Uncle Qian is a hard-working old farmer, and he and his son Brother Ma grow crops in a field on the outskirts of the capital. His grandson, Xiao Ming, who is only 10 years old this year, also works with them, helping with watering, weeding, and harvesting. Although Xiao Ming is young, he is smart and sensible, and he is the treasure of Uncle Qian.
On this day, the weather was sunny, and Uncle Qian's family was busy in the fields for three generations. Xiao Ming ran around, sometimes helping his grandfather pull out a handful of weeds, sometimes handing his father a pot of water, and sometimes picking a melon and fruit to taste the sweetness, looking happy and carefree. Uncle Qian and Brother Ma looked at him, and they both showed relieved smiles on their faces.
At this moment, a gorgeous carriage drove by the road, and on the carriage sat a middle-aged man in brocade clothes, he was Mr. Zhao Fu, a charlatan who made a living by face-to-face. He claimed that he could see through people's fate and foresee good fortune and misfortune, so he was trusted and reused by some rich and noble families. He was about to meet the son of a high-ranking official to see what his future holds.
Mr. Zhao Fu's gaze inadvertently swept over the old man Qian's family in the field, and he suddenly stopped the car and asked the coachman to wait, he wanted to get out of the car and take a look. He walked to the edge of the field and greeted: "Old farmer, hello, I am Mr. Zhao Fu, a person who meets each other, passing by here, seeing that your family is harmonious, I can't help but want to come and say hello." ”
When Uncle Qian heard someone calling him, he raised his head and saw that it was a gorgeously dressed guest, so he hurriedly put down the hoe in his hand, stepped forward and saluted: "It turned out to be Mr. Zhao, disrespectful and disrespectful, I don't know what Mr. Zhao has to do?" ”
Mr. Zhao Fu smiled: "It's nothing expensive, I just want to see the face of your family and see what your fate is." ”
When Uncle Qian heard this, he felt a little uneasy in his heart, although he was an honest farmer, he had also heard of the art of face-to-face, and sometimes it would leak the secret of heaven and invite accidents. He hurriedly excused himself and said, "Mr. Zhao, we are rough people and don't understand these mysterious things, so please don't embarrass us." ”
Mr. Zhao Fu refused to give up, he said: "Old farmer, you don't have to worry, I just take a casual look, and it won't have any impact on you." You see, this is your son, he has a full face, clear eyebrows, and a rich and noble face, and he will definitely get ahead in the future. This is your grandson, his face is smart, he is very intelligent, he is a scholar, and he will definitely be able to pass the Jinshi examination in the future. ”
Uncle Qian was overjoyed when he heard this, although he didn't believe in the face-to-face theory, he was still very happy to hear that his son and grandson had such a future. He hurriedly said: "Mr. Zhao, you said it so well, my son and grandson are my sweethearts, it's great to have such a fate." ”
When Mr. Zhao Fu saw that Uncle Qian had taken the bait, he smiled slyly and said: "However, old farmer, don't be too happy, although your grandson is knowledgeable, there is a hidden danger, that is, his life span is not long, and he can only live to the age of nineteen. ”
When Uncle Qian heard this, he was stunned like a thunderbolt from the sky. He hurriedly asked, "Mr. Zhao, what did you say?" You say my grandson will only live to be nineteen years old? How is this possible? He was only ten years old now and in good health, how could he die so soon? ”
Mr. Zhao Fu shook his head and said, "Old farmer, don't doubt it, this is what I can see, and there is no mistake. You see, there is a faint red line between your grandson's eyebrows, which is a short-lived appearance, indicating that he does not live long enough. Moreover, there is a black mole in the corner of his eye, which is a sign of calamity, indicating that he will encounter a great calamity and it will be difficult to escape. Judging by his physiognomy, he could only live to be nineteen years old, and in another nine years, he would die. ”
When Uncle Qian heard this, tears fell like rain, he couldn't believe that this was true, he turned his head and looked at his grandson, only to see that he was still playing happily in the field, and he didn't know how tragic his fate was. Uncle Qian's heart tingled, he thought of how could he bear it when he thought of how hard he had worked to raise such a grandson, but he had to watch him die?
