On the morning of the twenty-second day of the twelfth month, a group of military settlers from Gaoji Lake arrived outside Jiangling City, pushing carts laden with all manner of woven reed 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 settlement had known the craft. But many things had changed since Han Erlang arrived. Han Erlang and several brothers who trusted him had pooled their money and paid the man to teach them. The skill had immediately spread, and during the farming slack season, drawing on the inexhaustible reeds of Gaoji Lake behind them, they had rapidly built a small industry.
In a sense, these things counted as daily necessities. With commerce flourishing in Jiangling, they sold out in almost no time. Moreover, because the market here was bustling and much trade was conducted by barter, they had directly exchanged their wares for the New Year goods they had wanted to buy. Naturally, the military settlers were excited.
After discussing it, everyone decided to go drinking together, and Settlement Chief Huang, who was leading them, looked toward Han Erlang.
Unexpectedly, Han Erlang, who had been distracted much of the day, suddenly spoke. "Let's hurry back. Something might be about to happen!"
Everyone was startled, then immediately began packing up. Only Settlement Chief Huang seemed puzzled, frowning as he asked, "What could happen with things as they are? Could you have got it wrong, Han Erlang?"
"I'm afraid troops may be marching in a few days." Han Erlang spoke earnestly. "Too many officers have been inspecting and taking stock at the livestock camp. When we passed the big ironworks just now, we could only barter for goods already in stock. Everyone was repairing weapons... We've