Chapter 010: How Can I Abandon You and Escape on My Own

With this sudden movement, the young boy abruptly opened his eyes, his gaze fierce and filled with vigilance and menace, causing a jolt in Chang Xile's heart

While speaking, she gently patted his shoulder to indicate that she meant no harm

Chang Xisheng and Cao Ersao noticed that Granny Sun was angry, and they hurriedly approached to appease her. The ox cart was already prepared, but they were unable to set out.

Before leaving, Granny Sun gave each person ten wen, and then said to Chang Xisheng: "Make sure to remember to buy some snacks and candies in the city later; we will use them as gifts when we return your uncle's cow."

Chang Xiangwang: "Shall we go take a look?"

The other two, upon hearing this, found it reasonable and exerted considerable effort to lift the dead tiger onto the ox cart. Fortunately, they had brought an ox cart today; although it was strenuous to pull, it was still manageable.

Chang Xisheng sighed, saying: "If the celestial child were here, there would be no man-eating tigers. I can only hope this news is false; otherwise, it will be even more difficult for our village to go out in the future"

Chang Xisheng was even more hesitant now; if someone didn't go to take a look and something really happened, it would be troublesome. But if they just let it go, that tiger would be waiting there, and then the lives of the three brothers would be at stake.

Cao Ersao pouted, displaying a face full of displeasure

The fearsome roar of the tiger echoed continuously, even the lively and cheerful Chang Xi Wang was aware of the danger. With such a commotion caused by the tiger, it was certain to be a formidable opponent. If they encountered it, they might very well lose their lives here. Chang Xi Sheng and Chang Xi Wang tightened their grips on the firewood knives, displaying a vigilant demeanor

The little boy's gaze gradually calmed down, he blinked, and then closed his eyes again

Chang Xiwang was in a state of urgency, exclaiming, "Oh dear, who has the time to worry about that now? Saving lives is the priority"

Mother, there is really no need. In a family, there is nothing to hide, and it might even hurt the brothers' feelings. Rest assured, if I truly need it, I will tell you. You can keep this money.

At this moment, Granny Sun's expression finally softened a bit, "You two should hurry along, the sooner you go, the sooner you return. Be careful on the road."

Chang Xile could not help but sigh deeply; this old woman was indeed too partial to him. Although her intentions were good, it was not conducive to the unity of the family. Their family currently had nothing and was relying on coming together as one.

It is generally uncommon for relatives to lend items directly for money; however, in the spirit of reciprocity, when returning borrowed items, they often add something extra. This way, it does not appear distant, and it avoids the unpleasantness of frequently borrowing from others, especially for large items like cattle.

Seeing that Granny Sun was resolute in her attitude, she finally put it away

The three of them hurriedly ran over to the * picture * book, with Chang Xisheng being the first to reach it. Only after confirming that the tiger was dead beyond any doubt did he allow his two younger brothers to come over. What had appeared indistinct from a distance turned out to be a person, specifically a young boy, who did not seem very large, estimated to be just over ten years old. He was completely naked, with several glaring wounds on his body, and his head was covered in blood from a blow, making it difficult to discern his features.

At that moment, a loud noise erupted not far away, abruptly silencing the roar of the fierce tiger, leaving a final sound that sent a shiver deep within one's heart

After approximately the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, everything was calm as usual, and even a small bird landed on the cow, making the earlier tension seem as if it were merely an illusion

Chang Xisheng slapped him with annoyance, saying, "How can you still be so reckless at your age as a father? What nonsense are you talking about? Don't scare Fifth Brother."

Chang Xile also said: "Mother, today's matter truly cannot do without Second Brother."

Often joyful yet curious, "Has anyone truly seen a child riding a tiger before?"

The howling sound shook the entire forest, the trees swayed, and the birds desperately flew out from the woods, as the whole forest narrated its own fear

Chang Xile was pleased with the two taels of silver, but pushed the other tael back, saying, "Mother, you take this tael. I have enough with these two taels. With such a large amount, where would I hide it?"

