Beware Of Chicken

Xian was still proclaiming he was going to win, his wooden, pointy red glasses completely blocking his view.

In the end, Bei Be won, followed by Bowu and then by Yao Che and his menwho had all taken off their shirts and were flexing at the crowd to laughter. Finally, Chun Ke was in lastthough that was probably because he didnt want her foolish little brother to fall off his back if he went any faster.

The Lord Magistrate was chuckling and shaking his head. Lady Wu, her retinue, and Pi Pa were all giggling about something.

Jin was running away from a red-faced Bowu and Ty An.

Meiling smiled and breathed in deeplyand then frowned.

It had happened once before, a slight acrid tang on the wind that disappeared as soon as she smelled it. The first time she had asked Vajra and Lu Ri to check on the areabut both had found nothing.

Yet here it was again.

Just what was it?

Mei, you okay? Gou Ren asked her.

Meiling startled and looked at him. Im feeling alright, she said after a moment. Just smelled something strange again.

Gou Ren frowned and opened his mouth to respond, when he too paused, his eyes suddenly going to the road.

Meiling followed his gaze, and raised an eyebrow.

Because there were soldiers marching up the road. Soldiers bearing the colours of the Azure Jade Trading Company.

They were arranged around a single wagon, their eyes peeled. Jin went up to talk to them, and he was similarly frowning.

That lasted until the men all bowed.

And then Jin smiled.

Meiling walked over, interested.

Whatʼs going on? she asked.

Her husbands giant smile turned to her.

Letters from Tigu and Xiulan, he replied.

The guards of the caravan unloaded a chest. A heavy chest that thunked as it hit the ground.

The memory of the acrid scent was dispelled as the letters were revealed.