“Didn’t get hurt, Father, brothers. You wouldn’t believe how lucky I was today,” Tang Yunshu began. “I saw that leopard chasing the deer. Just as it knocked the deer down and bit its neck, I seized the opportunity. While it was fully focused on the deer, I threw a throwing knife and hit it right in the neck—just like that, it was done.”
She added, “Father, it’s getting late. Let’s head home and carry these back. Tomorrow we can take them to town and exchange them for silver.”
Fifth Brother leaped with excitement. “Yay! We can get silver!”
Tang Yunshu grinned mischievously. “Do you know what this is called? It’s the ‘mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind’!” she said proudly, eyes sparkling with mischief.
The brothers carried the prey, slowly making their way down the mountain.
Along the way, they encountered several villagers. One man’s eyes went wide in surprise. “Tang Da, your whole family went into the big forest? That’s brave! Wait… is that a wild deer? And… what’s that?”
“That’s a leopard,” Tang Da replied.
“My heavens! A leopard! Everyone knows how fierce those things are. How did you even manage to hunt it? When did your family get so capable?”
Tang Da puffed up with pride. “Actually… it was our daughter, Yunshu, who led us. My little girl’s something else!”
One villager rolled his eyes skeptically. “Don’t blow smoke, Tang Da. She’s just a kid—how could she be that capable?”
Third Brother hurriedly defended her. “No, it’s true! Our little sister’s master is a celestial being, with incredible skills. She really can do anything!”
Tang Yunshu purposely let it be known that her master was a celestial being.
In her previous life, she had been ordinary, then suddenly became skilled in everything—her sudden abilities would naturally draw suspicion. In ancient times, people were very credulous about spirits and immortals, so this explanation would make them believe her.
A curious woman came closer. “Third Brother, is it really true? Is your sister’s master a celestial being? Did you see it with your own eyes?”
“Of course, Auntie. A celestial being doesn’t just show itself to mortals. I swear to the heavens, everything I’ve said is the truth!” Third Brother said, pounding his chest seriously.
“Oh wow, if you sell the deer and leopard, that’ll fetch quite a sum. Your family’s fortune will grow steadily, like sesame flowers sprouting!” a man said, full of envy.
“Look at Tang Da, all proud. Why don’t I have a daughter like that?”
“Right? I wish I had such a capable daughter too, but our luck isn’t that good!”
After a brief lively discussion, the villagers went about their business.
The Tang family brought the prey home. Zhao Lanzhi immediately recognized where they had been. She opened her mouth to scold Tang Da, but Tang Yunshu quickly interjected.
“Mother, all these animals were caught by me. Father told me not to enter the big forest, but I insisted. Mother, haven’t you forgotten? My master is a celestial being. I have ways to protect myself, I wasn’t harmed at all. See?”
Zhao Lanzhi gently tapped her forehead, a mixture of exasperation and relief. “You kid… I know you well. I wouldn’t really scold you. I just worry—what if something happens? I’d be devastated!”
“Mother, don’t worry. Nothing will happen. I have the magical treasure my master gave me—the ‘Heaven and Earth Bag.’ I can hide in it whenever there’s danger. It’s amazing—anything can fit inside!”
With that, Tang Yunshu flickered and vanished, reappearing instantly in front of everyone.
The sudden disappearance and reappearance left the family dumbfounded. Their eyes widened, jaws nearly dropped. But after witnessing this, they were completely reassured.
Tang Yunshu’s expression grew serious. She scanned the family’s faces and warned, “Father, Mother, brothers, the Heaven and Earth Bag is a secret. Absolutely no one outside the family can know. There are greedy people in the world; if they learn about this, our family could be in serious trouble. The bag communicates with me—it can’t be taken by outsiders—but they wouldn’t know that. From now on, just tell others that my master taught me many things, like medicine and martial arts. Don’t mention anything else. Understand?”
“Yunshu, don’t worry. We’re not that stupid. We’ll keep this secret,” Tang Da said, patting his chest.
“Don’t worry, little sister. We know the importance of this,” the brothers echoed confidently.
Tang Yunshu continued with her plans: “I’ll store the prey, and tomorrow we’ll sell them in town. Mother, we can keep the chicken and rabbit for ourselves. Tonight we’ll cook them and improve our meals a bit.”
“Alright, daughter, we’ll do as you say. I’ll start cooking the chicken,” Zhao Lanzhi said.
“I’ll help you prepare, Mother,” Tang Da added, joining her in the kitchen.
During the meal, Tang Yunshu asked, “Father, if we buy a cow and a cart in town, how much silver would we need?”
Tang Da paused to think. “A bull would cost at least ten or so taels. A cow might be slightly cheaper. The cart would be just a few taels. Why do you ask, Yunshu?”
“I figured we’ll be going to town often. It’d be inconvenient without a cart. Maybe tomorrow we should buy one.”
Tang Da shook his head. “Our village only has one cart at the village chief’s. Buying your own is expensive. We’ve managed all these years walking to town; there’s no need to change now. From now on, your father and brothers can go. You’re a girl—don’t overexert yourself.”