Chapter 50: First Encounter with Old Tang

This time, Ruoyan purchased ten sets of tailoring tools and ten dye vats. After Li Zhan and Ruoyan finished checking the goods and saw that there was still plenty of daylight, they remembered the tanner Old Tang and decided to take the opportunity to visit him. They left the goods in the merchant’s care, agreeing to return later to collect them and pay at that time.

When news spread that Li Zhan and Ruoyan were heading outside the city to visit an NPC tanner, Wobbly Carrot Stick, who was bored, eagerly joined them. Ruoyan, somewhat uneasy, glanced several times at Wobbly Carrot Stick and then turned to Li Zhan, whispering, “Is he… alright?”

Li Zhan was momentarily puzzled. “What do you mean, ‘alright’?”

Ruoyan shot him a glare, bit her lip, hesitated, but finally concern overcame her embarrassment. “Didn't you say he… broke the law? Old Tang’s home is more than three miles away. Can he manage?”

Wobbly Carrot Stick came closer, and before he could defend himself, Li Zhan responded with a nonchalant “Oh,” and said, “Don’t worry about him. He’s used to it.”

Used to such things? Ruoyan’s cheeks flushed crimson; she was too embarrassed to ask further and hurried ahead. Wobbly Carrot Stick suffered yet another silent setback, looking at Li Zhan’s mischievous grin and bowed respectfully—as if to say, Brother Li, I admit my mistake; can’t you let it go?

After purchasing some tonic medicines at the clinic, the three exited the city gate, following the tanner’s directions north. They walked along the main road for a mile, then took a side path northwest, trekking another two miles or so before reaching the foot of a mountain. Surrounded by lush woods, a small fenced courtyard appeared amidst the shade—undoubtedly Old Tang’s residence.

Pushing open the loosely closed gate, they found the courtyard bleak, with wild grass overtaking the vegetable patches on either side of the path, clearly untended for a long time. Li Zhan, Ruoyan, and Wobbly Carrot Stick approached the main house and gently knocked—tap, tap, tap. “Is anyone there?” Tap, tap, tap, “Is anyone inside?”

After a while, a frail voice answered from within, “Who is it?”

“Uh…” Li Zhan paused, realizing Old Tang’s health and mood were poor. If they directly stated they were there for leather armor, he would surely refuse to meet them. He opted for a more strategic reply. “We have some questions about leatherwork and hoped to consult Master Tang.”

Old Tang, lying on his bed, sighed deeply. The memory of his loyal companion, Four-Eyed Dog, dying inexplicably, brought tears streaming down his face. Hearing Li Zhan’s purpose, he replied listlessly, “Another day, perhaps. I am unwell these days and unable to answer your questions.”

Though he spoke thus, Li Zhan was not willing to give up so easily. He continued from outside, “I am aware of your health troubles, Master Tang, so I specifically bought some tonic medicine in Danyang County, hoping it might aid your recovery.”

Old Tang’s curiosity was piqued. “How did you know of my illness? And how did you know I live here?”

Li Zhan explained how he’d learned about Old Tang from the tanners at the joint workshop, carefully omitting his intention to make leather armor.

Once Li Zhan finished, Old Tang’s doubts were dispelled. Realizing they had brought medicine to visit him, he felt it improper to turn them away and got up to open the door.

After the formal greetings, Li Zhan surveyed the NPC tanner before him: a man in his fifties, hair graying, hands rough and covered in calluses. Though thin, his gaze was sharp, clearly a skilled and experienced craftsman.

Old Tang, seeing the tribal leader icons above their heads, became more respectful, inviting the three inside. Wobbly Carrot Stick handed over the tonic medicine, which Old Tang accepted with thanks, setting it aside before asking about their leatherwork questions.

Li Zhan, now that Old Tang knew their identities and had accepted the medicine, spoke directly, avoiding further circumlocution that might make him seem timid. He explained, “We are at the joint workshop in Danyang County and wish to process the cowhide we have. The local tanner said he could only make bracers and greaves and suggested we come to you for more advanced work.”

Old Tang was surprised. “Bracers and greaves aren’t good enough? Those are the finest leather goods currently produced in any joint workshop in Jiangnan. What exactly do you mean by ‘advanced work’?”

Li Zhan smiled and replied succinctly, “Leather armor.”

At the mention of “leather armor,” Old Tang’s expression changed dramatically. He stared at Li Zhan, then quickly turned away, but his pounding heart betrayed his excitement.

Indeed, Old Tang was a master tanner, having crafted countless military and civilian leather goods. His obsession with leatherwork endured even through twenty years of captivity by the Wuwan, during which he improved his skills. By studying the unique lacing techniques of Wuwan leatherwork—and cleverly integrating them with Central Plains methods—he finally broke through his bottleneck and greatly enhanced his craft. He sensed he could now create standardized leather armor that offered superior protection and mobility. Yet, trapped in the Wuwan camp, he had no desire to see his armor used against his own people, so he kept this secret to himself.

After being rescued by Central Plains forces, Old Tang wandered until settling at the joint workshop in Danyang County. However, the leather industry in Jiangnan was so backward they couldn’t even make basic leather shields, let alone armor. Naturally reserved, Old Tang saw no reason to flaunt his ability to make leather armor and stand out. Thus, years passed, and while the craftsmen at the workshop respected his skill, they merely speculated about his capabilities, lacking any evidence.

Hearing Li Zhan’s request for leather armor, Old Tang’s emotions surged—his skills could finally be fully realized, his dreams finally fulfilled. He closed his eyes, struggling to calm himself, but when he opened them, his gaze fell upon the leather chain hanging on the opposite wall, once used to tether Four-Eyed Dog. In that instant, Old Tang felt his heart plunge into an icy lake, his entire body shivering from the cold.

“I’m sorry, I don’t wish to discuss this matter,” Old Tang said, his brow furrowed, shaking his head weakly.

――――――――――

Note:

All three are tribal leaders: Although Ruoyan joined the Yanhuang tribe, she did not confirm her resignation as tribal leader with the system, so her title remains unchanged. If a player confirms resignation, the system automatically converts their food, wood, and other bonus resources into gold at market value to serve as startup capital for their new profession.