Chapter 66 - Zhu Ying's Shadow
◎ His eyes stung as he watched the scene below. What would happen if the master wasn't here when something like this occurred? ◎
The barefoot doctor suddenly slapped his forehead as he recalled, "I remember now. A month ago, this family came to me for help. The condition was better back then. I told them that without this particular herb, there was nothing I could do, and suggested they take her to a more skilled doctor in the county or town. Anyway, I lack the expertise to treat such cases; I can't heal her."
Pausing, he took a deep breath, leaving everyone on edge.
"Come on, tell us, what herb is it, and how does it relate to Hua Tianqu going up the mountain?"
The barefoot doctor replied, "This herb is called Red Yuhua. It grows on steep cliffs in deep mountains and only blooms on sunny days. If it rains after it blooms, it will be ruined. Fresh Red Yuhua, after simple processing, can sell for at least a hundred taels of silver in a pharmacy, comparable to a hundred-year-old ginseng."
"The woman inside has long-standing ailments that require a potent medicine like Red Yuhua to cleanse her meridians. If successful, there's still hope for her recovery."
Sanshu's lips twitched. "Could it be that Hua Tianqu went to the mountain for this reason? How come I've never heard of such a valuable herb? Could it grow on the back mountain?"
The barefoot doctor stroked his beard. "I mentioned it before. I heard that someone once spotted a Red Yuhua growing on the cliffs behind the mountain. I'm not sure if it's true, though. At my age, I can barely manage to gather other herbs on the mountain, let alone climb those steep cliffs. That's why I recommended they take her mother to see a proper doctor in the county or town."
Only now did everyone understand why Hua Tianqu had quietly gone to the back mountain by himself.
Women were most susceptible to emotional appeals, and they couldn't bear to hear such stories. Sanshu's wife wiped her eyes. "How could that child be so foolish... Even adults wouldn't dare to climb up there. How could he? What would have happened if something went wrong?"
" Widow Zhao isn't skilled in raising children either. She only knows how to dote on him, but keeps Hua Tianqu cooped up at home every day, studying and writing. She doesn't let him run around outside or help with household chores. She's raised him to be delicate and weak, without any strength at all. I doubt he's ever even killed a chicken before. It's no wonder something terrible might have happened to him in the mountains at this hour!"
The village chief was reliable when it mattered. He interrupted the villagers and declared loudly, "Enough talk! Now that we know which direction to search, hurry up and find him. All of you, search the mountains, especially the cliffs and steep slopes. Bring Hua Tianqu back as soon as possible!"
That night, after the feast at Yu Lian's house, the villagers of Shangyi Village didn't bother sleeping. Every home lit their lamps, and young men from each family formed a long search party to comb the hills.
Since the mountain was right behind Yu Lian's house, they would have to pass by her place. Yu Lian watched as the villagers walked by, chattering and holding torches.
She stepped out, but before she could ask, Dashu's wife explained the situation.
Yu Lian sighed. She hadn't expected that the boy had come to her kitchen for such a reason. If they had noticed anything strange during the day, they might have been able to prevent this.
Aunt Mei felt guilty upon hearing this. "It's all my fault for not taking it seriously. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal since he's just a child. I was swamped with work then, and it was such an important day. I intended to tell you about it later."
Yu Lian shook her head. "You can't blame yourself. It was already very cautious of you to think of telling me. Most people wouldn't bother with a child, let alone consider all these possibilities."
Sanshu's wife slapped her forehead in regret, remembering what she had said earlier. "Aunt Mei, this isn't your fault. I'm the one who told you to ignore him, fearing trouble. If you hadn't told Lian'er, Uncle Mu wouldn't have gone searching in the middle of the night. Without his search, we wouldn't have known something was wrong with his family. How could we have found that boy?"
"How could nothing happen after leaving him alone in the depths of the forest for a night? Now we can only hope that the child didn't wander too far, and that he's still within reach."
While the men went up the mountain to search, the women remained at the foot, chatting.
After Sanshu's wife finished her account, someone asked, "Yu Lian, how did you know something was amiss, and that you should call your father to look for him?"
Yu Lian glanced at the rear mountain, somewhat worried. Her father-in-law had also gone up, leaving the twins in her care.
"Everyone says that the widow Zhao and her son rarely socialize with others. It's normal that she didn't attend our feast, but it's unusual for her son to run to the back door of the kitchen. That's why I thought it best for my father to check it out."
"You're so kind, Yu Lian."
"Yes, Yu Lian has always been thoughtful. No wonder she's in charge of the household as the eldest miss of the capital's Duke's residence."
Yu Lian replied, "Please, stop talking about me. How is Aunt Zhao doing?"
Dashu's wife sighed. "She's ill. In fact, it's because of her illness that Hua Tianqu went up the mountain. The village doctor mentioned a medicinal herb called something like Red Something Flower. It's incredibly expensive, available only at the major pharmacy in the county. He also said there might be some on the cliffs of this rear mountain. The poor child doesn't even have enough to eat, let alone money to take his mother to see a doctor in the county. So, he decided to go up the mountain by himself."
"How foolish. Why wouldn't he seek help from other adults? Was he trying to prove himself by going to the rear mountain all alone?"
"It's all because of that widow Zhao. Not only is she extreme in her ways, but she's also raised her child to be reclusive. If not for that, any child in our village would know that when they encounter a problem and can't rely on their parents, they should seek advice from other uncles and aunts. But he doesn't; he just broods and goes up the mountain alone!"
The women, preoccupied with worry, decided against returning home and entered Yu Lian's courtyard. A few children fetched chairs, and they sat outside, discussing the widow Zhao in turns. Had it not been for her illness, their criticism would have been even harsher.
When Mrs. Chen first arrived in the village and didn't socialize with the villagers, she was the subject of gossip behind her back. Given that widow Zhao had this disposition for quite some time, many held resentment towards her.
Yu Lian asked, "What kind of medicinal herb is it? Why is it so expensive?"
"The doctor mentioned it's called Red... something like Red Yin Flower. It grows only on steep cliffs, and a single plant fetches over a hundred taels at the pharmacy. It's as precious as a hundred-year-old ginseng. He mentioned that he treated widow Zhao before and hinted that there might be one growing on the rear mountain cliff. Before he could confirm, Hua Tianqu took his words literally and went searching."
"In my opinion, how could such a rare and precious herb grow in our humble, mountainous area? If it did, wouldn't it have been harvested long ago by someone else? That barefoot doctor has no real skills; he just spouts nonsense."
