Chapter 17: The Core of the Heart

ng would go and rescue this child in a few days, but it wouldn't be easy to accomplish! As soon as he thought about it, he was about to move back into the house and downstairs, but then he saw the chi...Ye Dalian heard that Xue Gong was killed, and couldn't help but be startled again: "Xue Gong is already an official in Cai Prefecture, how... who would dare..."

Ye Hou-sheng seemed to realize that venting his anger on his wife and daughter was unreasonable, so he softened his tone and said: "In this world, there are many who rebel against the authorities! Didn't we see those cannibalistic bandits yesterday"

Ye Dajiao and the three nodded in agreement. Ye Youxiao, lost in thought, even recalled the nightmare he'd had last night.

Only Ye Huisheng said, "I've inquired about it. Apparently, there's an officer named Zhou Ji who acted without Xue Gong's orders and charged forward with his sword. You see, Xue Gong is a cultured scholar who only writes poems like the 'Branches of Plum Blossoms,' he's never seen such a fierce officer! They say he was immediately slashed to death by multiple blows."

Ye Youxiao couldn't figure it out: “Father, shouldn't the general have many guards around him”

Ye Hou Sheng glanced at him: "This is unclear. It's also possible that seeing Zhou Ji's fierceness, everyone dared not come forward"

Ye Dalian understood the reason for her husband's dejection. She thought for a moment and said, "My dear, according to what you've said, we can't go to Caizhou."

Ye Hou-sheng: "It's impossible to go now."

Ye Dalian listened to his words and sensed something more. She asked, "What does the official mean Will you still be going in the future"

Ye Hou Sheng sighed and said, "I don't know either. I just heard that there is another person who opposes Zhou Jir, named Qin Zongquan, leading his troops to attack him."

Ye Daniu's eyes lit up: "This Qin Zongquan, it seems he wants to avenge Xue Gong"

Ye Hou Sheng scratched his head and said, "This is not clear."

Yè Dàniang couldn't help but complain: "Sir, you should ask questions clearly. With such vague and ambiguous words, how can we determine the itinerary"

Ye Hou Sheng nodded: "My wife is right. In that case, you all wait here for me, I'll go ask again."

Ye Dalian hurriedly handed him a small knife: "Sir, with soldiers and horses everywhere, it's best to have this for protection. Unless absolutely necessary, don't engage in disputes with others."

Ye Hou Sheng nodded and ran far away.

Ye Dalian sat on the mule cart with a face full of worry. Ye Niangwen hurriedly stepped forward and embraced her mother, Ye Youxiao thought for a moment and said:

"Mother, if my guess is correct, Qin Zongquan must be here to avenge Xue Nan..."

Ye Ma gently corrected him: "Don't you know how to speak You should call him Mr. Xue!"

Ye Dalian shook her head. "It's alright, everyone else is gone. Youxi called him Xue Neng, so let it be."

Mother Ye said softly, "Father always said that when we met Mr. Xue, there would be steamed buns to eat. Alas, now…"

Ye Daniu's mother used her finger to comb her daughter's hair and said, "Let Youxiao tell us first."

Ye Youxiao said, "Mother, since Qin Zongquan is avenging Xue Gong, and we are going to seek refuge with Xue Gong, my son thinks that Qin Zongquan should be on our side."

Ye Ma smiled warmly: "As you say, we went to see Qin Zongquan... Lord Qin, he can also rest assured and eat some pancakes"

Ye Ma's mother has already started calling Qin Zongquan "Qin Gong."

Ye Youxiao, seeing the expectant looks on his wife and daughter, suddenly felt a surge of urgency to save them from danger. He was also proud of himself for being able to make such an important decision for his family. In this era, a man's role was to be the pillar of the family, while women relied on men for guidance and survival. The Ye family mother and daughter were more enlightened than most women, but when it came to major decisions, they still subconsciously followed the lead of men.

Ye Youxiao replied confidently, "That's exactly right."

Hearing Ye Youxiao's affirmative answer, the mother and daughter looked at each other and both smiled with satisfaction. Indeed, after traveling thousands of miles to arrive under Cai State's city walls, they couldn't enter Cai State. This was truly unbearable. Now that Ye Youxiao had spoken, it finally relieved them.

Looking at the relaxed expressions of the mother and daughter, Ye Youxiao delved further into his analysis:

In my opinion, since Qin Zongquan dared to raise his army against that Zhou fellow, he must be a capable and experienced general. Furthermore, the Zhou fellow rebelled against authority, losing both righteousness and the hearts of the people. Therefore, the Zhou fellow's rebels will surely not be able to withstand Qin Gong's vengeful army. This war will likely be over in a few days. At that time, we can still enter Cai State and explain our origins to Qin Gong. After such a great disaster, Cai State definitely needs us to bring them entertainment and create an illusion of peace. So, I believe that in a short time, we can all live peacefully and happily in Cai State.

