After bidding farewell to the border troops, they continued onward.
Once they crossed the border, people became more numerous.
Tea stalls, small eateries, and similar places also appeared along the roadside from time to time.
At the same time, they heard more rumors and reports.
A month earlier, they had heard people say that the allied armies of the various nations had marched south, broken through several defensive positions in succession, and were about to press into Capital City.
Farther along, they learned that Liu Yong had marched north, while several other armies were also heading north to encircle the allied forces.
The Female Emperor had returned to court and resumed control of state affairs.
But rumors said that this was her final flicker before death.
Others claimed that the Female Emperor had deliberately staged the whole affair to set a trap for the opposition within the country.
Opinions were divided.
But reality could not be faked.
The man, the ox, and the cat listened as they traveled.
To return to the Anbei Four Garrisons, they naturally had to head north.
They received more news, and it grew somewhat more credible.
All along the way, they heard people say that the allied forces were coming, yet they saw no trace of them.
One day, they arrived in a small town.
They stopped to rest at a wine stall.
The stall's specialty was ox-head meat.
But its preparation was peculiar. According to the stallholder, the dish was called bao.
A tender ox head was singed over a fire, washed repeatedly, then boiled with wine, fermented beans, scallions, and ginger until cooked.
It was then cut into palm-sized slices and seasoned with the likes of Su Paste, Pepper, and Tangerine.
The meat was sealed in a large earthenware jar, its opening plugged