Chapter 2: The Startling Horse

He walked towards the town, deciding to act alone

The horse reared up, neighing loudly in surprise and dissatisfaction. When the second whip came down, it was startled, its four hooves flying as it ran forward desperately, with the rest of the horses following suit. Only the chestnut horse remained under Xiao Qiu's control.

There is no way. Daliang helplessly spread his hands, "Anyway, you never really made any promises. Everything you said in the past was just a joke, and no one took it seriously. You don't owe her anything, so let's just let it go. In a few days, we can find an opportunity to give Ershuan a good beating; it's always him who talks nonsense..."

He had just taken three steps when a strange occurrence happened. From the seemingly ordinary patch of grass, a bird suddenly took flight, or perhaps it was not a bird at all. Xiao Qiu only saw a flash of green light, and before she could even discern its shape, it vanished.

Xiao Qiu's home is located on the back street of Ye Lin Town, where a stable occupies more than half of the space, along with three small rooms that are inhabited by Lao Qiu, Xiao Qiu, and Er Qiu.

Daliang blocked the way, "No, there are adults helping on Ershuan's side, we cannot win. Moreover... moreover, this way we won't be able to rescue Fangfang either."

Xiao Qiu rolled and crawled to turn and get back on shore

In the customs of Yelin Town, the bride must enter her husband's home at dusk, as the auspicious time is approaching.

"How could this be?" Xiao Qiu asked in surprise

At the age of six, Erqiu stood in the middle of the yard, holding a piece of hard bread in his right hand, sniffing twice, and said with a smile: "Brother"

The Shen family is the wealthiest in the town, with half of the townspeople invited as guests while the other half stand on the street, enviously watching.

Xiao Qiu returned home, finished the leftover rice in the pot, lay down on the bed, thinking that she would not be able to fall asleep, but before long, she was fast asleep.

When Xiao Qiu ran back to the bridge, it was just getting dark. He was filled with pent-up anger; just slapping his younger brother was not enough to vent it. He wanted to find someone to fight, but there was no one on the bridge. Er Shuan and his gang were probably at home having dinner, pretending to be obedient children in front of their parents. The strange person was nowhere to be found.

"Madman." Xiao Qiu muttered to himself, turning to gaze at the opposite bank. The grass, half his height, swayed gently in the night breeze, appearing completely ordinary. He rubbed his eyes, unable to even confirm whether the green light had truly risen just moments ago.

Xiao Qiu saw the bridal sedan chair and also noticed the small figure in front of it. He bent down on the horse's back, extended his right hand, and said in a hollow voice: "Come up, follow me"

The wind suddenly picked up, and Xiao Qiu raised her hand to press down her straw hat, "Then let's have a fight, I am not afraid of him"

The sun has completely set, and the night is as gentle as a dream. Xiao Qiu does not find the darkness frightening; instead, he feels a sense of contentment and ease, even the resentment in his heart gradually dissipates. He picks up a flat, palm-sized stone, takes his stance, and sends it skimming across the surface of the river.

Daliang paused for a moment, "This is indeed a solution, but I wonder if the Taoist will take a liking to her. I must be on my way..." Daliang ran home along the street, occasionally glancing back, as if the strange Taoist were hiding in the shadows.

The hard bun flew away, and Erqiu fell to the ground, crying loudly. Lao Qiu stood up, scolding while chasing after it, but several years ago, he could no longer keep up with Xiao Qiu's two legs. By the time he reached the main gate, Xiao Qiu had already vanished.

It was not until this moment that the neighbors understood the meaning behind Xiao Qiu's words. Grandpa Zhang lost his cane, Liu Er covered his head and scurried away, Aunt Li picked up her child, and Uncle Zhao sat down on the ground with a thud... The front street of Yelin Town was in complete chaos

"Silly boy, let me tell you, we fought fiercely when we were young, but as we grew up, we might become the best of friends. I see that Ershuan actually wants to be friends with you"

Over sixty years old, Grandpa Zhang shook his head and sighed: "What a waste of extravagance, it's just pitiful for Fangfang, she's so young..." He turned his head and saw Xiao Qiu and the group of horses, raising his cane and pointing at Xiao Qiu, saying: "You little rascal, what are you doing here?"

