At dusk, Wei and Yan walked the two approaches with Mao Lin and residents who used them every day. Wei showed how a shield line could fall back through the orchard without pushing people carrying water. Yan pointed to a low stone wall that could support a quick Three-Step Ash Run.
They debated which path could protect a mixed group of cultivators, families and clinic workers. The residents did not treat the question as a contest between the two men.
Pei, who used the eastern lane to reach the well, said it was the only route his mother could manage. The apprentices had proposed closing it during an attack. The group revised the map to keep a narrow passage open.
Mao measured the distance and suggested placing a guard at the bend rather than at the entrance. The guard could see both the route and the orchard edge without blocking the well path.
Wei asked who would decide when to clear the lane if a column approached. Yan started to issue a plan, then stopped himself.
“Who still needs to use it after the fighters leave?” he asked.
Pei said water carriers had to return before nightfall. The group set a signal window around their trip rather than making them wait for soldiers.
