Street Stories: A True Account of a Group of Blind Men in the Underworld

As soon as the leader of the Military Control Commission stood in front of the fortune-telling stall, the oppressive aura of someone who had long held a superior position pressed down like a tide, his gaze sharp as a knife, fixed directly on Qiao Yang.

The simple word "person" carries immense weight, striking the hearts of every onlooker.

Everyone knows that the new government is most averse to feudal superstition. This high-ranking leader is not testing the divination; he is clearly here to examine and investigate!

If Qiao Yang had said or miscalculated even a single word, he would have been completely ruined today, along with his business.

The entire street fell silent instantly; even the wind seemed to freeze.

The onlookers were all tense, their eyes filled with anxiety and apprehension. Many held their breath, their eyes fixed on the blind young man, fearing that something terrible might happen at any moment.

But Qiao Yang remained as steady as Mount Tai.

He raised his right hand slightly and slowly traced a line on the rough wooden table with his index finger.

A left-falling stroke and a right-falling stroke.

With just two strokes, it seems to capture the entire universe.

He closed his eyes and pondered for a moment, then spoke again, his voice calm and even, yet each word pierced the silence:

The Chinese character for "person" (人) consists of two strokes, one left-falling and one right-falling, standing tall and supporting the universe.

Your voice is deep and resonant, carrying an air of authority and command, as if you were leading an army or ruling a region.

As soon as he finished speaking, Qiao Yang raised his head slightly, his face precisely turned towards the other person, his blind eyes seeming to pierce through people's hearts:

"According to this divination, you are a leader who holds power and commands the people."

The leader of the military control commission suddenly narrowed his eyes, raised his eyebrows slightly, and remained expressionless. The casual contempt and scrutiny in his eyes that had been there earlier vanished in an instant.

He nodded slightly, then turned to the guard beside him and whispered, "You come forward too, and try to guess the same character."

The young soldier strode forward, his posture upright, carrying a mixture of restraint and vigor, and declared in a clear voice:

"Sir, I also want to have the character '人' (person) interpreted!"

Qiao Yang listened intently, his finger lightly tapping the edge of the table, catching the other person's pure and uplifting voice, full of youthful energy. He smiled faintly:

"Although they are all named 'person,' their circumstances are vastly different."

Your voice is clear and strong, your brushstrokes are upward and unrestrained, without the slightest hint of dullness or laziness; this hexagram signifies ascension.

Based on the words, it can be inferred that you will soon receive a promotion.

One sentence caused a huge uproar!

The surrounding crowd widened their eyes instantly, their faces filled with disbelief. They all pricked up their ears, waiting for what would happen next, their eyes full of anticipation and surprise.

The young soldier's face flushed instantly, both surprised and delighted, and he blurted out:

"How could you possibly know?! The commander just decided yesterday to award me a second-class merit and promote me to squad leader!"

Absolutely right, down to the last detail!

The crowd erupted in uproar, their faces filled with shock, and their gazes toward Qiao Yang now held a hint of awe.

The military control commission leaders maintained a calm expression, but their eyes were filled with turbulent emotions. Their sharp eyes suddenly narrowed, becoming as deep and serious as a still pool.

Promotion and commendation are top secrets, and outsiders could never know them. How could a blind man make such an accurate judgment based on just one word?

His face remained expressionless, but the fingers gripping the holster tightened unconsciously.

After a moment's hesitation, his expression suddenly turned cold, and he whispered to the guards to come closer: "Bring up the prisoner who was just brought in, and have the character '人' (person) analyzed as well."

Before long, a prisoner wearing handcuffs and with a deathly pale face was brought forward.

The man trembled violently, dared not lift his head, and spoke in a barely audible voice, filled with despair and terror:

"I...I also had the character '人' (person) analyzed..."

The entire room fell into absolute silence. Everyone looked solemn, holding their breath and glancing sideways, their faces filled with tension and curiosity, all silently wondering how he would judge the prisoner this time.

Qiao Yang listened carefully and detected a faint trace of relief hidden beneath the despair in the other person's voice.

His expression softened slightly, and he gently placed his hands folded on his knees as he spoke in a calm tone:

"The world has changed, and the heavens and earth are clear. The old scores will be settled fairly."

The character "人" (person) in your name may seem to represent being imprisoned, but in reality, it signifies a complete transformation and a rebirth.

You need not be afraid; you will soon be able to return home and reunite with your family, regaining your freedom.

Freedom restored!

The four words exploded like a thunderclap!

The prisoner suddenly looked up, his cloudy eyes flashing with intense light, tears streaming down his face, his whole body trembling violently with excitement.

The onlookers were completely stunned. Many people stood there with their mouths agape, their eyes shifting from doubt to shock, and then to genuine admiration.

