Chapter 5: Human, I Only Ate One Meal Today, Too…

Meeting this captain again, Yun Huan found herself seized by the scruff of her neck once more.

Yun Huan tucked in her neck and let out another soft meow.

Chu Tingyan remained unmoved, continuing to hold the kitten by the scruff.

He Zaizhi laughed, This cat seems to have become a spirit.

Yun Huan shivered all over.

How could this person be so sharp? She bared her teeth at He Zaizhi.

Chu Tingyan paid no mind, setting Yun Huan down and reaching out to rub her airplane ears. Yun Huan turned around and stubbornly clung to Chu Tingyan’s finger, gnawing on it.

Human, I only ate one meal today, it’s too little!

As she gnawed, she suddenly realized… the texture of this person’s finger seemed quite pleasant too…

The man’s fingers were slender with distinct knuckles—a truly handsome hand, as if hot blood surged through the veins. The skin pressed against her fluffy fur was warm, and the scent was… sweet, very pleasant to smell.

She had heard older demons say that to demons, mortals don’t all smell the same. Different demons have different olfactory preferences based on their origins. The same demon might find different people smell differently—some sweet, others bitter. It’s said that in the scenic Min region, the people are particularly sweet, and demons from Lingnan love to go there to eat humans.

If a demon encounters a very sweet-smelling human, it usually means their bloodlines are highly compatible. Simply put, eating them would be greatly nourishing.

Wait, that’s a rather dangerous thought—stop it!

If she wants to become human, she can’t eat humans.

She was just a hybrid cat demon with meager Demon Power, not strong enough to eat humans. Even if a living human were placed right in front of her mouth, she wouldn’t know how to take a bite. Besides, this one in front of her was somewhat her savior.

Yun Huan reluctantly released the suddenly alluring finger from her mouth: Human, you have no idea what you just narrowly escaped.

If I were a less morally upright great demon, you would truly be eaten! How terrifying!

The kitten revealed her tiny fangs.

Chu Tingyan remained completely unaware, still discussing matters with He Zaizhi. With one hand, he untied a pouch from the Diéxiè belt at his waist, took out some dried meat cakes, broke them into pieces, and fed them to the cat.

The meat cakes were incredibly fragrant. After eating them bite by bite, she strangely felt much less hungry.

There’s a saying about not draining the pond to catch all the fish. Yun Huan felt the same principle applied to adopting humans. She was a civilized, polite demon who didn’t eat humans and understood the importance of sustainable developmeSister Yun, Sister Yun, Zhao Liu leaned in, his face full of mystery as he shared gossip, Have you heard? I heard from a fellow villager working in the Imperial Stables that the palace is secretly investigating… the princess from the dynasty before the previous one.

Why are you stuttering? Linglong asked with disdain.

Another eunuch, Wang Wu, couldn’t help but chuckle.

I’m not stuttering! Zhao Liu’s face turned red as he defended himself, I mean the princess from the dynasty before our previous dynasty—the princess of the Tyrant Emperor of Xia!

It still sounded like stuttering, but everyone understood. Though they called it the dynasty before the previous one, since the dynastic changes had occurred rapidly in recent times, it wasn’t actually that long ago—merely ten years past.

The Tyrant Emperor was the last emperor of Xia Dynasty. When the rebel army stormed in, he hanged himself from a high platform and set a fire that burned through the palace for three days and three nights. Countless treasures, ancient texts, and buildings were reduced to ashes. Some palace maids and princesses were burned to death, some took their own lives by hanging, while others simply vanished without a trace.

Yun Huan paused for a moment without speaking. A young maid named Zhenzhu nearby asked, Why aren’t they investigating the False Liang or Former Wei dynasties, only focusing on Xia Dynasty?

Zhao Liu only knew the general details, but that didn’t stop him from speaking with authority: They say… back then, some old ministers of Xia managed to preserve the last trace of the imperial bloodline, taking the princess to Shu territory where they colluded with local demons in an attempt to restore the dynasty. The recent demon disturbances in Shu are also said to be caused by sorcerers who were brought there back then.

Wang Wu exclaimed in amazement: No wonder the Crown Prince is personally leading the expedition to Shu!

Linglong expressed confidence: Now that only Shu remains unconquered, it should be pacified soon. When good news arrives from the palace, we’ll all receive rewards.

Exactly! Everyone says the Crown Prince will return to court soon, Wang Wu added.

Zhao Liu, ever curious, brought the conversation back on track: Sister Yun, were there really sorcerers in the palace back in that dynasty? They say some sorcerers can perform demon magic—is that true?

They were all quite young, and Yun Huan was the only one who had been in the palace during that time. All their expectant, curious eyes fell upon her.

Yun Huan only answered the latter question: What are you all thinking? How old was I back then?

Everyone sighed in disappointment.

What’s all this commotion? Yuzhi approached, briskly waving her hands to shoo them away. Shoo, shoo! The flowers in the other section haven’t been watered yet. Hurry up and get to work!

The group scattered like birds and beasts. Yuzhi came closer and took Yun Huan’s hand. Yun Huan smiled at her.

