There was no moon or stars in the sky.
Every household had lit their lanterns, but the horse-drawn carts could only illuminate a small area around them. The surrounding darkness was so thick you couldn't see your hand in front of your face.
The occasional howl of an animal echoed through the night, frightening Little Cao so much that she burrowed deeper into the old woman's arms inside the cart.
Uncle Ma got off his cart and quickly rearranged the positions of several vehicles in the convoy.
The cart he and Gu Zhang were driving took the lead, while the one driven by Gu Sanlang and the great-aunt's husband brought up the rear.
The great-aunt's husband was a mountain man who often went hunting in the mountains. Although he was a bit older, in his fifties, he was courageous and experienced. By staying at the back, he could respond quickly to any unexpected situations.
Once the adjustments were made, they continued forward.
