Chapter 126: Hunting Badgers

Han Li found Zhang Xiangjun’s response rather amusing, though there was no fault in his logic.

"Alright then, suit yourself and keep waiting for that rabbit—or in this case, that goose. I’m going to head out and look around elsewhere. I bought some cooked lamb offal in town today; I’ll come find you at your place this evening."

"In that case, I’ll stew the wild goose tonight. With the lamb offal as a side dish, that’ll be more than enough to go with our drinks."

Han Li wandered the fields for a while longer. By the time he headed back, he had a snakeskin bag slung over his shoulder.

Just then, the Yun sisters were stepping out of He Mi’s house. Seeing Han Li carrying a shovel and a bag with his dogs trailing behind, they realized he had actually gone to dig for field mice. They hurried over to take the shovel from him. When Yun Yingying offered to help carry the bag, Han Li declined; it was truly easier to carry it himself than to have two people struggle with it.

After returning home and washing his face, he took the towel Yun Yingying had just laundered and said, "I’m going to Zhang Xiangjun’s place for dinner tonight. Could you help me slice up a plate of that lamb offal to bring along?"

"Why are you eating over there again today?"

Han Li explained Zhang Xiangjun’s plan to wait for the goose, which once again stirred up Yun Yingying’s desire to go hunting.

"So, when are we going into the mountains to hunt?"

"If the village bell doesn't ring tomorrow, we’ll go. But make sure you have everything prepared."

"Mm."

Having received a definite answer, Yun Yingying skipped off happily to slice the lamb offal. Once it was ready, Yun Jingjing heated it up on the stove. Han Li then set off for Zhang’s house, carrying the dish in one hand and a bottle of liquor in the other.

Whether it was Zhang Xiangjun’s cooking skills or the quality of the wild goose itself, Han Li found the meal thoroughly satisfying. This was their second time drinking together, and they found themselves talking much more freely. They opened up about everything from their family backgrounds to their personal feelings since moving to the countryside.

By the time Han Li returned home, it was already 11:00 PM. A faint light still flickered in the room. Before leaving, Yun Yingying had specifically dimmed the kerosene lamp to its lowest setting, fearing that if Han Li returned tipsy, he might struggle to light it. A cup of tea was waiting on the table, and the bedding on the kang was already spread out. The only thing missing was the person herself.

The next day, the village bell remained silent, indicating that the collection of public grain had not yet begun. Yun Yingying arrived early to prepare breakfast, and after everyone had eaten and gathered their gear, they set off.

The outskirts of the mountain were difficult for finding much of anything, but they were safe, which was why Han Li had brought his few hunting dogs along this time. Yun Yingying had been into the mountains with others to pick mushrooms before, so she was relatively familiar with the trails on the perimeter. Although she had walked this path many times, her steps today were light, and her very voice was brimming with excitement.

Han Li’s sparrows scouted the area for hare or badger dens. If he could satisfy Yun Yingying’s interest in hunting on the outskirts, there would be no need to venture deep into the mountains, especially since he wasn't alone.

The three of them walked along, laughing and chatting. Before the sparrows could report anything, the dogs had already picked up a scent. They began circling excitedly near a protruding rock. Han Li held up a finger to the Yun sisters, signaling them to stay quiet.

Beside the rock was a patch of tall grass. Pushing it aside, Han Li discovered a den opening less than two feet wide. A close inspection revealed fresh claw marks, similar in size to those of a two- or three-month-old puppy. This suggested it wasn't a large beast, nor was it a small animal like a hare. It was most likely a badger’s den. The Yun sisters crowded around.

Han Li stepped back a few paces and said, "This is likely a badger den. You two stay here at this entrance with the three dogs. I’ll go find the other exits and block them off, then we’ll catch the badger right here."

"Be careful, then."

"I will. If there are other exits, they’ll be nearby. If you need anything, just shout for me."

Han Li took the other two dogs to search for additional entrances; these two had always been the most reliable. Having dogs to lead the way made things much easier, and he hadn't gone far before finding another hole. He blocked it with loose stones, then fashioned two long spears from straight tree branches before returning to the sisters.

"Better safe than sorry. Take one of these each for protection."

Yun Yingying asked excitedly, "What do we do now?"

"Didn't I tell you to bring those dried chili peppers? Once I light the fire, hand them to me."

"Are you planning to smoke the badger out?"

"Exactly. If we let the dogs go in, they might get bitten. It's safest to drive them out."

The three of them first used rubble to narrow the den’s entrance, then arranged a simple zigzag barrier outside to prevent the badger from easily gaining speed.

Next, they gathered some damp weeds and some dry, easily combustible grass to ignite at the entrance. Han Li used Yun Yingying’s straw hat to fan the smoke into the hole. Even for Han Li, the intensity of the smoke, mixed with the burning chilies, was almost too much to bear.

Han Li told the sisters to pull back far away with the dogs, claiming it was to keep the spicy smoke from bothering them.

Yun Yingying protested, "I just want to see it up close! Besides, I’m not afraid of the smoke."

Han Li had to be honest: "I heard from the villagers that while badgers aren't huge, they are incredibly fierce. If one is in its prime and enraged, even two or three wolves can't take it down."

Upon hearing this, Yun Jingjing pulled her sister further away, with the dogs keeping guard beside them.

Almost all the smoke was trapped inside the den. Before long, Han Li saw a long, black-and-pinkish nose emerge. He immediately dropped the hat and grabbed the two sharpened spears.

The badger was dazed by the smoke, its sensitive nose greedily inhaling the fresh air, completely unaware of the human standing inches away. Han Li thrust the spears forward with force, one after the other. Realizing something was wrong, the badger let out a series of growls.

Han Li gripped both spears, tightening the angle so the badger couldn't retreat, though the creature’s strength was immense. As he twisted the spears, the badger tried to pull back, but suddenly lunged forward instead.

Just as Han Li had guessed, a creature resembling a small wild boar came charging out. Seeing the badger’s body fully exposed, it tried to dash forward, but the rocks blocked its path. Han Li quickly released one spear, pulled a short javelin from his waist, and hurled it at the badger with all his might.