Chapter 7: Avoiding Undertakings Without Confidence

“Village chief, I went hunting around the outskirts of Bullhead Mountain yesterday. I heard the roar of a tiger and found its footprints. Please inform everyone in the village and report this to the Hanyang Prefecture Office.”

Some villagers had heard Jiang Yi’s warning the day before but didn’t take it seriously. They suspected Jiang Yi didn’t want others to catch game so he could profit alone.

Zhao Shengkui considered the matter grave. “Is this true?”

If Jiang Yi’s words were accurate, it must be reported to the Hanyang Prefecture Office as soon as possible.

“When I returned yesterday, I even found a wild deer killed by a tiger. A tiger from the deep mountains has come to the outskirts of Bullhead Mountain—this is no small matter.”

Jiang Yi guessed that the tiger at Bullhead Mountain’s edge was driven out by another tiger from the deep mountains.

Such a situation had not occurred for many years. If the tiger threat wasn’t dealt with, villagers from surrounding communities wouldn’t be able to hunt or gather in the mountains, and even the village itself might not be safe.

Without a team of dozens to hunt the tiger, Jiang Yi would not dare to hunt there.

After some thought, Jiang Yi said, “Village chief, I suggest organizing a group of several dozen strong young men to hunt the tiger and completely eliminate the threat.”

The villagers exchanged uneasy glances. Everyone knew how formidable tigers were; no one dared to confront one.

Since there was a tiger near Bullhead Mountain, it was best to avoid going there these days.

They were reluctant to spend money hiring hunters to kill the tiger, hoping the government would send someone to handle it.

“If a team is formed to hunt the tiger, would you dare to go?” one villager asked, clutching his hands and avoiding Jiang Yi’s gaze.

Shen Rong glared at the villager in anger. “If none of you dare to go, wouldn’t it be even more dangerous to let him go alone?”

Everyone else kept their hands tucked in and heads bowed; no one wanted to join a tiger hunt.

“If there are dozens of people, I will contribute. If you’re all too afraid, just forget I said anything.”

Though villagers often mocked Jiang Yi, he believed life was paramount.

If the danger was hidden, someone would surely die.

“Enough. I will inform the township magistrate, who will report this to the Hanyang Prefecture Office. Bring Niu Er to the magistrate’s place, and everyone else may disperse.”

Zhao Shengkui was disappointed by some villagers’ cowardice.

Though tigers were strong, united dozens could overcome them.

Frankly, the issue was the lack of profit and fear of being the first to die.

The villagers gradually left, warning their families not to venture outside for a few days.

After everyone left, Jiang Yi went to Chang Youliang’s house to borrow a mule cart.

“They don’t dare go. Husband, please don’t take unnecessary risks. Tigers are not to be trifled with,” Shen Rong worriedly followed Jiang Yi.

“If I really need to hunt the tiger, I will do my part. Unless this tiger threat is eliminated, I can’t hunt and earn money.”

“We can find other ways to earn money. Even if someone forms a team to hunt the tiger, with divided hearts, you’ll be the most vulnerable,” Shen Rong said anxiously.

She feared some might abandon Jiang Yi, leaving him to distract the tiger while they escaped.

“I won’t go unless there are at least twenty people. I won’t hunt Bullhead Mountain these days,” Jiang Yi promised.

Eliminating the tiger problem wasn’t difficult if the military was involved.

If he could get a crossbow, Jiang Yi believed he could kill the tiger.

A good bow had slightly better range and power than a crossbow but required much strength.

Jiang Yi had shot wild dogs before but felt his arms ache after only a few arrows.

The crossbow was less strenuous and allowed rapid firing.

His body was weak now and needed exercise and nutrition.

Before transmigrating, Jiang Yi was an excellent soldier, skilled in shooting and combat.

He feared no danger but never acted recklessly.

Tears welled in Shen Rong’s eyes. “Husband, what will I do if something happens to you?”

“I won’t be harmed. You must trust me.”

Jiang Yi had undergone rigorous military training. Though his body was weak, his skills remained.

With cooperation, he was confident he could kill the tiger.

“If a team hunts the tiger, they’ll likely flee in panic upon seeing it. They won’t look out for you.”

Shen Rong dreaded such a scenario and didn’t want to lose Jiang Yi.

“I promise, if there aren’t enough people, I won’t go or try to show off.”

He said this to reassure his wife and meant it.

As they walked, they soon arrived at Chang Youliang’s home.

“Brother Liang, do you need the mule cart or ox cart today?”

They saw Chang Youliang about to leave.

“I’m taking the mule cart to the river to collect ice blocks and deliver them to the prefect’s residence. Do you need it?”

Recently, the Hanzhou prefect had hired people to cut ice and store it in his icehouse.

Chang Youliang had taken this job for a while.

Shen Rong smiled, “We want to borrow your cart to go to Hanyang City and buy some things.”

Chang Youliang lent them the ox cart. “Use the ox cart then. Be careful on the road to Hanyang City.”

“Thank you, Brother Liang!” the couple expressed their gratitude.

Chang Youliang went to the barn to harness the ox and attach the cart.

“Aunt Li, would you like to come with us to Hanyang City?”

“I won’t. Be careful on the slippery roads and don’t get into arguments,” Li Cuiyun warned them, advising against taking secluded paths to avoid danger.

The ox cart was slow, and the cold, slippery roads made it slower still.

“We have over twenty taels of silver, two sheepskin coats, and a wool quilt costing eighteen guan combined. If we bargain with the silk shop owner, we might get a discount.”

Shen Rong did the math. After buying the wool quilt and coats, they’d still need to purchase other necessities, leaving little money left.

They needed to earn more quickly to maintain their livelihood.

“There’s a tiger near Bullhead Mountain. I can’t hunt there these days. I need to find other ways to earn.”

“Husband, why not buy one sheepskin coat and one wool quilt? Whoever goes out wears the coat, saving money for a while.”

Shen Rong thought buying two coats was excessive since she wasn’t going out much.

“No, it’s getting colder. Even if you stay home, you mustn’t freeze.”

Jiang Yi decided not to forge the dagger and triple-barreled musket for now, focusing on daily necessities.

If he didn’t hunt, he could fish by the river.

They’d keep some fish to eat and sell the rest in town.

“Listen to me. I’ll find a way to make money. I promise not to hunt Bullhead Mountain for now.”

Since his wife was obedient, he wanted to ease her worries.

“If a team goes to hunt the tiger, will you really go?”

Shen Rong deeply wished Jiang Yi would avoid the tiger hunt and live peacefully with her.

“If the villagers go, I’ll definitely join. Hunting the tiger brings fame and generous rewards.”

“Husband, don’t be upset. I just don’t want you to go. If no one forms a team and the government doesn’t intervene, there’s no need to risk it.”

Shen Rong could be indifferent to others’ lives but not to Jiang Yi’s safety.

“I already have a plan to deal with it. Look at these blueprints—they’ll be very useful.”

Jiang Yi unfolded the design for the triple-barreled musket, his face confident.

Shen Rong looked at the strange schematic, unsure if it would work.

“Trust me. This thing packs a powerful punch.”

Once a skilled blacksmith forged it, Jiang Yi was sure it would be a musket he could rely on.