Chapter 6, I am a good person

Seeing his forlorn expression, the seedling girl furrowed her brows and said, "Wait a moment, I will take you inside." A timid voice gently came through.

It was also from that day that Lin Tang confidently rowed his small boat through the traps set by his masters, crossing the New River to the outside world. The world beyond was equally beautiful and even more expansive. He finally saw the bamboo houses and the stilted buildings built atop the lush green bamboo, as well as the beautiful girls of the Baiyi tribe. Experiencing the beauty beyond the mountains, he also witnessed the young Miao men and women singing love songs to the moon. Such a life made him feel as if he had truly entered a fairyland

Thinking of this, Lin Tong smiled bitterly, unsure of what to say. In the end, he simply bowed deeply to everyone and sighed, saying: "It is understandable that you harbor resentment towards the Han people, as their methods of rule have been excessively cruel. I am truly grateful that several sisters have treated me this way today. I apologize for any disturbances I may have caused, and I shall take my leave now." After saying this, he turned around with a look of desolation, picked up the bamboo pole, and was about to leave.

Lin Tong stared blankly at the Miao women, noticing that they all had sincere expressions. He asked in confusion, "May I ask, sister, why is this? Aren't Miao people and Han people all the same?"

Lin Tongchong smiled slightly and said, "To be honest, I came here to visit. I heard that the scenery of our Miao village is the best in the surrounding areas, so I wanted to take a look. However, I have been searching for a long time and have not found the way into the mountains. Since you sisters are from the Miao village, I wonder if you could take us on a tour?"

Lin Tong noticed the woman's expression of difficulty and spoke up: "Have I been presumptuous in putting you in a difficult position, sister? If so, I shall not trouble you any further and will find my own way into the mountains." As he said this, he cupped his fist in salute to the women and prepared to row away.

Today is June 15, and it is also a night of the full moon. I remember hearing Brother Su mention in a previous casual conversation that every full moon night, the Miao village would hold a series of activities, especially the young men and women who would dress in their most beautiful attire to sing love songs on the tea mountain. If they successfully sing to each other, they will be together hand in hand for a lifetime. Lin Tang has long yearned for such an interesting event, and today she finally has the opportunity to personally experience the charm of it, which makes her extremely excited. Especially the young men and women who would dress in their most beautiful attire to sing love songs on the tea mountain. If they successfully sing to each other, they will be together hand in hand for a lifetime. Lin Tang has long yearned for such an interesting event, and today she finally has the opportunity to personally experience the charm of it, which makes her extremely excited

This morning, after having breakfast and inquiring about his mother’s well-being, he prepared to head to the Miao village. However, as soon as he stepped out, he was relentlessly pursued by Ke'er, and with no other choice, he had to take her along. He had heard that the Miao village was not far from the valley, located in the Great Miao Mountain, and could be reached by following the New River. After walking along the river for about an hour, he could see the Great Miao Mountain right in front of him, yet he had been unable to find the path into the mountain. Now, finally seeing some figures, he was exceptionally excited. The small boat was rowed with great ease, and in no time, he arrived in front of several Miao women, smiling as he said: "Excuse me, beautiful ladies, may I ask if you are from the Miao village?"

Lin Tong stopped the boat and turned to look at Zitong, smiling slightly as he said: "First of all, thank you for your words. In fact, you are very right; not all Han people are bad. It should be said that the vast majority of Han people, like you, are kind-hearted, simple, and impoverished commoners. They work hard from dawn to dusk. I believe there must be Han people living in these mountains as well, and you must have seen their way of life; they are not bad people. The real oppressors of you are actually just a few individuals. However, it is precisely because of these few people that you harbor animosity towards the entire Han ethnic group. Although this perspective is somewhat biased, I understand that you are left with no choice."

Naturally, Lin Tang was overjoyed by this tremendous good news. She could finally live the life she had always dreamed of, riding horses and hunting every day, exploring mountains and rivers, and swimming freely in the new river without worrying about a few unscrupulous teachers stealing her clothes and books, forcing her to hide in the water until dark before running back home in the nude.

Lin Tong was taken aback for a moment, then smiled slightly and said, "You ran all this way and got your clothes wet just to ask this?"

As she watched the small boat drift further away, Zitong's expression grew increasingly somber. Suddenly, she gritted her teeth, threw down the clothes in her hands, and quickly ran towards the boat, shouting loudly as she ran: "Hey, wait up..."

"Wait a moment," a girl about sixteen or seventeen years old called softly from among the crowd

Lin Tong turned around and gave him a slight smile, saying: "Is there something wrong, young lady?"

The girl, blushing and timid, said: "You, you cannot enter the mountain."

Lin Tong finally understood after listening that although he had lived in the valley for five years, he had actually grown up in Suzhou for the first twelve years. He was somewhat aware of the shameless actions of those in power, especially since he and his mother had lived at the bottom of society, having become accustomed to the ugly faces of the wealthy class and having experienced the coldness of the world. Although he had not witnessed it firsthand, he could imagine the oppression and exploitation that the authorities inflicted upon those they viewed as barbarians. Moreover, in the collection of books hidden in the cave of the valley, he had also seen some accounts of the bloody methods used by various dynasties to govern these ethnic minorities.

"Uncle is the best person in the world," Ke'er said, looking at Lin Tang with her big, dark eyes, her tender voice filled with unwavering conviction

In the new riverside area, hidden among the green mountains, a group of Miao girls dressed in beautiful ethnic costumes are washing clothes in the clear river water, their cheerful laughter and melodious singing occasionally echoing. Lin Tang gently paddles a small boat downstream, at the bow sits a delicate little girl, her finely sculpted features illuminated by the sun, playfully splashing the water with her tender little feet while singing in her sweet, innocent voice. The girl is Ke'er, the youngest daughter of Suixing, who has just turned six this year, lively and adorable, and she loves to follow her little master uncle around for adventures. Lin Tang also cherishes this child greatly, often letting her ride on his shoulders to run around or take her out in the boat for fun.

