After everyone had eaten and settled down, Village Chief Yan instructed, "Tomorrow will be the second day. Just as Lin Xu said, the heavy rainfall will last for three days. Tomorrow I would like all the able men to come down the mountain with me to see if we can still find and help some villagers who may still be affected by the rain."
The men all nodded in agreement, their expressions solemn but determined. Murmurs spread through the group as some discussed who would stay behind to protect the women and children while the others went down.
Physician Li, still busy tending to a wounded villager's arm, raised his voice, "Make sure to bring ropes and sturdy tools with you tomorrow. The ground will be slippery, and some houses may still collapse. Safety must come first."
Zu Shi, who had just finished distributing food, stepped forward and added, "I'll help prepare dry rations tonight so those going down the mountain won't have to go hungry while working."