"I think with widow Zhao's critical condition and her family's poverty, this situation is dire. Very dire. If Hua Tianqu, that boy, is fortunate enough to return safely with the herb, his days ahead won't be easy. Being nurtured by widow Zhao, he's weak and not particularly articulate. How will he make a living in the future?"
Aunt Mei boiled water and served it to the people in the courtyard. She noticed Yu Lian standing alone, not speaking much, frequently glancing towards the rear mountain, her eyes filled with concern.
She fetched a cup of water for her to drink while they waited.
"Don't worry too much. Perhaps they'll find him soon. Are you blaming yourself for not noticing earlier? Let me tell you, this is my fault. If I had known about that boy at noon, I would have come to tell you right away."
Yu Lian interrupted her, shaking her head to say it was alright.
"Father has also gone up. He still hasn't fully recovered from his old injuries, and it's so late. I'm a bit worried."
Aunt Mei pursed her lips. She couldn't quite understand why Master would get involved with the stranger. Didn't he know that his whole family, with their elders, women, and children, relied on him for protection? If anything happened to him, no matter how capable Yu Lian was, their family would be vulnerable to bullying?
In reality, Yu Lian could comprehend why her father-in-law instinctively went up the mountain. It wasn't because he was the first to notice something amiss but because he was once a general, a nobleman, with an inherent sense of responsibility. As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. He was accustomed to protecting the weak, and thus, wouldn't retreat in such a situation.
Just then, someone rushed down the hill, panting, and shouted outside Yu Lian's door, "Oh no, oh no! There are wild boars on the mountain. We were chased by a pack of them. Uncle Wood went to save us, but now we don't know where he is."
Everyone in the courtyard dashed out, asking, "What happened? Why can't you locate him?"
"The wild boars were too fast, and it's pitch dark. After a short pursuit, we lost sight of everything. Some say Uncle Wood and his companions might have tumbled down the mountain. I can't be sure."
Yu Lian clenched her fists, trying hard to remain calm. She began contemplating what they should do in this situation. Her family consisted of the elderly, the weak, and the young – none capable of venturing up the mountain to rescue anyone.
She took only two seconds to weigh her options before calmly stating, "I'll go with you up the mountain to find my father."
Upon hearing the news, Mrs. Chen had already fainted, leaving Mei Yi to support her. Mei Yi hastily pleaded, "Yu Lian, don't go up the mountain. You're a young lady of high birth, and you have no martial skills. How can you save someone? Don't put yourself in danger too."
The elderly matriarch nearly fainted as well but managed to hold on. Struggling to stay conscious, she tightly grasped Yu Lian's hand, "Yu Lian, don't go. Your father was reckless, leaving the family behind to rush up the mountain for a rescue. He must remember he is no longer the War God Marquis of old. Now that something has happened to him, we cannot afford another mishap with you. Think of your grandmother, your mother, Yan'er, Xing'er, Guo'er, and your parents in the capital. Didn't you say you would write them a letter in a couple of days? If something happens, how will you explain it to your grandmother or to them?"
Tears welled up in Yu Lian's eyes, her sleeves tattered from her agitated movements. Her voice was barely audible, "Then what should we do? Grandmother, what should we do?"
Sobbing, the elderly woman covered her face with a handkerchief, "Don't panic, don't panic. Let the village's young men continue searching. We'll wait here at home. Although your father's health isn't what it used to be, his martial arts skills remain. He should be fine, he should be fine..."
"When daylight comes and they still haven't found him, grandmother will accompany you up the mountain to search for your father. We'll bring him back, alive or dead."
Other villagers also offered their advice, all equally shocked by this unforeseen turn of events.
Dashu's wife and Sanshu's wife were stunned into silence, for their husbands had also accompanied Uncle Wood, seemingly caught up in the same incident.
Zhu Ying lay atop the roof, ignoring the mosquitoes biting him. His eyes stung as he watched the unfolding scene. What should be done now that such a calamity had occurred without his master?
Even the capable Young Lady, with her sharp mind, had tears in her eyes, while Master's mother had fainted, and the elderly matriarch was weeping. What was the way forward?
During the day, he was still rejoicing over his master's family acquiring a new home and had planned to write a letter to inform his master of this delightful news. Now, however, he was faced with such an incident.
Fixing his eyes intently on the ground below, he suddenly clenched his teeth, leaped into action, and dashed towards the rear mountain.
With the master in trouble, the young lady, unusually disoriented, found herself at a loss. With the family consisting of the elderly, the weak, and the young, he could only seize the moment and prioritize rescuing the master first.
Yu Lian's thoughts were weighed down, but she still sensed a fleeting gust of wind across her rooftop. Raising her gaze, she saw nothing out of the ordinary except for a few falling leaves that she caught in her hand, letting out a sigh.
Living in this era, she understood how arduous it would be for her family to survive if her father-in-law were to meet with misfortune. The twins were still young, and it would take at least a decade for them to shoulder the responsibility of the household.
Though the book portrays her father-in-law as a villain, her personal experience has led her to believe him to be an excellent man, broad-minded, responsible, and deeply affectionate. He treats her with the same care and concern as his own daughter.
Raising her gaze to check the sky, she decides that she will ascend the mountain at the break of dawn.
Chapter 67: Dawn Breaks ◇
◎Dear Sister-in-law, please think of us!◎
The night had been excruciatingly long.
Almost the entire Upper Village had not slept. Upon hearing the incident, many villagers brought small stools and gathered in Yu Lian's spacious courtyard, waiting anxiously for their safe return.
All the village's young men had been dispatched. Some carried hoes, others axes or kitchen knives – whatever tool they could find at home became a weapon, ready to fend off any danger, be it a wild boar or otherwise.
The exact number of missing individuals remained unknown. In the darkness of the mountain trails, a group of villagers scoured the area, only aware that those who accompanied Hua Zhan on his rescue mission had vanished, as well as the few who were chased by wild boars.
The village chief's anxiety had turned several strands of his hair white. If any misfortune occurred, not to mention fatalities, even a few injuries would overwhelm their village's limited resources. How could he face the villagers then?
Older Uncle Two, despite his advanced age, couldn't sleep after hearing the news. His wife, Second Grandma, along with Mrs. Chen, the eldest daughter-in-law, and several other women, gathered in Yu Lian's kitchen to cook porridge, make steamed buns, providing sustenance for the young men when they returned from their arduous search.