He didn't notice that he had also started calling himself "Qin Gong," he was just wondering how his oral writing ability suddenly improved so much

Both the mother and daughter were moved by his insightful analysis. Ye Dalian even laughed and said, “Oh, Youxiao, you speak so well! If what you say is true, then we must be truly blessed by Buddha and Bodhisattva.”

At this moment, Ye Hou-sheng also returned. Seeing his stiff expression once again, both mother and daughter's spirits plummeted to the bottom. Ye You-xiao was also anxious in her heart. Her logic was sound, so what was wrong with her stepfather Could he have caught a cold This was a serious illness that needed treatment.

Ye Youxiao heard his godfather's voice, and finally understood what it meant to be "overwhelmed with grief and tears":

"My lady, Ye has inquired and learned everything. This Qin Zongquan indeed uses the banner of avenging Xue Gong."

Ye Youxiao was confused, this was clearly good news! How could his godfather's voice be filled with foreboding However, he immediately understood:

However, my lady, do you know that the military supply team we encountered yesterday was Qin Zongquan's army!

Not only did Ye Ma hug her mother tightly, but Ye Youxiao also couldn't help but cry out in surprise. A chill ran up his spine.

Actually, think about it carefully. Since Qin Zongquan is attacking Caizhou, it stands to reason that his troops would be easily encountered near Caizhou. Ye Youxiao, who had calmed down, secretly lamented, how could he have forgotten such an obvious point when analyzing the situation just now

Ye Dalian was also greatly surprised upon hearing this, but she remained calm. "My lord," she said, "according to what you've said, we shouldn't go to seek refuge with Qin Zongquan."

"Father, please don't!" Ye's mother hurriedly interjected.

Ye Hou Sheng looked at her: "What's impossible"

"Mother, my daughter is saying that she cannot go to Qin Zongquan! My daughter fears he will eat her. My daughter would never do such a stupid thing as to offer herself up as a sacrifice."

"Even Grandma Ye was amused by her daughter's antics. 'You're just talking nonsense,' she chuckled, 'What do you mean, sending meat to the door!'"

Ye Ma Wen said: "They eat people, if we go find them, isn't that just sending meat to their door"

Ye Hou-sheng nodded. "Don't worry, daughter, I won't go looking for him."

Ye Daniu's face turned serious: "Sir, I definitely won't go sing opera for those demonic cannibalistic fiends."

Ye Youxiao remained silent. Since Qin Zongquan was the leader of a bandit army that devoured people, he certainly couldn't seek him out. However, his first plan, a logically sound one, was immediately shattered by the harsh reality, vanishing into thin air. Ye Youxiao felt a deep bitterness, not just for his stillborn plan, but also for the bewilderment of his uncertain future. Alas, he had only wanted to control the family's future, yet reality had dealt him such a blow!

Hearing Ye Hou-sheng's heavy, muffled voice, as if coming from a jar: "Caizhou is in terrible trouble."

The Ye family, including the mother and daughter, as well as Ye Youxiao, all stared intently at this head of the household, like a drowning person looking at a life preserver.

Ye Hou Sheng continued, "Let's go back to the palace."

Lady Ye: "Master, are you returning to Chang'an"

Ye Housheng nodded. "After all, we've lived in Chang'an for a few years. Now that the Empress is gone, it's just a matter of making ends meet. Here in Henan and Caizhou, however, life and death are at stake. The Ye family cannot stay here and take risks. Yes, staying here could lead to annihilation, cutting off our lineage!"

Ye Hou's facial muscles started to twitch: "Let's go immediately, to Chang'an!"

Hearing that he was going to Chang'an, Ye Youxiao felt a surge of excitement in his heart: His adoptive father is truly wise! That's right, as a time traveler, how could one not go to the imperial capital Every time traveler knows that to grasp the destiny of a nation, one must go to the capital and become a powerful figure.

After all, he was still just a boy. He had completely forgotten about his plan from earlier, the one that could have cost his entire family their lives.

However, young people lack nothing more than all sorts of blueprints, wonderful plans, and aspirations for happiness. These are the products of youth. After all, they have so many years to squander at will.

Plan failed

It's okay, I still have over ten blueprints that haven't been put into practice yet!

What are you doing in Caizhou Living a mediocre life and dying there What a joke!

