The hedgehog's reward
In a small mountain village far away from the hustle and bustle, there lives an honest woodcutter named Zhang Dazhu. Day after day, he made ends meet by chopping wood in the mountains and forests and carrying it to the market to sell. Zhang Dazhu has two greedy older brothers, and they often make fun of him for being too honest and not going to make much of a difference. But Zhang Dazhu always smiled and didn't care, he believed that God would favor hardworking and kind people.
One day, Zhang Dazhu went up the mountain to chop wood as usual, but found an injured hedgehog in the forest, and one of its hind legs seemed to be caught in the trap of a beast. Watching the hedgehog struggle in pain, Zhang Dazhu felt pity, and he carefully untied the trap and gently bandaged the hedgehog's wound.
"Don't be afraid, little one, I'll cure you. Zhang Dazhu comforted the hedgehog softly.
A few days later, the hedgehog's wound healed, and its eyes flashed with gratitude, and it said to Zhang Dazhu: "Kind woodcutter, you saved me, I will repay you." I can make you three wishes, whatever you want, as long as you say it, I will do my best to make it happen. ”
Zhang Dazhu looked at the hedgehog in front of him in surprise, he didn't expect it to be able to speak, and it could also grant him three wishes. He thought for a moment and said, "I wish I had a big house where I and my family can live comfortably." ”
The hedgehog smiled slightly and said, "Your first wish has been granted, go back and have a look." ”
When Zhang Dazhu returned home, he found that the original dilapidated cottage had been transformed into a grand mansion. When his two elder brothers saw all this, their eyes were red, and they asked Zhang Dazhu what was going on. Zhang Dazhu is an honest man, so he told them about saving the hedgehog and getting three wishes.
"Oh my God, you used such a great opportunity for such a trivial matter!" said the eldest brother, his eyes wide.
The second brother also chimed in: "That is, you should want more gold and silver treasures!"
Zhang Dazhu listened to their words, just smiled and didn't say anything. But he also began to mumble in his heart, is his wish really too small?
The next day, Zhang Dazhu went up the mountain again to chop wood and met the hedgehog. The hedgehog asked him, "What is your second wish?"
Zhang Dazhu thought for a moment and said, "I wish I could have a brilliant brain so that I can take better care of my family and help other people in the village." ”
The hedgehog nodded and said, "Your second wish has also been granted." ”
With that, the hedgehog disappeared. When Zhang Dazhu returned home, he found that his thinking had become extremely agile, and problems that he had previously thought were complex could now be solved. He began to use his wisdom to help his neighbors solve problems, and won everyone's respect and love.
However, all this is seen by his two elder brothers, who are increasingly jealous of Zhang Dazhu's good luck. So, they decided to go to the hedgehog with Zhang Dazhu on their backs, and they also wanted to get some benefits.
"We have to make a wish too!" the eldest brother and the second brother said to the hedgehog in unison.
The hedgehog looked at their greedy eyes and smiled slightly: "Okay, each of you can make a wish." ”
The eldest brother couldn't wait to say, "I want to be the richest man!"
Not to be outdone, the second brother said: "I want to be the king and rule the country!"
The hedgehog nodded and said, "Your wish will come true." ”
Sure enough, it didn't take long for the eldest brother to suddenly find that his house was full of gold and silver treasures, while the second brother found himself wearing a gorgeous dragon robe and becoming a king. They were ecstatic, thinking they had finally gotten everything they wanted.
However, things are not as rosy as they imagined. Although the eldest brother had countless treasures of gold and silver, he lost all his friends and relatives because he became extremely selfish and greedy, and only cared about his wealth. Although the second brother became the king, he found that governing a country was far more complicated than he imagined, and he had to deal with all kinds of tedious government affairs and people's demands every day, and he had no time to enjoy the pleasure of so-called power.
To make matters worse, they find themselves living in a worse and worse way. The eldest brother's wealth attracted countless thieves and swindlers, making him restless day and night, while the second brother's country was thrown into chaos due to his incompetent governance, and the people were full of complaints.
They begin to miss the simple and peaceful life of the past, but there is no going back. They finally realize that greed and power do not bring true happiness.
At this time, Zhang Dazhu was using his wisdom to help the neighbors in the village solve problems, and lived a full and happy life. He would occasionally go up the mountain to visit the hedgehog and thank it for everything it had given him.
"Do you have any other wishes?" the hedgehog asked Zhang Dazhu.
Zhang Dazhu thought for a while and said, "I hope I can always maintain the current mentality and life, and not be corrupted by greed and power." ”
The hedgehog looked at him with a smile: "You already have the most precious treasure - contentment and wisdom. Your third wish has actually been fulfilled. ”
With that, the hedgehog slowly disappeared into the woods. And Zhang Dazhu also continued his life as a woodcutter, simple and happy.
His two older brothers eventually lost everything because of greed and power, while Zhang Dazhu found true happiness because of contentment and wisdom. Perhaps this is God's favor for kind and hard-working people.
