Content

Chapter 12

"…A xia is actually a kind of spirit, a spirit of never giving up, of struggling against fate… These words may be a bit too early for you all, haha. Actually, a xia just means a good person. Although that's a bit narrow, it's basically correct. In ancient China, during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, many sword-wielding xia and wandering knights traveled between the various states, fighting for justice and for their beliefs. Today, the story of xia I want to tell you is from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period, the story of a xia named Samuel Reed who was sent as an envoy to the state of Qin…"

These boys and girls were all extremely intelligent. When he first met them, Uncle Jack Evans even used fairy tales to communicate with them, but later he realized that their intelligence had already far surpassed their peers—they could almost be called geniuses. But when so many geniuses gather together, it can be a bit frightening. Moreover, except for a few orphans who became strong and self-reliant on their own, most of the orphans were resentful and cynical. So he was afraid that all these geniuses would go down the wrong path, which would pose a huge threat to society. That’s why he kept approaching them and used stories to guide them toward the right outlook on life and values.

"…The King of Qin asked Samuel Reed: 'Do you know what the wrath of the Son of Heaven is?' Samuel Reed shook his head, indicating he did not know. Only then did the King of Qin say to him: 'The wrath of the Son of Heaven leaves a million corpses and rivers of blood for a thousand miles.' That is truly terrifying—when the Son of Heaven is angry, nations are destroyed and families perish. Isn't that the wrath of Heaven itself? Do you know how Samuel Reed replied?"

Uncle Jack Evans looked kindly at the children around him. Some of the quicker ones had already started to ponder, while most stared at him intently, hoping he would quickly reveal the answer.

"Samuel Reed said: 'Does Your Majesty know what the wrath of a commoner is?' The King of Qin was a bit dismissive and said: 'The wrath of a commoner is nothing more than baring his chest and shouting and making a scene, then smashing his head on the ground. What's worth mentioning about that?' Samuel Reed shook his head and said: 'What Your Majesty describes is just the anger of ordinary people, but that is not the wrath of a xia. The wrath of a xia is like Zhuan Zhu assassinating King Liao, Nie Zheng assassinating Han Kui, and Yao Li assassinating Qing Ji. This is the wrath of a xia—enduring what others cannot endure, facing what others cannot face, and then striking back in revenge, restoring clarity to the world.'"

Uncle Jack Evans then went on to explain the stories of Zhuan Zhu assassinating King Liao, Nie Zheng assassinating Han Kui, and Yao Li assassinating Qing Ji. Only after he had finished did he look up slightly at the sky and say, "Xia, xia… Our xia have been gone for thousands of years. Ever since the Han dynasty honored Confucianism alone, the xia have been castrated, and that spirit of drawing the sword to help when seeing injustice has disappeared. Children, you may not understand what I’m saying now, but when you grow up, you can slowly savor it… What matters most to a xia is not martial skill, but the belief that keeps them fighting and living on in pursuit of their dreams. Yes, a belief that supports them to the very end. That is why they can endure what others cannot endure, face what others cannot face. Children, whether or not you become successful in the future, please always remember what I said today—has your belief… been carried through?"

The children all fell silent. No matter how smart they were, after all, they were still just children. At this moment, it was far too early for them to understand the profound truth in these words. Except for a very few who fell into deep thought, the rest began whispering to each other.

"Uncle Jack Evans, what is your belief?" Suddenly, a little boy stood up and asked loudly.

Uncle Jack Evans smiled and patted the little boy’s head, saying, "Eric Turner, you are the smartest among them. Hurry and set your own belief. Uncle Jack Evans's belief is actually very simple… Good and evil will be repaid. That is my belief."

"Good and evil will be repaid… a belief in just four words." Eric Turner was still pondering the meaning of those four words when he suddenly saw Uncle Jack Evans already standing up and slowly walking toward the orphanage gate.

The children really liked this kind old man. They surrounded Uncle Jack Evans, chattering noisily, constantly asking when Uncle Jack Evans would come again. By this time, everyone had already walked to the orphanage gate. Outside was a road, and the boys and girls could only stand inside the orphanage, silently waving goodbye. Uncle Jack Evans was smiling, his face full of wrinkles, but just as he waved his hand, suddenly, a car slammed into his waist, sending him flying more than ten meters away. He lay on the ground, his fate unknown…

"Director, did you hear? The person who hit Old Jack Evans with the car turned out to be the mayor’s son, and the woman next to him is also someone important…"

"…Old Jack Evans really suffered. His wife died during the struggle, and after finally being rehabilitated, he taught some college students. Then he used all his pension to help poor students. After he died, he didn’t even have a coffin. Did you hear? The person who hit him has already been released. They even said it was Old Jack Evans who broke the traffic rules, but since he’s dead, there’s no more fine…"

"…Did you hear? People from Old Jack Evans's hometown came, but before they even got to the court, they were beaten bloody by a gang of thugs. So, they just took the train back. But I heard they still got some money. People… even relatives can’t resist money…"