Chapter 5 Bravery

This is not the first time Zhang Xiaohua has come to the market in Lu Town. After all, this is the busiest time of year and the busiest place within dozens of miles. He has been coming there every year for as long as he can remember. But when I came here before, my memory was all about the sweets, pastries and other food. There was no other content, so I never thought about crowding. Or maybe it used to be a kind of game to shuttle in the crowd, which made him feel fun when he was young.

But this time, when he stood at the north entrance of the street, looking at the crowded people, looking at the shops and stalls selling all kinds of goods, gadgets, and food on the street, Zhang Xiaohua only wished he had more eyes. a feeling of.

Zhang Cai's family followed the flow of people and slowly walked deeper into the street from the north entrance of the street. Every time they passed a shop, they squeezed in to take a look. Whether it was selling silks, antiques, or even a pharmacy, they stopped for a moment. The three Zhang Xiaohua brothers not only looked at the things for sale, but also paid attention to the crowds around them. How often had they seen so many people in a small mountain village on weekdays, especially the girls who were beautifully dressed and gorgeous, which attracted the attention of the young man even more. . It's a pity that the three of them look ordinary and wear simple clothes. They look like people living in a mountain village. The girls' eyes slip past them, far from staring like them. Occasionally, some girls feel their burning eyes and are naturally shy. They left quickly, and some people turned to look at them, which made the three of them blush in an unnatural way. Zhang Xiaohua only sees more fresh things than when he was young. Brothers Zhang Xiaolong and Zhang Xiaohu see more of the future. Maybe they want to meet a girl they like and find their own happiness, but most of the girls don't pay much attention. The look in their eyes made it unclear what the two little brothers were thinking.

There is a large facade in the center of the street with a sign "Qian Family Fabric Art". Zhang Cai saw it, his eyes lit up, he greeted the three Zhang Xiaolong brothers, and walked in first. There was a waiter standing at the door of the shop. When he saw Zhang Cai walking in, he hurriedly greeted him: "Sir, please come in. What do you want to see?" He didn't seem to notice Zhang Cai's embarrassment and the fact that he didn't look brand new. clothes.

After Zhang Cai walked into the fabric store, he did not go directly to the counter. Instead, he stood next to the door and looked awkwardly at the many male and female customers and the running clerks in the store. He didn't know what to do, and heard the clerk's greeting. Only then did he come back to his senses and said sarcastically: "Here, get some clothes for the children, and buy a piece of cloth for the mother of the children." While talking, the three brothers Zhang Xiaolong also came in. After all, they rarely come in like this. It was a big store that I just took a look at, but now I really have to buy things by myself, but I don’t know what to say, and I feel a little timid. On the contrary, this guy didn't care about the strangeness, he still smiled and said to them: "Then please come over here and have a look to see if there is suitable fabric."

As he said that, he took them to a corner of the counter and showed them the fabrics placed on it. There are obviously few people in this corner of the counter. There are two groups of people who came first. One group is two young girls, who are choosing colors with their heads down. The other group is a family of three with young children. They have also selected fabrics and are picking up fabrics. There are guys giving packages. Except for this corner of the counter, the rest of the counter is filled with colorful bright silks and satins and other fine fabrics. There are also many brightly dressed people around who are commenting and selecting. It seems that the shop assistants are also well-trained and know the needs of customers. Looking at the clothes of Zhang Cai and his family, I know that what they need is durable and durable, rather than flashy appearance.

Although the waiter was very considerate and took Zhang Cai and the others to the right place, Zhang Cai still looked embarrassed, because in the past, when he came to a place like this to buy cloth, it was always the child who made the final decision on what to buy and what to buy. Zhang Cai didn't need to worry about the color. This time, Zhang Cai came to buy cloth because his grandmother was at home with the child. Zhang Cai didn't think much about it. When he got to the store, he didn't know what to buy. Seeing the ugly expression on the waiter's face, Zhang Xiaolong quickly stepped forward and said to the waiter: "Let's take a look first and then talk.

Please greet other guests first. "

After the guy walked away, Zhang Cai couldn't help but regret and said: "Look at my stupidity, I didn't ask your mother what kind of cloth she bought when I left. Now it's better, we old men, I’m going back empty-handed.”

Coincidentally, the taller one of the two girls who were selecting fabrics just happened to walk behind Zhang Xiaolong, picked up a piece of navy blue fabric on the counter, heard Zhang Cai's words, and walked back to his companion. , looked at Zhang Xiaolong again, seemed to have discussed it for a while, then came over and said to Zhang Cai: "This uncle, I want to discuss something with you."

Zhang Cai said in confusion: "What's the matter? Girl"

The tall girl said: "Uncle, I was trying to pick out a dress for my brother, but he didn't come over. I think he has a similar figure to this elder brother. I wonder if I can ask him to help me try? I heard you say, no No one has a reference for the fabric, so in return, how about my sister and I give you a reference?"