Chang Xiangwang widened his eyes in surprise, "There really is a tiger!"

Chang Xisheng said: "This child is injured so severely, it will surely cost a considerable amount to treat him. We currently have no money to help him, but with this great worm, we need not fear."

Chang Xisheng felt very wronged, "Mother, I truly do not think you are biased; it is this woman who is speaking nonsense. Why don't you believe me? Fine, I won't take a single cent; I will give it all to Fifth Brother, how about that? You cannot trouble others just because you are upset with me; it is quite annoying to disturb people so early in the morning"

Did I give the wrong amount of money? What is our family's current situation? This money has been scraped together from the cracks, and if it weren't for the sake of you brothers going out with dignity, having money on hand to feel secure in times of trouble, I wouldn't contribute a single cent! If you, the second one, are not happy about it, then don't go. The third and fifth can go instead; there are still plenty of chores to do at home

Chang Xi Sheng silently lamented, praying deep down that the tiger would not come down from the mountain, while raising his whip to urge the old ox to run faster. The ox was also very frightened, exerting all its strength to run, but the ox's speed was limited, and no matter how fast it tried, it could only go so far.

Old Granny Sun snorted coldly, "Don't think that just because I am old, I am blind. Your mother and the book lady's meaning is just your meaning, thinking that I am biased. Now that you are grown up, you have your own thoughts, and whatever I do, you look down on it! Are you trying to cause a ruckus and want to split the family?"

Chang Xiangwang, upon hearing Chang Xiangsheng speak in this manner, was also filled with determination, saying, "Yes! You keep going without looking back, and remember not to panic and take the wrong path"

Chang Xiangwang said: "I might as well go take a look. I run fast, and if I see anything amiss, I will come back immediately"

Chang Xile has been paying attention to the movements in the deep mountains and, feeling somewhat puzzled, remarked: "Why do I feel that the roar of this tiger sounds a bit tragic?"

I wonder if we will be able to see that fierce tiger today? I have never seen a big creature like that in my life," Chang Xiwang said with an excited expression.

These two bundles of money are what was left over when you were ill, and this bundle is what your mother usually saved. Make sure not to let your two older brothers see it tomorrow, especially your second brother, as he cannot keep secrets from his wife, and his wife is quite cunning.

The entire forest has now calmed down.

Chang Xile did not know how to persuade, so he could only say: "Mother, it is almost dawn, we must set off."

Chang Xisheng quickly stopped the ox cart, "What happened?"

Chang Xile hurriedly said in a gentle voice: "Don't be afraid, we will take you to see a doctor"

Chang Xiangwang also stuffed his own money into Chang Xiangsheng's hands, saying, "Just buy a skewer of candied hawthorn for my girl Niuniu later."

Then you can invite your eldest cousin from your uncle's family to join, so that some people won't complain about me burdening them with work and think that I am being biased.

Chang Xile thought for a moment and said, "Why don't we wait here for a while? If there is still no movement after some time, we can go take a look."

Chang Xiangwang patted Chang Xile's shoulder, still wearing a cheerful expression, "If we really have something going on, remember to help me buy a skewer of candied hawthorn for Niuniu when you get home."

"That sound seems to be coming from up ahead?" Chang Xile said

There is little condemnation in the words.

Chang Xile did not expect that his two older brothers would say such words, "Second Brother, Third Brother, how could I abandon you both and escape on my own..."

"Then why don't you give a little more money..." Although Cao Ersao lowered her voice, everyone heard her clearly

Chang Xisheng interrupted, saying: "Don't overthink it. Your constitution is weak; not only can you not help, but you would also be a burden. My third brother and I have some strength, and when facing that giant insect, there might still be a chance for survival. We are counting on you to find someone to come and rescue us"

Chang Xisheng also felt a bit stirred, while Chang Xile was uncertain and said: "Just now, I seemed to hear a voice? I shouted a bit, but I'm not too sure about it either."

