Six Hunter Families Arrived

"Brother Chen, don't address me as 'Master.' We're all neighbors living in the mountains, like one big family. I heard that you and Old Lin recently became in-laws, and I was planning to visit in a few days to offer my congratulations. Now, with this unfortunate event, please stay here for a few days. Earlier, I discussed with Brother Xia about hunting together. You're welcome to join us."

Low in temperament, straightforward in nature, Tung Ding-shan's words revealed his sincerity. He was, in fact, sharing the excellent hunting grounds discovered yesterday with the outsiders. According to mountain rules, anyone participating in the hunt would share half of the catch. Chen, on the other hand, felt a bit awkward about accepting such a generous offer.

In theory, this was their pre-planned hunting, and the Tung family had plenty of able-bodied men. It was evident that Tung Ding-shan was offering assistance out of goodwill. Politely refusing might seem unappreciative, especially given that Chen's group had spent days in the mountains without any success. Old Lin not only needed money for immediate treatment but would be unable to enter the mountains for the next three to five months. Life in the mountains was tough, and everyone relied on the meager hunting yields to trade for essentials. For a moment, Chen didn't know how to respond.

"Brother Chen, these past few days, we've taken on some supply orders from the town. With an abundance of game, our manpower is insufficient. We won't be able to finish the work in ten days or half a month. How about you lend us a hand now and start helping us? We'll pay you a daily wage for the work," said Bei, thinking about the two contracts, the long list of orders, and the shortage of hands in the Tung family. It was like someone offering a pillow when you were about to fall asleep.

Indeed, Bei already had plans for a series of deep-processed mountain products, all branded under the name "Mountain Home." She was eager to get started but worried about the lack of manpower. She had planned to discuss cooperation with Cheng Mo, a businessman in town, in a couple of days. Now, with this offer, she could take immediate action.

"Miss Bei, don't say that. We all have strength. Just tell us what needs to be done, and don't mention payment. Tomorrow, I'll make the decision to accept Master Tung's kindness. We can all go hunting together," Old Chen decided silently. By helping with the hunt, each family could earn some money, easing their immediate difficulties. If it weren't for the hardship, Brother Xia's two sons would still be unmarried, and the widowed mother wouldn't want these delicate youths to enter the mountains. Well, he wouldn't take his share of the catch; he'd leave it to the Tung family as a gesture of goodwill. Ready to lend a hand, he rolled up his sleeves and prepared to join the work.

A burst of urgent and noisy cries came from outside the west gate. Tung Hsi welcomed a group of women, led by a spirited and capable woman in her thirties, holding a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl similar in age to Bei. Behind them, two middle-aged women and a young girl, all sobbing, followed. Finally, a slightly breathless young woman and a tall girl, each carrying a large blue cotton bundle, brought up the rear. It seemed like all the family members of these hunters had come. Bei secretly pondered, and upon hearing the introductions, she couldn't help but smile. Indeed, they had all arrived.

The cheerful woman, upon seeing her man approaching, quickly explained with a few words, "Chen Zhuang came home to deliver the news. He said his brother-in-law's father and son were attacked by wild boars, and their condition is unknown. Both families' wives and the girl nearly fainted on the spot. Worried, I followed along to take care of them. I couldn't leave the girl alone at home, so I brought her along. Sister Xia packed some clothes and food, thinking of bringing them to the child. After all, it's her first time entering the mountains, and hearing about this situation, she couldn't be at ease without seeing it for herself." Mrs. Xia, upon hearing the woman's explanation, understood the situation. She then approached Tung Ding-shan and explained in detail, repeatedly expressing apologies.

On the other side, the elder son of the Lin family, seeing his mother, sister, and fiancée all present, realized there was a misunderstanding. He quickly explained to his mother-in-law, clarified the current situation, and then led his mother and sister inside to see his father and brother. Tung Hsi had already moved the medicinal herbs and miscellaneous items from the two rooms connected to the southern door to the adjacent room. She arranged bedding for the Xia family. Fortunately, although these rooms were smaller, they also had wooden platforms along the windows, making it convenient for temporary accommodations.

After settling everyone, Lin's mother stayed to take care of the two injured, while the Tung family gathered people in the courtyard, and Mrs. Lee continued processing the game while boiling some fresh meat in a large pot. Pockmarked soup, a long-established tradition in the south, used pickled vegetables as the base, simmering with fresh bone-in meat. Modern versions might include internal organs, seasoned with spicy and fragrant spices, making it quite popular. In this era, people rarely knew that internal organs could be eaten, so Mrs. Lee used leg meat and back loin for the soup, accompanied by freshly steamed rice, serving each person a full basin. Jingjing also brought out a large basket of flatbreads, inviting everyone to have a late-night meal. The sun had already set, leaving a trace of red glow on the horizon, complementing the flickering campfires around the area, casting warm and satisfied smiles on the faces of these mountain people. Lin's elder son and his newly engaged daughter-in-law made a quick trip to the east courtyard to deliver food and returned promptly to await tasks. Bei stood up, briefly informed Mrs. Lee about how to clean the internal organs, then went to discuss with Mr. Lee about making traps for the next day.