They’re all children who just entered the palace last year—they don’t know any better, Yuzhi said, lowering her voice only after ensuring no one else was around. You’re too kind to them. If you were stricter, they wouldn’t dare ask such questions.

It’s alright, Yun Huan replied with a light smile.

Yuzhi sighed and fell silent. She had entered the palace at fifteen, experiencing only two dynastic changes. The chaos during those transitions was something unimaginable to those who hadn’t witnessed it, and those who had seen it could never bring themselves to speak of it. During such times, people ceased to be people—they became wild beasts.

Yun Huan appeared to be about the same age as her, yet she had already lived through three dynasties. The palace was vast, and previously assigned to different chambers, they hadn’t known each other. After being assigned to Danfeng Palace, they had tacitly agreed not to inquire about each other’s past.nt—she couldn’t go around thinking about eating people every day.

Yun Huan happily rolled over. Human, may the cat bless you. May you become wealthy and prosperous, and never be eaten by a demon.

The next day, Yun Huan was on duty.

As a second-rank palace maid, she was only responsible for the plants and flowers in the hall and didn’t have to serve the masters directly. It was truly an excellent position—not heavy on responsibilities, with good pay, perfect for lazing about and slacking off.

Moreover, the current Empress wasn’t a difficult mistress to serve, making this job’s happiness index extremely high.

After watering all the plants and flowers, Yun Huan sat under the corridor trimming leaves for a newly assigned orchid plant. Several junior maids and eunuchs had also finished their tasks and were squatting nearby chattering noisily, creating a lively atmosphere.

Sister Yun, Sister Yun, Zhao Liu leaned in, his face full of mystery as he shared gossip, Have you heard? I heard from a fellow villager working in the Imperial Stables that the palace is secretly investigating… the princess from the dynasty before the previous one.

Why are you stuttering? Linglong asked with disdain.

Another eunuch, Wang Wu, couldn’t help but chuckle.

I’m not stuttering! Zhao Liu’s face turned red as he defended himself, I mean the princess from the dynasty before our previous dynasty—the princess of the Tyrant Emperor of Xia!

It still sounded like stuttering, but everyone understood. Though they called it the dynasty before the previous one, since the dynastic changes had occurred rapidly in recent times, it wasn’t actually that long ago—merely ten years past.

The Tyrant Emperor was the last emperor of Xia Dynasty. When the rebel army stormed in, he hanged himself from a high platform and set a fire that burned through the palace for three days and three nights. Countless treasures, ancient texts, and buildings were reduced to ashes. Some palace maids and princesses were burned to death, some took their own lives by hanging, while others simply vanished without a trace.

Yun Huan paused for a moment without speaking. A young maid named Zhenzhu nearby asked, Why aren’t they investigating the False Liang or Former Wei dynasties, only focusing on Xia Dynasty?

Zhao Liu only knew the general details, but that didn’t stop him from speaking with authority: They say… back then, some old ministers of Xia managed to preserve the last trace of the imperial bloodline, taking the princess to Shu territory where they colluded with local demons in an attempt to restore the dynasty. The recent demon disturbances in Shu are also said to be caused by sorcerers who were brought there back then.

Wang Wu exclaimed in amazement: No wonder the Crown Prince is personally leading the expedition to Shu!

Linglong expressed confidence: Now that only Shu remains unconquered, it should be pacified soon. When good news arrives from the palace, we’ll all receive rewards.

Exactly! Everyone says the Crown Prince will return to court soon, Wang Wu added.

Zhao Liu, ever curious, brought the conversation back on track: Sister Yun, were there really sorcerers in the palace back in that dynasty? They say some sorcerers can perform demon magic—is that true?

They were all quite young, and Yun Huan was the only one who had been in the palace during that time. All their expectant, curious eyes fell upon her.

Yun Huan only answered the latter question: What are you all thinking? How old was I back then?

Everyone sighed in disappointment.

What’s all this commotion? Yuzhi approached, briskly waving her hands to shoo them away. Shoo, shoo! The flowers in the other section haven’t been watered yet. Hurry up and get to work!

The group scattered like birds and beasts. Yuzhi came closer and took Yun Huan’s hand. Yun Huan smiled at her.

They’re all children who just entered the palace last year—they don’t know any better, Yuzhi said, lowering her voice only after ensuring no one else was around. You’re too kind to them. If you were stricter, they wouldn’t dare ask such questions.

It’s alright, Yun Huan replied with a light smile.

Yuzhi sighed and fell silent. She had entered the palace at fifteen, experiencing only two dynastic changes. The chaos during those transitions was something unimaginable to those who hadn’t witnessed it, and those who had seen it could never bring themselves to speak of it. During such times, people ceased to be people—they became wild beasts.

Yun Huan appeared to be about the same age as her, yet she had already lived through three dynasties. The palace was vast, and previously assigned to different chambers, they hadn’t known each other. After being assigned to Danfeng Palace, they had tacitly agreed not to inquire about each other’s past.

