Chapter 2: Betrayed

Bai Xi regained her breath and opened her eyes, only to be carefully helped into a sitting position by the woman beside her.

Her throat felt uncomfortable, prompting Bai Xi to cough a few times. When she looked up, she saw the village chief’s eyes rimmed red, his gaze filled with concern. Without ceremony, she said, “Why are you staring at me? Take me home first.”

No one found her blunt words strange.

The village chief hurriedly agreed; though he initially considered calling others to help, in the end, he didn’t trust anyone else and accompanied Bai Xi himself, along with his wife and the woman who had performed CPR, to see her safely home.

Out of sight of the others, the village chief quietly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

He had been terrified just moments ago—if anything had happened to the young mistress, how could he ever show his face in Niuluo Village again?

Behind them, others followed for a few steps. Bai Xi turned and waved impatiently, “Alright, I’m fine. You can all go now.”

The villagers looked at each other, but obediently stopped.

“Take care, young mistress!” someone called after her.

Hearing their admonitions, Bai Xi’s mouth twitched, but she endured.

At the edge of Niuluo Village stood a massive old tree, so ancient that it would take five adults to wrap their arms around its trunk.

Upon its enormous branches, a house had been built.

Bai Xi and her party stopped before the tree.

“Let me carry you up, young mistress?” the village chief offered.

“No need!” Though her voice was still childish, it carried an adult’s authority and her gesture made it hard not to smile—yet none of the three dared laugh.

Having just recovered from near drowning, Bai Xi’s composure unsettled them; the heavens had spared their young mistress, and otherwise, how could they face their ancestors?

No one thought it odd that Bai Xi, just returned from the brink of death, neither cried nor seemed frightened. The young mistress had rarely cried since birth—one hand could count the times.

As for being scared, she was always bold; perhaps she thought she’d only played in the water for a bit, nothing serious.

Bai Xi glanced at the treehouse, her lips twitching. Though she was a nine-tailed fox, she didn’t particularly like treehouses—yet this was indeed the home of the little girl whose body she now inhabited.

So, she set her short legs on the wooden ladder and climbed step by step.

The three adults, unwilling to let Bai Xi go alone after her ordeal, naturally followed.

Standing on tiptoe, Bai Xi retrieved a brass key from a hollow in the tree and unlocked the old-fashioned door, entering first. The three adults needed no prompting and began bustling about.

The village chief boiled water and made ginger soup, while his wife and Mrs. Chen helped Bai Xi change clothes.

Unlike most people in these times, Bai Xi’s body was fair and plump, and her new clothes were mostly fresh cotton, with soft cotton shoes as well.

She would have dressed herself, but the women insisted she must be exhausted; unable to win the argument, Bai Xi let them help.

After drinking ginger soup, the three adults lingered, fretting and advising her for some time. Only when Bai Xi was on the verge of losing her temper did they finally leave.

Once the house was empty, Bai Xi looked at the little girl who had followed her all the way.

What do you want?

I want you to protect the people of Niuluo Village, my clansfolk, so they will not suffer hunger or cold.

Bai Xi paused.

Indeed, this was the soul of the original owner, who had followed her home.

If you are so concerned, why not take care of them yourself?

The little girl’s face fell, then she retorted angrily, “That’s none of your business! Since you are using my body, you must bear this responsibility. Otherwise, give it back!”

Fine, I’ll return it to you!

The girl hadn’t expected Bai Xi to agree so readily. She was dumbfounded, waving her hands frantically, “No, no, don’t!”

So you dare threaten me?

Bai Xi glanced at the girl with lazy disdain. She was a nine-tailed fox—once nearly a deity before being struck down by celestial thunder. Did this little spirit think she could outwit her?

“I... I… Please, don’t. It’s fine if you use my body, but can’t you help me? My clansfolk are not bad people, they’re very good.” The girl’s tone softened to a pleading one.

Bai Xi neither agreed nor refused, only asked calmly, “Then tell me first, how did a flower spirit end up living in a mortal body here?”

The girl looked up sharply, surprised, “You know my true form?”

Of course! Bai Xi rolled her eyes. “I’m a nine-tailed celestial fox.”

Nine-tailed celestial fox?

The little girl froze, something flickering in her eyes, then she turned and ran without another word.

Hey!

Now Bai Xi was stunned. “I’m a nine-tailed celestial fox, not a flower spirit eater. Why are you running?”

From afar, the fleeing girl called out, “My time is up—I must begin my next life. Since you’ve taken my body, Fox Sister, please be kind to my clansfolk and descendants.”

Bai Xi had no idea that her casual revelation had sent the girl off so decisively; by the time she realized, the girl was already gone and Bai Xi could only stomp her feet in frustration.

Still, the girl was right: since she had taken over this body and been reborn in this village, the karma was hers to bear. There was no escaping it.

But between willing acceptance and being forced to shoulder it, there was a world of difference.

She, the dignified nine-tailed celestial fox, had never been forced to swallow her pride—well, perhaps it was best not to dwell on past glories. Now, she could only grow up properly in this body and live out this life.

Looking down at her small hands and feet, just five years old, yet respected throughout the village because of her seniority.

Niuluo Village maintained strict rules—not many, but one above all: respect the elders. Those who broke it were punished, lightly by beating, heavily by expulsion.

From the memories of the little girl, Bai Xi learned everything.

She was a late-born daughter; her parents had only her, but half a year ago, while traveling to the market in town, they were caught in a storm and fell from a cliff to their deaths. If not for her status, and the village’s adherence to tradition, she would never have been so well-fed and healthy in these times of scarcity—starvation would have been her likely fate.

Bai Xi remained sulking at home, and before she knew it, night had fallen.

Dinner was brought by Mrs. Chen: fried potatoes with pork fat, steamed egg, and a large bowl of porridge.

Though simple, this was the best fare Niuluo Village could offer.

Since Bai Xi’s parents died, the eighty households of the village took turns delivering her meals, and her rice was supplied collectively.

Though a child ate little, no family was wealthy—especially not with the daily provision of an egg.

(The story is still a seedling, but I will strive to help it grow strong. I hope everyone will enjoy it.)