The leaders of the military control commission looked at Qiao Yang, their expressions completely relaxed, the last trace of doubt vanished, and replaced by heavy respect and solemnity.

His expression softened, his sharpness lessened, and his sincerity increased. He took out a few banknotes and handed them over.

"We didn't bring any silver coins, but please accept this small token of our appreciation."

Qiao Yang quickly pushed his hands forward slightly and bowed to decline:

"Sir, you flatter me. It was just a few casual remarks. I dare not accept such a reward."

"This is the rule; we can't let you work for nothing." The leader's tone left no room for refusal. He put down the money and turned to leave with his men.

The entire street erupted in chaos only after that imposing figure disappeared at the alley entrance!

Excitement and fervor filled the crowd's faces, their eyes filled with adoration, and thunderous applause and cheers soared into the sky.

"A living god! A true living god!"

"Even the top leaders of the Military Control Commission are convinced!"

"I want my fortune told! I want it calculated too!"

The crowd surged forward, their faces filled with eagerness and their eyes burning as they stared at Qiao Yang, jostling to push their way forward.

Qiao Yang slowly raised his hand, palm down, and gently pressed it down. His voice was gentle yet firm:

"Please be patient, everyone. It is already late today, and I need to rush back to the hospital to take care of my master. I am really too exhausted to perform any more divinations."

Those who wish to ask questions may come again tomorrow, and I will answer them all.

Although everyone was filled with reluctance and regret, they dared not insist and could only turn back every few steps, reluctantly dispersing.

The noisy fortune-telling stall quickly quieted down.

Qiao Yang bent down to tidy up the fortune-telling stall and the banknotes on the table, his movements calm and unhurried.

Just then, a slender figure slowly walked over from the periphery of the crowd.

She was a young woman, dressed in a plain long dress, with delicate features and a gentle temperament, yet her eyes held a cool and resilient spirit.

She stood at a distance the whole time, without saying a word, but her gaze never left Qiao Yang, filled with curiosity, inquiry, and an unfathomable complexity.

The girl walked up to the stall and paused gently.

His voice was like a clear spring falling on jade, pure and spotless: "Sir, I would also like to have a word divined."

Qiao Yang stopped tidying up, straightened up, and slowly turned his head to face the source of the sound, his posture humble yet dignified.

The voice was gentle and calm, without arrogance, restlessness, or majesty, but concealed a deep-seated worry.

He replied softly, "Please speak freely, young lady. What character would you like to have divined, and what matter would you like to inquire about?"

The girl slightly withdrew her hand, as if she hesitated.

The young man before me sat quietly with his eyes closed, his appearance refined and serene. Though he was blind, it was as if he could see into the depths of people's hearts.

The three tests on the character "人" (person) that she had just been given had already stirred her heart and soul.

She took a deep breath and whispered five words:

"I'll also take a reading for the character '人' (person)."

It's the character "人" (person) again!

Qiao Yang was slightly taken aback, then chuckled softly:

"Interesting. Today I seem to have a connection with the character '人' (person). Four people in a row have asked about the same character."

He lightly traced a stroke in the air with his right index finger, and said in a deep voice:

"Young lady, is the word 'person' you're asking about your future, your marriage, the safety of your family, or a major, unresolved matter on your mind?"

The girl's body jolted violently!

Just one sentence, and it hit the nail on the head!

Her eyes reddened slightly, and she finally opened up: "I want to ask... how are my family members safe, and when will they be able to return home safely?"

Qiao Yang remained silent for a moment, realizing that she harbored no ill intentions, only concern and worry.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his tone gentle yet each word firm:

"Girl, don't worry. The character '人' (person) stands tall and upright, protected by the blue sky above and supported by the thick earth below."

Although your family has suffered setbacks, it is not a dead end. In today's peaceful and just world, old cases can be reopened, and injustices can be redressed.

He spoke each word deliberately and forcefully:

"Wait patiently, and news will arrive within seven days. People will be safe and their grievances will be redressed."

Sixteen words struck the girl's heart heavily.

She could no longer hold back; her eyes reddened, and she forced back a sob, bowing deeply to Qiao Yang.

"Thank you, Mr. Qiao. If what you say is true, I will certainly visit you in person to express my gratitude!"

The girl took a step forward, then suddenly turned back and whispered a warning:

"My name is Su Yue. The person who just asked you to interpret the character 'pig' was the third young master of the Huang family, a hoodlum at the Tianjin docks. They'll definitely hold a grudge after you spend three silver dollars on him, so please be very careful."

Qiao Yang smiled faintly, his tone composed:

"Thank you for the reminder, Miss Su. They can't do anything to me. Even if they had the guts, they wouldn't have the ability."