Brother Ma also heard Mr. Zhao Fu's words, he was also grief-stricken, he knelt on the ground, crying and said: "Mr. Zhao, please, can you save my son, he is my only son, I can't lose him, do you have any way to let him change his fate and live a few more years?" ”
Mr. Zhao Fu looked at the sorrow of Uncle Qian and Brother Ma, and was secretly proud in his heart, he originally just wanted to trick these countrymen, but he didn't expect them to believe his words so much, so he thought of an idea, he said: "Actually, I don't have no way, but this method is very difficult, I don't know if you want to." ”
When Uncle Qian and Brother Ma heard this, they hurriedly asked, "Mr. Zhao, what can you do, as long as I can save my grandson, I am willing to do anything." ”
Mr. Zhao Fu pretended to be mysterious and said: "This method is to let your grandson exchange one of his own things for a new life before the age of nineteen." In this way, he will be able to escape his original destiny and live longer. ”
Uncle Qian and Brother Ma listened to Mr. Zhao Fu's words, didn't understand what he meant, and asked, "Mr. Zhao, what do you mean when you say that let our grandson exchange one of his things for a new life?" What can our grandson have in exchange for a life? ”
Mr. Zhao Fu said with a smile: "This thing is the most precious thing for your grandson, and it is also his greatest advantage, that is, his intelligence." Your grandson is a man of learning, and he will definitely be able to pass the Jinshi exam in the future, but this is also his fate, because his talent is too outstanding, which will provoke jealousy and killing. If he is willing to give up his talents and become an ordinary farmer, then he can buy a new life and live longer. ”
Uncle Qian and Brother Ma were shocked when they heard this, they all knew that their grandson was a smart and clever child, who liked to read and write since he was a child, and it was his lifelong dream to be admitted to the Jinshi. How could they bear to let him give up his intellect and become an ignorant and ignorant person?
Mr. Zhao, what are you talking about, how can you make our grandson give up his talents, this is his talent, his pride, and his life. You want him to cut his flesh to pay off his debts and cut off the roots, how can we agree? Uncle Qian said excitedly.
Mr. Zhao, you are playing with us, you are taking revenge on us for not believing your words, you are deliberately embarrassing us. Are you not afraid of being damned by heaven when you do this? Are you not afraid of a troubled conscience in doing so? Brother Ma said angrily.
Mr. Zhao Fu was unmoved, he said coldly: "Old farmer, don't be excited, I just told you a possible way, whether you want to or not, that's your business." I'm not forcing you, I'm just giving you a choice. If you don't want to, then forget it, and I won't say anything more. It's just that you have to think clearly, your grandson only has a life span of nine years, can you bear his death, can you look at his corpse, and not regret it, not suffer, not mourn. ”
After speaking, Mr. Zhao Fu got into the car, whipped the whip, and the carriage drove away quickly, leaving Uncle Qian and Brother Ma in the same place, looking at each other and at a loss.
Xiao Ming listened to the words of his grandfather and father, and his heart was very sad, he didn't want to give up his talents, and he didn't want to disappoint his family. That day was the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, and it was also the day when the legendary Cowherd and Weaver Girl met. Xiao Ming woke up early, carrying his school bag with a few of his favorite books, and he thought that if he really had to give up his talents, then these books would be his last memorial. He told his grandfather and father that he was going to the field to see the crops, and he hurried out.
He went to the field, found an open space, set up his school bag, knelt on the ground, folded his hands, looked at the sky, and began to pray.
