Chapter 8: Gao Jie, the Butcher of

On the mountainside, the villagers huddled together in the grass hut, warming themselves by the fire and chatting idly. Occasionally, they glanced up the slope, their faces weighed down by worry, the atmosphere somber and subdued.

Gathered around Gao Xiaopang were several youths, recounting stories about Li Yi to the villagers. They dwelled especially on his reluctance to seek revenge the previous day, painting his behavior as cowardly and making the villagers' expressions even more troubled.

As Gao Xiaopang and his companions were speaking animatedly, a villager suddenly stood up with a startled cry.

Everyone turned to look, and in the distance, a massive figure slowly approached.

When it drew near, the villagers saw that it was Li Yi, carrying a huge wild boar on his back, walking steadily towards them.

"Such a big wild boar—I’ve never seen anything like it in my life."

"Could it be that infamous boar spirit? No wonder it became a spirit; it's grown so large."

"This young man has incredible strength. That boar must weigh five or six hundred pounds—it would take four or five men to lift it."

"Good heavens, how old is he? To be able to kill such a giant wild boar spirit—he’s bound for greatness."

"That’s right. Anyone who can slay a wild boar spirit is a true hero."

The villagers discussed animatedly, their gazes toward Li Yi now tinged with awe.

Li Yi paid them little mind, breathing heavily as he swung his arms and dropped the wild boar to the ground with a thud.

He glanced at the villagers crowding around him, clasped his fists, and said, "Fellow villagers, I am fortunate not to have failed you. The beast is slain; from now on, you may go up the mountain as you please."

Hearing that they could finally return to the mountain to make a living, the villagers broke out in cheers.

Li Guo puffed out his chest with pride; he had helped in slaying the wild boar spirit.

Li Yi grinned, satisfied. Though his main motivation had been to earn some money, he was glad to have rid the community of a menace.

Old Gao stepped forward, gratitude written all over his face, and bowed with cupped hands. "Young Li, you have rid us of this scourge today. On behalf of the villagers, I thank you."

Li Yi hurried to help him up, smiling. "I was paid for my efforts, Elder Gao—no need for such formality. I am unworthy."

Elder Gao, seeing Li Yi’s humility and manners, sighed, "I’d only heard of the hero Li Zicheng in Shuangquan, but didn’t expect his kinsman to be remarkable as well."

With that, he handed over the silver.

Li Yi accepted it without ceremony. With this sum, he no longer feared his family would go hungry—a timely relief. Yet his weapons had suffered severe damage; he would have to find a way to forge new spears and short javelins.

Strength was now his only means of survival, and weapons were vital.

Now that he had the silver, Li Yi prepared to leave, but Elder Gao quickly stopped him, smiling. "The debt is settled, but the gratitude remains. If you would, young Li, come to Gao Village for a bowl of hot wine and a meal—let the villagers show their thanks."

"The village head is right. I have a jar of rice wine at home, meant for New Year's guests. Today, I'll bring it out for young Li to try."

"I have some cured meat; perfect for stir-frying."

"I just caught a fish yesterday—just finished smoking it."

The villagers of Gao Village all spoke up invitingly, eager and sincere, afraid Li Yi would refuse.

They were poor in clothing and food, but they understood the meaning of gratitude. Li Yi had risked himself to kill the wild boar spirit and rid them of a scourge—they were determined to repay the favor.

Li Yi was moved, but considering the upcoming New Year and how hard the villagers had worked to save food, he hesitated to intrude.

Elder Gao seized Li Yi’s hand, his calloused palm earnest. "Young Li, you have no one to butcher that big wild boar. Our Gao Village has a skilled butcher, Gao Jie. Not only can you be our guest, but he can help you process the boar—it’s perfect."

Gao Jie—the Marquis of Xingping, one of the four great towns of Southern Ming?

Li Yi had some impression of the man. Gao Jie had followed Li Zicheng in rebellion, later accepted amnesty from the court, and died heroically resisting the Qing, betrayed by traitors—a true hero.

For such a renowned figure, Li Yi naturally wished to make his acquaintance.

He smiled, "Since the villagers invite me, I’ll shamelessly accept and go to Gao Village for a bowl of wine."

Elder Gao laughed heartily, "You should have done so sooner."

He turned to a sturdy middle-aged man, "Gao Honest, bring the donkey cart over and haul the wild boar back to Gao Village."

Gao Honest, dressed in coarse cotton, was short but powerfully built. Hearing this, he grinned sheepishly and hurried to fetch the cart.

