Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Calm After the Storm

After the village chief’s heartfelt admonition, Gou Ye finally broke into a smile. He patted his own cheeks and laughed, saying, “Grandpa Li, thank you. I understand now—it was my lack of foresight this time. I didn’t expect that a good deed on my part would lead to such troubles. I think I know what I must do. Honestly, if it weren’t for your words today, I would have taken Yun Niang and her daughter and left Tumeng Village.”

“Silly child, if you leave, I’ll become the greatest sinner in our village,” Chief Li replied with a hearty laugh, then stepped outside and called Da Li over. “Da Li, go around the village and summon everyone, young and old, to Gou Ye’s house. Tell them old Li has something to say to everyone. Any household that doesn’t show up will have their rent doubled next year. Go on!”

At his words, Da Li dashed into the village, calling out. Before long, a great crowd of villagers surged toward Gou Ye’s house.

“Grandpa Li, I…” Gou Ye began.

The chief waved his hand. “You two needn’t say anything or do anything. Leave it all to this old man.”

Tumeng Village, though only a village, was a large one with over a hundred residents. Before long, the front of Gou Ye’s house was packed with at least four or five hundred people of all ages.

Chief Li took a deep drag from his pipe, walked slowly to the crowd, and, to make himself more visible, had Da Li carry over a stone stool. The chief shakily climbed onto it and, in a hoarse but clear voice, addressed everyone.

“Villagers of Tumeng, gathering like this—it’s been many years since we’ve seen such a scene, hasn’t it?” He looked around at the crowd, noting some with heads bowed in shame, some glancing about, some seething with indignation. After a pause, he continued, “I trust you all understand why I, Li, have called you here. It’s because something has happened recently in our village. A young man who grew up eating meals at every household has, through his own efforts, become prosperous. And what did he do with his wealth? He built houses, providing jobs for villagers. Fearing the hardship of traveling to the county town, he bought a carriage for the village’s use—the carriage is right at the entrance now. Tell me, has he ever asked any of you for a single coin?”

The crowd shook their heads, though some muttered, “He gave it himself, we never asked for it. Besides, after all these years helping him, isn’t it fair to get something back?” Though the voices were quiet, the chief heard them and shouted sternly, “Nonsense! Whose child spoke such words? The price of that carriage is known to you all—he spent his own money for everyone’s convenience. Yet instead of gratitude, he’s made out to be the villain. Since when have Tumeng villagers become so ungrateful and shameless?” The crowd bowed their heads in shame.

“And as for repayment—fine, let’s talk about twenty years ago. When that gang of invaders ravaged the village, who used drums and gongs to distract them? Who risked his life to give everyone a chance to escape? Such a life-saving act you neither remember nor repay, yet here you shamelessly demand recompense? If we speak of repayment, how many times have I, Li, negotiated with the county on your behalf, reducing your taxes? Has anyone ever repaid me? Do I not know the law of the court? Why do I act against it, if not for your peace and safety? So, here I stand today—let’s see how you repay me!”

The chief grabbed Yun Niang’s teacup and took a deep gulp. The silence was so complete the rustling leaves could be heard.

“This morning, my son told me that a group of people shamelessly came to Gou Ye’s house, making noise, some even slandering Yun Niang’s child, saying a woman living here is shameless.”

“Listen to that—does it sound like Tumeng villagers? How malicious! Aunt Wang, you watched Gou Ye and Yun Niang grow up. I never expected you to be among those causing trouble this morning. What great favor have you done? How many times have you brought food this year? Given a blanket? Have you forgotten how years ago your roof collapsed, and Gou Ye’s father worked through the night to repair it for you? Have you forgotten how Yun Niang made clothes for your daughter free of charge? Such kindness—have you repaid it, yet you stand here shamelessly demanding money. Among those gathered, I see many whom Gou Ye has helped. Look around—see their condition. The disabled, the elderly over eighty, orphaned mothers and children. Gou Ye gave money according to each family’s needs—more for the disabled, more for those unable to care for themselves, less for those who can work. Yet some, knowing this, complain they received too little, insisting they deserve the same as the most destitute. I say, such people are heartless!”

“Chief, we know we were wrong.” “Gou Ye, forgive us.” Apologies began to sound at the door, coming one after another.

Those families most in need, who had received Gou Ye’s help, knelt to the ground. A woman, holding her child in one arm and silver in the other, said, “Benefactor Gou, we never imagined your kindness would be treated so. We’ve brought you trouble—take back the money, we don’t want it.”

“We don’t want the money,” echoed a dozen kneeling people, each holding silver. At this, Gou Ye’s eyes reddened and tears flowed.

Aunt Wang and the troublemakers from this morning, faces burning with shame, wished they could sink into the earth. The one who had slandered Yun Niang, along with another who had been helped, came forward, knelt before Gou Ye and Yun Niang, bowed their heads and said, “It was us, uncle, who were thoughtless and hurt you. I spoke those words this morning—I deserve to die, I deserve to die!” As he spoke, he slapped his own cheeks. Gou Ye hurriedly stopped him and helped them up.

Another helped person took out money and said quietly, “Young Master Gou, take back your money. I have no face to accept it.”

Gou Ye patted him and pressed the money back into his hand. He walked to the crowd and spoke loudly, “Everyone, please stand up. I, Gou Ye, cannot bear to see you like this. Truthfully, I was angry this morning. I never expected my kindness to be met with such treatment. Yet, after Chief Li’s words, I’ve come to realize that I was wrong. I shouldn’t have simply handed out money, letting my compassion direct me to give alms to those I thought needed it. I believed that money alone could improve your lives, but I forgot that what you truly lack isn’t my meager silver, but a way to earn your own livelihood. I fancied myself talented, but I led you down a shortcut, forgetting that wealth must be accumulated bit by bit.

Today, I don’t blame you; you are my bread and butter. If parents err, how can their child blame them? But I hope you understand my intentions. From now on, except for those truly destitute, I will no longer hand out silver. Instead, I will truly help you, help our Tumeng Village grow prosperous!”