Crossing the famine to find the white moonlight

Chapter 366 Xie Linchuan's Deep Thoughts and Responsibilities

As night fell, Xie Linchuan sat silently on a rock beside the campfire. His gaze, deep and profound, seemed to pierce the surrounding darkness and gaze directly at the distant starry sky. The firelight cast mottled shadows on his face, highlighting his usual gentle demeanor, yet also unable to conceal the heaviness and worry beneath. Since his identity was exposed, Xie Linchuan found the pressure on his shoulders heavier than ever before. Whenever he closed his eyes, the faces of Ye Wan and his team members emerged in his mind, as if each face was a silent reminder that they had all been caught up in this dangerous storm because of him.

"If it weren't for me, maybe everyone could live a peaceful life." He whispered to himself, with a trace of deep self-blame in his eyes.

A few days ago, when the attendant who had inadvertently recognized him made public his relationship with the orphan of a prominent court family, the situation changed dramatically. The court's generals immediately changed their stance toward Ye Wan's team, using Xie Linchuan's identity to threaten her into submission. While Ye Wan remained steadfast, determined not to bow to the court, Xie Linchuan knew all too well: his very presence had become their biggest ticking time bomb.

He knew full well that the imperial court's threats concealed nothing more than oppression and exploitation. The generals' unwavering stance undoubtedly saw Xie Linchuan as leverage, a means of forcing Ye Wan to make a choice. Although Ye Wan resolutely refused the imperial court's orders, the pressure hung over everyone's head constantly.

He couldn't imagine whether, if he had revealed his identity earlier, he could have won more opportunities for the team? Would it have made Ye Wan's situation a little easier? These questions lingered in his mind like nightmares.

"If I take the initiative to reveal my identity to the court, perhaps I can alleviate their pressure on you." Xie Linchuan made a decision in his heart. His inner pain and sense of responsibility reached a peak at this moment. He raised his head and looked at Ye Wan, who was standing not far away, with a hint of determination in his eyes. "At least, I can shoulder this responsibility for everyone."

Ye Wan was whispering with several core members. She seemed to notice Xie Linchuan's gaze and turned to walk towards him. Her steps were light, yet seemed particularly steady in the night. Every movement she made revealed her inner determination and calmness.

"What's wrong? You look like you're worried about something." Ye Wan stood in front of Xie Linchuan, her voice gentle and concerned, but it couldn't hide her calmness and rationality.

Xie Linchuan smiled bitterly, "Ye Wan, I know how much pressure you're under, and it's all because of me. Without my status, the court wouldn't be so tough and wouldn't threaten you. If I take the initiative to make my position clear to the court now, perhaps they will let you go. At the very least, your situation will be better."

Ye Wan's eyebrows raised slightly, clearly surprised. She shook her head gently and whispered, "Xie Linchuan, while what you said is logically correct, from another perspective, it actually makes the situation more complicated. By revealing your identity, you've given the imperial court a perfect excuse to control us. They'll use you to further suppress and threaten us, and they might even ask you to use you as bait to surrender even more control to them."

A hint of confusion flashed across Xie Linchuan's eyes, as if he didn't fully understand what she meant. "But if we don't do this, how will the imperial court stop attacking us? You know our current situation. The longer we delay, the greater the risk."

Ye Wan sighed softly and sat down next to him, her gaze gentle yet firm. "I understand how you feel, and I know you want to share the responsibility. But you have to understand that this isn't your fault. You can't control the court's attitude, nor can you choose the family you're born into. What we need most right now is calmness and patience, not impatience. The exposure of your identity has given us a more advantageous bargaining chip, which can help us continue our game with the court."

Xie Linchuan was silent for a moment, his heart softening as he gazed at the resolve and determination in Ye Wan's eyes. He had been accustomed to independence and responsibility since childhood, but at this moment, he had to admit that Ye Wan's perspective was more profound. Her calmness and wisdom were the fundamental reason their team was able to survive in this turbulent world.

"I understand." Xie Linchuan took a deep breath, his voice low but firm, "We must persevere to the end and find a safer and more effective solution."

Ye Wan smiled slightly, a hint of relief in her eyes. "You don't need to bear all the responsibility, Xie Linchuan. We are a team, and no one's responsibility can fall on a single person."

Xie Linchuan looked at her, and a sudden warmth welled up in his heart. Ye Wan had never considered him a burden, but always treated him as a member of the team. No matter his status or the pressure he was under, she always treated him as an equal. This trust and support was a warmth he had never experienced before.

"Thank you," he whispered, a hint of genuine gratitude in his voice.

Ye Wan gently patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "We are partners fighting side by side. No need to thank me. You are here not only because of your identity, but also because of your ability and courage."

She stood up, gently looking up into the distance, her gaze resolute once more. "We have time. We should use this time, not to rush to bow to the court, but to enhance our own strength and seek opportunities to strike back. This current 'reconciliation' is merely to avoid immediate conflict, but we must never forget our original goal—to protect our freedom."

Xie Linchuan gazed at her resolute back, his doubts gradually dissipating, replaced by a deep trust and resonance. He knew that every decision Ye Wan made was for the future of the team, for their shared home. And since he had chosen to fight alongside her, he must support her unconditionally.

"I will fully cooperate with you, Ye Wan." Xie Linchuan's voice gradually became more confident. "Together, we will protect everyone."

Ye Wan turned her head and smiled slightly: "Yes, together." There was a gleam in her eyes, as if she saw hope for the future.

In this land on the brink of change, Xie Linchuan finally let go of the heaviness in his heart. He knew that no matter what difficulties they faced, they would walk side by side and protect everyone on this land. His responsibility was not just to endure, but to work with Ye Wan to protect everyone's future and hope.