Those sent into the palace at a young age all had their own stories. If one were to truly dwell on them, even the entire Taiye Lake wouldn’t be enough to hold all the tears. Yun Huan said no more, and Yuzhi didn’t ask further, only remarking, The Imperial Kitchen made osmanthus pastries today. I had a fellow townsman save some for me.

Yun Huan’s eyes lit up. Since the previous Eunuch Gao retired, it’s been ages since we’ve had good osmanthus pastries.

This new one is Eunuch Gao’s nephew, and they say his skills are excellent too. Yuzhi linked arms with her affectionately. He said Eunuch Gao saved five hundred taels to return home and buy land—now he’s a wealthy man.

How wonderful, Yun Huan exchanged a glance with Yuzhi. After earning a few more years of wages, I’d like to go out and buy a small house too.

Of course. When we reach the right age, Mo Gugu won’t keep anyone who wishes to leave, Yuzhi patted her. Don’t worry.

Yun Huan wasn’t troubled by recalling the past. As a demon, no matter how meager her Demon Power, she still had some means of self-protection. But demons had their own troubles too. That cunning old raccoon had insisted that demons must eat humans, but that couldn’t be entirely trusted. Yun Huan’s right hand silently clenched the White Jade Token in her sleeve, and a tattered ancient text surfaced in her mind.

Demons often underwent long periods of time, spanning decades or even centuries, before gaining sentience and taking human form. Mixed-blood half-demons were born in human form but retained some characteristics of their original appearance.

A human form obtained too easily couldn’t retain Demon Power and made cultivation difficult—this was why half-demons were so fragile.

But… there were still ways.

It was from this fragmentary text that she learned the cultivation method of converting food into Demon Qi. Though the loss was significant, it was still a path forward.

A few remaining pages also described methods for mixed-blood half-demons to shed their Demon Blood and return to being ordinary humans. Once she gathered the necessary materials, she could live properly as a human. With her savings from these years in the palace, she could live comfortably.

However, as she grew older, the Demon Power within her grew stronger. Perhaps her recent laxness in cultivation had led to the incident days earlier. Now, as the moon waxed from crescent to full, her condition improved noticeably—proof that she must cultivate more diligently in the future.

Of course, this was something she couldn’t share with Yuzhi. Yun Huan simply squeezed her hand in return.

I heard they’re repairing the well at the westernmost part of Danfeng Palace recently, Yuzhi whispered close to her ear. They say the well frame used to be covered in gold leaf…

Before she could finish, Yun Huan caught her meaning: I’ll be inspecting the plants there this afternoon. If I find any gold leaf, I’ll split it with you.

Head to head, both girls laughed.

Among palace maids, friendships varied in depth. Of the three sharing her room, Yun Huan was closest to Yuzhi. Neither sought advancement, both focused on saving enough to leave the palace, and they often exchanged money-saving tips. Such conversations were never shared with others.

Yuzhi had previously seen eunuchs scraping gold leaf from walls during chaotic exits from the palace, though she’d never tried it herself. Having heard the stories, Yun Huan had long nurtured ambitions—even if she couldn’t scrape any off, gathering fragments from the ground would be worthwhile! She was a cat, after all, with eyesight ten times sharper than humans’.

Diligent cultivation, diligent saving—she couldn’t neglect either!

That afternoon, Yun Huan prepared to head west of Danfeng Palace. With her duty to inspect plants, her movements wouldn’t attract attention.

Outside the window, a few young palace maids and eunuchs were still gossiping. Someone said, I heard that princess has a natural fragrance, and there’s a plum blossom birthmark on her wrist!

No, no, I heard it’s the demon who has the plum blossom birthmark on her wrist, and she’s already infiltrated the palace. The higher-ups have issued orders to investigate for spies.

Yun Huan overheard this and merely smiled, then applied another layer of powder to her wrist before excitedly picking up her flower hoe and heading out. Nothing could stop her from going to—earn! money!

Gold, here I come!

The sunlight was blazing. Chu Tingyan stood in place, squinting slightly.

It was hard to say whether it was fortunate or unfortunate—they had met again.

This time, she still had no ears on her head.

It was exactly noon, with the sun directly overhead. The palace maid cast a short shadow at her feet, so she probably wasn’t a ghost either.

When He Zaizhi handed the guard’s Waist Token to him earlier today, he had turned back three times with every step, fussing like an old mother who wished she could offer a few more reminders. Chu Tingyan repeatedly assured him that he would be careful before finally sending him away.

Naturally, he knew his limits—that was why he had borrowed the identity of an ordinary guard and brought no extra people, to avoid alerting anyone.

Chu Tingyan stood silently in place, just like an ordinary guard on duty, except his gaze remained fixed on the palace maid.

Yun Huan reached out and touched the well frame. Unconvinced, she scraped at it again.

Who started this rumor! The well frame was indeed yellowish, but there was no Gold leaf on it at all!

Lacking knowledge of chemistry was truly deadly! This so-called Auspicious bronze from ancient times was actually bronze, not gold at all!

Still unwilling to give up, Yun Huan was about to reach out and feel along the well wall when a strong hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.

Author’s note:

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[Three-flowered cat head] Here

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