Chapter 5: Grain in Ear

Grain in Ear

It's been a week since I sprained my ankle. In those 7 days, I just stayed at Ping Hua's house. I learned that Ping Hua's husband died last year when the bandit's attacked the town. He was killed by those evil men. Bao'er is the only memory his husband left as the child was the spitting image of his father.

I admire how strong Ping Hua is. Losing your husband is excruciating. You loved each other so much, you promised to spend your lives together, you built your own family, then he suddenly perished. He died in a horrendous way. Only memories and unfinished dreams are left.

Even though she's hurting inside, she need to be strong and live for their son. Because she need to raise her child. Alone.

I respect her so much.

The villagers are helping her also by giving them food. They have to do it secretly because of the wicked bandits.

Ping Hua knows a lot about medicine. That's why she was one of the serving physician in their village and this is what she made a living for. There are many herbal plants at her backyard, dried medicine hanging from the roof of her house, and concocted and powdered plants in a jar. So I use this opportunity to learn new things again.

When she noticed that I was observing her do all these things, she asked me if I want to learn what she's doing. Of course I said yes. So Ping Hua started teaching me. She gave me some works like grinding dried roots and oiling leaves. I also watched how she make different ointments and tonics.

"Aiya! It looks like someone is planning to be a physician."

I looked at the direction where the voice came from and my lips automatically formed a big grin when I saw the smiling face of Hong Rong.

"Hong Rong, you're here again!"

I stopped grinding the seeds of the black bean and stood up to get near him.

"Hey your foot!"

"Don't worry. My right foot is already fine. It's not hurting anymore."

I jumped three times to prove him that it's already healed.

"See? See?"

"Alright, alright! Stop jumping now!"

"Haha okay. I am so happy that you visited me. I thought you already left me. I'm also sorry for delaying your trip. "

"No. It's alright Roseanne. Your recovery is important. We're also enjoying our stay here. Master and I were busy helping the farmers. They will have their harvest next week."

"Oh." I plainly said.

Cold face never came here again after he carried me to Ping Hua's house. I thought that he was still mad at me. Right. He's just busy.

Well maybe that is a good thing too. That he didn't come here. Because I still don't know how to face him after that explicit incident in the river.

Explicit.

Shit!

What a word to use Roseanne.

"So we're going to stay here until next week?"

"Maybe longer than that. The head of the village asked us to stay longer because they'll be having their thanksgiving festival and they want to celebrate with us."

"Woah. I'm so excited!"

"Me too. The people are all preparing for it. Do you want to stroll along the streets?"

"Of course! I was confined here for a week! I want to roam around for a bit. But wait, I'll ask Ping Hua's permission first."

I left Hong Rong and find Ping Hua. I found her at the backyard desiccating a coconut. I told her my plan with Hong Rong and she allowed me to go. So I immediately run back to Hong Rong.

"Let's go."

"Big Sister!"

Hong Rong and I stopped walking when we both heard a loud call from a child. When I looked back, I saw Bao'er standing near the wooden gate.

"Bao'er! What are you doing here? Mother is at the backyard. Big Sister and Big Brother will go to the town."

"Bao'er wants to go with Big Sister! Can I go with you?"

I looked at Hong Rong.

"He can go with us." Hong Rong said smiling.

I smiled back to this soft boy. I crouched down to get a closer look to Bao'er. I put my fingers to his fluffy cheeks and lightly pinched it.

"Okay you can go with us but I'll ask for your mother's consent first. Wait for me here."

I stood up and went back to Ping Hua. I asked her if she will permit Bao'er to go with us. She hesitated at first telling that her son will just make things inconvenient for us. I told her that it's okay and after several tries of convincing, Ping Hua finally agreed.

"Bao'er let's go!"

"Yey!"

Hong Rong and I laughed at the cute child's bay of excitement. I held his little hand and made him walk between us. Hong Rong also held the boy's another hand and we started walking.

