The Warmth of Hearth and Home

Yue Qiu couldn't cook.

Back when he was in the army camp, there were cooks specifically assigned to prepare meals. Later, after they lost the battle, they had to sleep rough and eat whatever they could on the retreat, so there was no way to cook either.

Over the past half year, he had traveled while begging for alms and hunting. He truly had not made a single proper meal.

"Get out!"

"Out!"

"Don't drag me down, you stinky kid!"

Verdant Green Maiden cursed angrily.

She drove Yue Qiu from the kitchen. Her face was smudged black, covered in soot from the fire.

Yue Qiu was even worse off. There wasn't a single clean spot on him.

Scratching his head sheepishly, he said to Verdant Green Maiden, "Commander! Please don't be angry. It's just that... I've never operated a stove like this before. Let me learn a little. Before long, I'll make you a meal that'll be absolutely delicious!"

"..."

Verdant Green Maiden clenched her fists.

She pointed outside the courtyard.

"Go! Take Brother Ox for a stroll around the area. Feed him until he's full, then come back!"

Hearing that, Yue Qiu immediately nodded. "Alright!"

Old Yellow Ox was outside, untethered. It shot Yue Qiu a disdainful glance, then mooed into the house.

"Right!"

Verdant Green Maiden replied.

Hearing Verdant Green Maiden's words, Yue Qiu froze.

Old Yellow Ox stared at Yue Qiu. Only after a long while did it turn and start walking forward, swishing its tail. When it saw that Yue Qiu had not followed, it turned back and mooed at him again.

Yue Qiu blinked in bewilderment at the sight. Was he herding the ox, or was the ox herding him?

By the time the man and ox returned, Verdant Green Maiden had already prepared a