I began to understand the myriad things by chopping wood

Chapter 120: The Blame Party, Unexpected News

Xie Yuan was interested when he heard this:

"Miss Qin, please tell me what I need to do."

Situ Qin showed a sly smile:

"Nothing much. There is a banquet the day after tomorrow, organized by the young talents of Yunzhou Prefecture. I am the guest of honor. How about you go with me then?"

"That's it?"

Xie Yuan raised his eyebrows and asked.

Situ Qin nodded innocently:

"That's it."

Xie Yuan looked at her expression with suspicion.

If it was just an ordinary banquet, they could just go together. It wouldn't be worth it for any secret recipe of internal strength, and there was no need for Situ Qin to act like this.

If Situ Qin hadn't just made up an excuse to do him a favor, but he had just made it clear, Situ Qin was smart and handled things properly, so he wouldn't have misunderstood;
So this banquet is not easy to handle?
He thought for a moment and said doubtfully:

"Are these young talents not all your admirers?"

"I don't really have any admirers. But there are so many people chattering around me, it's annoying."

Situ Qin adjusted the hair by her ears and said lightly.

When Xie Yuan saw her expression, his heart skipped a beat and he said, "As expected."

Are you tired of being harassed by other family members and want to use me as a shield?

Xie Yuan hesitated for a moment. This was a job that would cause him trouble for no reason.

Young people who dare to approach Situ Qin must all be from deep backgrounds, and they might cause a lot of trouble.

"Well, the recipe I used was praised by Mr. Qingyang. He begged me to share it, but I didn't agree at the moment."

Seeing Xie Yuan pondering, Situ Qin whispered to himself.

Although her voice seemed to be quiet, it was actually clearly heard by Xie Yuan. It was obvious that she was speaking intentionally for him to hear.

After Xie Yuan heard this, his expression changed.

Needless to say, the nourishing recipe that Situ Qin used himself was definitely the best. If he could get it, it would be of great help to his internal cultivation.

That day they encountered an ambush. Xie Yuan clearly did not feel any fluctuations in Situ Qin's blood, but he killed the man with one blow of the Qin. It was obvious that he was from the inner realm, and his internal strength was very good.

Go ahead and you might get into unnecessary trouble;
If I don’t go, I won’t be able to give up such a good opportunity.

I have already said that I want an equal exchange, I am afraid that if I miss this opportunity, I don't know when I can get the prescription again. How many times can Situ Qin ask him for help?

Although his internal strength cultivation progress is steadily improving, it is not very fast, at least in his opinion.

Still need to improve...

I was going with Situ Qin, so I thought that even if there were any troubles, it would not be a big deal for her sake.

Xie Yuan subconsciously touched his neck. In the end, his desire for strength prevailed. He nodded and sighed:
"Then accompany Miss Qin for a walk."

Situ Qin immediately smiled:

"That's right! There are a lot of delicious food at the banquet, you can go and try them."

Xie Yuan discovered that in addition to loving to play the piano and have fun, Situ Qin seemed to be a foodie, with his mouth always full of food.

He said somewhat uncertainly:

"But it's just a banquet, and I got your precious prescription. I guess I'm still getting a bargain..."

"Since you've agreed, it doesn't hurt for me to tell you. This time, I promise I won't suffer any loss."

Situ Qin smiled with her eyebrows curved, as if there was something meaningful behind her smile.

Xie Yuan looked at her cunning little expression and felt a bad premonition in his heart, and he felt a little uneasy.

Never mind, it's just a party among young people, no big deal...

The day of the banquet.

"Miss Qin, is it inappropriate for us to go there together in the carriage?"

In the spacious carriage, Xie Yuan asked.

Situ Qin smiled:

"What's wrong with that? Don't be like Xiaoqing."

"Normally, it is just a matter of course. In this kind of situation, if we have a carriage and people see it, we are afraid that it will cause gossip."

"I'm not afraid of what people say. Besides, isn't it better this way? I don't have to make a fuss every day."