After minutes of walking, we finally arrived at the town. I saw the villagers doing sort of things. Some are sweeping their area. Some of them are putting their own style of banderole and streamer. Some are putting wooden table in front of their houses. I also saw some doing a mini stage in a vacant lot.

"Good Day Young Man and Young Lady!"

I smiled at the people who greeted us. They are a group of middle age man and woman and they are all holding different cooking utensils.

"Good Day too!"

"How is your feet? Is it fully healed now?"

"Oh, yes yes. Haha. It's okay now. I can even jump from the roof."

All of them cracked a laugh with my silly joke. Wew. I didn't know that my sense of humor is this good lol. Or they're just shallow.

"You're not just beautiful, you are also funny."

"Thank you. Thank you." I said with my lips smiling widely.

He said I'm pretty.

You got a nice clear eyes there old man!

"We thought who's family was walking. It's just you and him with Bao'er. You really looked like a real family."

All of them nodded their head in agreement. They all said that we really looked like a family strolling around the town.

"Are you a couple?"

My eyes widen in surprised. I glanced at Hong Rong and saw how his face flushed in red. I cracked a laugh and glance back to the elders.

"We're just friends. No. Hong Rong and I are like siblings to each other. Right Hong Rong?"

I looked at him and saw his light smile. He simply nodded. Aww. My dear friend is still shy! I put my hands on top of his head and dishevel it. This shy boy!

"Is that so? Do you have a lover? If you don't have, can I introduce my eldest son to you?"

"Hey Kang Le!"

"What? I never saw a woman this beautiful before. If I can, then I want her to be my daughter in law!"

"Don't listen to him. My son is more handsome than his!"

"Hey!"

My ears are clapping with their loud conversation. Shocks! Am I that good looking? Am I that ravishing? That's why they're scrambling over me?

Of course!

I am drop dead gorgeous!

Back in my era, all mens are flocking to me. They all want to get my attention. They all want to be my boyfriend!

I can't believe that my stunning look will be popular even in this ancient era.

This just proves that I am really attractive.

I am a goddess!

"Young Miss?"

I went back to my wits when the old woman called me. I smiled awkwardly when I realized that I might be grinning from mouth to ear earlier. Shit! I don't want to look cocky!

"Uh, I'm sorry. I already have."

All of them groaned in regret. I laughed awkwardly. Haaays. Too bad that I am only one in this world. Lol.

"Is the other handsome man your lover?"

"NO!"

I covered my mouth in shame when I realized how loud my scream was. When I looked at them, I saw how shock they are. Shoot.

"I'm very sorry for shouting! It's just that Master and I are not like that. It's hilarious HAHAHA."

"Why? That man is very good looking! He's kind and helpful. The only thing I can say somehow bad about him is that he's too quiet."

"That isn't even bad though."

I didn't answer them and just smiled. Luckily, the elders finally bid their goodbyes and left us.

"Whoo! That was akward. Haha."

Hong Rong and I resume to ramble. I noticed that Hong Rong remained silent while we wander around the area.

"Hey are you okay? You're unusually quiet."

His solemn face changed quickly and turned into an awkward smile.

"Yes I'm alright. Don't worry about me."

"Bao'er!"

We all looked at the call's direction. A group of young boys are waving at Bao'er. All of them are inviting him to play with them. Bao'er looked at me with his chinky eyes.

"Big Sister can I play with them?"

"Of course you can! But you must be careful alright? I don't want you to get hurt!"

Bao'er nodded and run happily to his playmates. Hong Rong and I are left standing under the shadow of a big tree. I walked near the trunk and sat down on its roots. He then followed me.

"Hey. Can I ask you something?" I asked him.

"Yeah. What is it?"

"During our first day here. When we encountered those bandits. I saw how mad you are at them. It's my first time seeing you in rage like that and I got curious. I don't want to be nosy but is there a story behind that? You can just ignore my question if its very uncomfortable for you. I was just curious."

"No it's okay. You're right. There is a story behind it. My whole family was killed by the same kind of bandits."

After hearing that, I instantly regretted that I asked. I just opened a hurtful past.

