Chapter 19: Stubbornness? No Fear—Let's Put the Entire Metaphysics to the Test!

Chapter 19

Er Niu felt as if a crack had opened in his mind. Something flashed by, then quickly vanished. He shifted from crouching to sitting cross-legged, looked up at his father with a dazed expression.

Like him, Father rarely left Lijia Village; the farthest place he’d been was the town, simply because no travel permit was required there. How could someone who had never left the village and was illiterate speak of so many things?

He shook his head, trying to cast away these thoughts.

Li Feng spoke again, “Father, why are you so certain the shaman would give you a bad fate?”

“Grandfather and Grandmother rely entirely on us, as does Uncle and the eldest uncle. If we were to be sent away, Grandfather and Grandmother would be the first to object.”

“Even if there’s a bad fate, Grandfather and Grandmother might still…”

“No, they would agree,” Li Feng smiled.

The shaman had been in Lijia Village for many years and had a modest reputation at best. She was nowhere near as generous as him. Once she learned everything, she would surely help. After all, there aren’t many big talkers like me around!

Usually, villagers visiting brought only a few coins or some food and goods. The shaman cared about those things, but what she really wanted was real money. Knowing the situation in the Li family and that I’m someone who can make money, once stingy folks like Li Wangshi come knocking, she’ll know exactly what to do.

All the money I earn staying in the Li household goes to Old Li. The shaman hasn’t had the chance to swindle money elsewhere. A little inquiry and she’ll know what’s what.

Moreover, with this generous gesture, I’ve established contact with the shaman, and I have several children. When it comes time to form marital ties, we’ll have to invite the shaman to divinely select auspicious dates! That’s all money.

So as long as Old Li and Li Wangshi come by, this matter is settled.

Er Niu felt his brain twisting. He thought it over for a long time without understanding and nearly scratched his head in frustration.

Li Feng looked at him, seeing he hadn’t grasped the key points. He shook his head, patted his shoulder, and said, “It’s okay not to understand right away. Take it slow.”

“Let’s go home. From now on, watch carefully, think seriously, and keep your father company. Let’s sit back and watch the show unfold!”

“Yes, Father!”

Er Niu stood up, helped Li Feng steady himself, and once Li Feng was steady, bent down to pick up his clothes, casually draping them over himself.

...

In the days that followed, Li Feng was like a street kid, wandering with his children. When not relaxing at home, he took them to the mountains to teach them how to hunt.

The fields hadn’t been tilled, and days passed with grass growing thick. But Li Feng remained unmoved. Although Big Dog was anxious, he dared not act on his own since Father forbade going into the fields.

Old Li and Li Wangshi lay in bed, watching Li Feng and the others idling about. They were so furious they cursed loudly. Li Wangshi had smashed almost everything in the house!

Big Dog and Er Niu took meticulous care of the elders.

Da Ya and San Niu cooked three meals daily for the two elders: fresh wild vegetable bread and boiled water for breakfast; dry corn porridge with wild vegetable pancakes at noon, so dry it could cut the throat; and porridge with salted vegetable lumps for dinner.

As for Li Feng’s family, they constantly enjoyed chicken, duck, fish, and meat, all from their mountain hunts.

After several days, although the patriarch’s appearance hadn’t changed much, his gaze had transformed. Big Dog was spirited; Er Niu’s eyes shone with wisdom. San Niu followed Er Niu eagerly learning, his eyes filled with hope. Da Ya and Er Ya’s gaze was clear, with less faint sadness. Four and Five Niu were livelier, now able to play and frolic in their own yard.

One day, an ox cart stopped at Old Li’s doorstep.

Hearing the noise, Four and Five Niu ceased their play, peeked outside, then slammed the door shut and dashed off, shouting, “Father! Third Uncle is back!”

Instantly, all doors flew open.

Li Feng’s family appeared, orderly and clean. Unlike before, when they reeked of sweat, their patched clothes notwithstanding, each person looked vibrant and spirited.

A cough came from Old Li’s room. He coughed violently and called out, “Er, help me and Mother outside!”

“Father, let’s go!” Big Dog and Er Niu stepped forward, quickly entering the room. Each carried one elder and laid them under the jujube tree in the courtyard.

“Cough, cough, open the door!” Old Li tidied his clothes and looked out with hope.

Third Uncle was back.

His hard days were over.

Big Dog responded with a bark and went to open the door.

Outside, Li Qingyun and Cheng Xiuyun wore displeased expressions.

They had been left standing outside, calling for so long with no one answering. What was happening? Had Er’s family turned against them?

Li Baozhen and Li Baoshu also looked impatient.

Li Qingyun married early; Baozhen was a year older than Big Dog, already seventeen, considered an old maid. Unfortunately, Li Qingyun didn’t want his daughter to marry so early. He wanted to try again for the imperial examination — if he could pass as a scholar, both daughters could marry into wealthy families, or at least become scholar’s wives.

It was because of this hope that Baozhen’s marriage had been postponed.

Thinking of the purpose of this visit, Li Qingyun glanced at Cheng Xiuyun with a reassuring look, then entered the house carrying gifts.

“Father, Mother, your son has come home to see you!”

Inside the courtyard, Li Qingyun immediately spotted the two elders under the jujube tree. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, set the gifts aside, and knelt, pounding the ground with several kowtows.

“Father, Mother, your son has been unfilial!”

His eyes moist but sincere, no pretense.

Cheng Xiuyun quickly followed, with their two daughters, kneeling stiffly in the dirt and calling out as well.

“Good to be back, get up quickly!” Old Li tried to help Li Qingyun up but lacked strength in his legs and could only watch.

Li Wangshi’s eyes were also misty. This was her precious child. Originally, Li Qingyun was their third son, with several children after him, but sadly none survived.

Back then, fearing something might happen to the third son, she doted on him like the apple of her eye. Worried he’d suffer hardship in the fields, she bit her lip and sent him to private school. From then on, the Li family’s second son became like an ox, toiling without rest until death.

Li Qingyun’s sobs were loud and heart-wrenching.

The gate remained open.

Passersby stopped to look, praising the third son’s filial piety. Everyone knew the hardships of study. Bearing the family’s fate, it was understandable that Li’s third son seldom returned.

They sympathized deeply, forgetting the unfairness the elders showed toward the second son.

“Er, why are you still standing there? Hurry and help your third brother up!” Li Feng rolled his eyes and glanced at Old Li, uncertainly saying, “Father, you know my luck hasn’t been good lately…”

Before he finished, Old Li cut him off, barking at Big Dog, “You useless thing, why are you still standing? Hurry and help your third uncle up!”

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