Generally speaking, there was nothing wrong with Yi (Yì，毅) doing this — he’d often had to operate this way in the past. But now, he’d forgotten that his mouth was still full of food, and he kept chattering away…

  —Ah, he had no idea what was going through his horse’s mind.

  At that moment, with a sudden jolt from Tangbao (Tāngbāo，汤包), Yi yelped in surprise. The mixed saliva and food in his mouth sprayed out by accident — ah!

  That was it — the Dawan steed (Dàwǎn jùnmǎ，大宛骏马) completely lost it, and the consequences were easy to imagine.

  Caught off guard by the violent jolting, Yi panicked, trembling so much that the delicious roll in his hands fell apart. The dried greens, meat, and sauce all slapped onto his own face in one messy splatter…

  After much chaos, the bedraggled Yi finally reached his destination — an ancient city.

  The city walls were tall, built mainly from massive bluestone bricks, stacked with masterful skill. It looked as if he had stepped into human society a thousand years ago, yet the walls were solid and strong. Green moss and vines covered the entire surface, like a giant historical painting unfurled before his eyes.

  After the bumpy ride, looking disheveled, Yi had no choice but to tidy himself up while leading his horse back to the post station.

  Though he’d been treated miserably just now, Yi’s deep affection for his horse meant he was still thinking about the earlier scare, worried about his old partner’s condition. He began gently stroking its mane, speaking with concern to Tangbao, who was just about to start eating… but the horse only wanted to quietly replenish its strength. It was exhausted, body and mind.

  Yet beside it was a nagging human, still going on and on. Tangbao thought to endure it… but suddenly, even the food didn’t seem so appetizing anymore.

  Blood rushed to the horse’s head. Tangbao was not to be trifled with, and it had reached its limit. It glared, leapt forward, front legs pushing, hind legs kicking…

  Yi, though fat, was quick-witted. He froze, stepped back, spun around, and hurriedly fled, clearly realizing what was coming.

  “Yah, why is Tangbao’s temper just like hers…? Ah, good thing I’m quick on my feet…”

  He didn’t stop until he reached the base of the city wall. Wiping his sweat, he prepared to continue on, but his stomach growled, and he began muttering to himself.

  “Hmm? Take the back gate or go straight to the main gate? She’s probably waiting for me at the main gate now — hmm… but it’s still early, maybe she doesn’t know I’m here yet…”

  After all, this city was huge. Even for a well-trained Yi, it was hard to quickly circle around to the main gate.

  “It’s still early. If I arrive too soon… oh, I’ll probably still be in trouble!” Yi shuddered at the thought, then had a sudden idea.

  “Hmm, from the back gate to the main gate is the shortest — two sides together are longer than the third side, so if I hurry I can get there right away. Going around would waste time… but if I’m late, then what?”

  Thinking so much made his head feel like it was smoking.

  “—Ah, forget it, just like this… just like this!”

  He shook his head, resolve firming, eyes instantly filled with visions of delicious food. Without another word, he strode off under the bright moonlight, charging toward happiness…

  The round, full moon hung high in the deep blue night sky, quietly watching over the land.

  On the city tower, a female general gazed into the distance. Her high ponytail framed a sharp, striking face, her eyes bright and commanding, brows slightly arched in an intimidating way. One hand rested on the hilt of a cyan sword at her waist, her bronze armor gleaming, her cloak billowing in the breeze — the very image of a heroine who rivaled any man.

  She was Qing (Qīng，青) — the girl Yi often thought of, both fondly and fearfully. The girlfriend who had once cut off his beard without caring about his feelings; the tough woman who made him shiver just thinking about her while pacing under the city wall. Her surname was Zhuge (Zhūgě，诸葛), and she was the captain of the city’s guard.

  The Zhuge clan was one of the oldest families in the city, a symbol of authority and tradition. Every generation’s clan leader had been a Zhuge, so although their numbers were few, their status was unquestionable.

  At this moment, the Zhuge general seemed to be waiting for something. She stood silently atop the wall, the whole city unusually quiet. Her soldiers barely dared to breathe, most of them looking tired, barely holding on — they had been on duty for a full day without proper rest, and none had eaten dinner yet.

  After a while, the deputy general beside Qing couldn’t hold back. He had hesitated many times, but under the urging eyes of the others, he finally gathered his courage and asked softly, “Big Sis (dàjiětóu，大姐头), it’s getting late and nothing’s happened yet. Shouldn’t we let everyone eat first?”

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  The deputy was about Qing’s age, with a square, dark face like a mahjong tile, a burly, muscular build, and a loud, gruff voice — though in front of Qing, he was as meek as a child.

  The strategist standing with him took the chance to poke his head out from behind and add, “Yes, the battle’s been over for a while now. I don’t think any more enemies will show up — everyone’s been hungry all day… grr! See?”

  All eyes turned to the female general with hope — some soldiers’ legs were trembling from hunger.

  “No!”

  Qing’s sharp command silenced them. She softened her gaze slightly, swept her eyes over them, then turned back to the front. “This is our master’s order. We must not disobey. Everyone, give me your full attention! Hold on a little longer… Master will be back soon — she has never broken her word!”

  With her order, the wall fell silent again. The deputy and strategist exchanged looks, then glanced around — everyone shook their heads.

  “Dinner time—!”

  Just then, a warm, familiar voice rang out. Yi appeared, carrying large bags of takeout, like a savior to everyone — except Qing.

  The deputy and strategist lit up, rushing over like they’d found family. “Brother-in-law (dàjiěfū，大姐夫), you’re finally here! Now we have hope!”

  The nickname “Brother-in-law” had been given to Yi years ago, pairing with Qing’s “Big Sis.”

  The two quickly took the food and quietly signaled the soldiers to get ready to eat.

