Yun Manman wore a faint smile, her eyes full of determination to get what she wanted.
Since this boy was their backbone, he had presumably already felt the effects of the Returning Lotus Fruit.
Anyone with any sense would know what choice to make.
"If I hadn't come today, you would all slowly starve to death. Could following me possibly be worse than starving to death here?
"Or do you think begging is what you want to do for the rest of your lives?"
The light gradually dimmed in the boy's eyes. If he hadn't met her today, he probably would have died.
Then how many of these remaining children would live to see this day next year?
And with a background like his, he could never see the light of day. Perhaps this woman today was his opportunity.
At these thoughts, Tongtong's gaze grew firm. Facing Yun Manman, he dropped to both knees and raised his fingers, his resolute voice carrying the hoarseness natural to a boy his age.
Looking at Yun Manman, he immediately swore an oath.
"I had little time left to live. You gave me a new life. I am willing to offer you my loyalty, follow and serve you forever, and never betray you."
After speaking, the boy looked at everyone behind him. At the sight of those innocent, pure eyes, a rare smile appeared on his face.
"Heaven cherishes life. Since we were not destined to die and were fortunate enough to encounter an opportunity like this, I have made my choice and will never regret it. I believe you can make your own judgments."
Yun Manman raised her brows, appreciation flashing through her eyes. He had a clear head, and his words also revealed considerable learning.
She turned her gaze toward the uneasy children in the woods.
Yun Manman merely kept a faint smile on her lips as she observed everyone's expressions, saying nothing more.
Failing to seize an opportunity when it came was its own kind of stupidity. She didn't want people like that, either.
"We're willing to pledge our loyalty to you too, Fairy Sister! We'll never betray you either. Take us with you too, Fairy Sister!"
Looking at the little children kneeling before her, Yun Manman's smile deepened, and a little warmth entered her voice.
"Everyone, get up. From now on, you mustn't kneel so readily. You've made your choice today, so there will be no room to back out later. Trust me, you won't regret today's decision."
"Thank you, Fairy Sister."
Yun Manman looked at the innocent children before her and listened to that jaw-dropping form of address.
"Call me Sister Man from now on. I am your sister, but I am also your master. From now on, you must obey me unconditionally. No one may defy or question me. Now come back with me."
"Yes, Sister Man! Where are we going back to now?"
Looking at those excited, joyful eyes, Yun Manman's smile gradually widened, and a sly gleam flashed through her violet eyes.
"Home with me, of course-to farm!"
"Ah... farm? But..."
Every pair of eyes filled with shock. No matter how they looked at her, Sister Man and farming simply didn't seem to go together.
But they had the sense not to press her, their sparkling eyes sneaking glances at Yuanwei.
Stared at by so many innocent eyes, Yuanwei grinned a little awkwardly, then spoke sheepishly.
"I don't know. I really don't know. I really don't know anything!"
Yun Manman led the group into the county town, got them new clothes, then went to the county office to register their households before heading back to the village.
She surveyed the surroundings. They happened to be not far from where she had released the horse that morning.
With a whistle, Yun Manman led the crowd toward Red Star Village.
"Hahaha! Mas... Sister Man, look! That horse is so ugly! Hahahaha..."
Yuanwei shook Yun Manman's sleeve, her watery eyes filled with pure, unclouded laughter. Clearly, she was truly happy to have left Wuliang.
The little ones behind them were shocked at first, then broke into grins, having a wonderful time commenting on the horse.
"Yes, Sister Man! Hahaha! Is that really a horse? Why is its head so ugly?"
When Tongtong saw the horse drawing near, he stepped sideways in front of Yun Manman, shielding her behind him. A smile unwittingly touched his lips, and his voice took on a more boyish air.
"The hair on this horse's head really was trimmed rather badly. It certainly looks distinctive, but..."
Then, before everyone's eyes, the horse stopped beside Yun Manman.
It even rubbed affectionately against her arm.
The smiles froze on everyone's faces.
Yun Manman looked with an ambiguous smile at the group who had been doubled over with laughter, a playful note entering her voice.
"Go on. Just how ugly is it?"
The smile on Tongtong's face froze too. The words caught in his mouth, and he hastily bent down to kneel.
Yun Manman casually reached out and lightly supported his arm. Tongtong felt as though his entire body had been clamped in place, unable to kneel any farther.
His eyes were like those of a startled fawn, filled with wariness and unease.
"Sister Man, I shouldn't have made thoughtless comments about the horse. I didn't mean to. I..."
Yun Manman released him and looked at the wary, deeply nervous boy. Her violet eyes were like unfathomable stars, her words calm and serious.
"A man has gold beneath his knees. From now on, don't kneel so casually. I dislike people who cringe and cower.
"Youth should be full of spirit, standing in grand halls and lofty palaces, wielding swords and watering steeds-only then will those precious years not be wasted. Remember my words."
After speaking, Yun Manman turned her gaze to the youngsters. Every one of them looked terrified. Somewhat helplessly, she reassured them.
"I'm not a demon. You don't need to be so nervous and afraid. We'll spend the rest of our lives together. I am your family, your teacher, and your master, so there will be no falsehoods between us, but there can be jokes and ease."
After speaking, Yun Manman looked at the youngsters, who were still dazed, then turned and stroked the horse's head a few times, laughter in her clear, lilting voice.
"Actually, it wasn't just you. This horse disliked it so much at the time that it wouldn't let me touch it either. I had to use threats and enticements before it had no choice but to submit."
"Hahaha! Sister Man, your horse-taming methods are amazing! I want to learn them too."
Yuanwei was the first to speak. She even stepped forward and copied Yun Manman, stroking the horse's restless head a few times.
The youngsters behind her finally grew bolder too. They crowded around to look at and pet the horse, resuming their commentary.
"Datou, Erniu, Wangba, tell me, why does this horse look better and better the longer I look at it?"
"Yeah! I, Sigou, think this horse looks especially imposing too. Sister Man is amazing-such fine handiwork!"
Listening to the little brats' rainbow farts, Yun Manman's lips twitched. What on earth were these names?
Among the crowd,
only Tongtong turned to look at Yun Manman. His young eyes, which had been feigning composure, were now misty and blurred, Yun Manman's words lingering in his mind.
"Youth should be full of spirit, standing in grand halls and lofty palaces, wielding swords and watering steeds-only then will those precious years not be wasted."
His mother had always taught her that his identity could not be shown in public, that only by bowing and scraping could he fill his belly and be seen by others.
What Sister Man had now told him was a way of living he had never heard of, one he yearned for but had never dared imagine.
Looking at the horse's utterly hopeless face, Yun Manman held back her laughter and told the youngsters,
"Your names are what's truly ugly. Let me think of some good names for you. Hurry along, so we can try to get home before dark."
Looking at the clothes and food carried on the horse's back, everyone exchanged glances.
They struggled to hold back their laughter. Wasn't Sister Man actually using her authority to settle a personal score?