Chapter 11: Bullying the Young

"You wouldn't understand even if I told you!" Bai Xi's round little face was full of pride, thinking to herself, even if I explained, would you get it? Would you believe it?

Bai Anan's lips twitched helplessly. Inwardly, he sighed, Grand-aunt, you're just a five-year-old child, could you stop pretending to be an adult?

In truth, not only Bai Anan, but even Chen Rui was full of curiosity. Although she followed Grand-aunt, she had no idea how Grand-aunt managed to lure the wild rabbits, let alone how the wild goose ended up at Grand-aunt's feet.

But Bai Xi made it clear she wouldn't reveal anything, so the two could only let it go.

Unlike Bai Anan, who remained puzzled, Chen Rui quickly found a reason for herself. Grand-aunt must have some method; otherwise, how could she be Grand-aunt?

Bai Anan helped Bai Xi carry the wild rabbits and the geese up to the treehouse, found some rope to tie up the geese, and locked the wild rabbits away. Only then did he rub his shoulders.

"Grand-aunt, if you're alright, I'll head off now." He still had to fetch firewood.

Bai Xi was happily admiring the geese. Upon hearing this, she thought for a moment, called him back, and said, "Take a wild rabbit home with you. Bring Chen Rui along to take one as well... Actually, leave the rabbits for now. Let's eat these two geese first."

"Go get firewood. When you come back later, fill a bowl of meat to take home."

Bai Anan understood Bai Xi's intentions; she'd already sent Chen Rui to inform the village chief, likely to distribute the meat.

Though six wild rabbits and two geese seemed plenty, there were many villagers, and divided up, no one would get more than a few mouthfuls. It was better to leave them for Bai Xi herself.

Bai Anan was about to advise her.

"Grand-aunt, you should keep two wild rabbits for yourself. If you want meat later, it'll be hard to find."

"I know." Bai Xi's expression was thoughtful, but her voice was soft and childish, making her appear impossibly cute.

Bai Anan couldn't help but want to laugh, but he held it back for fear of offending Bai Xi.

Bai Xi noticed Bai Anan's reaction. She felt helpless about her own voice, but since she was now a little child, she simply rolled her eyes in annoyance and didn't take it to heart.

Bai Anan left Bai Xi's house to collect firewood, and not long after he departed, the village chief arrived.

After politely knocking and receiving Bai Xi's permission, the chief entered.

"Grand-aunt, you wanted to see me."

"Yes." Bai Xi took a sip of water poured for her by Bai Anan before he left. She let the chief sit, then spoke: "Did Chen Rui tell you that I brought back some game?"

The chief nodded and began.

"Grand-aunt, forgive me for nagging, but how could you go up the mountain? You're still young, and there are wild animals up there that could eat people. Grand-aunt, it must have been Chen Rui—she must have led you astray? Rest assured, I'll have her parents discipline her..."

Bai Xi: "..." Even though she'd only been here a few days, she knew Chen Rui was timid, not the sort to lead others astray. Anyone with eyes could see Bai Xi was the instigator, and Chen Rui only reluctantly followed.

But whether it was Bai Anan or the chief, both blamed Chen Rui, simply because Bai Xi was of a higher generation and still very young.

Too young to know the dangers of the mountain, but too senior to be scolded—Bai Xi stood on this reasoning. So even if it wasn't Chen Rui, anyone else would have been blamed just the same.

"Enough, I didn't call you here to listen to this." Bai Xi disliked the chief's rambling, so she interrupted him bluntly.

"I asked you here to sell three—no, four wild rabbits for me, in exchange for some fine grain."

Grand-aunt wants fine grain? The chief was briefly stunned, but not surprised. He wanted fine grain, too—who didn't?

He felt somewhat ashamed; after all, it was his failing that the village wasn't prospering. Otherwise, Grand-aunt wouldn't have such trouble wanting some fine grain.

"I don't understand much about rice, flour, oil, or salt. Just sell the rabbits and get whatever seems necessary. I'm still growing, and I can't do without meat."

While Bai Xi spoke, the chief listened attentively and nodded: "Alright. Grand-aunt, rest assured—leave this to me."

"And these two geese, find someone to prepare and stew them tonight."

The chief was surprised: "Both of them?"

"Why keep them?" Geese never survive alone; these two are a pair. If one dies, the other will either take its own life or waste away in grief.

Bai Xi almost explained, but reconsidered. She was only five—occasional adult behavior could be chalked up to mimicry, but saying such things would be suspicious. So she feigned indifference: "Kill them both. I want meat."

"You just take care of your tasks. I'll save your share—you can take it when you return."

The chief hurriedly shook his head: "No need, Grand-aunt, you keep it for yourself."

Meat was rare; Grand-aunt should enjoy a few more bites. Who knew when they'd get to eat it again?

Although Bai Xi craved meat, she wasn't stingy, at least not with those who worked for her. Everyone in the Heavenly Realm knew this.

She ignored the chief's protests, gave him a few more instructions, and waved him off.

"By the way, this has nothing to do with Chen Rui. I wanted to go myself, so don't think about bullying that girl."

Before the chief left the treehouse, Bai Xi made sure to add this.

She didn't want Chen Rui to be punished—if she was, Bai Xi would have a harder time coaxing her in the future!

After all, Chen Rui was obedient and easy to persuade (or scare); replacing her might not work as well.

The chief: "...Uh, Grand-aunt, I understand."

He didn't bully the younger generation! If anyone did, it was Grand-aunt bullying them. Besides, Grand-aunt herself was just a little child, yet her tone was so mature... Well, since Grand-aunt insisted, he'd do as she said. After all, it really wasn't Chen Rui's fault.

The chief left still somewhat uneasy. But thinking Grand-aunt was waiting for meat, she surely wouldn't go out today, so he felt better. Still, he gave a few reminders, which Bai Xi met with an annoyed eye roll.

Niuluo Village was half a day's journey from the county town by ox cart; if on foot, it would take over an hour more.

The chief left Bai Xi's house carrying the wild rabbits, took a shortcut to Chen Zhaodi's house, explained Bai Xi's intentions, then hitched the ox cart and hurried toward the county town.

Of course, he didn't forget to shout in the village, since a trip to town wasn't easy—he could help villagers bring back some things as well.

(Except for "Tian Mi," my books usually have two thousand words per chapter, and now updates will range from two to four thousand words at a time.)