Grandpa Zhang struck Liu Er with his cane, saying, "You little rascal, Xiao Qiu is still a child, what nonsense are you talking about"

After the grazing ended, Xiao Qiu broke a flexible willow branch to use as a whip, driving the herd of horses to reunite with her companions and return to the town together

"It was he who provoked me," Xiao Qiu said angrily

Upon reaching the town entrance, Xiao Qiu heard the distant sound of musical instruments, indicating that the new bride of the Shen family was about to enter.

Daliang let out a sigh, "I need to hurry home. Do you remember that strange person by the bridge during the day? My father said he is not a madman, but a Taoist priest who specializes in taking children. He takes whoever he finds pleasing, without informing their families, and they might not return for at least ten or eight years. Some never come back at all. I certainly do not want to go with him. You should hurry home too"

Old Qiu's mind turned slowly, and at this moment, he finally remembered what to say, "Er Shuan is a good child; every time he sees me, he is very polite. I really don't understand why you always have conflicts with him"

"The sky is about to darken, where are you going again?" Old Qiu exclaimed, genuinely feeling powerless in disciplining his eldest son

Stay away from demons. Xiao Qiu recalled the warning from the strange person, shook his head, and scoffed at his own panic. Indeed, there are many peculiar and bizarre things in this world, but Wildwood Town is safe. It is said that the greatest danger it has ever faced was a pack of hungry wolves that came from afar one winter many years ago, and even that has become a legend from decades past

Everyone was looking at Xiao Qiu on the chestnut horse, unsure whether this was a prank or a new trick from the Shen family

I don't know; it could be that the news leaked, or perhaps Ershuan guessed it. In any case, I heard that he has people stationed near Mr. Qin's house, and they will strike hard as soon as they see you

The herd of horses had automatically turned towards the back street. Xiao Qiu rushed to the front, blocking their path, and walked into the front street. He thought to himself that it would be fine to take a distant glance at them.

Look.

On the second day, when Xiao Qiu went into the forest to graze the horses, he remained sullen. The other herdsmen felt guilty towards him and brought him many fresh wild fruits, yet no one mentioned Fang Fang

Xiao Qiu felt an indescribable sense of panic, which was surprising given that he was known among his peers for his boldness. However, this wave of panic surged from the depths of his heart, leaving him no time to prepare.

Xiao Qiu threw the grass in her arms onto the ground, "Isn't Er Shuan talking nonsense to you? I ... ... "

None of the friends who had agreed to meet on the bridge showed up

Looking again, Fangfang is also a daughter-in-law of the Shen family; could she possibly return with you?

Old Qiu pointed to the chaff cutter, while Young Qiu picked up the grass again. The father and son worked in harmony, and soon they finished cutting another bundle. Cutting grass is a task that requires quick hands and sharp eyes, and during this time, no one spoke.

Xiao Qiu found this to be the strangest statement in the world. Unable to think of a suitable rebuttal, she simply stood up and walked towards the door.

The last sentence discouraged Xiao Qiu, and he took off his straw hat, "What should we do then"

"Hmm, I understand," Xiao Qiu said reluctantly. The situation is not that simple, but he does not know how to explain it to his good friend

Everyone in the neighborhood! Xiao Qiu shouted, his voice still somewhat youthful, unable to carry very far, overshadowed by the sounds of the Shen family's instruments. However, those nearby all heard him and simultaneously looked up in surprise, "Make way for me!"

Liu Er is a thug on the street, feeling quite dissatisfied for not receiving an invitation from the Shen family. He said: "Xiao Qiu, why didn't you have your father help you with the betrothal gifts back then? Now look, Fang Fang has become Shen Da Sha's. Aren't you going to cause a scene?"

Xiao Qiu even saw his father among the crowd of onlookers, and Lao Qiu was stunned, unable to believe that his eldest son would dare to do such a thing; all the previous warnings had been in vain

Originally, the father and son did not need to speak; silence was the norm in this household. However, Old Qiu suddenly stopped and said to Little Qiu, who had brought over the second bundle of grass: "Let me tell you, tomorrow the Shen family is having a wedding, so you better behave yourself."

