This kind of raw lacquer could be found in the mountains, but now wasn't the right time for harvesting. Lacquer was typically collected during the dog days of summer. However, a shop in town specialized in it, so Li Xiang went directly to town to buy some.
On the way to town, there was a temporary market in a small grove. On his way back, Li Xiang stopped in to browse. He bought some fresh fish from the local anglers to add some variety to his meals. The little cats could eat it too; they were probably getting tired of eating dried fish and snake meat every day.
"Fine cowhides! Get 'em cheap!"
An old man's cry caught Li Xiang's attention, so he walked over.
In front of the old man, the ground was covered with cowhides—whole ones, at that. They were yellow cattle hides, and there were five or six of them. Li Xiang asked curiously, "Sir, where did you get so many cowhides?"