Mrs. Chen, having fainted, was already taken inside to rest. The matriarch, determined not to sleep or lose consciousness, was propped up in a comfortable reclining chair in the courtyard by Aunt Mei, draped with a light blanket.
Yu Lian stood in the courtyard, surrounded by the chattering voices of the villagers, yet she seemed to have tuned them out. With clasped hands, her gaze was fixed outside, anxiously scanning the surroundings. The twins, sensing her preoccupation, gently tugged on her sleeves, but Yu Lian, lost in thought, failed to notice at first.
After a while, they began to sob softly, their voices tinged with tears, "Sister-in-law... What's wrong? What happened to Father? Please talk to us."
Looking down, Yu Lian saw that the twins, usually mischievous, were unusually well-behaved. Their sun-baked, peeling cheeks gazed up at her with red-rimmed eyes, filled with worry and fear.
Where was the slightest trace of the playful young lords they once were? They appeared as two small, vulnerable souls.
She sighed and knelt down, placing her hands on their shoulders. "There's nothing wrong with me, and Father will be fine too. Don't worry, don't be afraid. As soon as the sun rises, Father will return."
The twins, who had been holding back their tears, broke down into sobs at their sister-in-law's gentle consolation. They threw themselves into her arms, their small shoulders quivering with sorrow.
"Sister-in-law, you're lying. They said Father fell off a cliff and he'll die. If they can't find him by now, the wolves will take him away."
"Father is missing, Mother fainted, and Grandmother is ignoring us. Please don't abandon us, Sister-in-law. We promise we'll behave and won't be mischievous anymore..."
Yu Lian felt a pang in her heart, almost shedding tears herself. She took out a handkerchief and lifted the two children's faces, gently wiping away their tears.
"Whether Father comes back or not, you are both the little heroes of this family. You have to protect Grandmother, Mother, Sister-in-law, Aunt Mei, and your little sister, Little Guo'er. Will you behave and help Father protect us?"
The twins managed to hold back their tears and nodded solemnly. "Okay!"
Little Guo'er had fallen asleep earlier but was awakened by the commotion. Running into the courtyard, she discovered that her father was missing and that a significant event had occurred at home. With tears in her eyes, she made her way to Yu Lian.
In no time, Yu Lian's arms were filled with the three children, who clung tightly to her clothing.
After comforting the youngsters, Yu Lian led them to Grandmother and Aunt Mei, fetching a long bench for them to sit on.
As night deepened, the late-night dew carried a chill. Despite their determination to stay awake without seeing their father, the children eventually dozed off.
Aunt Mei and Yu Lian carried the three children inside, and around this time, Mrs. Chen also woke up.
With red-rimmed eyes, she wiped away her tears and asked Yu Lian if her husband had returned.
Yu Lian sighed and shook her head.
"Mother, don't worry. Since this has happened, we mustn't panic. Father must have some confidence in himself to have gone up the mountain. Haven't you forgotten that he used to be the War God Marquis, a man who has come out of battlefields? He won't be afraid of a few wild boars," Yu Lian reassured her.
Mrs. Chen was prone to overthinking, and those who often cried tended to have a pessimistic inclination, tending to anticipate the worst in situations.
Despite Yu Lian's reassurance, she remained unconvinced, her eyes rimmed with red as she spoke, "Ever since our family's calamity, your father hasn't been the same. In the first night of his imprisonment, he and your brother suffered punishment. Then, the grief of Hua'er's death and the turmoil at home almost took his life. He may seem strong, but in reality, his health isn't as robust as you imagine, Lian'er."
"Moreover... with the dark of night, treacherous mountain paths, and fierce wild boars, how could he endure such a journey? I'm truly afraid that any unforeseen incident might occur. Lian'er, your father is all I have left. After Hua'er's tragedy, I was helpless, finding solace only in the fact that your father was still alive, our support. If anything were to happen to him, I don't know how I could go on."
Yu Lian gently wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.
"It's not that dire yet. Don't dwell on the worst-case scenario. What if you exhaust yourself with worry before Father returns? What then?"
"It's already late. Would you like to rest a while longer until I wake you at dawn, or would you prefer to sit in the courtyard for a bit?"
Mrs. Chen pondered for a moment before asking, "How is your grandmother?"
Yu Lian replied, "Grandmother is still holding on, but she's quite elderly. I'm afraid the strain might be too much for her."
Wiping away her tears, Mrs. Chen got out of bed. "I'll get up and persuade your grandmother to rest for a while. Lian, I'll stay here and wait for Father's return. You should also go and have a nap with Grandmother."
Yu Lian shook her head. "I won't be able to sleep until Father comes back. I'm young; one night without sleep won't harm me."
The two women went out and, after much coaxing and persuading, convinced the elder lady to rest in her chamber for a while.
In the village, there were no night watchmen to announce the time, so everyone relied on the darkness of the sky for estimation.
Yu Lian reckoned it must be around two or three in the morning. As sleepiness began to weigh down more and more villagers, the warmth of the summer night made it impossible to find much relief from the heat. Village life was simple, and nobody was too particular about their habits; they either sprawled out in their courtyards or moved chairs against the walls to catch some rest.
Some were able to stay awake and wait with Yu Lian for news.
Among them were a few younger wives, as well as Sanshu, the wife of Dashu, whose husbands had followed Hua Zhan, seemingly entangled in some trouble. The two women, though not as prone to tears as Mrs. Chen, were still deeply worried. They sat together, bolstering each other's spirits, assuring themselves that everything would be fine.
Who dared to think otherwise?
Men were the pillars of the family. If anything happened to them, how would their elders, children, and wives manage? Who would work to provide for the family and earn silver? What if their homes were bullied?
The village chief, accompanied by a group of older men, also refused to sleep. Most of these men were the fathers of the young men who had gone up the mountain to search. With such a serious incident unfolding, they dared not doze off, choosing instead to wait anxiously.
As the night dragged on, just before dawn, the chickens in the courtyard began to crow, and a faint blue tinge appeared on the horizon. The men finally descended the mountain, their faces and heads etched with exhaustion.
But on their countenance shone a look of joy and relief.
At the forefront were the sons from Second Uncle's family and the village chief's household, rejoicing as they exclaimed, "We've found them! We've found them!"
Upon hearing this, everyone rushed out of the courtyard with faces brimming with joy.
"Where is she? Where are they?"
