A Favored Upstart

"Liang Commandant, in this sweltering heat of the dog days, you're sweating like rain. You should pay more attention to washing up and changing your clothes. It's one thing for you to stink yourself, but fumigating everyone else is your fault." Bai Yinbin spoke earnestly.

"Fuck off! I go into the water three times a day—I'm cleaner than all of you put together!"

"A Shui, don't be stubborn. You can't smell it yourself, but everyone else can smell it crystal clear. You really should wash up. Our big bathhouse is right behind the Prefectural Office; it's been built for half a year now. Hurry up and go." Ran Zhongshi urged him.

"I'll have someone change the water." Ran Ying raised her hand.

"Are you done yet? Are we eating or not? Freshly baked pastries can't shut your mouths, can they?"

"Not eating. They've all gone bad—sour as hell. They're awful."

Xiang Fangsu abruptly stuffed several into his mouth, cheeks bulging, then pushed the empty box forward.

Liang Qu could not be bothered with them. He looked at the dazed Ke Wenbin. "Why aren't you eating either? What, someone who's betrothed can turn sour too? Eating from the bowl while eyeing the pot?"

Holding a crystal cake, Ke Wenbin sighed. "Finding a wife was one thing, but why did she have to be a Grandmaster?"

Well then! "A Shui!"

Liang Qu looked up. Light and shadow interlaced overhead as Xu Yuelong leaned over the stair railing and asked what was wrong.

"How old is the First Elder's granddaughter this year?"

After thinking for a moment, Xu Yuelong said, "A little over thirty, I think."

Xu Yuelong gave him a thumbs-up. "You brat, you really know how to eat! You like them older, huh?"

Everyone burst into laughter.

"Dragonfolk live long lives.