The room gasped. “Xinxin!” his mother
cried.
“But Grandpa’s grandpa protected this
painting before,” said Xinxin. ”How can we
honor his spirit if we don’t?”
The villagers’ shock turned to shame.
During the Taiping Rebellion a century
earlier, when religious fanatics opposed to
ancestor worship instigated a purge of human
images, a courageous Bao risked his life to
hide the portrait.
Grandpa had told the tale over and over
as a point of family pride, and at Xinxin’s
words, the old man’s fear steeled into deter-
mination. “Xinxin’s right. Our ancestors
preserved our heritage for us. Now it’s our
turn.” Squaring his shoulders, Grandpa said
to Uncle, “You can rely on us.”
TWO DAYS LATER, Xinxin left his
house at daybreak. There was still time before
morning chores. He headed for the store-
house, daydreaming about the precious books
and scrolls inside.
Within a few days, the heirlooms would be
sealed behind a false wall. That was the plan
they’d decided upon with the Tangyue Baos,
who’d left the day before. But until the adults
could gather the necessary bricks, Xinxin could
admire the family treasures all he wanted.
He’d just reached the storehouse when
labored footsteps broke his reverie. He turned
and gasped. “Lanlan!”
He ran to his staggering cousin, catching
her as she collapsed. Meanwhile, his cry had
caught the village’s attention. One look, and
everyone burst into motion. Xinxin’s father
scooped up the shivering girl and carried her
into the storehouse. Xinxin followed. Within
minutes, the entire village had rushed inside.
An aunt bundled Lanlan in a blanket
while Ma coaxed her to drink some hot water.
After several swallows, Lanlan lowered the
cup and croaked, “They’re coming.”
No one needed to ask who. As Ba ran
outside to keep watch, Grandpa asked, “What
happened?”
“A neighbor reported us. Said he saw a
group leaving our ancestral hall with sus-
picious bundles.” Lanlan’s voice hitched.
“A squad was waiting yesterday when we
returned. They beat all the grownups, then
wrecked the hall. I managed to sneak away
when they split up to smash our houses.” She
sniffled. “They’re coming here next. I heard
them say they’d leave before dawn.”
Everyone paled. Tangyue Town was a
two-hour mountain hike away, but youthful
zealots comprised most squads. They traveled
fast and could arrive at any moment.
Ma looked at Grandpa. “What should
we do?”
He shook his head. “We’ve been reported.
Hiding the heirlooms will make it worse.
Those dogs might just kick us if we show
repentance, but they’ll tear us apart if they
smell defiance.”
Xinxin’s heart sank. But as he was
about to concede defeat, his grandfather’s
lips twitched into a smile. “However,” said
Grandpa slyly, “just because we comply
doesn’t mean they get everything.”THE TAIPING REBELLION (1850-1864) WAS A PEASANT UPRISING LED
BY A RELIGIOUS CULT THAT TOOK OVER LARGE PARTS OF CHINA
BEFORE BEING BRUTALLY REPRESSED BY THE QING DYNASTY.35