Yumen Pass.
Weathered by wind and frost along the way, Li Ping'an entered Yumen Pass beneath the snowy moon.
Yesterday's fallen leaves still clung to his shoulder.
Li Ping'an reached up and flicked them lightly away.
"Sesame flatbreads!"
"Piping-hot lamb offal soup!"
"Duck blood vermicelli!"
"..."
The vendors competed to see whose voice was loudest.
His steps were light, and brilliant sunlight spilled across green tiles and red walls, with dappled tree shadows swaying against the red walls.
Every brick and tile lent a touch of tenderness to the majestic Yumen Pass.
Shop banners fluttered high overhead, carriages rolled past in a shimmering stream, and pedestrians flowed without end.
It all gave Li Ping'an a feeling both familiar and strange.
The smell of steaming lamb dishes made him swallow.
"Old Ox, I'm treating you to a feast today!"
Li Ping'an declared grandly.
On his journey, Li Ping'an had played little tunes on his fiddle.
He had saved up some silver as well.
It wasn't much, but it was more than enough for a fine meal and a good night's sleep.
"Old Ox, get the money out."
Old Ox: "Moo~"
Li Ping'an frowned slightly. "Why would I have the money? Didn't you have it?"
(⊙o⊙)...
A moment later, passing pedestrians saw a fool arguing with an ox in the street.
Li Ping'an: "Tell me! Did you give our money to some little heifer? Have you been chasing little heifers behind my back?"
Old Ox: "Moo, moo, moo!"
"..."
They argued for a while.
Li Ping'an searched himself and found he had only five copper coins left.
"Old Ox, what would you like to eat? We only have five coins left."
Old Ox: "Moo~"
Li Ping'an: "Rice cakes? No, those aren't good."
Old Ox: "Moo~"
"Stir-fried noodles? Those don't taste good."
Old