saw Grandpa Chang and his brother each with a large bundle on their backs and holding a sharp sickle in their hands. They then told Xu Mingxuan and Chen Lan that they could depart now.
Before leaving, Grandpa Chang repeatedly said to Chen Lan, "Daughter, the mountains are not like the village. The paths in the mountains are very difficult to travel, full of thorns. Climbing the mountain is no joke. Are you sure you still want to come with us?"
Chen Lan nodded seriously and replied, "Yes! Grandpa, please don't worry! Our family also lives in the valley, and we have to climb mountains just to get out. So, I'll be fine!"
It was pretty much as Xu Mingxuan had estimated, and as Chen Lan had imagined. The path led by Grandpa Chang and his brother was a mountain trail, overgrown with thorns, but very hidden. If Grandpa Chang and his brother hadn't cleared the way with their sickles, Chen Lan and Xu Mingxuan would never have discovered that the thorny area was actually a small path.
Grandpa Chang explained as they walked, "This secret passage, dense with thorns, was specially opened by patriotic individuals back then to transport supplies and weapons to the Anti-Japanese Allied Army. After the liberation of the country, our relationship with the Soviet Union has been good, so this road hasn't been used in over ten years. Look how tall the weeds have grown, but the path is still visible once it's cleared."
Chen Lan couldn't help but feel deeply moved after hearing Grandpa Chang's words. The liberation of the country was also inseparable from the countless nameless heroes who made silent sacrifices. For the liberation of the country, they had truly made selfless contributions.