Heavenly immortals, I am a poor child, I only have nine years to live, I don't want to die, I don't want to give up my talents, I want to live longer, I want to realize my dreams, I want to be admitted to the Jinshi, for the country and the people, for my grandfather and father. Please have mercy on me, help me, give me a new life, so that I can change my calamity, and I am willing to pay any price, as long as I can get a glimmer of life. ”
Xiao Ming prayed while shedding tears, his voice choked, and his mood was sad. He didn't know if his prayers would reach the heavens, he didn't know if there were immortals who could hear his heart, he just prayed and prayed until it was dark and the stars were getting brighter.
He raised his head and looked at the sky, but he didn't see any shadows of immortals, he only saw a bright moon and twinkling stars. His heart sank, he felt that his prayers were in vain, that his fate could not be changed, that his hopes were dashed. He wiped away his tears, picked up his bag, and prepared to leave.
Just then, he heard a crisp bell that fell from the sky and fell behind him. He was taken aback, and when he turned around, he saw two old men wearing Taoist robes, holding crutches, and hats, descending from the sky and landing beside him. His eyes lit up, and he thought, these two old men, could they be immortals?
What are you doing here, kids? One of the old men asked with a smile.
I pray here, hoping to meet the immortals and change my destiny. Xiao Ming replied sincerely.
Is there anything bad about your fate? Another old man asked curiously.
I only have nine years to live, I don't want to die, I don't want to give up my talents, I want to live longer, I want to fulfill my dreams. Xiao Ming cried.
What are your dreams? The two old men asked at the same time.
I want to be admitted to the Jinshi examination, to win glory for the country and the people, and for my grandfather and father. Xiao Ming said firmly.
The two old men glanced at each other, and both saw each other's surprise and approval. They didn't expect that this ten-year-old child would have such lofty aspirations, such a strong will, and such an innocent heart. They decided to help him and give him a new life.
Children, we have heard your prayers, we are immortals in the sky, we can help you change your life, so that you can change your calamity and realize your dreams. However, you must know that the reincarnation of heaven, the cycle of cause and effect, you must pay the corresponding price in exchange for a new life, are you willing? One of the old men said solemnly.
When Xiao Ming heard this, his heart was overjoyed, he felt that his prayers had finally been answered, he felt that his fate had finally turned around, and he felt that his hope had finally been realized. He said without hesitation: "I am willing, I am willing to pay any price, as long as I can exchange it for a new life." ”
Well, give us your bag, it's your price. The other old man said lightly.
Xiao Ming was stunned, he didn't understand why his schoolbag could be exchanged for a new life. His school bag contained some of his favorite books, which were his knowledge, his wealth, and his soul. How could he be willing to give up?
Why? Why should I give you my bag? In my school bag, there are my favorite books, which are my study materials, my reliance on exams, and my hope to become a Jinshi. Don't you want me to give you my school bag, but don't you want me to give up my talents? What is the difference between this and what Mr. Zhao Fu said? Xiao Ming asked puzzled.
Don't get me wrong, children, we don't want you to give up your talents, we just want you to give up your books. Your books, though they are your knowledge, are also your bonds, your books, though they are your wealth, are also your burdens, and your books, though they are your soul, are also your shackles. Only by giving up your books can you open your heart, expand your horizons, and create your wisdom. Only by giving up your book can you get a new life, change your fate, and realize your dreams. One of the old men said in a deep voice.
Xiao Ming thought about it and said that he had nothing of value, only a filial piety. He said that he was willing to trade his filial piety for his life. When the immortal heard this, he admired his filial piety and agreed to his request. They said that they would use a golden needle to pierce him in the heart and change his fate. However, they warned him that by doing so, his heart would become fragile and unable to withstand any stimulation or he would die. They asked him if he was willing to accept such conditions.
