In the 7th year of the Chongzhen Emperor (1634), there were heavy taxes and calamities. Internal unrest was continuously intensifying, and there were disasters everywhere. There were few places of peace.
Inside Ningxian Town, the blazing sun was like fire and the summer heat was stifling. The streets were filled with activity, with people bustling back and forth. The townspeople were scrambling to stock up on provisions in preparation for the upcoming lean times.
Amidst the crowd, a twelve- or thirteen-year-old boy sat upright by the Earth God temple, with a few bundles of firewood stacked next to him. A straw hat was on his head, and his tangled hair was tied loosely behind him. His clothes, full of patches, looked rather ragged. However, his face, tanned and youthful, radiated energy, and his eyes held a stubborn determination. Despite the sweat pouring down his face, he had a calm demeanor that set him apart from the noisy crowd around him.
"Alas," he sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. "I don't think I'll have any luck today."
The boy's name was Li Yuefan. He was twelve years old. His mother had died giving birth to him, so he had been raised by his father, Li Tan, in a small hillside outside of Ningxian Town. They survived by hunting.
Originally, the two-person household had managed to eke out a meager existence. However, during a hunting trip, Li Tan had been bitten by a venomous snake while trying to save his son, rendering his right foot useless and preventing him from walking normally. As a result, the young Li Yuefan had taken on the responsibility of supporting the family at the tender age of seven.
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Now, five years later, the boy had grown into a young man. Through his wit and hard work, he had become a skilled hunter. However, due to the constant civil unrest, it was difficult to maintain stability in their lives. In order to survive, he had no choice but to come into town and try his luck.
Today, Li Yuefan had brought several bundles of firewood into town in hopes of selling them and getting something in return for the lean times ahead. Unfortunately, after waiting all day, no one had shown any interest in his wares, which left him feeling disappointed.
"I should go back now," he said with a sigh as he brushed off the dust from his clothes. "There's still a lot to prepare for tonight."
"Young man, are you selling this firewood? I want to buy it all; I'm in urgent need of it."
Just then, someone across the crowd called out to him. It was an old man over fifty years old.
The old man wore simple gray clothes and had a white beard. He pushed through the crowd and reached Li Yuefan's side in just a few steps.
Upon hearing that the firewood was for sale, Li Yuefan perked up and quickly said, "Sir, there are four bundles of firewood here totaling eight coppers. If you want it, I can help you carry it back." After saying this, the boy eyed the old man cautiously, feeling both anxious and nervous.
"Hmm...it's eight coppers..." The old man calculated in his head and thought privately, "This firewood is quite cheap."
After a moment's consideration, he nodded and said, "Alright, then help me take it to the teahouse across the street; my partner is waiting to use it for making tea." He smiled and added, "Ha!"
"Okay!" Li Yuefan happily picked up the firewood and walked towards the teahouse.
The old man watched the boy's thin but erect figure as he left and felt a pang in his heart.