The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Qin Yi and Ying Bu followed closely behind, and the carriage of Lu Taigong's family slowly moved towards Pei County. Although they played the role of guards, Qin Yi was very happy to do so in his heart.

During the entire journey, Lu Su silently observed Qin Yi, with the deer in her heart running around like a wild horse.

Three miles from the city gate, there was a small market. Qin Yi called Ying Bu over, and the two of them tied up their horses and found some food. They were about to pack three portions to send to Lu Su when they saw a group of people surrounding a carriage up ahead. Someone shouted, "These two horses are really good. They'll definitely sell for a good price."

Qin Yi and Ying Bu exchanged a glance, realizing they might be in trouble. They hastened forward, and sure enough, they saw Fan Kuai and several others trying to seize their horses.

"How dare you steal my horse in broad daylight!" Ying Bu shouted angrily.

Fan Kuai, however, was unconcerned. "This horse is clearly ownerless. If I take a fancy to it, it's mine."

Seeing that the two sides were about to fight, Xiao He rushed over to mediate. "Fan Kuai, please don't be rude! These two are guests invited by the master," he said, bowing and saying, "I am Xiao He. I am sorry to bother you."

Only then did Fan Kuai notice Qin Yi and Ying Bu. Although he felt a little apprehensive, he reluctantly made way. "So you're guests! What a misunderstanding, what a misunderstanding..." His voice was stiff, as if squeezed through his teeth.

Qin Yi secretly studied Xiao He. He had a handsome face, like a crown of jade; his eyes were bright, like shining stars. He looked gentle and refined, yet he inadvertently exuded a sense of wisdom. Seeing this, Qin Yi had already made a plan. A subtle glint flashed in his eyes, but he didn't say much. He simply bowed to Xiao He and turned to leave.

Xiao He hurriedly grabbed Fan Kuai and gently scolded him, "Go back quickly! Didn't the captain tell you before? He told you not to be idle all day long!" After saying that, he turned his head to look in the direction Qin Yi left, and a chill rose in his heart.

Fan Kuai snorted coldly and left with everyone else, feeling very dissatisfied. As he walked away, he kept muttering, "These two don't look like good people..."

Afterwards, Qin Yi handed the packed food to Lu Su and said softly, "Please accept these foods, young lady. Eat with Grandpa. It's better to fill your stomach before entering the city."

As Lu Su took the food, a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She raised her head slightly, her eyes met Qin Yi's, and her face flushed like the sunset. At this moment, her heart was filled with gratitude and shyness. She was grateful for Qin Yi's care and consideration.

Qin Yi looked at Lu Su, and his heart couldn't help but move, and suddenly a desire to protect her surged. He hoped that he could do more for her and make her feel warm and safe. He looked at Lu Su silently, and secretly made up his mind to take good care of her in the future.

The carriage continued forward. Lü Taigong's home was in the city center, and they soon arrived. Standing at the gate, Lü Taigong expressed his gratitude to Qin Yi and Ying Bu. "It is thanks to you two brave men that we were able to reach Pei County safely this time. I will host a banquet tonight, and I hope you will both honor us with your presence."

"Obedience is worse than respect." Qin Yiyingbu bowed.

Grandpa Lu smiled cheerfully and invited the two into his mansion. That night, the house was brightly lit and bustling with activity. The banquet was filled with a dazzling array of delicious food and wine, the aromas filling the air and making everyone salivate.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, everyone was already slightly tipsy. Lü Taigong smiled, looked at Qin Yi, and asked softly, "I wonder what your plans are for the future, warrior?" His voice was low and gentle, revealing a sense of concern.

Qin Yi slowly put down his wine glass, looked at Lu Taigong with a determined gaze, and answered truthfully, "For years, the northern tribes have invaded, and the people on the border have suffered terribly. My brother Ying Bu and I want to go north to join the army and serve our country, defend our homeland, and do our part for the country. At the same time, we also hope to achieve great things and make a difference."

Grandpa Lu nodded slightly, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. He stroked his beard and said with emotion, "A true man has ambitions; that's what a true man does. These troubled times are a time for heroes to emerge. Your ambitions are a blessing to the country. Currently, I have two sons, one older and one younger, both of whom are wandering the land." He raised his glass and toasted Qin Yi and Ying Bu, expressing his respect and well wishes for them.

At this moment, Lu Su slowly stood up, moving lightly, like a blooming lotus, and walked into the hall. She bowed deeply to Qin Yi and said softly, "I, Lu Su, would like to thank you again for your protection and care along the way."

As soon as she finished speaking, Lv Su began to dance gracefully, her figure light and graceful, like a beautiful butterfly fluttering among flowers. Every movement was full of charm, intoxicating and unable to extricate oneself.

Qin Yi stared at the beautiful scene in front of him, and his whole body fell into obsession. He was completely attracted by Lu Su's charm and forgot everything around him.

As the dance music drew to a close, Lü Su bowed gently and gracefully returned to her seat. Lü Zhi smiled and said, "My sister only knows a few singing and dancing skills. Please don't laugh at me."

Hearing Lu Zhi's words, Lu Su couldn't help feeling a little shy. She thought to herself, "Sister, you are such a jerk. How could you say such a bad thing about me? However, seeing Qin Yi's focused eyes, I still felt a little happy."

Qin Yi immediately bowed and replied, "Miss Susu's figure is truly graceful, and her dancing is exceptional. It's truly rare to see her like this!"

Lu Taigong already had the intention of seeking a son-in-law, and he laughed heartily after hearing this, "Qin Zhuangshi Ying Zhuangshi is really very polite. If you don't mind, you can stay in my humble home for a few more days."

Qin Yi was secretly delighted and quickly agreed. When he turned to look at Lu Su, he found that she was also secretly watching him. The moment their eyes met, they both smiled knowingly.

At this moment, Qin Yi's heart was filled with joy. He thought, "My good wife is truly stunningly beautiful. Every frown and smile of hers makes my heart flutter. I must seize this opportunity to spend more time with her." And Lu Su's heart also rippled. She thought, "Qin Yi is such a handsome man. His eyes are full of passion. I wonder if he feels the same way about me?"

After the banquet, Qin Yi and Ying Bu bowed and said goodbye to the Lu family father and daughter, then returned to the room.

Ying Bu frowned and said, "Today outside the city, that strong man tried to seize our horses. He must be the local tyrant here. So we must be careful when we go out in the next few days."

Qin Yi smiled and replied, "Brother Yingbu is right. The Fan Kuai and Xiao He we met today don't look like the ones in charge. There must be someone leading the charge. It seems our trip to Pei County won't be so smooth. But Brother Yingbu, as the saying goes, if an enemy comes, we will fight him; if a flood comes, we will block it with earth. With the two of us here, there's nothing to be afraid of."

That being said, Qin Yi knew that the leader was most likely Liu Bang. Besides Xiao He and Fan Kuai, others like Zhou Bo, Cao Shen, and Xiahou Ying were likely also in the city. It was truly bizarre that a mere county like Pei could suddenly produce so many of the Han Dynasty's founding heroes. It was truly astonishing.

There was no conversation in the middle of the night, and the two of them blew out the lights and went to bed.