Situ Qin blinked.

Xie Yuan nodded silently, recognizing his role.

It seems like I have to take the blame for this.

The carriage drove out of the city and arrived at a vast manor west of Yunzhou Prefecture.

The manor was built at the foot of a hill, with a forest behind it, which looked like a good place for hunting; a small river flowed around the manor, with shimmering waves, and the scenery was very pleasant.

After crossing the river on the bridge, you will reach the spacious main gate of the manor.

There were already many luxurious carriages parked on the open space, but the position closest to the door was still empty, so Situ Qin's carriage went straight over and stopped there.

Xie Yuan jumped off the carriage, glanced around, then pulled aside the curtain and reached out his hand to help Situ Qin get out of the carriage like a gentleman.

Situ Qin was startled for a moment, then she obediently put her hand on Xie Yuan's arm and gently got out of the car, smiling:

"Thank you, Chief Escort."

"You're welcome. I've made up my mind. Today I'll just treat it as a human escort."

Situ Qin chuckled a few times and was about to speak when she saw a man walking towards the main entrance with his servants.

Xie Yuan had noticed this man a long time ago. He was young and handsome, with a jade belt around his forehead, a gorgeous robe, and an outstanding temperament, a typical nobleman.

As this noble young man came forward, he also looked at Xie Yuan.

Xie Yuan was still wearing the indigo robe. As the saying goes, clothes make the man, Xie Yuan was already handsome and eye-catching, and now with this outfit, although he was not as luxurious, his talent was better than the young man opposite.

The man obviously saw Xie Yuan and Situ Qin talking and laughing, and his eyes froze slightly.

When he got closer, he smiled politely:

"Qin Mei, you are finally here!"

"I have met His Royal Highness."

Situ Qin bowed slightly.

Situ Qin had already told Xie Yuan that the host of this banquet was the eldest son of Prince Yunshan, Xue Yanwen, who was the man in front of him.

"Why are you being so polite to me, sister Qin? Haha, you brought a friend here today?"

Xue Yanwen waved his hand, then turned his gaze to Xie Yuan with a slight scrutiny.

His eyes were lowered, his aura was full, and he naturally had the attitude of a superior.

Xie Yuan bowed and said neither humbly nor arrogantly:
"My name is Xie Yuan, and I am the escort leader of Yunzhao Longteng Escort Agency. Nice to meet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

The head of the escort agency?
Xue Yanwen was a little surprised.

Seeing Xie Yuan's talent and temperament, he thought he was some unknown young man, but it turned out that he was just a bodyguard?
With Situ Qin's identity, how did she get to know such a friend?

Even though many thoughts were running through his mind, Xue Yanwen remained calm and smiled:

"You are a guest, please come in!"

Xie Yuan and Situ Qin followed Xue Yanwen into the manor and walked into the grand banquet hall in the center.

Many young men and women had gathered in the banquet hall, all of them dressed in luxurious clothes and had good temperament.

When they saw Situ Qin coming in, they all greeted her, but their eyes inadvertently turned to Xie Yuan, who obviously came with Situ Qin.

The young ladies' eyes lit up when they looked at Xie Yuan, while many of the young men harbored hostility.

Xie Yuan looked calm as he and Situ Qin sat down at the host and guest seats. In front of each person was a low table with jade plates, fruits, glass wine glasses, and gold and silver tableware.

After everyone was seated, Xue Yanwen clapped his hands and signaled everyone to be quiet:
"Thank you all for coming to the banquet held by this prince..."

After a few polite words, he clapped his hands again, and string music immediately began to play.

A group of dancers entered and danced lightly in the middle. Maids followed in one after another, carrying all kinds of delicacies.

"Sea cucumber wings and belly, leopard gall and bear heart..."

Looking at the rare foods that came one after another, each person had a portion in front of him. Even though Xie Yuan's determination was getting stronger, he still felt a little sad about the extravagance of the second generation.