"Three years ago, when I was at your age, our town was attacked by the rebels of Wu. Our whole town was destroyed and all of the people were killed. I tried to fight but I was so weak and no match with the trained killers. Fortunately, soldiers came and fought them. They wiped them off but unfortunately my parents were already killed and I was the only survivor in our town."

"I was devastated. My mind were muddled with agony and I couldn't accept the fact that my family were all gone and I was left alone. So I decided to kill myself. But when I was about to slash my neck with the bolo I was holding, someone restrained me. When I looked at that person, I saw a man not nearly older than me."

"He told me that suicide is useless and my parents won't like it if I did it. He told me to come with him and start a new life. At first I hesitated, but when I thought how cruel my parents and the other people in our town died, I just couldn't accept it. If I was only stronger, maybe I could save them. That's why I accept the man's offer. They took me with them."

So Cold Face is a soldier?

"The man I was talking about is Master. He trained me and educated me. He gave me a new life. He gave me a new direction. Now, my goal is to not let any town suffer like us. I will help Master seize all the Wu bandits and spies so there will be peace."

I placed my hand on his back. I felt how it suddenly become stiff but I still gave him gentle taps. I can't believe that behind this soft and kind boy, there is a tragic past.

"I admire how strong you are. I respect how you changed your devastation into protecting the other people and seeking for peace. If it was me, maybe I will break down and just end my life. I applaud you for that."

Hong Rong gave me a soft smile. After hearing his story, I became even more courageous in my own journey. I will not also give up on my own goal even if it's damn hard.

I stood up and held out my hand then I looked at Hong Rong.

"Let'a go Hong Rong! Let's join the other kids play."

He smiled back and held my hands. I pulled him and we both run to the children's direction.

I asked the children if we can join them and they excitedly said yes. So we joined their chase game. I was happy when I saw Hong Rong's wide grin and heard him laughing. This is the reason why I joined this silly play. I want to lighten up his mood.

After several rounds of endless chasing, I suggested a new game.

"Kids do you know the game Knocking The Stick?"

They all looked at me confused. I nearly slapped my face when I realized how silly I was. You're in freaking Jin Dynasty Roseanne! Don't fucking forget that!

"Oh. Haha. It seems like you don't have any idea about this game so I will teach you. So please listen you all!"

I started giving the instructions to them. First we need few sticks and just the flat ground. So the kids started collecting twigs. I took my stick and drew two lines about eight feet apart. I placed a stick in the middle of the lines.

"Does all of you have their own sticks?"

"Yes Big Sister!"

"Okay. This is what you will do. Try to knock the stick over the lines with your sticks. That's what all you have to do."

I took my turn for an example and threw it. I hitted the stick and it moved.

"Now it's your turn."

The children took their own turn. Luckily, they all love the new game they learned. After Knocking The Stick, I teached them other games. We played Going to Town, Hopping Chicken, and the famous Catch The Dragon's tail that earned a lot of giggling and screaming. Some other kids joined when they saw how happy we are. Hong Rong became the Head of the Dragon and I became the tail that's why it became hard for the children to hinder him. He successfully catched me and I became the Dragon's Head.

"Kids this will be our last game. I am so tired!" I said exhausted.

"Okay. I'll start counting to twenty!" the other boy shouted.

When he started counting, all of us immediately run and find for a hideout. I run to the houses and tried to find a vacant one. I saw an isolated hut and went beside it.

"I am so far. They won't find me here. Kekeke."

I sat down and leaned on the wooden wall. I breathe hard and gasped for air. Damn. I am reeking of sweat too. When this is finally over, I will bath in the river for straight two hours.

My breath hitched when I felt someone coming over. I covered my mouth to suppress my giggle. You can't catch me!

I waited and waited for the young boy to arrive but he didn't. Instead, I heard a voice inside the hut.

"You will still not tell me where is your main camp?"

It's cold face.

"I will never tell you! This is originally our land! You slaughtered and conquered us! You evil!"

I gasped when I heard the voice of a young boy. Is that the child of the bandit they took? Thank God he's still alive.

