Zhai Zhu

My grandfather is very eccentric, performing daily rituals of offering incense to himself, standing in front of his own spirit tablet and eating candles.
Villagers are fearful of my grandfather.
I am fearful of him too.
Later, I discovered that what they were afraid of was not my grandfather, but me.
Even grandfather is afraid of me.
...
My name is Chen Shi.
The Chen of honesty, the Shi of sincerity.

Above the Great Dao

Chen Shi felt deeply moved and said, "My fellow villagers, your presence to see me off embarrasses me, please go back."


Old Bamboo said, "Scholar, if you ever pass the exam and become an official, don't forget to care for us villagers!"


The villagers chimed in, "Be careful when you pass through Fei County, the people there are quite hostile toward outsiders."


"If you don't pass, don't bother coming back."


"Yes. Drink this cup of wine and then be quick on your way."


"We'll be waiting to set off fireworks!"


Chen Shi got onto the wooden cart, which clattered out of Huangpo Village. Looking back, he saw the heartfelt emotions of the villagers overflowing. As he got farther away, the sounds of firecrackers burst forth from the village, and the villagers played drums joyously, as if celebrating a festival.


"I will pass the exams, maybe even sweep the Imperial Examination and become the top scorer to repay you with good food and drink!" Chen Shi declared fiercely.


Chapter 140 Simple Folkways of Xinxiang County, Outstanding People and Earth Spirit of Gongzhou Province_2