Chapter 14: Barley Cake Roast

Three bailiffs dressed in the black uniforms of the Zhenfu Division walked imposingly along White Stone Lane, their sabers at their waists, drawing looks of awe from passersby from time to time.

Since ancient times, the common folk have never dared to cross the officials!

To ordinary people, even a temporary bailiff not officially registered was a figure worthy of reverence.

"None of the temporary bailiffs who came before had such a grand introduction! They call it an introduction, but isn't it really just showing off their status and background in public?"

"And look, the bailiffs accompanying the squad leader are all regulars. I, 'Monkey,' have been knocking about the Zhenfu Division for over two years and haven't enjoyed such treatment. This Zheng Shiyong is a newcomer who just joined today, and he's already getting this treatment. It’s clear they’re paving the way for his future!"

"To be honest, if it weren't for his connection to Squad Leader Zheng, how could this newcomer Zheng Shiyong have had such a day?"

"Comparing people really makes one want to die of frustration! It’s infuriating!"

"..."

Monkey shook his head and grumbled the entire way, his face full of resentment.

Among the group, he had the most seniority in the Nanquan Lane Zhenfu Division. If he had a background like Zheng Shiyong’s, he might have already been a registered, official bailiff by now.

"Alright, Monkey, say less. If someone with ulterior motives hears you, you’ll inevitably suffer the consequences!"

Chen Ping'an advised him.

"Hmph! Let them hear. I, Monkey, am not saying anything wrong. What does it matter if it gets out?"

Monkey spoke tough, but whether it was Chen Ping'an’s advice taking effect or some other reason, he changed the subject and stopped complaining about Zheng Shiyong.

At this, Chen Ping'an shook his head slightly.

This Monkey, he really is...

To be honest, Chen Ping'an was naturally envious that Zheng Shiyong had received such a grand introduction the moment he arrived.

However, he knew that envy was useless!

In this world, status must ultimately be fought for with one's own hands!

Whether by fighting with one's fists or by leveraging one's background!

Old Chen was already dead, and the only person he could rely on was himself!

And the only person Chen Er'ya could rely on was him!

During the patrol, Chen Ping'an’s thoughts raced. Every shift in his mindset made his heart grow firmer! This firmness of conviction gave off an entirely different spirit and energy!

The patrol that day passed without incident.

After eating his fill at the Nanquan Lane Zhenfu Division at noon, he followed the usual routine and found a place to rest for a while. Since White Stone Lane was mostly residential and lacked any critical locations, the group had more time to slack off than usual.

Among the many streets and alleys of Nanquan Lane, White Stone Lane was undoubtedly one of the more relaxed ones.

"Nannan, Brother is home!"

As soon as Chen Ping'an stepped through the door, he smelled the mouth-watering aroma of food.

"Brother is back!"

Chen Er'ya was busy in the kitchen and didn't come out to greet him.

Chen Ping'an walked into the kitchen and found a milky-white beef bone soup bubbling in the pot, emitting an enticing fragrance!

Having just returned from his shift, he was ravenous. Smelling such a fragrant, rich beef bone soup, how could he resist?

Just as Chen Ping'an was about to ask if he could have a taste, Chen Er'ya, who was stir-frying, spoke up.

"Brother, you must be hungry. I made some wheat-flour pancakes this afternoon; you can have some to tide you over. They're in the cupboard."

Between stir-frying, Chen Er'ya took a moment to point toward the cupboard.

"Nannan is such a good girl!"

Chen Ping'an beamed.

Where else could one find such a thoughtful sister!

If it were his previous life, a girl of Nannan's age would still be a pampered treasure in her family; how could she be this considerate?

This world...

As he thought about it, Chen Ping'an couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

"Brother, why are you just standing there? They're on the third shelf of the cupboard!"

Seeing Chen Ping'an frozen in place, Chen Er'ya urged him.

Chen Ping'an responded and took a plate of wheat-flour pancakes from the cupboard.

These pancakes were a common dish in every household. They were essentially egg liquid mixed with wheat flour, stirred well with a pinch of salt. After heating a suitable amount of sesame oil in a pan until it smoked slightly, the mixture was poured in and stir-fried.

Finally, a handful of chopped green onions was added for fragrance, and the dish was done.

"It smells so good!"

Chen Ping'an looked at the golden, crispy pancakes in front of him and praised.

"Truly worthy of Nannan's skills!"

The pancakes still held a hint of warmth, clearly prepared by Chen Er'ya just in time for his return. Her thoughtfulness was truly exquisite.

As Chen Ping'an ate the pancakes, a wave of satisfaction welled up in his heart.

Ever since he started practicing the Iron Cloth Shirt, his appetite had grown significantly.

He had eaten his fill at the Zhenfu Division during the day, but he was starving again now.

Clearly, as he entered the threshold of martial arts and reached the first stage of Qi and Blood, his blood flow was more vigorous than before, leading to greater consumption.

And this was just the beginning of the first stage. If he reached the perfection of the first stage, he’d probably be starving halfway through his shift!

Chen Ping'an thought to himself.

It made sense!

Although he ate plenty of rice, most of it was simple vegetable dishes without much oil or fat. To truly allow his body to absorb sufficient nutrition and Qi and Blood, he would likely need real meat!

No wonder the squad leaders' meals were distinct from those of the regular bailiffs!

Now, Chen Ping'an could understand some of the rules set in the Zhenfu Division.

If he was like this at the first stage of Qi and Blood, the squad leaders in the division, who were at least at the third stage, would surely starve if they ate the same light vegetable dishes as the bailiffs!

*Sizzle!*

With a splash of oil, a plate of raw beef was tossed into the pan by Chen Er'ya.

Once the beef was in, Chen Er'ya stir-fried it skillfully.

She added green peppers, salt, and other seasonings.

A plate of fragrant, slightly spicy stir-fried beef with green peppers was ready to be served.

"Brother, dinner is ready~"

Chen Er'ya called out.

"Coming."

Chen Ping'an replied. The siblings then carried the dishes out one by one.

Tonight's dinner: a plate of stir-fried beef with green peppers, a plate of stir-fried seasonal vegetables, a large bowl of beef bone soup, half a plate of wheat-flour pancakes, and two bowls of fragrant white rice.

"Nannan, there isn't much water left in the vat. I'll go fetch some."

After finishing dinner, Chen Ping'an patted his stomach in satisfaction.

"I'll go fetch water tomorrow during the day. Brother, you just focus on your martial arts practice!"

Chen Er'ya tried to dissuade him.

To her, these were things she could do for her brother—tasks within her capability. She didn't want to trouble him if she could avoid it.

There was still enough water in the vat for two more days, which was why she hadn't gone today.

"It's fine, it'll help digest dinner!"

Chen Ping'an said with a smile.

For him to fetch water, it would take ten trips at most. If Chen Er'ya went, the number of trips would likely double, and with her small arms and legs, she’d be exhausted.

With that, Chen Ping'an picked up the shoulder pole and the two wooden buckets and headed out.