Chang Xile let out a sigh of relief, but his heart was filled with confusion. Why did the child's gaze resemble that of a fierce beast?

Only then did Granny Sun relent, yet she did not say whether to allow or disallow the visit, and simply went inside the house

Chang Xisheng quickly pushed it back, "No need, I..."

Chang Xile and his companions then decided to continue moving forward. After walking for a short while, they caught a faint scent of blood wafting through the air

Old Lady Sun did not take it over, "If you take less tomorrow, won't that be fine? You need to spend money on your studies and writing, which is different from your three older brothers. Moreover, every time you bring back the grain allowance, it is shared by everyone."

Chang Xisheng had not yet spoken when Sister Cao Er became displeased, "Mother, you are truly biased. You give the same amount of money but only allow Shan Zi's father to buy the return gifts"

The night before, Granny Sun called Chang Xile into her room and gave him three coins

Cao Ersao also slapped her own face and said: "Mother, you see this mouth of mine is just troublesome, always causing trouble. My husband has quarreled with me over this matter many times. Please do not be angry, as it is not worth damaging your health over it"

In discussing this matter, it is true that Granny Sun is not entirely in the right, and there is indeed some bias in her heart; however, it is not for others to comment on.

Chang Xile interrupted, saying: "Second Brother, you take it. It's not much money anyway, and it looks bad to keep pushing it back and forth. Besides, you are familiar with the county, so we will need to rely on you wherever we go later."

There is still breath left. Chang Xile placed his hand on the little boy's neck, feeling the pulse beating.

The little boy was lying in the car, often joyful yet fearful that the bumpy ox cart might cause a second injury to his head. He did not care that it would dirty his few good clothes, holding him tightly in his arms

Chang Xisheng quickly replied, "Mother, I did not mean that; it is this woman who is shallow-minded."

Chang Xile and Chang Xisheng looked over and vaguely saw a tiger lying in a pool of blood, and just two or three steps away from it lay something that was unrecognizable.

Chang Xiangwang, however, was no longer afraid as before. "But that noise just now sounded like a great beast in distress. Did you not hear that last particularly tragic cry? Perhaps some hero has slain this great beast."

The children at home knew that Chang Xile, Chang Xisheng, and Chang Xiwang were all going to the county, and they were excitedly urging to go along in the ox cart. However, in the end, they were not allowed to go, as it was said that there was a man-eating tiger on that road, leaving the children feeling somewhat disappointed. Since they were not often taken out, mainly due to concerns about trouble and expenses, they were merely making noise about not being able to go, without much disappointment.

Upon leaving the village, Chang Xile handed the ten wen he had in his hand to Chang Xisheng, saying, "Second brother, take this money."

Chang Xisheng thought for a moment and ultimately decided to wait for a while, reminding everyone to remain vigilant during the wait

Chang Xi was sweating profusely on his forehead, "I can hear the sound getting closer to us. Fifth Brother, if we really encounter a tiger later, you should drive the ox cart and run first. This old ox can't outrun the big beast. My third brother and I have weapons in hand, so we can still fight a bit at that time"

"Are you out of your mind? That noise must be caused by a big creature!" Chang Xisheng glared at him.

Chang Xiangwang, with a face full of excitement, said, "How could it be false? Quite a few people have seen it. My sworn brother, Brother Shan, and Old Li from the east end of our village have both witnessed it with their own eyes. They are not the type to boast or tell lies. However, it seems that no one has seen it in recent years; everyone says the celestial boy has ascended to heaven."

"That commotion must mean something is wrong with the big bug. If I were in good health, I wouldn't be able to outrun it, but if I get injured or disabled, why should I be afraid of it?" Chang Xiangwang said confidently. He is sworn brothers with the hunters in the mountains and has learned a thing or two from them.

"Why does this sound make one feel so uneasy?" Chang Xiangwang swallowed hard; even his usual boldness had given way to fear.

