The company spent the afternoon weighing its choices. Wei did not stand at the center of the yard or ask for public pledges. He sat beside the supply cart and answered questions when the soldiers came to him.
Gao wanted to speak with his wife before leaving. Wei sent a runner with a note explaining the order and the cost of the formation. He promised not to count the delay against Gao.
Mao Lin left first, carrying his issued boots and a copy of the formation clause. “I’d rather retrain slowly than surrender the progress I’ve built.”
Wei did not ask him to wait for anyone else. “The southern bridge is the meeting point. If your choice changes, you can still return.”
Mao nodded and walked out alone. Huo gathered a small group who had decided to follow. Two soldiers stayed because their families depended on the Registry barracks for shelter and food.
Gao continued to wait. He asked the quartermaster what would happen to the barracks room if he left. The man said he did not know whether the Registry would remove his family immediately. Gao wrote that uncertainty on the edge of his boot receipt.
Near dusk, the runner returned with his wife’s reply. She wanted him to come home. She had already packed food and the children’s spare clothes.