Xiao Ming said without hesitation that he was willing. He said he just wanted to reassure his grandfather and father and didn't want them to worry about him. He said that he was not afraid of death, only of hurting their hearts. When the immortal heard this, he admired his filial piety even more, and pierced his heart with a golden needle to change his fate. They said that from now on, he would no longer be limited by Mr. Zhao Fu's appearance, and could live until he died a natural death. However, they told him to be careful to protect his heart and not to be frightened or agitated in any way, otherwise his life would be in danger. They said they had something to do, so they said goodbye to him and disappeared into the night.
Xiao Ming was grateful, knelt on the ground, kowtowed three times in the direction of the immortal, and then hurried home and told his grandfather and father about it. When Uncle Qian and Brother Ma heard this, they were not only moved by his sacrifice, but also relieved that he could escape the catastrophe. They hugged Xiao Ming and shed tears. They said that Xiao Ming was their sweetheart, they would not let him be hurt in any way, they would take good care of him and let him live happily.
Although Xiao Ming paid the price, he was rewarded for his kindness and finally died a good death. His heart is fragile, but full of love. His life, although ordinary, was happy. His grandfather and father, also because of his filial piety, were blessed by heaven and lived a long and healthy life. Their family, although poor, is harmonious and warm.
Li Zhenren and Wang Daoren left Xiao Ming's house and continued their play. They walked along the field path to the capital. They enjoyed the beauty of nature along the way, talked about interesting things in the world, and were in a happy mood.
Soon, they met Mr. Zhao Fu. Mr. Zhao Fu was walking along the side of the road, using his physiognomy to tell fortunes for some passers-by. When he saw two people in Taoist robes coming over, he stepped forward to greet him and said, "Two Taoist leaders, I don't know if you are interested, let me show you what your fate is?" ”
As soon as Li Zhenren and Wang Daoren looked at it, they recognized that this was the Mr. Xiang who leaked the secret of heaven and had no one in his eyes. They were disdainful, so they wanted to bypass him and ignore him. However, Mr. Zhao Fu refused to let them go, he said: "Two Taoist leaders, don't be afraid, I won't take your money, I just want to give you a little advice." You seem to be cultivators, but you don't know that the destiny of heaven is unpredictable, and your lifespan is running out, so it's better to go back to the mountains and cultivate as soon as possible, and stop wandering in the world. ”
When Li Zhenren and Wang Daoren heard this, they were so angry that they almost laughed. They are immortals who descend from the sky, how can they be limited by the number of lifespans? They looked at Mr. Zhao Fu's appearance and found that there was a black line between his eyebrows, which was an extremely rare appearance, which meant that his fate had been changed, and it was at the expense of the interests of others. They knew in their hearts that this was the punishment he received for revealing Xiao Ming's fate. They decided to teach him a lesson, to let him know that the way of heaven cannot be deceived and that the destiny of heaven cannot be speculated.
Li Zhenren said to Mr. Zhao Fu: "Mr. Xiangmian, your physiognomy is really clever, you can see our lifespan, so can you see your own lifespan?" ”
When Mr. Zhao Fu heard this, he was proud, he thought that this was the two Taoist masters admiring his physiognomy, so he said: "I can naturally see my longevity, I can also see my wealth, health, marriage, and so on." I can tell you that I am a man of good fate, I have a life span of 80 years, I have wealth like the sea, I have health like an ox, and I have a wife and children. I am a happy person, I am a successful person. ”
Wang Daoren listened, shook his head, and said: "Mr. Xiangmian, you are too confident, your physiognomy can only see the superficial things, but not the essential things. You say you have 80 years to live, but do you know where your life comes from? You say you have a sea of wealth, but do you know where your fortune comes from? You say you're as healthy as a cow, but do you know where your health comes from? You say you have a wife and children, but do you know how your wife and children came from? ”
When Mr. Zhao Fu heard this, he was puzzled and said: "I don't understand what you mean, my longevity, wealth, health, wife and children are all earned by my own efforts, I deserve them, and they are all destined by me." What do you want to say? ”
