News, like a busy little bee, travels quickly, even in a quiet village. Soon, whispers of the mysterious bowls of rice and the warm coats reached the ears of the local Magistrate. Now, this Magistrate was a very rich man, with a house grander than any other and more treasures than he could ever count. But he was also a very greedy man, always wanting more, more, more!
‘A magic brush, you say?’ he boomed, his voice like distant thunder. ‘A brush that makes paintings real? Ha! Then I shall have it, and it shall make me the richest man in all the land!’ He clapped his hands, and two of his biggest, grumpiest guards stomped forward.
‘Go at once,’ he commanded, ‘and bring this boy Li and his magic brush to me! Tell him the Magistrate demands his presence!’ Off they went, grumbling down the lane, their heavy boots thudding. Li was very surprised when they knocked on his door. He had tried so hard to keep his wonderful secret safe.