Gao Xiaojia looked at Li Yi with awe, then called out, "Father, let me help."

Li Yi was surprised that the clever Gao Xiaojia had such an honest father.

Li Guo approached, hesitating, "Master, Gao Xiaojia just asked me if he could train in martial arts with you."

Seeing Li Yi frown, Li Guo quickly added, "He knows he spoke out of turn before and regrets it. He promises to accept punishment and never speak out of turn again."

Li Yi considered, then smiled broadly, "Punishment accepted—very well, let him come tomorrow."

Li Guo was overjoyed, nodding to Gao Xiaojia in the distance.

Gao Xiaojia nearly jumped for joy, unaware that Li Yi had no intention of going easy on him.

"Li Guo, I’m going to drink. Your mistress at home will be worried—go tell her."

Li Guo pulled a long face; he wanted to join the feast too.

Li Yi shook his head helplessly, "Once you've told her, come find me at Gao Village."

Li Guo agreed eagerly.

The wild boar was loaded onto the donkey cart by eight or nine strong men, and the villagers followed in a lively procession toward Gao Village. Along the way, passersby stopped to marvel at the huge boar.

Some curious onlookers asked questions, and Elder Gao recounted the story, drawing exclamations and admiration, and deepening the villagers’ respect for Li Yi.

Li Yi noticed the change in their attitude and pondered it quietly.

When they reached the village entrance, the villagers dispersed to prepare food, while Elder Gao led Li Yi to a residence.

The courtyard was enclosed by brick and earth, with a heavy elm gate—a sign of a prosperous household.

Elder Gao knocked, and soon angry voices issued from within.

Elder Gao smiled awkwardly, while Gao Honest shrank back, clearly intimidated by Gao Jie.

"Who dares disturb my rest?"

A tall, broad-shouldered young man with a square face and short beard opened the door, his expression fierce, a shallow scar on his cheek.

He caught sight of the wild boar on the cart and gasped, stepping forward to pat the cold carcass.

"Damn, such a big wild boar—it must be a spirit!"

Elder Gao hurried to explain, "Master Gao, this is the beast that plagued Chai Mountain. Young Li here just killed it and wishes to sell it to you."

Li Yi greeted him politely.

Gao Jie sized Li Yi up—tall and well-built, with sharp brows and steady eyes—and his demeanor softened.

"You really killed this wild boar spirit?" Gao Jie asked, incredulous.

Li Yi replied with a smile, "It was just luck."

"How could it be luck?" Elder Gao interjected, "The hunter Liu and five or six strong men were too frightened to approach the mountain. Young Li couldn’t stand to see the villagers suffer, went up alone, and slew the beast in just an hour."

Gao Jie’s eyes widened. For one man to kill such a massive wild boar and stand unscathed—he doubted even he could accomplish such a feat.

"Brother Li, you must be a god!"

Gao Jie laughed, grabbing Li Yi’s arm. "I admire heroes most. Come drink at my house—today, we won’t leave sober!"

Li Yi smiled, "The villagers have prepared wine. I’m afraid I can’t join you today."

"A bunch of useless dirt farmers, why bother with them?"

Gao Jie, unconcerned, tried to pull Li Yi along with added force.

Li Yi hadn’t expected Gao Jie to be so domineering. He shook his arm, and Gao Jie felt a surge of strength that left his hand numb and powerless.

Impressive strength.

Gao Jie was secretly stunned, though he kept his face calm. "Since you have business, brother Li, another time then."

He circled the wild boar, inspecting it, and stroked his chin. "This boar looks to weigh over six hundred pounds—fat, strong, dense meat, though the hide is thick. For meat yield, I’ll give you five taels of silver; the hide is valuable, too. All together, six taels—what do you say?"

Leather was a strategic material at this time, and after tanning could be used for armor and weapons.

Elder Gao was pleased, "Even if you hauled this boar to Mizhi County, it would fetch at most six taels, after taxes. Young Li, Master Gao is offering a fair price."

Gao Jie laughed, "I respect heroes most—I won’t let brother Li suffer a loss."

Despite his fierce appearance, Gao Jie was shrewd and eloquent—a clever man.

Li Yi smiled politely, "Elder Gao brought me to Master Gao—I trust your character. But I cannot accept the six taels of silver."

Gao Jie’s expression changed, suppressing his anger. "What do you mean, young Li? Is my offer too low?"