"That's the son of the Salt and Iron Transport Commissioner... That's the youngest son of the Criminal Investigation Commissioner, Peng Wei...

"The tall one is Du Jian, the son of the governor of Yunzhou. He is on the Hidden Dragon List, but only ranked 72nd, hehe. The one next to him is his sister."

While enjoying the singing and dancing, Situ Qin quietly introduced them to Xie Yuan.

Xie Yuan couldn't help but take a few more glances at the burly man.

Although the man had a beard, his facial features still looked young.

Hidden Dragon Ranking, that means at least the second level of Qi and Blood Transformation...

Xie Yuan glanced at the big man, then looked at the young people in the field calmly.

The fathers of these people together control 99% of the power in Yunzhou.

This was the highest-level second-generation gathering in Yunzhou, and Xie Yuan seemed quite out of place here.

If it were his previous life, he would have been just a college student and would have been on pins and needles; but even though he had only traveled through time for half a year, he had experienced more than in the previous twenty years of peace and stability.

After several life-and-death experiences and bloody battles, Xie Yuan's mind is no longer the same student he once was. Even though many people were secretly looking at him, he remained calm, listening to music, watching dances, and enjoying delicious food.

"Miss Qin is right. This thing looks strange, but it tastes really good."

he whispered.

Situ Qin smiled:
"I'll just say it!"

Seeing Situ Qin and Xie Yuan talking and laughing freely, countless people in the room exchanged glances with each other, all of them were a little surprised, and secretly guessed Xie Yuan's identity.

After the dance, the guests started toasting each other, and apart from the host Xue Yanwen, Situ Qin was naturally the one who received the most toasts.

At this time, someone finally brought it up:

"Miss Qin, who is this friend? Why don't you introduce him to me?"

"This is Xie Yuan, the leader of the Xie escort team."

Situ Qin looked at the man and said briefly.

"Thank you, Escort Chief? Oh... which escort agency? I was drinking with the young escort chiefs of Feihu and Yunyang a while ago."

The young man continued.

Feihu Escort Agency and Yunyang Escort Agency are the two largest escort agencies in Yunzhou Prefecture. They are extremely powerful and their business covers the entire territory of Dali Dynasty.

Xie Yuan looked at the tipsy young man in brocade clothes and remembered that his name was Peng Wei.

He shook his head:
"It's not these two companies, it's the Longteng Escort Agency in Yunzhao County."

"Yunzhao County? Longteng Escort Agency?"

Peng Wei frowned, thought for a while, and said with a curled lip:

"I haven't heard of it. Please forgive my ignorance. Thank you, Escort Captain. May I ask where you are from?"

"Xie is from a humble background. He grew up in a small mountain village below Yunzhao. The escort agency only operates in a few counties in the northern part of Yunzhou. It's normal that Master Peng has never heard of it."

Xie Yuan said calmly.

Small mountain village?
The guests who were listening carefully all looked at him strangely.

Peng Wei looked even more exaggerated, looking Xie Yuan up and down, and said in a subtle tone:
"Thank you, Escort Captain. How did you, a commoner, get to know Miss Qin?"

"Peng Wei, my friend, is it your turn to comment?"

Situ Qin suddenly spoke, causing the surroundings to quiet down.

Peng Wei sobered up immediately and looked a little embarrassed:
"That was not what I meant……"

"That's best."

Situ Qin said lightly.

Peng Wei felt annoyed, coughed twice, and ran away.

Drinking wine and drinking wine alternately, pushing cups and changing cups.

Although many people were curious, they were reluctant to talk to Xie Yuan due to Situ Qin's attitude. In addition, his status was ordinary, but his relationship with Situ Qin was delicate, which made the young people who were born noble feel superior but jealous and did not want to pay attention to him.

Situ Qin had been pulled away from the table by her female companions and went to the garden to talk in private. Xie Yuan was alone and seemed to be out of the party.

