The weather was clear that day, not a cloud in the sky. The Old Madam suddenly felt the urge to go outside and have a look. It was now April, and the villagers near the mountains knew that spring was not a time to harm pregnant mother animals, so not many were out hunting. Every household was busy transplanting rice seedlings, and even children as young as seven or eight had to help out in the fields.
A group of maids and elderly women gathered around the Old Madam as she left the manor, worried about delaying the villagers' work with greetings and bows. The Old Madam instructed them only to walk around her own mountain area.
Just before leaving, a young boy was selling a wild rabbit to the Manor Head, receiving a string of coins in return. The boy looked quite handsome but had sallow skin. He wasn't short but appeared somewhat frail, indicating long-term malnutrition.
