Chapter 5

In the East Market of Chang'an, a strange scene suddenly unfolded.

A handsome young scholar, carrying a piece of mutton, was running for his life. Not far behind, three men in brocade clothing were hot on his heels, followed by a group of Cheng Family guards shouting loudly.

"Son-in-law, don't run—"

"Son-in-law, where do you think you're running to—"

"Son-in-law, hey—this road is mine—cough, stop right there!"

Cheng Yaojin: ...

On the viewing stand.

"Little sister, don't be sad, I'll go and catch him for you—"

On the viewing stand, the Cheng Family's young lady, who could throw punches like a galloping horse, was about to leap off the platform when a woman beside her grabbed her by the arm.

"Big sister, what are you catching—this is better, no need to pretend to be a fake couple..."

The fierce older sister paused, stopping in her tracks, and looked at the fleeing handsome scholar and the three "little followers" behind him with a hint of regret.

What a pity, such a handsome young scholar!

But then, a hint of doubt appeared in her eyes.

"Little sister, those three figures behind, why do they look so familiar..."

Only a strong body can support a lecherous soul. To ensure his body could support his future decadent life in the Tang Dynasty, Wang Zian had not missed a single day of exercise in the six months since he had arrived.

Small body, super strong!

This run, for a while, actually prevented Li Shimin and Cheng Yaojin from catching up!

"This brat, is he a dog? How, how, how can he run so fast!"

Li Shimin and Cheng Yaojin were still in better shape, but Wei Zheng was so exhausted that he could barely catch his breath, and his chest ached. If not for the fear of being caught by the Cheng Family's guards, he would have squatted down and given up long ago.

"Xuan Cheng, you find a place to hide first, I and Zhi Jie will chase him. I don't believe I can't catch this little brat!"

Although Li Shimin was an emperor on horseback, he had also been out of practice for a few years. This run had also left him quite exhausted.

I turn, I turn, I turn again!

Taking advantage of his familiarity with the streets, Wang Zian turned corner after corner, finally slipping through a hidden dog hole to shake off the big tail behind him.

Wang Zian finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Finally escaped a crisis!

Hearing the commotion behind him, Wang Zian thoughtfully transferred the mutton to his left hand and offered a helping hand.

"Two old brothers, you're both well into your years, with children and grandchildren. Why would a girl stick to you? Running around like this—look how exhausted you are..."

Li Shimin, wiping the sweat from his forehead in a disheveled manner, gasped for breath. Cheng Yaojin, covering his face and hugging the embroidered ball, had run in an awkward posture and was also quite exhausted. At this moment, he didn't even have the energy to argue with Wang Zian, leaning against the wall and panting heavily.

Wang Zian walked up and patted the embroidered ball in Cheng Yaojin's arms, frustrated by his lack of effort.

"I say, you're just being stubborn. Why not keep this embroidered ball for your own young people? The Cheng Family's girl may be a bit rough, but she's from a good family..."

Dare to say my daughter is rough!

I'll beat you to death!

Cheng Yaojin, enraged, swung the embroidered ball and threw it.

Bang!

His hands, as if possessed, automatically caught the ball.

Wang Zian carefully patted the dirt off the ball and returned it, earnestly advising.

"Marry for virtue. Although the Cheng Family's girl is a bit rough, she has a good family background and a strong physique, clearly capable of bearing children..."

"I'll fight you to the death—"

Cheng Yaojin roared, ready to fight Wang Zian, but was held back by Li Shimin.

"Old Cheng, Old Cheng, don't be angry, don't be angry, let's talk it out..."

Wang Zian was also a bit angry; this old man was ungrateful! If not for the desire to gain more superpowers from him, I wouldn't bother with you!

"Fine, I don't want it!"

Wang Zian yanked the embroidered ball from his arms and turned to stuff it into Li Shimin's arms.

"He doesn't want it, you take it—"

Before he could finish, Cheng Yaojin snatched the ball back from Li Shimin's arms in a flash.

Li Shimin: ...

Wang Zian shrugged.

This guy is just a scoundrel, doesn't want it, but takes it back when not given.

Well, for the sake of my lucky star.

"We've been through a lot together, a rare bond. Come, I'll treat you to a good meal—"

Wang Zian said, shaking the mutton in his hand.

Cheng Yaojin snorted, turning his face away in disdain. He had never seen such a show, as if no one had ever eaten mutton before.

"Is stewing or roasting mutton really eating mutton? Wrong! After you taste my mutton, you'll know what it means to live in vain!"

To gain superpowers, Wang Zian was really going all out.

"Provocation, childish!"

Cheng Yaojin bluntly exposed Wang Zian's trick. Wang Zian said nothing, bent down, picked up a small stone from the ground, and gently rubbed it, letting the fine powder slip through his fingers. Cheng Yaojin's eyes widened, and he wisely kept quiet.

"Meeting is a bond, today we've met such an interesting young man. Come—Old Cheng, let's try this young chef's skills—"

Li Shimin quickly brushed off the dirt from his clothes, pretending not to see the stone powder slipping through Wang Zian's fingers.

"Please—"

Wang Zian extended his hand in invitation, just as he was about to lead the way, he felt a familiar tingling sensation return!

Praise works too!

Today, I've really hit the jackpot!

Wang Zian couldn't help but feel elated. Just now, a memory and experience related to cooking instantly flooded his mind and body, making him feel his culinary skills had instantly reached a divine level!

With these skills, the happiness index of life in the Tang Dynasty would skyrocket.

Feeling great!

Can't let these two old guys slip away for nothing!

"Is this kid up to no good, why is he staring at us and smiling?"

Cheng Yaojin felt uneasy under the young man's gaze, tugging at Li Shimin's sleeve and whispering a warning.

"If it weren't for his restraint, that kick would have left you flat on the ground..."

Li Shimin turned to retort, but saw Wang Zian turn back with a warm smile.

"You two, what are you whispering about? Hurry up, if the Cheng Family catches up, don't blame me for not being loyal—"

"Looking forward to your delicious food—come, come, come—"

Li Shimin forced a smile in response, secretly signaling Cheng Yaojin to be quiet, and followed along reluctantly.

No choice, afraid this terrifying young man might suddenly turn on them.

Exiting through the Yanxing Gate, crossing the moat, and walking for about four or five li, they arrived at Wang Zian's residence. A simple thatched cottage, a common Chang'an peasant's courtyard. Although the yard was small, it was clean and bright.

After all this commotion, the sun was high in the sky, and the three men, having expended a lot of energy, were already hungry.

"Whatever you have, get it ready as soon as possible—"