The crowd made way, revealing several makeshift wooden stretchers carrying the individuals in question.
Too tired now, will continue tomorrow.
Chapter 68: Benefactor ◇
◎ Intimacy? Admiration? ◇
Yu Lian and Mrs. Chen hurried over to investigate, discovering several people lying on stretchers. Among them were Brother Dashu, other villagers, and Yu Lian's father-in-law.
She clenched her fists and crouched down to examine him. His eyes were tightly shut, with a small abrasion on his forehead. Otherwise, he seemed unscathed, but out of concern for any internal injuries, she inquired, "Are you hurt?"
Hua Qiushou shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure. When we found the wood, they were already lying at the foot of the mountain. It seems we spent the whole night searching the mountain for nothing, as they had already descended on their own."
"But it is strange. If they could descend by themselves, why would they be unconscious?"
"I can't figure it out either. Could it be that they somehow managed to make it down the mountain on sheer willpower, then fell asleep from exhaustion once they reached the foot?"
Yu Lian reached out to touch her father-in-law's forehead, finding no fever. He was simply deeply unconscious. She instructed someone to quickly fetch a doctor.
At this moment, Mrs. Chen began to cry, dabbing at her tears with a handkerchief. Her tears triggered the other young wives to weep as well. Sanshu, the wife of Brother Dashu, and the other wives, who had been on edge all night, anxiously awaiting their husbands, broke down in heart-wrenching sobs upon seeing them in an unconscious state.
Yu Lian sighed and enlisted the help of a few young men to carry the injured into the courtyard. Since there were four or five unconscious victims, they decided to consult the doctor in one place to avoid wasting time.
Someone then asked, "Have they found Hua Tianqu?"
The others replied, "We haven't located him yet. We have no idea where he's gone. That boy has dragged so many people into this trouble. Once we find him, I'll make sure to teach him a lesson!"
The mention of Hua Tianqu cast a silence over the group. After a night of strenuous searching, braving the danger of being taken by wild beasts, they still couldn't find him. The chances for the child's survival seemed grim.
The barefoot doctor felt like he was having a rough day. He had been pulled out of sleep to attend to the woman earlier, and now, just as he was about to get some more rest, he was hastily summoned again.
He wore an unamused expression and grumpily examined the unconscious individuals. Frustrated, he huffed and puffed, "These few are fine. Why did you call me here?"
"Then why are they still unconscious?"
"Yes, we carried them back from the foot of the mountain. If they were just sleeping, they should have woken up by now, right?"
"Their heads must have hit something. They're completely fine. Just give them a bowl of water, and they'll wake up within an hour."
With that, the doctor stormed off, leaving the entire courtyard in a puzzled silence. Yu Lian, being quick on her feet, asked Aunt Mei to help prepare some water.
Madam Mei was also delighted that Master was unharmed, as it meant the household could enjoy some peace. She said cheerfully, "The water is ready; I boiled it early in the morning. Wash your hands and have some steamed buns first. Last night, Second Master and I prepared breakfast here, anticipating that you might be hungry when you came down."
Someone rubbed their belly. "I am indeed hungry. I almost didn't have the strength to climb down the mountain."
"After a night of worry and searching in the mountains, it's no wonder you're famished. Enough talking; go wash your hands."
Madam Mei and the other women promptly brought over the water. Yu Lian and Mrs. Chen worked together, pouring water into a bowl, then draining half of it. Mrs. Chen carefully wiped her husband clean with a handkerchief.
No one left the courtyard. They all ate breakfast there, sipping on thin porridge made from coarse grains while enjoying soft white steamed buns. Some devoured their buns hastily, finishing one in just a few bites, but they felt embarrassed to take more.
White flour steamed buns were expensive; how could they keep taking them without shame?
Those who brazenly ate several buns would shoot a disapproving glance at the others, urging them to restrain themselves and not overeat.
Seeing this, Yu Lian chuckled. "Please don't be shy. You've worked hard all night and helped me find my father. It's only right for you to eat something. These provisions aren't all from my family; everyone contributed food, which we cooked at my place. Eat to your heart's content."
Upon hearing this, the men finally felt at ease to indulge in the food.
By the time they finished, nearly an hour had passed, but still, no one had awakened. The family members began to grow anxious.
The village chief, hands clasped behind his back, paced anxiously with furrowed brows that could seemingly trap a fly. He pondered whether he should dispatch a few more, now that they had eaten, to search the mountain again, given that the children were still unaccounted for.
After all, they were the village's children. It would not do to have them vanish on the mountain without a trace or explanation.
Upon reaching this conclusion, he shared his thoughts with several energetic young men. Though it was a strenuous task to search the mountain, daylight offered better visibility than night. Moreover, it was a child they were looking for. The group readily agreed.
The crowd fell silent once more, waiting. Suddenly, someone glanced back and noticed a slender, small figure standing at the courtyard gate. The child's face was covered in scratches, their clothes torn, yet they clutched an odd, blood-red flower in their hand.
He stood there at the entrance, his dark eyes fixedly gazing inward, not uttering a word. He stood silently for what seemed like an eternity.
The man was taken aback, then, realizing the situation, he erupted in anger, "Hua Tianqu, when did you, this youngster, sneak down the mountain? Hurry up and come inside to speak!"
It was then that everyone reacted, turning their heads in unison. They saw the young man standing motionless with his lips compressed.
The village chief, fuming with anger, stormed over to drag the person in.
Pointing to the gentlemen lying on the ground, he explained, "They all went up the mountain to look for you. Last night, they encountered a wild boar and were injured. They've been unconscious ever since!"
The young man stumbled but regained his balance. He then bowed his head to look at the prostrate figures, his eyes reddening. Yet, he stood there in silence, not uttering a single word.
The village chief and the villagers, seeing no response or words from him, assumed that this child was heartless. Unrepentant even after witnessing someone injured and unconscious due to searching for him, they were furious and scolded him.
"Last night, half the village didn't sleep in search of you. We all, waiting and searching, couldn't close our eyes. Mu Tianqu and his friends were even chased by a pack of wild boars while looking for you, and they haven't woken up yet. How can you be so insensitive, Hua Tianqu?"
"At least show some reaction, apologize to the person lying on the ground. It would ease their pain to hear your apology. You can't be so unfeeling."
"What on earth did that heartless widow, Zhao, teach you to make you turn out like this?"
