In a small village, there lived a family that was often at the mercy of their neighbors’ hostility. The father, a gentle soul, was frequently bullied by the villagers, leaving the mother and family to fend off the aggression as best they could. The most severe of these bullies were the neighbors across the street, who seemed to have a vendetta against the father. They would often provoke the family, and when the father attempted to stand up for himself, the imposing presence of the neighbors’ two sons would force him into retreat.
Tensions rise, but wisdom prevails
One incident that escalated tensions was the disappearance of the neighbor’s dog. While the family secretly felt a sense of relief at the dog’s absence, their relief turned to dread when the neighbors accused the father of theft. The accusation stemmed from a past incident where the dog had bitten him, leading them to believe he had stolen the dog out of spite. Despite his innocence, the father’s denials fell on deaf ears, and the neighbors’ frustration culminated in a violent beating administered by their two sons.
The humiliation of the incident was too much for the family’s two sons, who decided to take matters into their own hands. The elder brother, armed with a kitchen knife, was determined to confront their tormentors. However, before they could enact their plan, their mother intervened. With tears in her eyes, she implored them to reconsider, embracing them tightly and pleading for patience. “This grudge will be settled,” she assured them, “but violence is not the answer.”
Confused and frustrated, the sons questioned when the right time for retribution would come. With a mix of wisdom and sorrow, the mother explained that true strength comes not from physical confrontation but from patience and strategic thinking. She encouraged them to focus on their studies, promising that intellectual growth and success would provide a more meaningful form of revenge.
Turning adversity into strength
Heeding their mother’s advice, the brothers poured their energy into their education, enduring further bullying with stoic perseverance. Their hard work paid off, and they both became the first college graduates from their village, earning respect and admiration. The elder brother became a doctor, while the younger became a teacher, and their success brought a newfound dignity to their family.
Years later, the brothers were again tested when their mother called them home urgently, needing their help for an unexpected cause. The neighbors, once their tormentors, were now in dire need of assistance. The mother’s request was shocking: to help the family that had caused them so much pain. Despite their initial anger, the mother’s wisdom shone through. She reminded them that their success was, in part, a response to the challenges they faced growing up, and now they had the opportunity to rise above the hatred.
Mother’s ‘revenge’: Kindness and compassion
Realizing the profound lesson their mother had taught them, the brothers agreed to help. In doing so, they not only healed old wounds, but also demonstrated the true strength of character. The story concludes with a powerful message: The most enduring victories are those won with kindness and compassion, transforming adversity into a source of strength and reconciliation.
By aiding those who once caused them suffering, the brothers exemplified the ultimate form of resilience and humanity. Their journey from victims to victors, guided by their mother’s wisdom, highlights the transformative power of education, patience, and kindness.
The narrative serves as a testament to the strength found in forgiveness and the profound impact of turning pain into a purposeful path. Through their actions, the brothers not only changed their lives, but also altered the dynamics of their village, setting a new precedent for handling adversity.
Translated by Katy Liu
