Green mountains encircled the land, water filled the fields, and the rice leaves stood even.
An old stone bridge over ten feet long spanned the canal. Green rice seedlings rippled in the wind across square fields. The gentle country breeze made the drooping willows sway softly. Five or six thatched cottages stood nearby, plow oxen sheltered beneath the trees, and calves with little red cloth strips tied around their necks ran about in delight. It was a peaceful afternoon that easily made one drowsy.
A few village dogs howled, shattering the silence.
"Woof woof... whine..."
Smack!
The crisp sound of flesh being struck rang out, followed by the dogs' whimpering wails.
The girl swung her bamboo spear, beating several yellow dogs until they tucked their tails and fled. She could not kill them casually. Outsiders rarely came and went in the countryside, so people naturally could not be bothered to keep them leashed. Cats and dogs guarded homes and courtyards, watched over the village, drove off fierce beasts, and protected livestock. To the villagers, they were indispensable.
The girl removed her conical hat and lifted a hand to tuck her disheveled hair behind her ear.
"Ah, this has turned into dog-beating staff arts. What a pity I can't beat them to eat them."
After saying that, she lowered her head toward her feet.
A plump tabby cat had rolled onto its back, exposing its belly as it purred, its tail twitching now and then.
The girl shook her head and squatted down. She rummaged through her shoulder bag, took out a chunk of crudely smoked meat, tore it apart, and fed it to the cat.
"Tricking food and drink out of me."
After feeding the tabby, she put on her conical hat and continued on her way.
When she passed