Everyone chimed in, their voices filled with confusion. Logically, any normal person, upon seeing so many people working tirelessly all night to find them, and someone getting hurt in the process, would at least offer some sort of response.
This child is cold-hearted and reticent, not revealing anything.
It wasn't until someone mentioned Widow Zhao that the youth stirred, clenching the small red flower in his hand. His hoarse voice rumbled low, "Don't mention my mother!"
"I'll repay their kindness in the future." He paused, then added three more words, "I'm sorry."
The crowd fell silent. The young boy spoke with sincerity, even though nobody truly believed that the ten-year-old son of a widow could achieve much or repay anyone. Still, he had made his stance clear, and what could the adults present do to him?
The village chief's tone softened as he asked, "Tell me, where did you go? How could no one find you, and how did you manage to safely descend the mountain?"
Despite the scratches on his face and hands, the young boy seemed unharmed, which was perplexing. How could a child be perfectly fine after spending the night alone in the mountains, when even the adults searching for him had encountered a wild boar? Was he just that fortunate?
Hua Tianqu clenched the flower in his hand. Only then did the crowd notice it as they lowered their heads.
Someone inquired, puzzled, "Why are you holding a flower? You still have the leisure to pick wildflowers?"
Yu Lian pondered for a moment before asking, "Is this a Red Yuzheng flower?"
The boy glanced at her and nodded, "Mm-hmm."
The crowd gasped, with a few curious souls approaching to take a closer look. The boy protectively guarded the flower from their touch.
"But... didn't that barefoot doctor say this flower grows on steep cliffs? How did you manage to pick it? You seem so delicate and thin, unable to even climb a cliff, let alone kill a chicken with your bare hands. How did you do it?"
"Wow, this is quite valuable! The doctor mentioned that with minimal processing, it could fetch hundreds of silver taels at a pharmacy, comparable to a hundred-year-old ginseng. It doesn't look particularly extraordinary, just a flower. What makes it different from other wildflowers on the mountain?"
The boy allowed the villagers to discuss as they wished. After a long silence, he spoke, "A man in black helped me pick it. He... he saved me, gathered the medicine, and then I descended the mountain."
Upon hearing his explanation, the crowd finally understood how a powerless child could have retrieved such a precious herb from a treacherous cliff. It turned out that a hero had come to his aid.
"Where is the valiant hero? Where did he go? Why didn't you invite him to our home for a visit? He's done so much to help you."
Hua Tianqu shook his head. "He left after gathering some herbs. He flew away very high and swiftly."
His words sparked endless speculation among the villagers, even those women who had been weeping fell silent. At this moment, Mrs. Chen interjected, "Could it be that my husband and the others were also saved by this hero?"
They had searched the mountain all night without finding anyone, only to discover them unharmed at the foot of the mountain when they descended. How else could one explain their unconscious state at the bottom of the mountain, unless a skilled expert had rescued them?
Hua Zhan and the others had fallen down the slope while driving away the wild boar. Logically, if they had fainted right away, they shouldn't have made it to the foot of the mountain on their own. If they hadn't been unconscious, they would have heard the others searching for them and would have gone to meet up with them.
Though the villagers lacked education, they weren't fools. They could sense something peculiar about the situation.
"It all makes sense now. There must have been a learned master, a righteous hero who happened to pass by and rescued them. Upon seeing Hua Tianqu, the lone child gathering herbs, compassion stirred within them, leading them to help him collect more medicine and escort him down the mountain."
The youth pressed his lips together, remaining silent. When he had fallen from the cliff, he believed it was the end for him. Recalling his aspirations and the mother who inspired both admiration and resentment in him, his heart was filled with a desperate sorrow.
Then, halfway down, someone swooped in to catch him.
The person was dressed in black, their face concealed by a mask, making it impossible to discern their appearance. However, they had a pair of exceptionally clear eyes that exuded the air of a youthful, chivalrous knight.
He inquired about the boy's name and his purpose.
The boy replied, "I am Hua Tianqu. I came to gather herbs because my mother is dying, and I want to save her."
Upon hearing this, the young man gently placed him on a flat area of the slope. He then ascended and swiftly returned with the crimson Hedyotis flower in hand.
He then led the boy to a safe location before bidding farewell.
Hua Tianqu called out to him, asking for his name and how he could repay his kindness.
The young man pondered for a moment before smiling and saying, "If you must repay me, credit your gratitude to the family by the river at the foot of the mountain. They... are my benefactors, especially that beautiful and youthful lady. She is my greatest benefactor." The master's wife, who has shown great favor to the master, is also showing great favor to me, Zhu Ying. No argument there!
With a hush, the young man emphasized that it was their secret and must not be shared with anyone else.
Hua Tianqu held the Hedyotis tightly and nodded solemnly.
He vowed not to tell anyone and would repay them for their kindness.
As the youth considered these thoughts, he glanced at Yu Lian before lowering his gaze.
One must be an extraordinary figure to be regarded as a benefactor by such a righteous and chivalrous person.
Yu Lian sensed that the solitary and gloomy young lad was looking at her with an oddity in his gaze, a hint of familiarity and admiration (or so it seemed)... She was absolutely meeting this child for the first time today, with no prior encounters or interactions, yet he had only just spoken to her a couple of times.
But there was no time to ponder on these thoughts, for her father-in-law soon blinked his eyes and woke up.
Mrs. Chen promptly brought a bowl of warm water, tenderly feeding it to him while expressing her concern and affection. Yu Lian also sighed in relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off her shoulders.
The young man's dark eyes also gleamed with added brightness. The hero's savior had awoken, and he no longer needed to bear the guilt of harming the one who had been kind to the hero. How wonderful.
Hua Tianqu, this young and charismatic figure, will prove to be of immense utility in the future.
Chapter 69: Beating Someone ◇
◎What's happening here? Why has a conflict broken out? ◎
The sought-after individuals have been found, and those who were meant to return have done so. After a sleepless night, the villagers all retreated to their homes to rest.
The young lad, however, stood in the courtyard for a long while, still holding the red yu flower. Mrs. Chen and Aunt Mei had already helped Hua Zhan into the house. Yu Lian looked at him quizzically and asked, "Why haven't you gone to save your mother?"
The young man opened his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing. Instead, he bowed respectfully towards her and hurriedly ran away.
Yu Lian gazed at the slender figure of the young man and smiled, sensing that despite his introverted and gloomy nature, he was indeed a good-hearted child. Perhaps he had bowed in apology because he felt responsible for her husband's injury.
