As Li Wei's tenth birthday approached, anticipation bubbled within him. He had recently mastered the eighth pose of the Tiger Boxing Manual, earning him four stars of mastery. With each pose he perfected, he felt a little more like the prince of the village—the title he had inherited as a member of the Li family, local landlords who owned half the land and collected taxes from the rest.
However, the excitement was tempered by the weight of current events. In the early hours of the morning, as sunlight spilled across the fields, Li Wei found himself seated at the family meeting, where his father, Li Heng, and his uncles discussed pressing matters of the village.
Li Wei listened intently, his small frame rigid with concentration, as his father's stern voice filled the room. "The villagers are demanding a three-year tax waiver due to the recent drought. They believe it's necessary for their recovery."
His uncle Li Yun, the middle brother, interjected, "Three years? That would cripple our resources! They've had it rough, but we have our own burdens to bear. We can't afford to appear weak."
Li Heng nodded gravely. "Indeed. If we grant them such a request, we risk setting a precedent. They may come to expect more handouts. It's not our duty to shoulder their responsibilities."
Li Wei shifted in his seat. He wanted to voice his thoughts about community and understanding, but he remained silent, fully aware of the hierarchy that governed family discussions. In his world, speaking out against the elders was like challenging the very foundation of the village. So, he kept his thoughts to himself, absorbing every word exchanged.
His youngest uncle, Li Bo, scratched his head in confusion. "What if we offer a temporary reduction? Perhaps they could help us with the new irrigation system in return?"
"Community service?" Li Heng scoffed. "We're not running a charity. They have obligations, just as we do. We should hold them to it."
The atmosphere in the room grew tense, and Li Wei could sense the unease among the adults. He looked down at his hands, trying to concentrate on the patterns in the wooden table rather than the storm brewing around him.
After what felt like an eternity, Li Heng finally said, "We'll hold a village meeting to discuss this. Let them voice their concerns, but our position must remain firm."
Relieved that a meeting would be held, Li Wei left the discussion with his mind racing. While the adults navigated their responsibilities, he returned to the oak tree in the village square to practice the eighth pose, imitating the fierce stance of a tiger, his body poised and steady.
"Focus, Li Wei," he muttered to himself, picturing the majestic creature in his mind. "You're a tiger, not a mere boy."
As he trained, a playful breeze rustled the leaves overhead, and a curious squirrel watched him with what seemed like judgment. "What do you want, little furball? You think you could hold this pose better?" Li Wei teased, causing the squirrel to scurry away, unimpressed.
Days later, during the village meeting, Li Wei stood quietly at the back, observing the proceedings. The villagers gathered under the large banyan tree, their faces a mixture of hope and apprehension. When his father spoke, the crowd fell silent.
"We are aware of your struggles," Li Heng began, his tone commanding respect. "However, we cannot grant a three-year tax waiver. That would jeopardize our ability to maintain the village. Instead, we propose a temporary reduction in taxes with an agreement to assist in our irrigation efforts."
A murmur of disappointment rippled through the crowd, but some villagers nodded, understanding the necessity of compromise. Li Wei felt a mixture of admiration for his father's leadership and frustration at his own inability to participate in the conversation.
After the meeting, as the villagers dispersed, Li Wei returned home, reflecting on the day's events. His father awaited him, the sternness in his demeanor softened slightly.
"You did well to stay composed today, Li Wei," Li Heng acknowledged. "One day, you will have your place in these discussions, but for now, it is important to learn and observe."
Li Wei nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and frustration. He was eager to prove himself, yet he understood that his time would come. "I'll keep training, Father. I want to master the last two poses."
"Good," Li Heng replied, his voice firm. "Strength is not just about physical prowess; it is also about understanding your role in our family and the village."
With that, Li Wei felt a renewed determination. He would master those poses and earn his place, not just as a warrior but as someone who could contribute meaningfully to his family and village.