My eyes widen when I realized that I made a noise. Before Cold Face could even see me, I ran away from the hut as fast as I can.

And the boy catched me in the game.

After several rounds of hide and seek, I really quit. The young boys thanked me for the good games I teached them. We bid our goodbyes and the three of us started walking to Ping Hua's house.

"Bao'er is exhausted. He slept on your shoulder." I said laughing while watching Hong Rong carry the sleeping boy.

"That was fun! Where did you learn all those games?"

"Uhm, I learned that from my friends. Hehe. I am glad that you have fun."

"Master."

Hong Rong stopped walking and I did too. I looked in front and saw that Cold Face is standing in front of us. As usual he is wearing his cold face when he glanced at us. I looked away when our eyes met. Damn. I am still feeling shy. It's like I feel still bare around him. Geez!

"Where are you going?"

"I will just walk Roseanne and Bao'er home. Bao'er is exhausted because we played for hours."

Cold Face eyes striked at me again. I am not looking at him but I can feel his glare. Dude. Why is he staring at me like that? Doesn't he feel akward after what happened in the river?!

Am I the only one embarassed here?!

"Come to me when you're finished. I have something to talk with you."

"Yes Master!"

Cold Face gave me a one last glare and stride off. I finally breathe at ease.

"Roseanne are you alright?"

"Oh yes yes. Haha. I am just exhausted."

We both started walking again and after minutes, we finally arrived at the house. Hong Rong put Bao'er on his bed and went out of the house after that.

"Goodbye Hong Rong! See you again next time!"

"Goodbye Roseanne!"

I waved at him and he turned away. He walked and when his silhouette is already gone, I went inside the house.

---*

The next day, I told Ping Hua that I will go to the town again for sight seeing. Bao'er wants to go with me again but I didn't let him because I have a very important thing to do.

Since yesterday, that young boy being captive in that small hut never left my mind. I wonder what's his current situation. Does he have wounds? Is Cold Face torturing him? Is he feeding him?

I know that that child tried to kill me but he's still a child. He was devastated about his father's demise.  He was mad at the people who killed his father. If only there is no war, no child will experience such tragic events.

But peace in this era is very hard to attain.

When greed is consuming every bits of a person. The covetousness for riches and wealth. The ambition of being the most powerful one. The selfishness and excessive desire for personal gain is the major destroyer of innocent lives.

If I only have the power to stop all these absurdities.

But I can't even solve my own problem.

So I will try to help in smallest of things.

I chose the time where Hong Rong and Cold Face are in the rice fields outside the town. In my estimation, they will be back after lunch so I am here walking to the hut after they left.

The villagers are all greeting me everytime they passed by me. When they asked me where I am heading, I told them that I will play with the kids. No one will surely suspect that I will do the other thing as they saw me goofing around.

After minutes of walking, I finally arrived at the hut. I looked around to see if there are anyone near the area and I sighed in relief when I saw none. I turned back and went near the door.

"Thank God it's only a tied rope."

I put the basket I brought on the floor and started untying the rope. Of course I made sure to memorize how the rope is tied to avoid suspicion. After minutes of untying, I manage to untie the rope. I grab the basket and went inside the hut.

The hut looked like an abandoned house. There are old water jars and dried grass on the floor. In the center of it there is a bamboo bed where a child is sitting with his hands at his back. His eyes are closed and he looks like he's sleeping.

"Oh my." I silently uttered.

Suddenly his eyes opened and looked at me. His brows furrowed and glared.

"What are you doing here?"

"Uhm, I was... uh...  I just want to see how you are doing."

"If you are here to ask me about our main camp too, you should leave now. My lips are sealed and my tongue are tied until my last breath!"

"No no no. I am not here for that. It's not my business so why should I interrogate you. I am just here to visit you. Are you eating well? Look, I brought you fruits and a grilled duck."

I took the foods in the basket and placed it near him. I smiled at him and he just looked at me with confusion in his eyes.