I, Ye Youxiao, am going to Chang'an to stir up the world for a day!

It's so good to be young.

Ye Youxiao immediately had more expectations, greater ideals, and more ambitious aspirations. Haha, "A man of talent will surely be useful!" Isn't this a famous saying by Li Bai

They hid all along the way, following Ye Housheng's design. The Ye family always moved during the day and night. Later, they developed a pattern of resting at sunrise and never took official roads anymore, avoiding people as much as possible.

Even if it's just a few pedestrians, they should avoid

it.

Ye Youxiao often felt that his father, Aye, was too cautious, becoming a startled bird. But he quickly recalled the nightmare and the cannibalistic bandits. Aye's caution was justified.

Ye Hou Sheng often said, "A careful ship sails for ten thousand years."

Now, if they are not careful, the Ye family will be wiped out!

Finally, they could no longer see the green trees or hear the birds singing. They had arrived at the desolate town of Xuanwu, a thousand miles of barren land. Ye Youxiao finally understood: Cai州 had birds and green trees because the bandits there ate people! Xuanwu Town had no trees or birds because here, they ate tree bark!

In comparison, Xuanwu Town is clearly a "peaceful place."

The Ye family finally breathed a sigh of relief, it was truly a life-or-death adventure! Even Ye Hou Sheng hadn't expected that the trip to Cai Zhou would be so thrilling and terrifying! The whole family almost got eaten!

It's actually quite good now. Although my stomach still growls often, at least I'm safe. Alive! Being alive is the most important thing, what does a little hunger matter Besides, I have some dry rations every day to tide me over.

After leaving Cai Prefecture, Ye Housheng was certain he had escaped the clutches of those murderous bandits. He finally changed his habit of sleeping during the day and moving at night, returning to a normal routine. Instead of heading for Bianzhou, they went directly west, arriving at a town called Bailing Town northwest of Bianzhou.

Ye Youxiao could hardly believe his ears: Bazhi Town He lived here before he traveled through time! Could it just be a coincidence

Unlike the previous few days' experience, there was actually an inn in this Baili Town! Even Ye Hou Sheng found it strange. In this year of war and chaos, there would be an inn in Baili Town It was a miracle!

No matter what, the entire Ye family joyfully entered the inn. The mother and daughter even indulged in a luxurious hot bath. After the bath, Ye Ma was warm, though her hair was still somewhat yellow and her eyebrows still as faint, yet her face had regained that youthful whiteness with a rosy glow. She happily hugged her mother, whispering sweet nothings to her constantly.

Ye Youxiao saw that his elder sister had transformed, and he was surprised. But before he could flatter her, he saw Ye Housheng return. His face muscles were all twitching, and his entire face was smiling.

Because, not only did he bring back pancakes, but he also brought back——

A bowl of chicken soup!

My goodness! Chicken soup in Babili Town People shouldn't be this extravagant, right Having escaped from that den of thieves, Cai Zhou, was already a blessing from heaven. Now there's even chicken soup

Ye Ma and Wen, the siblings, had four pairs of eyes that glowed with hunger. They were completely captivated by the bowl of chicken soup, unable to tear their gaze away.

It's the old Chinese custom, of course, to let the children eat first. Ye Youxiao actually wanted to be humble, chicken isn't something rare, is it But this chicken, he'd never tasted anything like it before! It must be genuine country chicken!

Hee hee, there were no broiler chickens at the time.

He ate one piece and wanted two, he ate two pieces and wanted three. If it weren't for Ye Youxiao's super control, this bowl of chicken would have been eaten clean! But looking at his sister swallowing her saliva, and watching his parents' loving eyes, Ye Youxiao finally left the remaining half bowl of chicken for them.

Ye Hou Sheng was still persuading him to eat more.

Ye Youxiao thought to himself: I still have some shame! As a family, the chicken meat can't just be eaten by me alone, right

Pushing his bowl and chopsticks aside, Ye Youxiao ran out the door. He simply couldn't bear the temptation of that bowl (half a bowl) of chicken any longer. Rather than sitting there and drooling, he might as well go take in the scenery.

Although looking at scenery is not as good as eating chicken.

But, he heard a secret about the town of Baili. Of course, it wasn't much of a secret to the locals, but for Ye Youxiao, it was great news:

Eight miles northwest of the town lies a Taoist temple called Xingzhen Guan.

The Taoist temple where Lin Neng first travelled through time was called Xingzhen Guan! to his study to write them down. He was still pondering how to write the next two lines when he suddenly saw a servant boy. Although the boy interrupted his poetic flow, Zheng found him innocent and...