Kabesang Tales Chapter 4

Kabesang Tales (Chapter 4)

• Kabesang Tales' family journeys on the Bapor Tabo, amidst their familial struggles.
• Is the son of Tandang Selo and adopted Basilio.
• Tales cultivated a forest, which he thought was barren.
• His wife and daughter Lucia died during his land cultivation.
• He believed he was forgiven by earth spirits after their deaths.
• Tales wanted his daughter Huli to attend college like her sweetheart Basilio.
• Friars claimed his developed land and imposed taxes.
• Tales agreed due to his lack of Spanish knowledge, avoiding lawyers.
• Tata Selo advised him to consider the increasing tax as a growing crocodile.
• Tales was appointed as a cabeza, responsible for collecting taxes.
• His taxes increased, leading to a dispute with the corporation.
• The corporation lacked land ownership proof, but authorities favored them.
• The governor was adressed with a single response: that he would not surrender the land unless it was watered by the blood of their wives and children.
• When Tano was conscripted, Tales refused to pay a substitute due to his lawyer payments.
• Tandang Selo was silent, while Kabesang Tales guarded the plantation armed.
• Huli sold her jewelry except for the locket, to avoid mortgaging their house.
• The locket, given by Basilio, was used to pay a sick leper's treatment.
• Huli borrowed money for the remaining amount, to be paid through service.

A Coachman's Christmas Eve (Chapter 5)

• Basilio arrived in San Diego on Christmas Eve.
• The procession was in progress, delaying his journey due to Sinong's missing cedula.
• Guards punished the coachman.
• The coach was further delayed for the procession.
• Sinong, noticed the statues, including Matusalem.
• He remarked about the absence of guards during Matusalem's time.
• Sinong questioned the absence of guards when asked if there were guards during Haring Melchor and fellow Magi's reign.
• He commented on the possible imprisonment of the black king due to color.
• Sinong asked Basilio about the "King of Indios'" missing right foot.
• Basilio shrugged off the question.
• Sinong's question references a legend of Haring Bernardo, chained in San Mateo
• He is said to break free every century to redeem the land from Spanish enslavement.
• Basilio and Sinong watched the lanterns when Sinong was apprehended for lacking a light, causing Basilio to walk with his luggage.
• Only Kapitan Basilio's house seemed merry.
• Basilio saw Kapitan Basilio and Simoun, along with other officials.
• He overheard officials instructing Kapitan Basilio to "sell" their jewelry.
• Visiting Kapitan Tiyago's house, Basilio learned of deceased cows and imprisoned servants.

Basilio (Chapter 6)

• Basilio secretly went to Captain Tiyago's seized forest lot in San Diego.
• He visited his mother's unmarked grave, when returning to San Diego.
• It reminded him of events thirteen years prior when he died as his mother was dying, He had been assisted by a wounded man in burying their corpses.
• He then received money from him and left.
• Basilio left to Manila and sought death, wishing to be run over by Kapitan Tiyago's carriage.
• Accepted as a servant by Kapitan Tiyago, Basilio was provided with lodging and education, but no pay.
• Initially avoided at San Juan de Letran for his attire, Basilio persisted in studying.
• Initially made fun of by a professor, Basilio answered the question.
• Basilio became bored, but a professor backed Basilio's skills.
• Basilio excelled in the battle against the professor, earning sobresaliente marks.
• Kapitan Tiyago transferred Basilio to Ateneo Municipal, where he studied medicine.

Simoun (Chapter 7)

• Basilio saw a light in the forest and hid.
• A man, Simoun, removed his glasses and began digging.
• Basilio realized he was the one who helped bury his mother.
• Basilio approached Simoun, who was startled by Basilio's presence.
• Basilio's affirmation revealed Simoun's true identity.
• Simoun stated about Basilio's dangerous secrets.
• Simoun revealed himself as Ibarra, seeking to overthrow the corrupt government through bloodshed.
• He deliberately worsened greed and abuse to incite rebellion, while Basilio wanted assimilation with the Spaniards.
• Basilio supported Spanish integration in the islands, but Simoun opposed it due to language differences.
• Basilio claimed to focus on medicine and serving the community.
• Simoun argued that medicine couldn't heal the nation's greater illness.
• Simoun taunted Basilio for mourning.
• Basilio asked how he could seek revenge, as they would be crushed.
• Simoun offered help, but was rejected by Basilio.
• Simoun insisted that revenge could save others.
• Simoun was unsure whether Basilio was convinced or plotting secretly.
• Simoun's desire for revenge intensified.