Since that fateful night, the officials, constables, and migrant settlers—who had already shown great respect toward Song You’s group—became even more reverent. If the officials managed to prepare a good meal, they would first bring a portion to him. 0

Likewise, when the migrants foraged wild fruits in the mountains or caught fish in the streams, they would often offer some to Song You’s group before keeping the rest for themselves.0

Song You sometimes accepted, sometimes declined with courtesy.0

In return, Lady Calico frequently caught mountain rats and wild hares along the journey, or summoned tigers and wolves to hunt wild cattle, deer, and musk deer. Whatever she couldn't finish, she shared with the others.2

After all, Yuezhou was a land blessed with natural abundance. It had been left deserted for years, turning into a paradise for wildlife. A simple stick was enough to catch fish in the rivers, and anyone with even basic hunting skills could find game in the mountains. Mountain rats and wild hares were particularly plentiful—bordering on overpopulation.0

For these migrants, who had struggled with hunger before coming north, there was no such thing as being picky about food.0

Lady Calico’s favorite pastime was catching rats to give away, watching people eat them, and then turning to observe her Daoist...1