Volume Two - The General's Tomb Chapter Twenty-Four - The Miao Tribe

Sitting in the car, Li Kun looked up at the scenery ahead and sighed, “Old Liu, this place is really something. When I get old, I’ll retire here. If I do, I bet I could live well past a hundred.” As he spoke, Li Kun wiped his mouth, looking utterly comical.

I nodded in agreement. “You’re right, it’s a perfect place to settle down. Just the feng shui alone is exceptional.”

“The land below is flat, while several small hills encircle the upper area, and a gentle stream flows right through the center. If someone lived here, their descendants would surely thrive. Old Li, your idea of living to a hundred here might not be far-fetched.”

Li Kun sighed, “It truly is a great spot. Even in winter, the mountains and waters are beautiful. It’s so much better than the city.”

We were headed straight toward the village. From our vantage, small hills stood on either side, with a taller peak dominating the middle, its imposing presence undiminished. A stream flowed down from the central peak toward the village at its foot, then joined the larger river behind us, skirting the village’s edge.

I glanced upward, noticing a majestic mountain behind the central peak, but from here, its features were unclear. I couldn’t confirm if the general’s tomb lay there. To reach the back mountain, we’d have to go through the village, making it impossible to avoid the villagers. Still, it might be a good thing—perhaps we’d glean some useful information.

With that thought, I started the car and drove slowly into the village.

The village was expansive, each home boasting a generous courtyard, where livestock roamed and fruits and vegetables grew. The villagers’ attire was striking. The women wore many ornaments and silver pieces in their hair, resembling the dress of the Miao people. The men wore thick hats and cotton clothes, with pure sheepskin jackets draped over their shoulders, looking quite sharp.

As we drove through the village, a clear stream ran beside us, barely a meter deep. It seemed likely there was a spring in the mountains, since the river flowed year-round.

Li Kun, ever curious, kept looking around. The car moved slowly, so some children ran up beside us. When Li Kun saw them keeping pace, he smiled, pulled a handful of candies from his pocket, and offered them through the window.

The children, delighted by the gift from two oddly dressed strangers, grinned from ear to ear. Li Kun asked a boy of about eleven or twelve, “Hey, what minority group are you from?”

Before the boy could reply, a man approached, saying, “You kids, don’t crowd around the car. Watch yourselves.”

I parked the car, got out, and, seeing the newcomer was a robust man in his forties or fifties, I stepped forward. “Uncle, you must be Miao, right?”

He nodded, “That’s right, we are Miao. And you two are...?”

Li Kun was about to speak, but I stepped in, “We’re from the forest survey team. We came to check for any forest safety issues. Since not many visit here, it’s just the two of us this time.”

He understood immediately, hurried over, shook my hand enthusiastically, and said, “Ah, so you’re city officials. What are you planning to do? Any instructions, just tell me.”

I thought to myself, this village was almost secluded from the world, yet its people were exceptionally warm and simple.

---

I smiled, “We’ll take a look at the mountain soon. Uncle, is there anyone familiar with the area who could guide us?”

He replied, “That’s easy. We have a renowned family of hunters in the village. They make their living entirely from hunting. They can definitely help.”

I nodded at Li Kun, “Good, then please show us the way, uncle.”

He nodded, “Alright, follow me. No need to drive—the roads are rough, and their home isn’t far, just at the foot of that hill.” He pointed to a house nearby.

We followed him at a leisurely pace. Li Kun whispered to me, “Nice one, Old Liu. Didn’t know you could make up this forest survey story. You really know how to talk your way out.”

I shot him a glance, “Keep your voice down. If he hears us, we’ll be in trouble.”

Li Kun chuckled, “Relax.”

The man was right—the village paths were a tangled maze, some barely wide enough for three people to walk side by side, let alone drive a car. A wheelbarrow would struggle here.

The houses were built from earth and stone, topped with tiles. The architecture showed just how long they’d been isolated from the outside world.

After five or six minutes, we arrived at a distinctive house. Every home had a spacious courtyard, but this one featured a modest pond, with fish of all sizes swimming in it.

Li Kun chuckled, “Old Liu, their place is great. Not only spacious, but they have a fish pond. Look, animal skins hang all around the house. No wonder they’re professional hunters.”

The man laughed, “Exactly, they’re the wealthiest family in the village. The mountain is full of game.”

Li Kun’s eyes widened, “Game everywhere? Old Liu, when we head back, we’re taking a couple of wild pheasants with us.”

I nodded, “We’ll see when we leave.”

The man walked up to the wooden door and knocked three times. “Uncle Zhang, Uncle Zhang, visitors are here.”

After a moment, the door opened. An elderly man, slightly stooped, appeared. He looked to be in his seventies, dressed entirely in animal skins, even his hat, and held a long pipe.

He took a puff, “Ah, it’s you, kid. What’s up? Who are your guests?”

Before the man could answer, I stepped forward, “Mr. Zhang, we’re from the forest survey team. We came to check for any unusual dangers on the mountain, to prevent fires.”

The old man nodded, “Oh, the forest survey team. I know them. Last time, my daughter was the guide.”

Li Kun and I exchanged worried glances. This could get tricky if the old man started asking questions.

---

Before I could speak, a young woman of about twenty, tall and full-figured, with fair skin and beautiful ornaments, walked out from inside. Her attire highlighted her striking beauty, and she looked more like a noblewoman than a hunter.

Li Kun stared at the young woman, utterly smitten. I quickly stepped in front of him, blocking his view. If the old man took offense at Li Kun’s rudeness, he might send us away, and then we’d have no guide. The mountain paths were so intricate that without help, we could easily get lost.

I tapped Li Kun’s shoulder, signaling him to compose himself. He understood and straightened up.

The old man said, “Come inside, you two. No need to rush up the mountain. My granddaughter will take you up soon. She’s an excellent hunter.”

Li Kun asked, “Why do we have to wait?”

I tapped him again, “You think she’s as rough as you? She’s a girl—she needs to change. She can’t go up the mountain in such pretty clothes.”

Li Kun scratched his head and laughed. The old man smiled, “You’re quite amusing. Come in, have some water, and wait a bit.”

We nodded. The man said, “Alright, Uncle Zhang, I’ll be off now. I’ll visit again soon.” The old man waved him off and turned back inside.

We followed him in. The old man sat on a small stool, pointed to two others, “Sit, have some water.”

He then turned to the young woman, “Girl, go change your clothes. Later, take these two up the mountain.” She nodded and went to the inner room.

The old man smiled at us, “You’re here to check for dangers on the mountain, right?”

I nodded. He continued, “I figured as much. Last time, the survey team said the same—though their clothes were different, some kind of fireproof gear.”

I said, “Yes, we’re in casual clothes now. The gear is in the car.”

He pushed a teacup toward me, “Ah, hunting isn’t easy anymore.”

Li Kun, puzzled, asked, “Not easy? But the man earlier said there’s plenty of game on the mountain.”

The old man nodded, “That’s true, but there aren’t as many animals as before. Compared to the past, their numbers have dwindled.”