Zhang Cai was overjoyed, slapped his thigh and said, "Okay, okay."

So Zhang Xiaolong acted as a clothes rack for a while and helped the two girls try on several clothes before buying one they were satisfied with. Zhang Cai's wish was even better fulfilled. The fabrics and colors chosen by the two girls made Zhang Cai's family very satisfied. Even the store clerk thought the girl had a good taste. The only thing that dissatisfied Zhang Xiaolong was that by the time the boy wrapped the cloth for them and came out, the two girls had gone away and their names had not yet been found out.

Zhang Xiaolong held the cloth depressedly and followed Zhang Cai forward. When he was about to take a look at the farm tools in the shop on the roadside, he suddenly heard the sound of gongs and drums. Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua said excitedly: "Dad, hurry up , the big show is about to begin, let’s go to the show first.”

At the same time that Zhang Xiaohua called Zhang Cai, the crowd at the market also heard the sound of gongs, and everyone rushed to the other side. Zhang Cai also quickly called Xiaolong and Xiaohu, and walked quickly with the flow of people.

There is a custom in Lu Town during the New Year. A large stage will be set up in a corner of the market, and a troupe will perform on it every day until the end of the market. This is also a highlight of the New Year for farmers who have no entertainment. No wonder Xiaohua is so happy.

When Zhang Cai's family rushed to the stage, the big play on the stage had already begun. There were already people on three levels inside and outside. Fortunately, the stage was high enough, and the people in front did not block their view. Although there were many people watching the show, they all held their breath and listened carefully. It was not as noisy and noisy as when they were in the store just now.

What was performed on the stage was a popular folk story. Everyone watched it with relish, and Zhang Xiaolong gradually forgot the regret he had just felt.

Just as everyone was watching the excitement, a noisy sound suddenly appeared on the other side of the stage, and it became louder. However, there were many people separated, so it was not possible to hear it clearly. However, Zhang Xiaohua could tell that the voice of a girl speaking was very familiar. Could it be that she knew someone from her village? There happened to be a tree not far away. Zhang Xiaohua quickly climbed up and took a quick look. Oops, we really know each other. He said loudly to Zhang Xiaolong: "Brother, it's the sister who just picked out clothes for us! She's in trouble." .”

When Zhang Xiaolong heard this, he didn't bother to tell Zhang Cai. He quickly pushed away the people next to him, squeezed through the crowd, and walked to the other side of the stage. Zhang Cai also quickly pulled Zhang Xiaohu and shouted to get down from the tree. Zhang Xiaohua, following behind

When Zhang Xiaolong struggled through the crowd and reached the other side of the stage, what he saw in front of him made his blood boil.

The stage was built against a high wall. Under the high wall were two lonely little women, hugging each other, their faces flushed, and two small packages thrown around them. Some pieces of clothing were scattered from inside, presumably the clothes they bought at the cloth store just now. In front of them stood two short, fat men with folding fans, brightly dressed, muttering in their mouths, and touching and touching the two girls, forcing the two girls to duck under the high wall. Dodge. Around the two fat men, there were seven or eight tall servants in coarse cloth standing, separating the theatergoers. Some of these ferocious-looking servants looked at their son's ugly behavior with smiles, while others turned back to stare at the crowd watching the show, giving threatening looks from time to time to prevent anyone from intruding. Although there were many people who wanted to help the two village girls who were being bullied, they were intimidated by the array of these evil servants and could only look over there with unwilling eyes.

After Zhang Xiaolong rushed over, he saw these formations and was about to think about how to deal with them, but he saw the tall village girl looking at her pitifully for help. Although she didn't look at him, he couldn't help but risk everything. dash forward. At this time, Zhang Xiaolong was grabbed by the people behind him. When he looked back, it was his family who had followed him, and Zhang grabbed his arm. Zhang Xiaolong became anxious and said: "Dad...".

Zhang Cai whispered: "Xiaolong, don't be impulsive, we can't defeat them."

Zhang Xiaolong said: "But if we don't help, the two girls will be bullied."

Zhang Xiaohua also said: "Yes, Dad, that sister helped us just now."

Zhang Cai said: "Of course you can help, but you can't fail to help, and you will get yourself into trouble. Look at the man over there wearing black clothes and holding a big knife."

The three brothers of the Zhang family followed their father's gaze, and sure enough, there was a big man in black clothing standing over the servants. He held a big knife in his left hand, crossed his hands on his chest, and stood leaning against a tree. With his eyes squinted, he seemed to be asleep. It seemed that he must be the bodyguards of the two women.

It seems that many people are afraid to step forward, and a large part of the reason is the knife in the bodyguard's hand.

What should I do? Zhang Xiaolong was also a little anxious.

