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Human Sacrifice
After the welcoming banquet, Guo Huaiyi bid farewell to everyone and followed Guo the Blind as they walked ahead, exchanging smiles and some polite conversation, appearing more like acquaintances than familiar friends.
The rest of us trailed behind at a distance, with Old Man remaining silent and Captain Liu not speaking either.
Huzi could no longer contain his curiosity and asked, "You all say that Guo Huaiyi looks just like Guo the Blind's son. How similar are they?"
Captain Liu replied, "Not only do they share the same appearance, but even their manner of speaking is identical. The key point is that he was also Old Man's student back in the day."
Huzi chuckled and said, "You don't really think that's his son, do you? He’s been dead for over thirty years."
"Such a tragedy," Old Man suddenly murmured as he left us behind.
"What’s going on, Uncle Liu?" I asked Captain Liu.
Captain Liu explained, "During the eight years of strict enforcement, Guo Huaiyi was not even on the death list from Futu Ridge. After everything that happened, he developed a deep hatred for the people of the Village and never interacted with anyone. There are rumors that he learned half of the Dao Book that Guo the Blind had secretly left behind. The cats and dogs in the Village run away when they see him. There were some rumors circulating that he wanted revenge for his mother's death. The young people in the Village targeted him and cornered him in town, leading to a brawl that got him arrested by the police and sentenced to death."
"And then what happened?" I asked. I knew a bit about the eight years of strict enforcement; Old Man had told me that Guo the Blind's son was wrongfully killed.
Captain Liu continued, "I don't know the specifics, but Guo Huaiyi was executed while tied to a Wind Stabilizer at the edge of the village. Before he died, very few people knew his name was Guo Huaiyi. He made everyone remember his face, his voice, and his name, so that someone from Futu Ridge would regret it."
"That's just too eerie," Huzi said, his face pale.
I replied, "It's not just Guo Huaiyi that's eerie; I think this incident is also related to Zhou Manman. But I can't figure out how they're connected right now. I will investigate to find out what really happened."
Feeling troubled, I headed home without acknowledging Huzi when he called after me; he returned home in confusion.
In the evening, I visited Old Man's house. As I approached the back of the village, I saw Guo the Blind and Guo Huaiyi talking with Old Man at his doorstep. When Old Man noticed me coming, he waved me over. Guo Huaiyi nodded at me before heading into Old Man's vegetable garden to pick a full basket of cucumbers.
Afterward, Guo Huaiyi called over some children from the Village and handed each one a cucumber. The kids happily ran off with their vegetables while Old Man suddenly burst into tears.
"They're so alike; it reminds me too much of those days," Old Man said. It seemed he recalled how Guo the Blind's son used to pick cucumbers from his garden to give to the children of the Village.
Yet back then, Guo Huaiyi had looked so gloomy and stubborn, his brows always furrowed together. Now this man who shared his name appeared so gentle and refined, smiling at everyone.
"By the way, Old Man, I heard that seventy years ago, a woman fleeing from a disaster came to this village and later mysteriously disappeared. I wonder if you know anything about it?" Guo Huaiyi suddenly asked.
A hint of panic flashed in the Old Man's eyes as he glanced at the indifferent Guo the Blind beside him. He sighed and said, "I can't remember the details from back then."
Guo Huaiyi continued, "I can remind you, Old Man. I heard that the woman came here from Henan searching for her husband and son, but before she even saw them, she was drowned by someone. It is said that this woman was a bit special; she was placed in a coffin and came back to life. Do you believe, Old Man, that someone can die and come back to life?"
The Old Man's expression turned awkward as he replied, "Unless I see it with my own eyes, I can't believe it. However, Confucius said that one should not speak of strange forces or supernatural beings; some things remain unclear."
"Indeed, some things are indeed unclear," Guo Huaiyi said. "But I want to ask you, Old Man, at your age, do you believe in cause and effect? For instance, shouldn't the murderer who drowned that woman face some consequences? And what about those who stood by and did nothing to help?"
"Leader Guo, what do you mean by that?" I asked, supporting the trembling hand of the Old Man while glaring at Guo Huaiyi.
Guo Huaiyi replied, "I mean nothing by it; I'm just asking. When writing my report, I want to understand the thoughts and feelings of the villagers in the mountains to aid my own work."
I said, "Leader Guo truly understands the people's sentiments. However, I can answer these questions for the Old Man."
"Oh?" A hint of interest appeared on Guo Huaiyi's face. "I'd like to hear more."
I stated, "Everyone makes mistakes; what matters is whether they can recognize and correct them."
Guo Huaiyi scoffed slightly and said, "So if someone kills another person and realizes their mistake afterward, they should not face any consequences?"