  “Ahem!”

  A cough from the captain made everyone’s hair stand on end. Qing didn’t turn around, just cleared her throat — enough to nearly make the two drop the food.

  “Reporting to the captain, soldier Yi reporting for duty!”

  Yi approached cautiously, saluted with one fist to the palm, and began whispering sweetly.

  “I’m here, right on time, see? I came straight over after finishing guild work, didn’t even rest — my stomach…” He smiled, gesturing for everyone to eat.

  “The town’s snacks were good, huh? Ate so much you’re stuffed, not afraid your belly will burst?” Qing finally turned, smiling faintly.

  “No way… I came straight to see you, didn’t stop for snacks — besides, there wasn’t time!” Yi’s forehead beaded with sweat, but his experience let him recover quickly and explain.

  “Oh? Well prepared this time, huh? Then why’s your mouth so oily?” Qing gave him a sidelong glance.

  “This… I was starving, so I ate one of the rolls you made on the way back—” Yi tried to stay calm, wiping his mouth only to find a bit of oil still there. That sharp gaze — all because the snacks were too good…

  Yi had just eaten at a century-old, famous shop he visited almost daily. The aroma alone stopped him in his tracks.

  “The snacks at Happiness Café (Xìngfú Xiǎo Cānguǎn，幸福小餐馆) are really something. No wonder business is so good. How long did you wait in line—”

  Qing’s tone turned teasing. “—Oh, right, no need to line up if you cut in, just like you sneaking in the back gate earlier—”

  Of course she knew him well. At the end of every month, he sweet-talked her into going there. Though she resisted, his wallet always ended up empty.

  “That’s not… how do you know so clearly?”

  Yi’s (Yì，毅) sweat poured. “Uh—no, I didn’t…?”

  The owner of the little restaurant was an old acquaintance of Yi’s — not because he was a daily VIP customer, but because, like Qing (Qīng，青), he was one of the Guardians of this city. That’s why Yi could cut the line.

  Thinking of what he’d just eaten — noodles with sauce, a big chicken leg — Yi couldn’t help but drool again.

  The shop owners, a husband and wife, were kind people. Knowing Yi was henpecked, they always gave him generous portions and plenty of extras. The place had a cozy atmosphere that made him eat even more. Their adorable three-year-old daughter often ran around the shop, calling him “big brother” whenever he came in — which made him even happier, and hungrier. And tonight, being both New Year’s Eve and the victory celebration, the mayor had declared: “All food is free!”

  “Wipe that drool — and stop denying it. Someone saw you and told me…” Qing crossed her arms, glancing at the wilted-looking Yi. She couldn’t even muster her anger anymore, only a helpless smile and a scolding tone.

  In truth, she had already guessed most of it. Yi’s cravings, pent up for days, had been fully unleashed tonight.

  “I didn’t — I wasn’t — I did take the back gate, but I didn’t…” Yi’s voice grew smaller and smaller, until it was barely a mosquito’s buzz.

  “You… didn’t—” Qing’s face flushed with anger. She kicked him hard on the backside, pointing at his belly, round and protruding like a watermelon.

  Everyone’s eyes followed her gesture. That belly said it all. Yi realized he was caught, scratching his messy hair with a sheepish grin.

  “Next time I’ll take you with me… ah—”

  “You’re hopeless—” Qing almost laughed at the big boy in front of her, but held it in. She stepped closer to straighten his appearance.

  Suddenly, her face darkened. “Oh, so you went to see that fox spirit (húlijīng，狐狸精) again, didn’t you!”

  “I… didn’t—” Yi was baffled, replying instinctively.

  “Then what’s with the perfume smell? It’s the same every time, and so strong!”

  Qing leaned in to sniff, then quickly pulled back, fanning her hand in front of her nose. She grabbed Yi’s ear. “Still want to deny it!”

  She rolled up her sleeves, ready to mete out punishment. Yi darted behind the deputy general for cover.

  “Big Sis, calm down. Maybe it’s just a coincidence—”

  The deputy was simple and straightforward. Trembling slightly, he shielded Yi. “Besides, Brother-in-law (dàjiěfū，大姐夫) is a man of some standing. It’s normal for him to meet women—”

  But saying that only made things worse.

  Qing’s temper flared. She swung fists and kicked, Yi dodging behind the deputy, who kept talking, while the strategist shook his head at the sight.

  Finally, the strategist pulled the battered deputy aside.

  Smack!

  Qing, not expecting her shield to be removed, lunged forward and collided with Yi. He seized the chance to take her hand, looking into her eyes with a playful smile. “Alright, alright — it’s my fault. I admit it! I won’t do it again, I promise I won’t lie to you or see her again.”

  Though he still couldn’t figure out the source of the perfume, he added earnestly, “Look at you, Captain — what will the others think?”

  They both glanced at the onlookers. The soldiers were smiling, some eating, some reaching for the takeout.

  “What are you looking at? Eat!”

  Qing’s face reddened. She gently pushed Yi away, turned to compose herself, and looked out over the city. “This time — no next time!”

  “Yes, ma’am — food time…” Yi replied obediently, then, like a victorious warrior, urged everyone to dig in. The soldiers crowded forward, grabbing their meals and eating heartily.

  “Here… your favorite snack.”

  Holding a delicate treat, Yi offered it to Qing. “Hungry? Try it — see if it’s still the same taste.”

  “I… I’m not hungry…” Qing glanced at the food, reluctant but refusing.

  Grr!

  Her stomach betrayed her. Yi quickly popped the snack into her mouth. Though a bit sudden, Qing didn’t seem surprised. She took it, bit down, and smiled in satisfaction.

  “—Mmm, so sweet!”

  Yi knew Qing was waiting, why did he still risk being late to eat first? What was his real purpose for this risk?