Although the courtyard wall was high, it could not stop the soldiers. They quietly climbed under the wall to form a human ladder, and with lightning speed, they grabbed a large rooster. The startled bird began to squawk. One soldier grabbed its neck and gave a sharp twist, snapping it.
Just as they were about to flee with their prize, the household servants charged out, brandishing sticks. "Which blind fool dares to steal a chicken from Magistrate Han’s estate?" they shouted. Before the words had even faded, they collided head-on with the fleeing soldiers.
"Help! These stinking soldiers are stealing!" a servant screamed. The cry brought out the rest of the household staff and drew curious neighbors from their homes to see the commotion. Half-sobered by the discovery, the soldiers realized they were in the wrong and tossed the carcass aside, turning to run. The servants gave chase.
Chapter 1092