Xiao Qiu did not return home immediately; instead, she went to hetushu.com to attend the school. Daliang was not wrong; a group of people was patrolling nearby, including Ershuan and his gang of youths, as well as seven or eight adults. From their conversation, it was clear that they were not targeting Xiao Qiu, but rather were following customs to drive away bad luck

Xiao Qiu sat by the shore, watching the last trace of sunset disappear. His stomach grumbled, and he had no desire to return home. Rather than face his father's scolding, he would prefer to go hungry outside.

"Fangfang would rather go with the Taoist," said Xiaoqiu

Xiao Qiu is diligent and capable, and she is also intelligent. However, in her father's eyes, she has one flaw—she is too stubborn and needs to be corrected often. "Young Master Shen married the daughter of Mr. Qin; the two families are well-matched. If you dare to speak carelessly about Fang Fang being your wife, see if I don't break your legs."

After crossing the bridge, the shepherd boy returned to his own home. When parting, Daliang said: "Xiao Qiugao, let's find an opportunity tomorrow to deal with Ershuan, so that he won't dare to mock you again"

Nothing is chasing after us

Hmm," Xiao Qiu replied sullenly, chasing after the herd of horses ahead

Xiao Qiu stood in front of his younger brother, Er Qiu bit into a hard bun with his gap-toothed smile, looking up at his brother, his face still beaming with joy

The crowd that had originally gathered at the entrance cleared a large space, and the plump matchmaker Liu sat down on the ground, the flowers on her head swaying slightly. The musicians maintained their postures of playing their instruments, yet not a sound could be heard.

"Why have I become so dishonest?" Xiao Qiu asked, feeling guilty.

Daliang stepped out, hushing Xiao Qiu with a gesture. The street was devoid of any light, and he was afraid of the darkness, mustering great courage to leave his home. "Don't go to Fangfang's house; Ershuan and his gang are waiting there."

In the herd of horses, there is a lead horse. Xiao Qiu raised the whip and struck fiercely at the horse's hindquarters.

Xiao Qiu delivered the grass, while Lao Qiu operated the chaff cutter. The two worked in perfect harmony, and soon a bundle of grass was reduced to fragments. Mixed with beans, it became the evening feed for the horses

There seemed to be some movement in the bushes. Xiao Qiu suddenly stood up, feeling an urgent need to check it out. This thought was so pressing that he directly jumped into the waist-deep river and walked towards the opposite bank

Lao Qiu, in his forties, has a stocky build and a slightly hunched back. He is focused on cutting hay and does not lift his head upon hearing his eldest son return.

The neighbors all laughed, shifting their gaze from the distant gate of the Shen family to the horse herder.

At first, Xiao Qiu was counting which number of the drift it was, but soon he lost track. The stones bounced and skipped across the river surface, falling into the grass on the opposite bank

"Did you hear? Father said that we fought fiercely when we were young, but grew to be good friends as we grew up." Xiao Qiu slapped her brother on the forehead and ran away.

"Sigh, that troublesome little rascal." Old Qiu shook his head, went back to pull up his younger son, retrieved the hard bread, blew off the dust on it, and handed it to Er Qiu

Er Qiu sniffed half a nostril full of mucus and said with a grin: "Hit brother, hit brother"

Xiao Qiu silently mounted the chestnut horse, having made up her mind

Xiao Qiu had not walked far from the town when she stopped in her tracks, her mind suddenly clearing. "What are you doing here? Didn't we agree to meet on the bridge? Where are the others?"

Xiao Qiu did not mention it either

Xiao Qiu rode on the back of a chestnut horse, following the startled herd of horses, and ran to the entrance of the Shen family home amidst the astonished gazes of the residents of Wild Forest Town

"Little Qiu, is that you?" A tentative question came from beneath the eaves

As the night deepens, the residents of Wildwood Town have gone to bed early. Occasionally, a few barks from dogs can be heard, and everything is peaceful; even the wild cats have not come out to cause trouble. The only person in the entire town with ulterior motives is probably Xiao Qiu.

Xiao Qiu ignored her younger brother, sent more than ten horses into the stable, and after coming out, helped her father chop hay

Today, there was no one occupying the bridge. Erliang couldn't control his mouth and said, "By the way, the Shen family is getting married today, so Ershuan didn't come out"

In his disappointment, Xiao Qiu also felt a tinge of indignation. At his age, he held a very high standard for loyalty to friends, and he felt that he had been betrayed

This is a perfect throw; if there were other children present, they would surely cheer loudly