The hedgehog's grace and punishment
In that small mountain village far away from the hustle and bustle, Zhang Dazhu's story has been passed down as a good story. The villagers knew that he was a blessed man, who not only had a magnificent mansion, but also received extraordinary wisdom. And his two older brothers, although they were once prosperous, eventually fell because of greed and power.
However, Zhang Dazhu did not gloat because of what happened to his brothers, on the contrary, he often lamented the impermanence of life and the tricks of fate. He knew that if he hadn't met that magical hedgehog, he might have followed the path of his brothers. Therefore, he cherishes his current life even more and works harder to use his wisdom to help those in need.
As the days passed, Zhang Dazhu's reputation became louder and louder. Many people came to him for help and guidance. And he is always happy to solve their problems.
On this day, a mysterious stranger came to Zhang Dazhu's home. He claimed to be a merchant from afar, but was confronted by robbers along the way, and all his belongings were looted. He is now penniless, and hopes that Zhang Dazhu will take him in for a while and help him recover his lost belongings.
Zhang Dazhu looked at the down-and-out stranger in front of him, and couldn't help but feel sympathy in his heart. He remembered that he had also relied on kindness and hard work to get to where he is today, so he agreed to the stranger's request without hesitation.
"Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to help you recover your lost possessions. Zhang Dazhu comforted.
The stranger was grateful and thanked him again and again. In the days that followed, Zhang Dazhu not only provided food and lodging for strangers, but also used his wisdom to help him contact the local government and chamber of commerce to seek their help.
After many twists and turns, the stranger finally recovers his lost possessions and resumes his business journey. Before leaving, he held Zhang Dazhu's hand tightly and said gratefully: "Mr. Zhang, your kindness and wisdom have made me regain hope. I will never forget your kindness!"
Zhang Dazhu smiled and shook his head: "I just did what I was supposed to do." I wish you all the best in the future. ”
After sending off the stranger, Zhang Dazhu returned to his peaceful life. He continued to use his wisdom to help his neighbors solve problems, and often went up the mountain to visit the hedgehog.
However, the good times were short-lived. One day, a group of vicious bandits suddenly came to the village, and they robbed houses and houses, and did all kinds of evil. The villagers were so frightened that they hid in their homes and did not dare to go out.
When Zhang Dazhu found out, he decided to stand up to protect the villagers. Using his wit, he sets an ingenious trap that successfully lures the bandit leader into the trap and captures him. Then, using his eloquence and majesty, he forced the bandit leader to order a retreat and promised not to invade the village again.
The villagers cheered and gratefully surrounded Zhang Dazhu to express their gratitude and respect, but he only smiled faintly and said, "This is what I should do." ”
However, not long after the bandit incident subsided, Zhang Dazhu received another bad news: his two elder brothers chose to commit suicide because they couldn't bear the hardships and frustrations of life, although Zhang Dazhu was disappointed and saddened by the greed and selfishness of his brothers, but he still couldn't help shedding tears of sadness, after all, blood is thicker than water, and they are always his relatives.
After dealing with his brothers' funerals, Zhang Dazhu returned to his life as a woodcutter, going up the mountain every day to chop firewood, sell firewood, and help the villagers solve their problems...... The days are simple, but fulfilling and happy.
And the magical hedgehog often appeared by his side to accompany him, encourage him, and guide him to a better future, Zhang Dazhu and the hedgehog established a deep friendship and trust relationship, they rely on each other, support each other, and achieve each other.
Over time, Zhang Dazhu has gradually become a respected and beloved elder, and his stories and legends have been told from generation to generation...... And he has always maintained that kind, contented and wise heart, and continues to influence those around him with his actions and words, so that they can feel the beauty of life and the power of hope.
In that small mountain village far away from the hustle and bustle, Zhang Dazhu and his hedgehog friends spent ordinary and extraordinary days one after another, and their story has become an eternal legend in people's hearts......
One day many years later, when Zhang Dazhu was already old, he sat in front of his house, looking at the mountains and forests in the distance, and his heart was full of emotion. He has had many ups and downs in his life, but no matter the time, he has stayed true to his beliefs and principles.
Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure walking out of the mountains and forests - it was the hedgehog that had been with him for many years. It slowly walked up to Zhang Dazhu's side and looked at him with gentle eyes.
"Old friend, you're here. Zhang Dazhu said with a smile.
The hedgehog nodded, as if in response to his greeting. Then, it slowly spoke: "Dazhu, you have been helping others all your life, and your kindness and wisdom have touched heaven and earth. Now, I would like to give you a final wish as a reward for your good deeds in your life. ”
Zhang Dazhu thought for a while and said, "I hope that my story can inspire more people to do good deeds and help those in need." Let this world be filled with more love and warmth. ”
The hedgehog smiled slightly and said, "Your wish has come true." Your story will be told through the ages and inspire generations to do good. Your kindness and wisdom will be a treasure to this world. ”
After saying that, the hedgehog slowly disappeared into the mountain forest. And Zhang Dazhu also felt an inexplicable power pouring into his heart, he knew that it was the power of kindness and wisdom.
His life, though ordinary, was full of meaning and value. He has influenced countless people with his actions and words, making them feel the beauty of life and the power of hope. And all this stems from the gift of that magical hedgehog and his unremitting efforts.