Mrs. Chen helped her husband into the house and urged him to eat something before resting. At that moment, the elderly matriarch stirred and, with some effort, made her way out. Seeing her son sitting safely in the main room, she sighed in relief, patting her chest.
With reddened eyes, she said, "Zhan'er, you're no longer young. How can you be so careless about your health? You have old wounds and are not exactly young anymore. Yet, you still insist on playing hero and climbing the mountain in the middle of the night to save someone? What would our whole family do if anything happened to you? Lian'er already has enough on her plate; why would you add more burden to her?"
Feeling a twinge of guilt, Hua Zhan replied, "It was my mistake. I didn't think it through."
In his past military days, charging into battles at midnight, chasing enemies for twenty miles was routine. Now, merely searching for a child in the mountains seemed much simpler by comparison. He had also considered that the other young men who went up the mountain lacked martial arts skills. In case of any danger, they would be of little help. Thus, he had instinctively followed them up the slope.
After a night of anxiety, the old lady was relieved to see her son unharmed. She poured out her worries in a stream of words before she could finally release her pent-up emotions.
Still worried, she instructed Mrs. Chen to tend to Hua Zhan's wound on his forehead and apply some ointment.
The twins and Little Guo'er, their eyes brimming with tears, clung to Hua Zhan's legs. They repeatedly said that their father was at fault for going up the mountain alone, leaving them behind.
"If it weren't for Sister-in-law telling us we're the men of the family and must protect Grandmother, Mother, Sister-in-law, and our little sister, we wouldn't have listened. We would have gone to find you! Father, next time you do something like this, don't leave us behind. Mother fainted, Grandmother cried, and Sister-in-law had red eyes. We were so scared."
"Father is bad."
Looking around at his family, Hua Zhan felt even more guilt. He sighed deeply, embracing the three children and patting their backs, but found no comforting words to say. All he could manage was a dry promise: "There won't be a next time."
Little Guo'er declared, "Saving people is good, Father, and it makes you a hero. But next time, take us with you. We don't want to stay home and worry!"
Yu Lian smiled and agreed, "Guo'er is right. Next time, Father should take us along. Our family does everything together, no one left behind."
Hua Zhan looked up to see his mother, wife, daughter-in-law, and the three children in his arms all smiling at him with affection and reliance that only family could provide. Wrinkles formed at the corners of his eyes as he responded, "Alright."
From her perch on the roof, Zhu Ying watched this scene with teary eyes, deeply moved. The Marquis's rescue hadn't been in vain, and it was fortunate that he had been saved. Otherwise, how chaotic would the master's family have been?
How could there be such affection now?
He wiped his nose, wishing he could go down and claim credit for himself. He was the true hero! But after some thought, he decided against it. Without a proper opportunity, he must not appear before his master's family. If they sensed anything unusual, and if that suspicion were to reach the wrong ears in the capital, not only would his master's situation become perilous, but his entire family would be in grave danger.
During these days of hiding in the shadows, he had noticed that someone was keeping watch near Shangyi Village. They were either sent by that dog emperor or by his pack of henchmen.
...
After the meal, Hua Zhan lay in bed to rest while Mrs. Chen closed the door, asking the children to keep their voices low so as not to disturb their father's sleep.
But Hua Zhan couldn't sleep. His mind was preoccupied with one question: Who had saved him?
It was possible that even the fellow villagers who had accompanied him down the mountain might not have known exactly what happened. However, as he had been trained in martial arts from a young age, his foundation was solid. Even though he was injured and unconscious, a faint trace of consciousness remained.
He recalled the vague impression of someone rescuing them, carrying each of them down the mountain with incredible agility and speed. Then, there seemed to be a voice calling him "Marquis" at the end?
The title of "Marquis" was not clear in Hua Zhan's memory, and he wondered if he had misheard.
But if he hadn't, if someone had indeed called him "Marquis," then who could it have been?
Only those who knew him from his days in the capital would address him as Lord. Otherwise, even the wandering heroes mentioned by the villagers wouldn't dare to call him that.
Former subordinates? Old acquaintances?
He pondered carefully but couldn't identify any suspicious individuals.
After the fall of the Hua family, most of his former friends and associates had turned their backs on him, fearing any association. It was already considerate of them not to add insult to injury. Some unscrupulous ones even rushed to the new emperor, eager to distance themselves and perhaps gain favor by doing so.
As for his old subordinates, the loyal ones had betrayed him, while the rest were long since wiped out by the emperor, leaving not a single soul behind. Who would still remember him as Lord now?
Lost in these thoughts, he gazed at the roof in silence. Would things have been different if Hua'er were still alive? If Hua'er were still here, he wouldn't have accepted his fate so passively, allowing the emperor to do as he pleased. With Hua'er's abilities combined with his own, the situation might have unfolded differently.
But upon reflection, if Hua'er hadn't taken the blame, the new emperor might not have spared his family; they might have all lost their lives.
A bitter smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but it quickly faded...
His former subordinates were dealt with, but what about Hua'er?
Hua'er was always meticulous, far more strategic than his father, the martial man. Even in death, could he have left behind secret forces or loyal subordinates? Were they lurking in the shadows?
This speculation sparked a sudden gleam in his eyes, but it quickly dimmed.
Even if Hua'er had indeed left someone behind to protect them, her life was already lost. What good would all these arrangements do now?
Lost in these thoughts, he gradually fell asleep.
Yu Lian came in for a quick look and, seeing that her father-in-law had dozed off without any issues, she left with a relieved heart.
In the main room, Mrs. Chen was engaged in sewing, while Aunt Mei was assisting her with cutting fabric. The old matriarch was dozing off.
Yu Lian announced her intention to step out, which roused the old lady from her nap. "Going out? Lian'er, you haven't slept all night either. Why not take a rest?"
Yu Lian replied, "I'm going to visit Widow Zhao. She's fallen ill, and her child is still young, carrying such valuable medicinal herbs. Although most villagers are good people who wouldn't harm him, we can't guarantee that some unscrupulous village doctor won't try to deceive him. I thought of taking him to the clinic in town where it would be safer."
The old lady considered this and found it reasonable. Saving a life was like building a seven-story pagoda; since her granddaughter-in-law had a naturally kind heart, she shouldn't hinder her. Thus, she nodded, urging Yu Lian to hurry back after her errand.
