Xiao Zheng put on the Tartar soldier's uniform, smeared mud on her face, and walked straight ahead carrying a water pouch, the flickering torchlight at the camp entrance briefly illuminating her youthful face.
"The Fourth Prince said we're having roasted lamb tonight!!"
"Awooo!!"
A group of soldiers suddenly howled like wolves.
"Once we conquer Great Yuan!! All the gold, silver, jewels, and women!! They'll all be ours!!"
"Blessed by the heavens!"
Watching the rough faces around her break into an incomprehensible ritual dance, Xiao Zheng poured goat milk into an iron pot, added some tea leaves, and stirred with an iron ladle. Soon, the rich aroma of milk filled the air.
"Boy, take this pot of hot goat milk to my tent."
A burly man wielding a broadsword approached. From a distance, Zhang Hu's heart clenched at the sight, his fingers tightening around the dagger hidden in his sleeve.
"Sayn, Batu!" (Alright, warrior!)
Zhang Hu's heart leaped to his throat as he heard Xiao Zheng mutter a string of words in a hushed, guttural tone. The burly man, detecting nothing amiss, strode ahead confidently.
Xiao Zheng poured the milk into a bucket, gestured subtly to Zhang Hu, then hoisted the bucket and followed the warrior.
"Brothers, come drink some goat milk!! Damn, we've been marching all day! Finally, a chance to rest!"
At the man's shout, several soldiers guarding the tents gathered around.
"Freezing out here! Let’s have some milk skin to warm up!"
"What kind of miserable duty did we get stuck with?! The other squads are feasting on roasted lamb while we’re here drinking the north wind!"
"Relax, we’re guarding those two-legged sheep—can’t leave them unattended. Someone will bring us roasted meat."
"Bullshit! They’ll only remember us after stuffing their own bellies."
"Damn it, those Rus soldiers have it easy, just lounging around eating and drinking!"
"Those two-legged sheep are tied up hand and foot—what’s there to fear? What’s the Fourth Prince so worried about?"
"Quit your whining and drink up."
Suppressing her excitement, Xiao Zheng spoke up.
"I’ll go fetch some roasted lamb for you warriors, but I’m afraid the kitchen boss will scold me. May I know your names?"
The burly man laughed heartily and clapped Xiao Zheng on the shoulder.
"Kid, your accent sounds strange! Which tribe are you from? Look up, let me see your face!"
Xiao Zheng’s heart skipped a beat. Remembering the boy from the marketplace, she replied,
"My name is Ji, from the Tartar tribe. My mother was Han, and my father served under General Neqie. He died at Yanmen Pass. I... I..."
Damn it, Xiao Zheng struggled to keep the lie going, cursing herself for not preparing better. Years ago, Lu Chao had urged her to learn the Tartar language, and while she had studied it, she’d never bothered to craft a backstory. Hopefully, none of these men knew Ji.
"No wonder! I thought your accent was odd! Back then, General Neqie raided a few villages and brought back Han women. No wonder you look so Han-like! Tch! Such a scrawny build—no wonder you’re stuck in the kitchen!"
"Hurry up, chick! Tell them it’s Harihu who sent you! If you’re late, I’ll beat you black and blue!"
Xiao Zheng hunched over, clutching the milk bucket timidly. "I’ll go right away!"
Laughter erupted behind her.
"Hahaha! This chick’s so meek! That Han coward blood really makes ‘em docile!"
"Shh! Keep it down! You got a death wish? If the Fourth Prince hears—!"
"Cough! Drink up, drink up!"
Hearing this, Xiao Zheng paused, then turned and walked in the opposite direction.
As she passed another tent, two soldiers with broadswords blocked her path.
"Hey, kid! Where you headed?!"
"Warriors, Hurihu sent me to bring you hot goat milk. You’ve worked hard!"
The two soldiers sheathed their blades.
"Well, at least that bastard remembers us! What’s he up to?"
Xiao Zheng grinned.
"He’s guarding those two-legged sheep! The smell of roasted lamb’s driving him mad!"
The soldier chuckled.
"At least he’s got live company. What’s he complaining about?"
Then, as if remembering something, his expression darkened.
"Enough! Drink up and scram!"
Xiao Zheng nodded obediently.
"Harihu told me to fetch a side of roasted lamb. Should I bring some for you two? It’s dripping with fat right now—best eaten hot!"
The soldiers exchanged glances, swallowing hard.
"Then hurry up!!"
"But... the kitchen boss is terrifying! What if he yells at me for sneaking food?"
Xiao Zheng shrank back, hesitating.
"Spineless brat! Just say Bu Dan ordered it! That dung-faced Sai Na Xi wouldn’t dare refuse!"
Xiao Zheng lifted her chin. "Then I’ll drop your name, Warrior! He wouldn’t dare disobey!"
"Fine, get moving, chick!"
This time, Xiao Zheng strode boldly toward the roasting area.
The Tartar soldiers were too busy devouring lamb to pay her any mind.
"Hey!! Harihu wants a side of lamb! Hurry up!"
"Damn it, always rushing! Wait your turn!"
The cook’s arms were a blur as he worked. Unfazed by the scolding, Xiao Zheng turned to the man boiling milk.
"Uncle, Sai Na Xi sent me to help with the milk."
The man smiled warmly.
"Sure, watch the fire. I’ll fetch more milk."
Xiao Zheng took the ladle and asked,
"Should we add more tea leaves? Seems a bit light."
The man waved dismissively.
"Do as you like."
Xiao Zheng pulled a paper packet from her sleeve and sprinkled its contents into the pot, stirring.
A shame she didn’t have arsenic—only this laxative powder. These bastards were getting off easy.
Next time, she’d carry stronger medicine.
"Kid! The lamb’s ready—take it before it’s gone!"
Xiao Zheng scurried over.
"Thanks, Sai Na Xi! Oh, and Bu Dan wants half a side too."
Grumbling, the cook hacked at the meat.
"Uncle, did you skimp on the spices? Let me add some more!"
"Brat! Go easy! That spice costs more than you!"
After liberally seasoning the meat, Xiao Zheng whistled her way back.
Harihu laughed and slapped Xiao Zheng’s back hard when he saw the roasted lamb. Wincing, she pretended to stagger, amusing the group further.
"Chick, why’re you still here? Scram!"
Xiao Zheng scratched her head, grinning obsequiously.
"Could I... maybe gnaw on the bones after you’re done?"
Hahahaha!
The laughter echoed through the camp. Patrolmen shook their heads—Harihu’s gang must be tormenting prisoners again.
Then—a sudden scream pierced the night.
The soldier on the left was about to go and investigate, but the one on the right stopped him.
"Just a moment ago, they were laughing so heartily—must be tormenting prisoners again! Those Great Yuan troops have already retreated to Shuozhou in fear of us. What trouble could there possibly be? Hurry up and finish this patrol so we can get to the meat! That aroma’s making my mouth water. Come on, let’s go!"