Li Zhenren said: "Mr. Xiangmian, your longevity, wealth, health, wife and children are all exchanged for other people's fate, all of which you deserve and are all changed by your fate." Think about it, how did you get physiognomy? How did you get that money? How did you get those sicknesses? How did you get those affections? ”
Mr. Zhao Fu thought about it and suddenly remembered a past. He said: "I remember, I met an old Taoist priest ten years ago, he said that he came down from the heavens, he said that he took a fancy to my physiognomy and wanted to teach me a peerless physiognomy technique. He said that this physiognomy can see through people's fate, can change people's fate, and can allow me to get endless wealth and happiness. He said that as long as I agreed to one condition, he could teach me this physiognomy technique. ”
Wang Daoren said, "Then what conditions did you promise him?" ”
Mr. Zhao Fu said: "He said that he wanted me to exchange my fate for this physiognomy technique. He said that he would use a silver needle to pierce my eyebrows and change my fate. He said that by doing so, I would lose my original destiny and gain a new one. He said that this new destiny will allow me to have everything, but it will also make me lose everything. He said that it was a fate that was both lucky and unfortunate, and whether I would be willing to accept such conditions. ”
Li Zhenren said: "Then are you willing?" ”
Mr. Zhao Fu said: "Of course I am willing, I think this is a great opportunity, how can I let it go?" I said, I just want wealth and happiness, I don't care about my original destiny, I don't care about my future destiny. I said that I would trade my fate for this physiognomy technique. ”
Wang Daoren said: "Then do you regret it?" ”
Mr. Zhao Fu said: "I have no regrets, I have never regretted them. I used this physiognomy technique to tell fortunes for countless people and collect countless sums of money. I used this physiognomy technique to change the fate of countless people and make them pay countless prices for me. I used this physiognomy technique to get everything I wanted, and I feel like I'm the happiest person in the world. ”
Li Zhenren said: "Mr. Xiangmian, you are so proud, you are so stupid, you are so pitiful." You don't know that the physiognomy technique you use is actually an evil technique, a technique that goes against the way of heaven. You don't know that every time you tell your fortune, every time you change your life, it will consume your own lifespan, it will weaken your own destiny, and it will increase your own disaster. You don't know that everything you get is temporary, it's all illusory, and it all comes at a price. ”
Mr. Zhao Fu was stunned by Li Zhenren and Wang Daoren's words, and he couldn't believe that what they said was true. He wanted to refute, he wanted to justify, but his mouth couldn't open, his body couldn't move. He could only watch as the two immortals pulled out of his eyebrows with a silver needle.
Mr. Physiognomy, your fate has been restored by us, and your physiognomy has been taken back by us. From now on, you will no longer be able to live by your face, you will no longer be able to change the fate of others, and you will no longer be able to obtain endless wealth and happiness. You can only suffer your own fate in silence, and you can only eat your own fruits. Li Zhenren said coldly.
Mr. Face, you should thank us that we did not take your life, and we did not let you suffer a greater disaster. We're just going to let you go back to your original destiny and give you a taste of what it's like to be the person you've hurt. You should reflect on your mistakes, you should change your ways, and you should be a kind person. Wang Daoren said kindly.
After speaking, the two immortals drifted away, leaving Mr. Zhao Fu alone, standing on the side of the road in a daze, at a loss. He wanted to catch up with them, to ask them to give him back the physiognomy technique, to give him back wealth and happiness, but he found that his legs were as weak as cotton and he couldn't take a step. He wanted to cry out for help, to get passers-by to help him, but he found that his voice was as hoarse as a duck and could not make a sound. He could only look helplessly at the people around him, or walk by indifferently, or point at him mockingly, and no one sympathized with him, and no one helped him.
Mr. Zhao Fu finally understood that his fate had completely changed, and everything about him had been completely lost. He remembered his pride, his greed, his cruelty, and how terrible he had paid for it. He regretted it, he regretted it, he cried, but it was already too late.