"Our family's carriage, your father is sleeping. How will you drive it?"
Yu Lian chuckled. "If we pass by the village, we can simply ask someone to drive. Aren't they always envious of Sanshu's ability to drive?"
No sooner had she stepped out when Little Guo'er rushed over, tugging at her sleeve and whispering that she wanted to come along, asking her sister-in-law to take her too.
The twins were also full of energy. "Sister-in-law, take us with you too!"
Thus, Yu Lian found herself accompanied by three children as they made their way to Widow Zhao's house. Along the way, villagers asked her where she was going.
She told them the truth, and they watched her retreating figure with admiration.
"One can really tell that she's the daughter of a prominent family in the capital. While others would think of nothing but getting home to rest after a sleepless night, she thinks of others and considers their needs. Her mindset and demeanor are just different from ours!"
"That Hua Tianqu is truly fortunate to have met someone like her. It's also timely for his family."
When Yu Lian arrived at Widow Zhao's with the three children, the barefoot doctor had already been summoned and was holding the red Hubea flower, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
After examining it closely, he said, "It's indeed a red Hubea, alas, but the quality isn't great. The roots aren't intact. I'm not sure if its efficacy will be as strong as a whole flower, or if it'll even be useful."
Hua Tianqu stared at him intently. "Use it on my mother. If it doesn't work, I'll find another one."
The barefoot doctor stroked his beard and said, "Alright then. I'll take the herb back to process it and come back in a few days to prepare the medicine for your mother."
The youth nodded silently, then asked, "My mother is so ill that she can't even get out of bed. Will she really be able to hold on for a few more days?"
"I'll make her a few doses of medicine as a temporary measure. She should be fine for a few days."
"What about the consultation fee...?"
The barefoot doctor glanced at the rural youth and said, "Considering your difficult circumstances and your pitiful situation, I'll only ask for the cost of the medicine. Since you found this Red Yuhua, the other ingredients aren't expensive. Altogether, it won't exceed two hundred wen."
The youth clenched his fists and nodded.
Yu Lian entered at that moment, bumping into the barefoot doctor. The three children rushed into the courtyard out of curiosity, surrounding the youth.
Yu Lian stared at the doctor, asking him to show the herbs first.
The barefoot doctor was not too pleased and harrumphed. "I am the doctor here. Do you know how to decoct medicine? Can you process medicinal ingredients? What are you going to do with this life-saving medicine?"
Yu Lian replied, "This herb is valuable and there's only one plant. Can you guarantee that the entire Red Yuhua will be used for his mother?"
The barefoot doctor's eyes flickered. "Saving lives is the duty of every healer; naturally, I'll use the entire herb. You, young lady, need not worry about it!"
Yu Lian turned to the youth. "Do you really trust him? What if he runs away? What if he takes shortcuts and fails to save your mother? This time, a hero helped gather the medicine and saved everyone. But what about next time? If your mother isn't saved and her condition worsens, what will you do?"
The youth suddenly realized the gravity of the situation. He said to the barefoot doctor, "Return the herbs first. We'll process them at my place. Tell me whatever you need, and I'll get it for you. The decoction should also be prepared at my home."
The barefoot doctor turned red with anger. "I'm a doctor! Are you going to listen to a woman's words instead of trusting me?"
He then bellowed at Yu Lian, "No wonder ancient people said that women and villains are hard to deal with! You're assuming the worst in a noble person! Don't even think about asking me to treat your family in the future!"
If her family fell ill, Yu Lian wouldn't entrust their care to an unreliable barefoot doctor. With a carriage at home, they would go to a proper clinic to see a qualified physician. Besides, from their conversation, she had already discerned that this doctor wasn't an upright man. Even if he possessed some medical skills, his morals were questionable, and he coveted other people's medicinal resources.
She sighed, reaching for the box containing the Red Honeysuckle in the barefoot doctor's hands.
The doctor naturally refused to let go, and a struggle ensued between the two.
At that moment, the twins and Little Guo'er rushed forward, clinging to the doctor's legs and arms. They even gave his hand a hearty bite.
"You dared to be rude to my sister-in-law, you dared to be rude! Watch me bite you to death!"
"Vile physician, hand over those medicinal herbs for my sister-in-law!"
Hua Tianqu also sprang into action, his eyes blazing red as he joined in the scramble for the box.
Though the barefoot doctor usually feigned frailty, he was actually in his prime with strong limbs. Yu Lian, being just a woman with four children, struggled fruitlessly to seize the items from him.
Unaware of the severity of their actions, the children resorted to biting, causing the doctor to howl in pain. Seizing the opportunity, Hua Tianqu snatched the box and handed it to Yu Lian. He then spun around, letting out a roar as he pounced on the doctor, toppling him to the ground.
The three children, finding the scuffle entertaining, eagerly followed suit, piling onto the doctor with their brother. The quartet, consisting of one adult and three young ones, held the doctor down and pummeled him, eliciting continuous howls.
Yu Lian's lips twitched, her voice pleading for them to stop, though she didn't genuinely intervene.
Their commotion soon drew the attention of neighboring households, who rushed over to witness the scene.
"What's going on here? Why is there a fight?"
Chapter 70 - Being Hired
"I will educate them properly, I promise I won't disappoint you," Yu Lian declared sincerely.
With the intervention of the neighbors, the one-sided beating finally came to an end.
Pointing at the box in her hand, Yu Lian explained, "The doctor refused to prepare the medicine at Hua Tianqu's place or give it to him, which led to this dispute."
Although Yu Lian put it simply, everyone present was no fool.
Red Huyu flowers were highly valuable and could fetch a price of over a hundred taels of silver if sold. It was understandable that the doctor would be tempted, not to mention how painful it was for the villagers to know that the widow Zhao intended to consume such a precious flower.
Given its worth, it was reasonable for the doctor to want to process the herb at Hua Tianqu's residence. Why would he insist on taking it away without giving it to the rightful owner unless he was greedy for the medicine?
Upon this realization, the elderly neighbor's eyes widened in anger. He picked up a stick by his side, ready to strike. "How could you be so wicked? All these years, you've been treating illnesses in our village, and we've treated you well, haven't we? We've respected and accommodated you in every way possible. Yet, you choose to bully our village children like this?"
"The village chief once said that you wandered here to practice medicine after being a veterinarian for a wealthy family. You did something immoral, causing the death of a whole stable of horses, which led to your expulsion. With nowhere else to go, we convinced the chief to take you in. Over the years, we've genuinely treated you as one of us, as a real doctor. How could you commit such an immoral act?"
