In Kai Lung Unrolls His Mat, Kai Lung's village has been pillaged by the evil Ming Shu. Not only has he had his house and garden destroyed, but Kai Lung's wife has also been taken away. It is left to the storyteller's wits to think of a plan to defeat Ming Shu and reclaim his property. Excerpt: "As Kai Lung turned off the dusty earth road and took the woodland path that led to his small but seemly cottage on the higher slope, his exultant heart rose in song."