Just when Zhang Xiaolong was hesitating, the situation on the other side of the high wall became even worse. Two short and fat young men had already dragged the two village girls away and were dragging them towards the alley around the corner of the high wall. Zhang Xiaolong couldn't bear it any longer. He shook off Zhang Cai's hand and ran over quickly. The group of evil servants thought that the crowd nearby had been frightened by them. When they saw that the "good show" was about to begin, they all Moving closer to the alley, I didn't expect anyone to rush over at this time. Zhang Xiaolong rushed to the side of the two village girls. He first reached out and grabbed the arms of the two girls and pulled them towards him. How could the strength of the two short and fat men be compared to him who had been working in the fields all day? They were suddenly pulled by him. came over, and while they were stunned, Zhang Xiaolong said loudly: "What are you going to do?"

The two short and fat young men looked very angry when they saw their prey taken away. The two looked at each other, and one of the men in orange clothes said: "We don't do anything. Who are you? What are you going to do?" ?”

Zhang Xiaolong was stunned for a moment, and then said: "I am their cousin, why are you pulling them? Be careful, we will sue the officials."

Another man in black clothes said: "Sue an official? Okay, let's go together. In Lu Town, your master and I are the official. Your cousin stepped on my shoes just now, and I want her to pay for my shoes." , I want to see if the official is looking to you or me."

At this time, Zhang Cai and others also rushed over. Zhang Cai quickly bowed to the two people and saluted, and said with a smile: "You two gentlemen, please calm down. I, these two girls, are not sensible. You see, we stepped on your shoes. We Excuse me, today is a good day to go to the market. There are many of you, raise your hands, there will be good rewards this year."

The man in orange clothes smiled coquettishly and said: "It's easy to say, I think you are an old man who knows your taste. I'll just do it and pay for my shoes."

Zhang Cai was startled and said cautiously: "Then how much copper should I spend with you?"

The man in orange puts out a slap. Zhang Cai breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It turns out to be five yuan. I'll give it to you right now."

Zhang Cai took out five copper coins from his arms and handed them over. The man in orange clothes didn't even look at the five copper coins stretched out in front of his eyes. He slapped them to the ground and said viciously: "You country bumpkin, you think it's... Those straw sandals you are wearing, your uncle, my shoes are worth five copper coins, you hear me clearly, five taels of silver!"

Zhang Cai was distraught and immediately laughed and said, "Sir, are you kidding? My family's annual ration is only three taels of silver. Are your shoes worth so much?"

The man in black clothes said: "You little old man, are you suspecting us of lying?"

At this time, the village girl behind Zhang Xiaolong had regained her composure. She poked her head out from behind Zhang Xiaolong and said, "Uncle, they wronged us. We didn't step on them at all. We just came to watch the show and before we got there, They are surrounded here."

Zhang Xiaolong also said angrily: "Dad, they are obviously blackmailing us. Let's take this girl to the government and sue them as soon as possible."

The man in black clothes laughed loudly and said loudly: "You bunch of mud-legged people have never seen the world. You don't even know your uncle Zhao, so why are you talking about suing an official? You guys, come here and tell them what an official is." .”

Mr. Zhao waved his hand, and the servants who were standing nearby to watch the excitement immediately gathered around him. Zhang Cai realized that something was not going well and said to Zhang Xiaohua: "You and these two girls can find an opportunity to run away." Get out, we will protect you." After saying that, he took Zhang Xiaolong and Zhang Xiaohu to fight with the servants who came around, and Zhang Xiaohua also pulled the two girls and ran towards the crowd watching the theater.

Although Zhang Cai, Zhang Xiaolong and Zhang Xiaohu are strong laborers in the countryside and have some strength, they are slightly better than the servants one on one, but the heroes cannot stand in large numbers, and after a few rounds, they are knocked to the ground by a few evil servants. , the fists and feet of those servants came down like raindrops, and when they saw the three men, their faces were injured. Zhang Xiaohua and the two village girls were smart at first, and they dodged a few servants. They were about to rush into the crowd, but unexpectedly they were blocked in front by the well-dressed bodyguard. After several twists and turns, they could not escape the bodyguard's figure. The bodyguard didn't make a move, he just blocked them from moving forward, waiting for the servants. After chasing him, he stood aside and watched as Zhang Xiaohua and the two village girls were blocked back to Zhang Cai and others. Zhang Xiaohua saw her father and brother being pushed to the ground and being beaten. She rushed forward anxiously to save them, but was kicked in the chest and fell to the ground on her back. She was covered with dirt. She was about to struggle and sit up. Two more servants came over, pinned Zhang Xiaohua against the wall, and slapped him several times. Blood flowed out from the corners of Zhang Xiaohua's mouth. Seeing that Zhang Xiaohua was still young, these two servants stopped attacking and just held him down. body, not letting him move.

No matter how hard she struggled, Zhang Xiaohua could not break away from the hands of the two strong men. Seeing her father and brothers shrinking and being beaten under the fists of the evil servants, she felt heartbroken and tears instantly flowed down her face.

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