"Yes, Widow Zhao is already gone. Hua Tianqu risked his life to gather those herbs. How could you be so heartless to take them?"
The barefoot doctor, battered and in pain from the children's beating, was too exhausted to speak. He was surrounded by a crowd of critics.
He retorted, "They don't understand. If I leave the herbs here, they might be ruined. Besides, I have the necessary tools at my place, not here. It would be troublesome to keep going back and forth. I'm a doctor, I'm here to heal and save lives. Why can't you trust me?"
"Are you saying you won't treat us in the future?"
The villagers had plenty of rebuttals for the first part of his statement, but they fell silent when he mentioned the second part.
Even the most agitated elder was at a loss for words.
What could they say? If someone fell ill and couldn't find a doctor, what would they do? The medical clinic in town was expensive, with consultation fees alone being a significant expense, not to mention the cost of herbs. How could they afford such expenses?
Their voices softened. "That boy has had it tough. His mother is on her deathbed. Show some compassion and leave the medicine at their house. If you need any tools, just tell us, and we'll bring them over for you. You can stay and eat at their place for the next few days!"
Upon finishing, the neighbor looked around Widow Zhao's house and fell silent.
Ever since Widow Zhao fell ill, her rice storage had been dwindling, and there were no signs of cooking on the hearth in the main room. Hua Tianqu was struggling to feed himself; how could he afford to provide for a doctor?
The old man's lips twitched. "Come to my place for meals these few days." He let his wife pinch his arm. Most of his kids had already drained him dry, and now they wanted to eat at his house? With a doctor in tow? They didn't need food, did they?
Hua Tianqu bowed to the elderly neighbor and softly declined. He clutched the box he had received from Yu Lian tightly.
"I'll figure something out myself," he said. Since he was intelligent and perceptive from a young age, he could tell that the barefoot doctor wasn't someone trustworthy. Even if the man had medical skills and was willing to prepare medicine at their home, how could Hua Tianqu entrust his mother's life to such a person?
After saying this, he entered the house, followed closely by Yu Lian. She glanced at the unconscious Zhao widow.
Hua Tianqu poured a cup of water and moistened his mother's chapped lips with it.
Yu Lian suggested, "I'll ask the villagers to take your mother to the clinic in town on a carriage. There's a skilled physician there. With the Red Yin Flower you have, her condition should be treatable."
The teenager looked up at her, wanting to nod in agreement, but he hesitated when he thought about his financial situation. His mother had spent all her money on his education, even if it meant buying the cheapest stationery. Ever since the village school was destroyed, his mother had searched high and low for tutors, spending more money. Over the years, she had depleted their savings. After his mother fell ill, he found over three hundred copper coins in a jar, but he dared not spend a single coin, fearing that he wouldn't have enough to pay for her treatment. Thus, even if they ran out of food, he wouldn't dare to use the money.
This amount was barely enough to cover the fees for the village's barefoot doctor. Going to a proper clinic in town would likely exceed their budget, not even accounting for the consultation fee.
Yu Lian observed the young man and asked, "I heard from the villagers that you're an educated person. What books have you studied?"
Hua Tianqu bowed her head and counted, "I began my education at the age of five and have been studying for six years. Yet, I've only learned the Four Books; I've only heard a little about classics and historical texts. With no books at home, I rely on my memory of what my former teachers taught, copying them down by hand." However, this consumed a great deal of ink and paper. Eventually, she had to pause her writing and resort to reciting the texts silently every day.
Yu Lian asked, "Did you study the basics like the Three-Character Classic, Hundred Surnames, and Thousand Characters for your initial education?"
The young man's eyes shimmered slightly as he mentioned studying, and he nodded, "I've learned them all, I can recite them backward."
Yu Lian nodded and said, "In that case, why don't you take up a position in my household and act as a tutor to educate my three children? How does that sound?"
The twins, crouching at the entrance, were about to explode upon hearing this. "If Big Sister doesn't study, then we won't either! Father said we'll farm in the future!"
Their eyes met, and they chuckled secretly. They had told their father they didn't want to farm and their sister-in-law that they didn't want to study. Together, it meant they didn't want either, and they were quite clever indeed!
Yu Lian smiled gently. "Father said that I'm in charge of our family, so you two also have to listen to me."
"The house is built, the fields are plowed. Apart from feeding the little pigs and chickens at home, there's nothing else for you to worry about. Just behave and study diligently for me."
She had observed that her father-in-law was not skilled in teaching children. He might be able to teach martial arts, but definitely not the basics. Perhaps he was more suited to teaching military tactics?
By having this young man assist in teaching the children, it would solve her dilemma and serve two purposes at once.
Hua Tianqu's dark eyes shimmered with astonishment as he repeated his question to the benefactor's benefactor, "You truly wish to hire me as a tutor?"
Yu Lian nodded, "When I took your mother to the town for treatment, it wasn't free. The cost of transportation, medicine, and consultation will be deducted from your monthly stipend. You'll receive three hundred copper coins a month, with meals provided, and gifts given during festive seasons for teachers. How do you find this arrangement?"
How could he not be satisfied? He had never imagined that he could earn money by tutoring others. The young man nodded and looked at the trio crouching nearby. He pledged solemnly, "I will teach them well. I assure you, I won't shirk my duties."
With expectant eyes, Little Guo'er clung to her sister-in-law's arm. She had never dreamed of studying alongside her twin brothers. Even back in the capital, her aunt had only mentioned teaching her basic sewing skills, with no mention of learning to read. Her aunt said that when she grew up a bit more, she could recognize a few characters to manage household accounts when she became the main wife of a modest family.
But before she could learn to read, tragedy struck their family.
With the matter settled, neither the young man nor Yu Lian were ones to dawdle. Yu Lian suggested hiring someone to drive, but he declined, "I can do it myself, no need to spend extra silver."
Following that, Hua Tianqu accompanied Yu Lian back home.
News traveled fast in the village, and by the time they arrived, the elder matriarch and Mrs. Chen had already heard about their scuffle. They asked, "Lian'er, did you take those three children to fight? I heard there was an altercation with a barefoot doctor?"
The twins and Little Guo'er blushed with excitement at the mention of the fight, animatedly recounting how the greedy healer had been reprimanded. They declared confidently, "We were fighting villains. He was a villain, so we were right to fight him!"