In the first few years after going up the mountain, they applied every skill they had learned and explored on their own. They suffered many losses, but once they were able to survive there, they ventured further into the hunting grounds.
Hunters in the village often looked for partners to join them for hunting trips, and they would follow along.
Li Feng recalled those times to Lu Liu: “The old hunters who warned us against greed often couldn’t control their own desires once on the mountain. Some inexperienced youngsters, after a few trips with elders, would let go of their respect for the mountain, thinking they could walk through it freely. Watching them, I knew that wouldn’t work.
“You have to process your prey quickly. We always set a strict schedule. When the time comes, no matter what remains, leave it. Better to abandon it and run to a safe house. Many people can’t even do this. Some would watch from the safe house, and if no predators came, they’d go out to pick up scraps of meat or pelts. Surviving once doesn’t teach them; next time they’d still risk it.”
When they cleaned up the river pirates at the dock, they followed the same principle: handle your prey swiftly, precisely, and decisively—otherwise, you fail.
“I told you before, when I first recruited people, many didn’t listen. Beyond routes, hunting methods, and ambush locations, greed was a problem. They always wanted a little more. You nod once, and they’ll ask again. Repeatedly testing your patience, until danger arrives, only then do they fear. Sometimes they even turn it around on you, saying you can’t manage your men, can’t lead the team.”
Li Feng’s hand moved the large palm fan, sending a cool breeze over Lu Liu’s arm. He set it down, rubbed Lu Liu’s arm, and laughed. “After some time, I realized there’s no such thing as greed-free hunting. Hunters are naturally ambitious. Call it ambition if you like. If you succeed, your ambition was justified; if you fail, it’s just incompetence combined with greed.
“Now, I don’t know my limits, how much I can take or earn. Especially being off the mountain, my past experience doesn’t work in the city. You have to figure things out. If it were me, I’d try setting up a stall at the grand market. Wealth comes with risk; that’s how I’ve lived. So I’d try. Not going is also fine—I don’t know the city’s ways. I’d follow what your brother thinks.”
The same principle applied to Lu Yang: if his ability matches his ambition, he should go. If not, wait a bit.
Li Feng usually shared trivial mountain stories casually. When something came up, he’d use past mountain experiences as a lead-in, steering the conversation toward the matter at hand. He hadn’t read much and couldn’t explain grand principles, so he taught Lu Liu through lived experience.
Lu Liu understood. After a pause, he asked, “Da Feng, we could earn a lot from the stall. The shop is a joint effort. If we miss this opportunity, will it matter?”
Li Feng shook his head. “No. Though it’s called a partnership, it’s really just our families—ours and Lu Yang’s. Others only get a share of profits; they don’t control how we do business.”
His brothers had followed him for years and knew his nature. He even dared to steal a bandit’s horse. Missed business couldn’t be forced—it’s that simple.
The village chief was sensible; no one would try to provoke them. It had only been a few good days anyway.
Li Feng smiled: “It’s just a stall, not like going there means instant money. No worries.”
Lu Liu felt reassured. Tomorrow he would persuade his brother.
He nestled closer to Li Feng and sweetly said, “Da Feng, once you finish your work in a few days, I’ll accompany you to eat chicken!”
Lu Liu was already skilled at making large flatbreads; Li Feng laughed.
“Why can’t it be today?”
Lu Liu wanted him to conserve energy for his guard duties. “I’m worried about you.”
Li Feng was in good spirits. He patted Lu Liu’s chest, understanding his concern, and after finishing his meal, went to sleep.
The next morning, Lu Liu woke especially early.
Yesterday’s outing felt like a dream. Today was a new day, continuing with breakfast sales.
Lu Yang’s shop experience came in handy. Lu Liu had only sold small buns before, which sold better than large buns.
Large buns cost four wen each; small buns were three for five wen, following the county price.
That morning, his mother helped him make mushroom and vegetable buns.
Mushrooms could fetch a price; cabbage was cheap. Combining them into small vegetarian buns, he sold four for five wen.
He also made some small sweet buns, a popular flavor. When he sold them the other day, customers would bite a few steps away and come back praising them, asking him to steam more next time.
Lu Liu cooked mixed mushroom soup and fried egg pancakes.
With his mother busy, he had spare hands. Following his brother’s method, he made “super small buns.” Few in quantity, packed into a single bamboo container, priced at fifteen wen each—more expensive than pork buns.
He felt apprehensive. At that price, he’d sell only to wealthier customers. If no one bought, so be it—too much trouble, slows things down.
Fish soup was prepared by the two fathers; small pork buns were steamed by Zhao Peilan.
Early morning, deliveries came from both sides; the three families ate breakfast together.
Li Feng fed the dogs and horses, loaded soup pots and baskets of bowls onto the cart, ate two egg rolls, three sweet buns recommended by Lu Liu, and two large meat buns.
The large meat buns were for his family, prepared by Zhao Peilan. With experience, she knew small buns sold better; large bun sales were lower. Lu Liu focused on the morning sales, some buns might remain unsold.
Li Feng casually said, “Aunt, you’re as skilled in business as my mother.”
This compliment made Zhao Peilan blush with embarrassment.
Seeing Li Feng’s tact, Xie Yan reciprocated, praising her as well.
He said, “Aunt, my mother often says she learned much from you. If you ever go out to do business, tell me—I’ll come support you!”
Li Feng raised an eyebrow—impressive, the boy could speak well.
The market opened that day. Li Feng needed to fetch people from the Hong family early, couldn’t be late.
After finishing the buns and fish soup, he got ready to leave.
Lu Liu helped him straighten his clothes, touched his chest, patted his back. Seeing both protective mirrors properly worn, he smiled: “Once I finish my morning work, I’ll make some mung bean cakes. I’ve never done it before; I’ll have my brother teach me.”
They had risen early, and at this time, they saw Liu Youli rushing out, ducking his head, hurrying along as if hiding.
Li Feng saw him turn a corner where the alley was empty, held Lu Liu, and kissed him on the cheek.
“Go, I’m off too. Tonight I’ll see if there’s anything good to eat and get it for you.”
Lu Liu set off as well, heading with Shun to sell breakfast, rushing toward Luming Academy.
This morning, Lu Liu brought the shop banner, custom-made with Lu Yang, embroidered with the words “Eat Your Fill.”
At the market, he set up the stall, inserting the banner between the cart slats—very eye-catching.
Familiar customers approached, greeting him.
“Master Lu, the banner’s up—are you opening shop?”
Lu Liu grinned, serving buns and soup, saying, “My brother made this for me. I can’t open a shop yet, so I’m using it for now.”
The customer complimented the banner. Lu Liu had a free hand and offered him a taste of the super small buns.
“This one’s on me—try it.”
Other customers buying buns and soup saw this, assuming compliments on the banner earned free food. Some outgoing people joined in praising it; the shy ones pretended not to notice.
Lu Liu treated everyone equally, giving super small buns to anyone. Even the shy ones said, “Nice banner.”
His stall offered a rich variety of foods, all well-tasted. Innovations were within the customers’ acceptance, and he had items no other stalls did: fish soup, mixed mushroom soup, new sweet buns, and mushroom-vegetable buns. Paired with salted and boiled eggs and fried egg pancakes, local neighbors also came to buy. Usually, fish and mushroom soups were the most popular.
