"Yi Tian Li, come get dinner!"
When Yi Tian Li heard this voice he put down his book, placed it into his bag and began to run home. Yi Tian Li was a child at the age of fourteen who enjoyed spending his free time reading stories of great heroes of the past. He grew up in the country-side with his parents who were common farmers. Although Yi Tian Li's family wasn't rich or connected to any big family, their simple life in the countryside living on their farm felt like their own little piece of heaven.
"Hey mom, sorry for taking so long to get home. The new book you got me is really good!"
When Yi Tian Li's mom heard this she smiled at him sweetly and set the table with food. Yi Tian Li's mother was a simple farm girl who enjoyed her farm life, when she was twenty-three she went into the town to sell some of the chickens her family raised and it was here that she met Yi Tian Li's father. He was also a simple man when he met his wife for the first time when he was twenty-six and had just retired from military duty. When they met one could say it was love at first sight. Yi Tian Li's father was already sitting at the table and told him.
"One of these days you need to put down those books you keep reading and come join me in the fields to work."
Yi Tian Li's Father enjoyed working in the fields even though it was back breaking work. Everyday he would tell Yi Tian Li about the importance of work giving a man purpose and that a man must keep his word when he says he's gonna do something. Yi Tian Li enjoyed making food for her husband and son and above all reading stories of adventure and great heroes to Yi Tian Li. She had done this everyday since he was little. Yi Tian Li felt a little embarrassed to have his mom still reading his books at night but because it made her happy he never said a word. His mother would always do her best to teach him the importance of doing what you loved and the adventures that life can hold.
As they were about to begin eating, a middle-aged man with a scruffy beard walked through the door. He was dressed fairly nice compared to the rest of Yi Tain Li's family. This man was Yi Tian Li's Uncle Yan, and their town's mayor. Uncle Yan was married once but his wife died very young and they never had any children so he would always do his best to teach Yi Tian Li the lessons he once wished to share with his own child.
"Do you mind if I join you for dinner"
Tian Li's mother promptly responded.
"Of course not! Uncle Yan, you know you're always welcome here."
When they had all sat down and began to eat Uncle Yan and Tian Li's father began discussing different matters of the town and the other farms, every now and then Tian Li's mother would chime in to ask how the neighbors' wives were doing and other town gossip. Then Uncle Yan brought up news he had heard about a local bandit tribe that set up camp near their village. Uncle Yans' face turned dark as he said this and the mood of the entire house changed.
"Mr Yi it's time to tell you the true reason I came here, it has to do with the local bandit tribes that have appeared."
Uncle Yan then looked at Tian Li. Then his father said,
"Tian Li it's time for you to go to bed."
Tian Li when he heard about the bandits grew excited because it reminded him of the evil bandits he read about in his books.
"But Dad, I wanna hear about these bandits."
Tian Li said.
"No, go to bed. this is a matter that must be discussed between adults."
Before Tian Li could say anymore his mother grabbed him and took him off to bed, then she headed down stairs to discuss the matter of bandits with Uncle Yan.
As Tian Li was laying on his bed he began to hear them speak, all he could think about were these bandits and of how the heroes he read about would always fight them head on, one man against a hundred. Curiosity got the better of him and he decided to sneak off and get closer to them in order to hear what they were saying. When he got close he heard Uncle Yan speak.
"I tried asking Lord Xie to send soldiers to take care of these bandits but he never sent back word, after discussing it with a few other families we've decided to start a militia in order to keep our families and our crops safe. Old Ling who lives in town used to be a martial artist and he's agreed to train some of the less experienced men in our village."
Tian Li's Dad quickly responded
"How many are there? If we start a militia and Lord Xie hears of this we will be deemed outlaws and enemies of the state, this is far too risky. Except for you Uncle Yan we all have children, what would happen to them if we were killed by the bandits. Lord Xie is also an Imperial Noble with strict law, he could execute three whole generations of all of our families and no one would question him in doing so."
Uncle Yan thought for a moment than spoke
"We don't know their exact numbers and what you say is true, but I've known Lord Xie for a long time. He's an upright individual who does his best to avoid death. At the most he would only execute those involved, if I wasn't sure of this I wouldn't bring up the idea to begin with."
Tian Li's Dad thought about this and then said.
"That still doesn't take care of matters about our children. Do you have somewhere they can safely hide?"
Uncle Yan then took a bronze talisman out of his pocket.
"We have already thought ahead on this matter. A few of the families have called in favors from some of their higher up families, those of age will be going to Martial Arts schools or joining the military. Those not of age will be living with their families in other towns. Your own child Tian Li is of age and can join the military. I've called in a few favors and was able to secure him a position away from the front lines."
Both of Tian Li's parents started thinking on this, he was of age and would have to join either way, and since they neither had money or connections for him to join a Martial Arts School it was his only choice.
"When will the other children be off to join the military?"
Tian Li's mother asked.
"They will be leaving within three days. This talisman I have will allow Tian Li to live somewhat comfortably within the military and he can start his own life in the city"
Uncle Yan Responded.
Tian Li's mother and father both looked a little relieved. Their boy was of the age that he had to leave home and start his own life, but they truly wished in their hearts that it could have been under different circumstances.
Just then Tian Li jumped out from hiding which surprised everyone present, he stood up with his chest out and a fist on his heart looking like a man and said.
"Don't worry mom and dad. I can go join the military, and I'm tough so you won't have to worry about me. Go take care of these villains and when I return I'll be so strong I can take on a hundred so you won't have to worry!"
They were all surprised by Tian Li's response; his mother was the first to speak.
"You little brat you're supposed to be in bed!"
Tian Li's mom smiled a little seeing her son trying to be brave and look like a grown up.
"Okay, we'll let you go join the military. When you return, if you can't beat a hundred bandits by yourself we'll be very disappointed. A real man keeps his word!"
Tian Li did his best to look serious and act like a soldier.
"Yes ma'am those bandits will have no chance against me!"
Everyone present laughed a little which made Tian Li blush from embarrassment then his mom took him off to bed and stayed with him until he fell asleep.