The women who were doing laundry were taken aback when they saw a young man in white standing on a small boat in front of them. The younger girls, in particular, felt their cheeks flush slightly. This boy was exceptionally handsome, tall and slender, with long black hair cascading untamed over his shoulders. His fair complexion was complemented by two slanted eyebrows that arched gracefully, a straight nose, and lips that were a vibrant red. Most captivating were his pair of expressive, bright eyes that always carried a warm smile, giving off a sunny disposition. Anyone would be compelled to take a second glance at such a radiant young man.

Although the Miao people generally harbor no fondness for the Han, it was impossible to feel even the slightest annoyance in the presence of this boy with a beaming smile. Moreover, there was a lovely little girl sitting at the bow of the boat, and a slightly older woman smiled gently at him, saying: "Indeed, we are all from the Miao village. May I ask what brings this young man here?"

Lin Tong asked in confusion, "Why is this?"

"Am I a good person?" Lin Tong stared wide-eyed at the girl, unable to help but recall the years when he had assisted Ba Hu in human trafficking for the sake of survival. Although five years had passed, the grotesque face of that fat rich merchant and the terrified eyes of that little girl still appeared before him from time to time. "Am I a good person?" he murmured softly.

Zitong nodded and said: "Yes, that's exactly it. If you really want to go to the Miao village, I can help you"

Zitong looked at her elder sister and shook her head, her voice slightly raised as she said: "Jin Qiao, I believe not all Han people are bad. I remember our father saying that in the past, some Han people helped us. Besides, he is bringing a little girl with him, so he can't be a bad person, can he"

Lin Tong nodded slightly at the girl, saying: "Your name is Zitong, right? Given your age, you seem to be younger than me, yet you possess such remarkable insight, which is truly rare. I believe there are still many good people in this world, and I hope you will also firmly believe this; it will bring you much happiness. Thank you for thinking that I am not a bad person, but I believe I cannot accompany you, as it would bring you a lot of trouble. Well, goodbye." After saying this, he turned to leave but suddenly turned back and smiled gently at the girl, saying: "Remember, not everyone who carries a little girl is a good person." With that, he turned and continued to row the boat forward.

Lin Tong turned his head and saw Zitong running in the water, drenched by the splashes, yet still carefree, waving and shouting at him as he ran. Upon listening closely, he realized that Zitong was indeed calling him, so he hurriedly paddled the boat back. When he reached Zitong, he asked with a puzzled expression: "Zitong, is there something you need?"

Seeing the shy demeanor of the girl, the Miao woman who had just spoken chuckled and said, "Sister Zitong, let me explain. " Turning to Lin Tang, she continued, "Actually, sister is not allowing you to enter the mountains for your own good. We do not welcome Han people here, and if you were to enter recklessly, it might put you in danger."

The woman paused for a moment and then smiled slightly, saying: "What you said is correct. Originally, the Miao people and the Han people are the same, but there are those who believe that we Miao people are an inferior ethnic group, unlike you Han people who are noble. As a result, we have been oppressed by the Han for generations, leading to our difficult lives and naturally fostering resentment towards the Han. Our refusal to let you in is truly for your own good"

Ke'er, who had been sitting at the bow of the boat playing with water, looked up and said to Lin Tang: "Uncle, look at that sister."

Zitong looked at him seriously and said: "We Miao people are hospitable, and as you mentioned, our rejection of Han people is also forced. However, I believe everyone knows that not all Han people are bad. I want to help you because I think you are a good person"

In the mountains, there are no cycles of sixty years, and time is unaware of the years spent in books and illustrations. In the blink of an eye, Lin Tang has been in Qingxin Valley for over five years. The twelve-year-old boy of that year has now grown into a graceful young man. After years of playing 'hide and seek' with his four masters, Lin Tang's martial arts skills have progressed rapidly. Two years ago, relying solely on his lightness skill, the four of them could no longer catch him. Even when using hidden weapons and mechanisms, he still had a higher chance of breaking through. Watching his disciple, who was as slippery as an eel, the four elderly men finally lost interest in playing with him. Thus, on a spring afternoon, Cheng Wanli officially announced that Lin Tang would now rely on himself for training, while they continued to indulge in the mountains and play music.

Zitong, while wiping the droplets of water from her face and catching her breath, said: "Do you really want to visit the Miao village?"

Lin Tong looked at the obedient child and then at Zitong standing in the water, smiling slightly. "Yes, I am a good person; we are all good people." In that moment, Lin Tong firmly believed that he was a good person, regardless of what he had done in the past. From today onward, he would be a good person. With this thought, he smiled gently at Zitong and said, "Come aboard, and I will take you to the Miao village."

Miao Nv was momentarily taken aback after listening, as the Han people have always been in control of this world. They have been quite oppressive towards the Miao, Zhuang, and other minority ethnic groups, leading to a rather unfavorable impression of the Han among these communities, especially since Han people are generally not allowed to enter the villages.

Lin Tong turned around to look at the beautiful girl named Zi Tong. Although her charming face was still blushing, she held her head high, and the resolute gaze in her eyes indicated that she was not joking.

Lin Tong slowly retracted her smile and looked at Zi Tong, softly saying: "Why are you helping me? Aren't you afraid that your people will blame you if they find out?"

Before Lin Tong could speak, the woman beside her hurriedly said: "Sister, what nonsense are you talking? You must know that if you bring a Han person in and Old Man Kui finds out, he will surely scold you to death"