On the morning of the twenty-second day of the twelfth month, a group of military farmers from Gaoji Lake pushed their carts to the outskirts of Jiangling City. The carts carried all manner of reed-woven goods-mostly mats, but also baskets and quite a few straw sandals, four or five cartloads in all.
Originally, only one family in this military farming settlement had known the craft. But many things had changed since Han Erlang arrived. He and several brothers who trusted him had pooled their money and paid that man to teach them. The craft had quickly spread, and during the agricultural slack season, drawing on the inexhaustible reeds of Gaoji Lake behind them, they had swiftly developed a small industry.
In a sense, these things counted as daily necessities. Jiangling also had flourishing commerce, so they sold everything in almost no time. And because the market here was thriving, many transactions were done by barter, letting them trade directly for the New Year goods they had wanted to buy. Naturally, the military farmers were excited.
They discussed going for a drink together, and Settlement Chief Huang, who led them, looked toward Han Erlang.
Unexpectedly, Han Erlang, who had been distracted much of the day, suddenly spoke. "Let's hurry back. Something may be about to happen!"
Everyone was startled, then immediately began packing up. Only Settlement Chief Huang seemed puzzled. Frowning, he asked, "With things as they are, what could happen? Could you have got it wrong, Han Erlang?"
"I'm afraid they'll send out troops in a few days." Han Erlang spoke earnestly. "Too many officers are inspecting and taking stock at the livestock camp. When we went past the big smithy just now, we could only trade for what they had in stock. Everyone was repairing weapons... We've walked along