They brought the prey from the trap home, and also took out a basket of mushrooms. That evening, the whole family enjoyed a delicious bowl of fried noodles with soybean paste.
The next morning.
Xiao Li lay comfortably on a large tree branch halfway up the mountain, gazing towards the village. Wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys, creating a peaceful and serene scene. In the distance, figures could be seen moving in the farmland, and a stream flowed gently beside the village, making it a veritable paradise.
Xiao Li hadn't thought about the past for a long time, and at this moment, she felt that she had fulfilled her former wish.
Many modern people harbor a secret longing to live a carefree, idyllic life in a secluded paradise.
She's done it now, and she's so happy!
Two minor officials in uniform entered the village and went directly into the village chief's brick house. After a short while, the village chief respectfully saw them out.
Xiao Li was startled and quickly sat up from the tree branch. Something was wrong.
Before she could run home, the broken gong at the village entrance rang out. It was the village chief calling the villagers to a meeting. She went with her parents, who had just returned from the fields, to the threshing ground, where most of the people had already gathered.
After waiting a while, the village chief cleared his throat and spoke.
"The corvée labor for this year has been collected. It's the same as before, collected per household, one person per household. Those who don't want to go can pay in silver, ten taels per person. Everyone should be aware of this. The yamen runners will come to register in three days."
By the way, this year's corvée is military service, conscripting adult men aged sixteen to forty. I heard the border is unstable, so they're going to war. Everyone should discuss this.
The village chief stroked his sparse beard. He'd been worrying a lot lately. Just when he was starting to feel hopeful, this troubling thing happened. Life is tough.
"Alright, let's call it a day. There's no hurdle you can't overcome. Don't be discouraged. Although military service is the most brutal thing, it's also an opportunity to make a name for yourself. Go back, go back."
As the crowd slowly dispersed, a cloud of sorrow descended upon the peaceful little mountain village.
The imperial court stipulated that corvée labor should be paid every three years. The last time it was forced labor, Mo Qingshan spent a month repairing the city wall. This time, he was also within the age limit for military service.
"Brother Qingshan, let's pay." Yun Yuniang looked frightened. There hadn't been any conscription for many years. If it weren't for a surplus this year, she probably would have had to go.
Seeing his wife's still-frightened expression, Mo Qingshan took her hand and comforted her, "Don't be afraid!"
"Even if I have to serve in the military, I'm not afraid. Have you forgotten that we all practice martial arts? We're much better than ordinary people."
Yun Yuniang's complexion improved, and she nodded.
Mo Yunxiao kept his head down, lost in thought. After lunch, he went out alone.
Xiao Li noticed her brother's unusual behavior and followed him.
Mo Yunxiao went to the place where his disciples practiced, an open area behind the mountain, where everyone had gathered and there was a lot of noise.
"Master, what are your thoughts on military service? Shidunzi and I think there's nothing wrong with going to the border. Besides, we've all learned martial arts now, so if we stick together, there will be less danger."
The speaker was Zhang Yang, the second son of Zhang the butcher in the village. His family was one of the few outsiders, and thanks to his father's skill, no one in the village dared to challenge them. It was also because of his own perseverance that he was chosen by Mo Yunxiao to take him in.
"What about the rest of you? What are your thoughts? Share them." Mo Yunxiao glanced at everyone but didn't offer any opinion.
"Master, my mother is not well and didn't eat lunch today. I don't want her to worry."
"Me too. I'm an only child. My dad has mobility issues and can't go."
Several others remained silent.
"And what about you? What are your thoughts?" Mo Yunxiao didn't let them off the hook.
Mo Chunfeng gave a bitter smile and slowly said, "Since we can't pay the money, I'm afraid we'll have no choice but to serve in the military."
Mo Yunxiao was stunned for a moment. There was nothing he could do about it. Most of the villagers were not well-off, and the reason why Shidunzi next door wanted to serve in the military might also be due to this.
As for himself, he actually wanted to go, but his parents didn't want him to.
Xiao Li, who had been eavesdropping for a while, quickly called out to her silly brother, afraid that he would get stuck on something.
"Brother, I need to talk to you. Can you come over here for a moment?"
Mo Yunxiao said to everyone, "You guys practice first, I'll be right back."
The two siblings walked to the shade of a tree. After thinking for a moment, Xiaoli said directly, "Brother, let's have a competition."
Looking at his younger sister, Mo Yunxiao also felt a competitive spirit rise within him.
"bring it on."
Using the same moves, Xiao Li's were more agile, but fortunately Mo Yunxiao was more grounded and had a more stable stance. The two exchanged blows, and in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Mo Yunxiao was tripped and knocked to the ground by Xiao Li's kick.
"Again!"
This time it was even shorter, ending in just three minutes.
"continue!"
...
Mo Yunxiao lay on the grass, meeting his sister's worried gaze, and the turmoil in his heart vanished without a trace.
"Little sister, let's go, we're going home."
He has dreams, but he can wait until he is strong enough to realize them.
Xiao Li smiled slightly when she saw that he had figured it out.
"Brother, you should go and warn your disciples. We don't know if we'll ever see each other again."
"Also, pass on the follow-up secrets to them, and make sure they come back alive."
Xiao Li also needed to go home to prepare some dry food and medicine for them on their journey, as a way of showing her care.
When Mo Yunxiao arrived at the practice area, everyone gathered around him.
"Sit down, everyone. You all saw it just now, right? Although we are stronger than ordinary people, swords have no eyes. Who can know what will happen on the battlefield?"
If we can avoid going, we shouldn't. Let's focus on practicing martial arts so that we can better realize our dreams in the future.
As for those who absolutely must go, they must practice their martial arts diligently, take good care of themselves, and make sure to come back alive.
Now I'm passing on the remaining tips to you. Those of you going to serve in the military must memorize them carefully. If you don't understand anything, ask me first. Take advantage of these next few days to try and memorize them all.
After he finished speaking, everyone fell silent, consciously giving up their seats. Those who had already decided to serve in the military sat at the front and listened attentively as their master imparted martial arts secrets.
The whole Mo family village has been very busy these past few days. Although life is tough, we still have to keep going.
Shi Dunzi and Mo Chunfeng, along with several other fellow apprentices, stood out. After several months of practice, they had gained a more upright and soldierly air about them, and their eyes revealed a resolute determination.
Each of them received a small care package from Xiaoli, containing homemade jerky, pancakes, a bag of boiled eggs, and even a small bag of dried fruit made from her space. Xiaoli didn't know how to make medicine, so she gave them the wound medicine she had found in the cabin last time and left it with Mo Chunfeng.
"Take good care of yourselves, we're waiting for you to come back."
Everyone said their goodbyes with reluctance.
After seeing off this group of villagers who were going to serve in the military, the whole village seemed somewhat desolate. However, everyone practiced their martial arts morning and evening with even greater diligence and focus.
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