Volume One, Chapter 14: The Mountain Keeper

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Then Captain Zhao Hu said, "Were you the one who led the others up the mountain?" Seeing that "Bold Wang" remained silent, Zhao Hu was certain he was the instigator. Angrily, he threw out, "Just wait, I'll deal with you when I get back," then turned to Lin Xiao. First, Zhao Hu gave Lin Xiao a thumbs-up, then pulled him aside and said, "Lin Xiao, my good nephew, this time it’s thanks to you. If you hadn’t saved those few people, there might have been casualties." Zhao Hu continued, "After what’s happened these past few days, I know you’re a brave, resourceful, and responsible young man. You also know our brigade’s situation—since my master, your great-grandfather, can’t go up the mountain anymore, we’ve been lacking a mountain guardian. How about it? Would you be willing to take on the role of mountain guardian?" After speaking, Captain Zhao Hu looked at Lin Xiao with hopeful eyes.

Suddenly, Zhao Hu remembered something: "But just so you know, the mountain guardian doesn’t get a share of the village’s grain rations, though you don’t have to share any game you catch with the village either." Lin Xiao had actually been thinking about this for some time but couldn’t show it openly just yet. "I’m not a villager in your brigade; how can I be the mountain guardian? Besides, the villagers have to hold a meeting and vote collectively." "Don’t worry about that. The story of you hunting a small roe deer barehanded and catching two wild boars with a wooden trap has spread throughout the village. The villagers think very highly of you, and now that you’ve saved several villagers, the meeting will approve it." "I have one condition," Lin Xiao said, looking at Captain Zhao Hu. "What condition? Just tell me. As long as it’s within our power, we’ll definitely meet it," Zhao Hu said eagerly. "I want you to arrange for my mother to earn work points in the brigade, just like everyone else," Lin Xiao said, watching Zhao Hu intently. "Is that all? Don’t worry! Since you’ve returned to our Wolong Mountain Brigade, you’re one of us. Everyone who works will earn work points."

That evening, the village held a meeting. In the meeting room, the flickering kerosene lamp cast a dim yellow glow. Villagers sat together, the atmosphere lively. Injured villager Bold Wang stood before everyone, passionately recounting how Lin Xiao had stepped up in a critical moment, hunting wolves to save lives. He vividly described Lin Xiao’s calmness in the face of the vicious wolves and the precise, fatal shot, making everyone present feel as if they were there. The villagers whispered among themselves, praising Lin Xiao's bravery. "This boy is truly the pride of our village!" said an elder from the east end, stroking his beard with admiration. "Yes, if not for Lin Xiao, those few would have been in grave danger," Mrs. Li agreed.

Captain Zhao Hu stood and cleared his throat loudly: "Fellow villagers, everyone knows what happened this time. Lin Xiao is young but has such courage and skill—not only is he an excellent hunter, but he also saved our people when it mattered most.

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Our mountain forest has always needed a reliable guardian to protect our safety and preserve our natural resources. I propose that Lin Xiao be appointed the village’s mountain guardian. What does everyone think?" The villagers were initially stunned, then began whispering. "He’s so young; can he be the mountain guardian?" "Of course! Haven’t you heard? He can catch two wild boars at once with a wooden trap!" the villagers debated. Among them, Aunt Liu, known for her sharp eyes, whispered, "He’s a villager from Fengming Mountain Brigade; having him as the guardian here in our Wolong Mountain Brigade—how will that save face for us?" "What face? If you care about face, you go be the guardian yourself," retorted Zhang Er, one of those saved by Lin Xiao.

After some discussion, consensus was reached. "I agree! Lin Xiao is trustworthy!" "Yes, let Lin Xiao be the mountain guardian; we can rest easy!" Voices of support filled the meeting room. Lin Xiao stood shyly in the corner, scratching his head. He hadn’t expected that a single act of courage would earn such trust and recognition. Looking at the enthusiastic villagers, a warm feeling surged in his heart.

Zhao Hu looked at Lin Xiao with expectant eyes and said, "Lin Xiao, the villagers trust you. The responsibility of mountain guardian isn’t light. Are you willing to shoulder it?" Lin Xiao lifted his head, eyes firm. "Captain, villagers, I’m willing! I will guard our mountain forest well and won’t let anyone down!" Hearing Lin Xiao’s agreement, an uncle shouted, "Good job, Lin Xiao! Our village needs young people like you!" His face beamed with satisfaction. "Lin Xiao, you can’t just hunt; you must also protect the mountain herbs and trees—they’re treasures for our village," cautioned Mr. Wang, the village herbalist. "Lin Xiao, there are many wild beasts on the mountain. Be careful not to get hurt," said Widow Sun Liwei with concern. "If you ever face difficulties, just tell us; we’re all here to help," promised Elder Zhao from the west end.

Moved by their support, Lin Xiao’s eyes glistened with moisture. He responded loudly, "Thank you all for your care and support. I will be careful, protect the mountain forest, and take good care of myself. I won’t let you down!" "Uncles, aunts, I, Lin Xiao, have loved the mountains since I was a child. I’m very happy and honored to be the mountain guardian. I will do my best to protect our mountain forest so everyone can live peacefully in the village." Zhao Hu smiled and nodded. "Lin Xiao, everyone trusts you, so don’t slack off. If you need help, just tell the village."

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"Fellow villagers, rest assured. I will work with Lin Xiao to guard our mountain forest. Let’s work together to make our Wolong Mountain Brigade better and better!" After the villagers dispersed, the meeting room grew quiet, the kerosene lamp still sputtering softly, casting a faint, warm light. Captain Zhao Hu strode steadily to Lin Xiao’s side, his expression serious and solemn. With heartfelt words, he said, "Lin Xiao, starting tomorrow, you’ll be our Wolong Mountain Brigade’s mountain guardian. This job isn’t easy—you must watch out for wild beasts that might harm people and be alert for poachers or illegal logging. The mountain forest is like our village’s treasure chest; protecting it means protecting everyone’s livelihood."

As he spoke, Zhao Hu used his hands to outline the patrol routes and key areas, also sharing methods he and his master used to handle unexpected situations while hunting. Lin Xiao listened intently, nodding occasionally, his eyes filled with determination and focus. Nearby, his mother, He Yulan, watched this scene with tears of joy welling up. She gently wiped her rough hands across her cheeks, her eyes full of pride and relief. Over the years, watching Lin Xiao grow, she knew his kindness and bravery well. Now that he had earned everyone’s recognition and taken on the mountain guardian’s heavy responsibility, she felt immense happiness.

"Big brother, you’re a hero! I want to be brave like you someday," Lin Xi, his little sister, bounced over like a cheerful little bird, her eyes shining with admiration. Lin Xiao affectionately patted her head and smiled, "Okay, big brother will protect you and our mountain forest." He Yulan stepped forward, gripping Lin Xiao’s hand tightly, her voice trembling, "Son, you must be careful. Don’t make your mother worry." Lin Xiao looked at his mother with resolve, "Mom, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of myself, take care of you and sister, and do my job as mountain guardian well."

In the soft yellow glow of the lamp, the family’s figures appeared especially warm. Lin Xiao was about to embark on his new journey of guarding the mountain forest.