"Oops. I forgot that you're tied. I'm sorry. I can't remove that."

I grab the banana and peeled it. I positioned it in front of his mouth.

"Go eat. Don't be shy."

The boy just stared at me and the banana.

"Don't worry, there is no poison in it. I will never kill you! I can't do that! If you want, I'll try first every food I am giving you."

I bite the banana and chewed it. After swallowing the food, I stick out my tongue to prove that I consumed it all.

"See? There is no poison. So you can eat it. I'm sure that you're starving."

"Why are you doing this? Haven't you forgotten? I tried to kill you."

"But I'm still breathing and alive right?"

The kid remained silent.

"I was shocked at first because I defended you from the others yet you strangled me. But you're in pain that's why you did that. I understand."

I placed the banana in front of him again.

"The heavens will curse me if there is a poison in these foods. So eat. I know you're hungry and we don't have extra time. They will be back soon. Go eat."

He was hesitant at first but he finally ate the banana. His chews are fast and he finished the banana quickly. So I feed him another one before giving him the other foods.

"Woah. You're really starving. Is cold face not feeding you?"

"Cold face? They're giving me but I refuse. I am afraid that there's a poison in there."

After minutes of eating, the young boy have finished all the food. I stood up and cleaned the mess.

"Okay. I will leave you now. I'll try to go back here tomorrow. And if they brought you food, please eat it. They will not kill you! Also don't tell them that I came here! Cold face will kill me!"

I turned away and started walking to the door.

"Thank you."

I stopped and glance at the kid. I gave him a smile and went outside. After tying the rope, I immediately walked away from the hut.

I didn't do anything stupid right?

---*

Days passed and I am still bringing foods to Lan Lan without anyone finding out.

Lan Lan is now talking with me and with those days I discovered that he is a nice child. Too bad that he is a son of a rebel.

"Big Sister what's next?"

I looked at Bao'er and the other child. I raised the paper and the bamboo sticks.

"Arrange the bamboo sticks in this shape and paste the paper in its surface using this sticky sap. Once the paper is adhered to the bamboo stick, tie the thread in its tail."

I demonstrate the steps. When finished, I raised it and showed the final product to the kids.

"There we have it! We have a kite!"

"How do we use the kite Big Sister."

"Watch how I do it."

I raised the kite above my head and started running. When I'm sure that the wind is enough already, I released it from my hands. The kite floated in the air and get higher when the wind blows.

"Waaaah!"

The kids yelled in amusement. I loosen the length of the thread more to make it fly higher. I pulled the thread slightly to control the kite.

"Waaah! It's so high!"

"It's flying like a bird in the sky!"

"Big Sister is amazing!"

I laugh when I heard how amused the children are. These silly kids. It's just a kite but they are reacting like I'm maneuvering an airplane.

"What are you doing?"

I glance at the thunderous voice I heard and saw the glaring eyes of Cold Face. When did he come here? Why is he here? What is the problem of this prick again?

"I'm flying a kite here can't you see."

I rolled my eyes at him and look at the soaring kite. Wow. This is the farthest distance I ever reached I think! Maybe because of the good weather.

"WAAAAH!"

I was startled when I heard the high pitched screams of the kids. When I looked at them, they are all running away. My eyes widen when I saw cold face holding a dagger in front of me.

"H..ee..y! What are you doing? Why are you holding that thing?!" I nervously asked.

In a swift motion, cold face strike the dagger. At first, I thought he slashed my neck but the falling thread on my hands says otherwise. The kite floated in the sky without control and soared higher.

"What the hell is your problem?! Why did you do that?!" I angrily screamed at him.

His next move made my breathe hitched. Cold face put the dagger near my neck.

"Who did you send that signal?"

"What are you talking about?! I don't understand you!"

"Stop pretending like you don't know what I am saying!"

His eyes got more intense as he looks at me. If glares could kill, I am already dead right now.

"You're really suspicious since the beginning. You suddenly came out of nowhere. You beg to join us. You're a spy aren't you?! Whose spy are you?! Whose your master?!"