When Gu Datian saw Village Chief Huang approaching, he knew the fish had taken the bait.
"Village Chief Huang, you know that our journey here cost us a lot. Right now, we have to settle our food and lodging right here in the valley, and we spend quite a few Silver Taels every day. We are braving the bitter cold to go into the mountains simply so our people won't go hungry this winter.
"The resources in these mountains are limited, after all. We aren't generous enough to give away the food that's already reached our mouths."
Village Chief Huang lowered his head, feeling a bit guilty. He knew the villagers had sent him here because they wanted a piece of the pie.
"The mountains are unowned territory, after all," he argued. "Moreover, in the dead of winter, the wild beasts up there are much more ferocious. If the people from our village go up with you, there will be more safety in numbers."