The cattle from the third household of the Chang family have been sold, and they can only borrow the ox cart from the main household for travel. This is also to take care of Chang Xile, fearing that he would not be able to endure walking.

As soon as the tiger got on the cart, the ox cart immediately appeared very crowded. Chang Xisheng and Chang Xiwang sat at the front, while the little boy was watching from the back with Chang Xile.

Chang Xiangwang, without saying a word, came over and picked up the little boy, saying, "Let’s hurry and take him to the county to see a doctor. With all these injuries, if we don’t treat him quickly, he might not make it."

Chang Xisheng admonished: "No matter how fast you are, can you be faster than that great insect?"

Chang Xisheng finally breathed a sigh of relief; the three brothers were finally able to set off

Xiantong Ao was not originally called by this name. It is likely that about ten years ago, passersby, herbalists, or hunters passing through this area occasionally saw a child resembling a jade doll riding on the back of a majestic tiger. How could an ordinary person ride on such a fierce tiger? Moreover, this child was so small, it must have been an immortal child descending to the mortal realm. Furthermore, this fierce tiger never harmed anyone it encountered, leading everyone to believe it was the mount of a deity, not a wild beast lacking understanding. As this story spread, the place came to be known as Xiantong Ao.

Chang Xile felt a pang in his throat; if it were not for his genuine feelings towards him, how could he have reached such a state? It is easy to say that one can part ways with a book, but it is much harder to actually do so. If it is said that he merely inherited the emotions of his original self before, this time he truly experienced the depth of this familial bond.

"Wait a moment, bring this big bug along," Chang Xisheng said

Chang Xile felt a bit of a headache, not expecting to be delayed by such a trivial matter before setting off. In his previous life, he came from a wealthy family and had lived alone for a long time, never having been troubled by such petty issues.

Recently, another fierce tiger has appeared in Xiantongao, which actively attacks passersby. Although few people have seen it, it is enough to instill fear in others.

Chang Xiangwang also said: "Indeed, our mother doesn't actually mean that; she just thinks you are reliable in your work. I have never taken money since I was young, and I still don't like to take it now"

As soon as Chang Xigang finished speaking, a tiger's roar echoed through the deep mountains, startling the cattle into frantic mooing. If it weren't for Chang Xiwang's firm grip, they would likely have scattered in all directions.

Chang Xile did not expect to be so fortunate as to encounter a tiger. In the past, when he traveled to the county for school, he had to pass this road several times each year, and nothing ever happened. Therefore, he was not particularly worried upon hearing the rumors. To his surprise, they truly encountered one.

Chang Xiangwang suddenly shouted loudly: "Look over there, that big bug is indeed dead! Oh, what is that lying next to it?"

However, they are all big men and would not keep bringing up such trivial matters. While chatting idly on the road, the best topic at this moment is undoubtedly the recent incident of a man-eating tiger in Xiantongao.

Chang Xisheng shot her a glare, "You talk too much!"

I also heard it; I thought I had misheard it just now said Chang Xiwang

The words of Granny Sun implied that Chang Xisheng was not allowed to go along. Chang Xile felt a mix of amusement and exasperation, saying, "Mother, Second Brother must go as well. Although I have been in the county all this time, I am not familiar with the goods sold outside, and Third Brother rarely goes out."

Chang Xisheng was well aware of the meaning behind his two younger brothers' actions, and he no longer declined. In fact, he had always felt somewhat uncomfortable with his mother's favoritism, believing that she held a grudge against him. He felt that he could not compare to the fifth brother, let alone the eldest and the third. However, their brotherly bond remained unaffected; it was just that occasionally he felt uneasy in his heart, which he would vent through his wife.

Everyone was too preoccupied to think much, all they wanted was to quickly take the little boy to the hospital

Old Lady Sun was also displeased, saying, "What else can you do besides gossiping all day? All you do is talk nonsense. I arranged this matter for the second son because I value his steadiness."

Chang Xiwang chuckled foolishly and scratched his head, "I was just speaking casually."