I responded, "Of course a murderer must face consequences, but it depends on the circumstances. Back then, times were chaotic; even the most powerful couldn't oppose their subordinates. Some people didn't want to kill but were forced into it; others would be killed by those around them regardless of their actions. No one wants to recall past sufferings if they stem from human nature."
"What a notion of human nature!" Guo Huaiyi remarked with a mocking expression.
I was quite displeased with Guo Huaiyi's attitude and firmly said, "The Old Man is advanced in age and reluctant to discuss painful memories from the past. I think it's best if you take your leave now."
After saying this, I helped the Old Man into the courtyard without looking back at Guo the Blind and Guo Huaiyi.
A strong thought emerged in my mind: this Guo Huaiyi definitely had ulterior motives. He seemed to know that the Old Man was involved in the incident concerning the woman from Outer Village all those years ago. Perhaps Guo the Blind had mentioned it to him. However, his level of interest in this matter seemed excessive; even his tone had changed.
"Old Man, don't take what Guo Huaiyi said to heart. You were also caught up in events beyond your control back then. Moreover, if that woman hadn't been nailed into her coffin during that plague, countless villagers would have perished. She acted out of desperation to save her son; otherwise, Guo the Blind wouldn't be alive today."
The Old Man said, "I'm fine, Hao. You should go back first. I'll stay here for a while."
"Alright then, please take care of yourself. I'll head back now."
As I bid farewell to the Old Man and walked to his doorstep, I caught a glimpse of him through the courtyard wall heading towards his granary, staring blankly at the Cedar coffin inside.
It was past ten at night when my mother and I returned to our respective rooms to prepare for bed. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. My mother got up to open it, and standing there was the Old Man.
"Old Man, why are you still awake at this hour?" my mother asked.
"I need to find Yang Hao. Is he asleep?" the Old Man inquired.
"Not yet, Old Man. Please come in." I stepped out from the room and helped the Old Man into the living room.
I noticed that he had a bulging bag slung over his shoulder and was dressed neatly, as if he were preparing for a long journey.
"Old Man, where are you planning to go at this late hour?" I couldn't help but ask.
As he began to untie his bundle, the Old Man replied, "I suddenly remembered some things I need to address. I've been forgetful lately, so I wanted to prepare for future matters in advance. I've lived my whole life without children; I see who treats me well. I have some foreign currency and my retirement pension from the town. Please help me keep it safe."
"Old Man, what are you talking about?" My mother was startled by his words.
"Yes, Old Man, just speak plainly. You're of an age where you shouldn't worry too much. My mother and I together are younger than you. If there's anything we can help with, we will certainly do so. To put it bluntly, when you do pass away, I'll be there with a fire basin to send you off, but we can't accept your money," I said.
The Old Man insisted, "Just take it; you might as well keep it. Right now, money isn't really needed. Society is changing rapidly; this amount isn't significant. If I fall ill in the future or something happens, you can help cover my medical expenses. If it's left with me and something happens unexpectedly, no one will know where the money is kept or dare take anything from my home. It pains me to think about it."
My mother tried to refuse again, but I signaled her not to. I set aside a bag of Yuan Daitou and a stack of bills. My mother understood my intentions and didn't argue further.
"I'll accept the money, Old Man. You're still in great health; there's no need to worry so much. If you ever find yourself bedridden, my mother and I don't have many relatives either; we'll treat you like our own elder and look after you," I reassured him.
A look of relief spread across the Old Man's face, but then his expression hesitated slightly as he said, "Actually, I came here to tell you something else."
"You may speak."
"Actually, back during the eight years of strict enforcement, the leader of the Public Security Bureau was one of my students, and he was also the one who loved to listen to my storytelling the most. If I had put aside my pride and pleaded for leniency at that time, Guo Huaiyi wouldn't have been sentenced to death. But I was concerned about appearances; when Guo the Blind came to ask me for help, I refused. I never imagined that Guo Huaiyi would be sentenced to death just for a fight. By the time I arrived at the scene, it was already too late."
I listened to the Old Man's words, momentarily stunned, recalling that pitiful child, feeling an indescribable pain in my heart.
I finally understood Guo Huaiyi's words about "standing by and doing nothing," and I also realized why Guo the Blind had never looked at the Old Man with respect over the years.
"Alright, it's nothing now. You all can rest; I'm heading back," the Old Man said as he stood up and walked toward the door.
"Old Man, let me see you off," I quickly stepped forward to support him.
The Old Man waved his hand and said, "Go back. I've walked this road to the village for a hundred years; I won't go wrong even with my eyes closed."
"Then take care," I said as I stood at the door to bid him farewell.
After walking a few steps, the Old Man turned back and said, "Yang Hao, my favorite book in life is that one—Three Kingdoms. I've even written a few character biographies myself. I originally wanted to give them to you, but the book is too old. If I'm no longer around, you must burn it for me."
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