Peach Blossoms in Chang'an

Hu Bugui moved as fast as lightning, and with a flash of his sword, he knocked down several officers and soldiers who were rushing to the ground. Wu Tao was not to be outdone, she raised the jade pendant high, and a dazzling light instantly enveloped the entire village. The officers and soldiers were blinded by the sudden strong light and their positions were thrown into disarray. Hu Bugui took the opportunity to lead the villagers to fight back, and for a while, shouts of killing and the sound of weapons clashing resounded through the night sky.

After a fierce battle, the soldiers were repelled, but the villagers also suffered some casualties. Wu Tao looked at the injured villagers, feeling full of guilt, and she became more determined to protect them.

The next morning, the sun shone over the quiet village. Wu Tao and Hu Bugui began to teach the villagers some simple self-defense techniques. The men learned to use sticks, hoes and other farm tools as weapons, while the women learned how to use the terrain and environment to hide.

"Everyone should remember, when facing danger, don't panic, and unite as one to protect yourself and your family." Wu Tao encouraged the villagers while demonstrating the movements.

Although the villagers had never been exposed to these things, they were very enthusiastic about learning. Under the patient guidance of Wu Tao and Hu Bugui, the villagers gradually mastered some basic self-defense skills.

At the same time, the miracle doctor given by the old man also stayed in the village. He used his superb medical skills to treat various diseases and injuries for the villagers. Under his careful care, the villagers' health was greatly improved, and the life in the village gradually returned to its former tranquility.

As the sun sets, the golden afterglow fills the fields, casting a warm glow over the green rice fields. Wu Tao and Hu Bugui walk side by side on the ridge of the field, the gentle evening breeze brushing across their faces, bringing bursts of rice fragrance.

"Taoer, do you remember the scene when we first met?" Hu Bugui looked at the sky in the distance, his eyes full of memories.

"Of course I remember. At that time, I was still a flustered time traveler, and you were the high and mighty prince." Wu Tao said with a smile, "If it weren't for you, I might have been lost in that strange era long ago."

"Speaking of which, I have to thank you," Hu Bugui turned to look at Wu Tao, his eyes full of tenderness, "It is you who made me understand that true happiness is not power and status, but an ordinary life with you."

The two smiled at each other, and everything was said without words. They walked hand in hand along the path in the field, passing by villagers who were working. The villagers stopped what they were doing and greeted them warmly.

"Miss Wu, Mr. Hu, you are here!" An old man put down his hoe and came over with a smile, "Thanks to you, we can live a stable life like this now."

"Yes, yes," an old lady came over with a basket of fresh vegetables in her hands. "These are vegetables grown by my family. If you don't mind, take them and have a taste."

"There are also pastries made at home, please be sure to accept them." A young girl also squeezed over and handed a bag of exquisite pastries to Wu Tao.

Faced with the villagers' sincere gratitude and enthusiasm, Wu Tao and Hu Bugui were filled with warmth in their hearts. They gladly accepted the villagers' kindness and expressed their sincere gratitude. At this moment, they truly felt the love and gratitude from the villagers, and became more determined to protect this peaceful land.

"Tao'er, look how full the rice ears in this field are. We'll have a good harvest in another month." Hu Bugui pointed to the golden rice fields, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Yes, thanks to the new planting method you taught us, we will definitely have a bumper harvest this year." Wu Tao also said happily.

When they returned to the village, it was already dark, smoke from cooking rose, and the air was filled with the aroma of food. However, Hu Bugui keenly noticed something strange. Under the big tree at the entrance of the village, a familiar figure flashed by. It was his former bodyguard, Ah Hu.

"Tao'er, you go back first, I'll be back soon." Hu Bugui said in a low voice, with a complicated look in his eyes.

He quietly followed Ah Hu to a hidden cave in the back hills of the village. There were several guards guarding the entrance of the cave. When they saw Hu Bugui, they immediately knelt on one knee and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"Get up, what's going on inside?" Hu Bugui asked.

"Your Highness, we have established a secret base here in accordance with your instructions to collect intelligence and train soldiers." Ah Hu replied.

Hu Bugui walked into the cave and saw that it was brightly lit. Dozens of soldiers were training hard. They were all brothers who had followed Hu Bugui through life and death, and now they had gathered again for a common goal.

"Your Highness, don't worry, we will definitely protect the safety of you and the princess!" A soldier said excitedly when he saw Hu Bugui.

"Good brother!" Hu Bugui patted his shoulder, his eyes full of emotion. He knew that even if he was far away from the court, he still had these loyal subordinates, who were his strongest backing.

After leaving the cave, Hu Bugui felt a little heavy-hearted. He understood that the peaceful life was only temporary and greater challenges were still to come. When he returned home, he saw Wu Tao fiddling with flowers and plants in the yard with a peaceful smile on her face, and he suddenly felt warm in his heart.

"Tao'er, come for a walk with me." Hu Bugui walked to Wu Tao and took her hand.

As night fell, the stars twinkled and the moonlight shone on the earth. Wu Tao and Hu Bugui walked along the stream and unknowingly came to a quiet valley.

"Hey, it's so warm here!" Wu Tao suddenly felt a wave of heat coming towards him.

"Look!" Hu Bugui pointed ahead and saw a clear hot spring deep in the valley, emitting steam. It looked particularly charming under the moonlight.

The two smiled at each other, took off their clothes, and stepped into the warm spring water. The moonlight poured down, reflecting their figures on the water, making them look particularly affectionate.

The steam from the hot spring blurred the moonlight and each other's heartbeats. They snuggled together, feeling the tranquility and warmth of the moment. But Wu Tao always felt a little uneasy, as if he had a premonition of something.

After returning to the hut from the hot spring, Hu Bugui's expression became serious. He took out a letter sealed with wax from his pocket, on which was clearly printed the word "tiger".

"It was sent by Ah Hu." Hu Bugui said in a deep voice, opened the letter, read it ten lines at a glance, his face became more gloomy.

Wu Tao's heart was also lifted: "What happened?"

Hu Bugui took a deep breath and handed the letter to Wu Tao: "Read it yourself."

Wu Tao took the letter. The handwriting was sloppy, and it was obvious that the writer was extremely anxious. The letter said that there was news from the capital that the current emperor was seriously ill and the crown prince was the regent. He secretly mobilized troops with the intention of harming the village.

"How could this happen?" Wu Tao's face was pale. Although she had long been away from the court, she was well aware of the prince's hatred for Hu Bugui. Now that he was in power, how could he let them go easily?

"It seems that the peaceful days are over." A cold light flashed in Hu Bugui's eyes. He threw the letter into the candlelight. The flame danced, reflecting his resolute face. "Tao'er, don't worry. I will protect you."

Wu Tao clenched her fists, but her heart was filled with worry. She knew that a storm was coming, and they had nowhere to escape.

In the distance, the sound of rapid horse hooves broke the tranquility of the mountain village, and also foreshadowed that a bigger storm was about to sweep in...