But he was happy with the quietness, so he just sat there quietly and drank by himself.

The atmosphere was somewhat dull. Du Jian came up and looked at Xie Yuan:

"Captain Xie is so young, yet he has been promoted to the position of escort leader. I guess he must have extraordinary skills?"

The guests around were actually paying attention to this side secretly, and nodded silently when they heard the words. Since he had no background, it must be because of his talent that Situ Qin favored him.

Even if he doesn't make it to the Hidden Dragon Ranking, he should at least be a...

"It's far worse than Brother Du, it's only three practices."

Xie Yuan shook his head.

Three exercises?

The guests looked at each other again, not knowing what to say for a moment.

Even Du Jian didn't expect this. He was stunned for a moment, as if he was thinking about his wording.

"Three practices? I have three practices! I haven't practiced much yet..."

A murmur was heard beside him; it was Peng Wei.

Except for Xie Yuan, everyone present was born with a silver spoon in their mouth. They had eaten the best supplements since childhood, and with the guidance of famous teachers, they could easily do a few exercises even if it was just to strengthen their bodies.

For example, Peng Wei, who works hard for three days and rests for two days, still practices three times; those who are slightly interested in martial arts and have natural talents, among whom there are several who have reached the stage of qi and blood transformation at a young age.

Xie Yuan glanced at Peng Wei and just smiled slightly:
"My talent is mediocre and my progress is slow. Please forgive me for making fun of you."

Du Jian heard what he said and shook his head:

"Thank you, Escort Captain. Your words are wrong. Talent is only part of what determines cultivation. Hard work is also very important. My talent is not top-notch. To be on the Hidden Dragon List means I have put in ten times more effort and practiced hard than ordinary people. Not only that, I also went deep into the Western Desert, sneaked into enemy territory, hunted down villains, and honed myself, which led to my current cultivation.

"Captain Xie was born a commoner, so he should work harder to cultivate himself so that he can make a name for himself. But if he complains about his talent and feels sorry for himself, his achievements will be limited."

Du Jian's words won cheers from the people around him. Xue Yanwen praised:
"As expected of a hero on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, your knowledge is extraordinary."

"well said!"

"As expected of a Hidden Dragon!"

Xie Yuan looked at Du Jian who was teaching him and laughed:
"Brother Du is right, I am grateful for your advice.

"But there is one thing I don't understand. Brother Du, did you go alone to train in such a dangerous place? Or did the governor send someone to accompany you?"

Du Jian was stunned for a moment when he heard this, and his face darkened:
"What do you mean by that, Chief Xie? Since you are here for training, of course you should travel alone. If you have someone to protect you, how can you cultivate the mind of a warrior and get on the Hidden Dragon Ranking?"

"really?"

Xie Yuan looked into Du Jian's eyes and grinned:

"If I were your father...ah, I mean, if I were the governor, would I really let my precious son go into danger?

"Although he is a young and inexperienced man who is not afraid of tigers, I have been on the border for many years and I know the cunningness of the enemy. How can I let an inexperienced boy go to his death? Although this boy is very stubborn, will I send experts to protect him in secret?

"Brother Du, did you feel that your training was going particularly smoothly? For example, you were able to deal with all the enemies and control all the accidents. Did you feel that your training was going smoothly?"

Du Jian's expression gradually changed after listening to Xie Yuan's words. His originally resolute expression became more and more hesitant as Xie Yuan continued to talk, and he gradually froze.

"Brother Du, although my cultivation is not as good as yours, I have come this far by killing people with swords and guns. I am where I am today purely by my own talent and sweat. Your experience is not applicable to me."

Xie Yuan took a sip of wine and began to summarize.

Du Jian's face changed several times after hearing this, but finally turned into shame:

"Brother Xie is right. I was the one who said too much. I, hey... I have to ask when I get back."

Xie Yuan looked at him and was somewhat surprised by his decisiveness.

What he just said was actually made up.

He didn't know whether Du Jian's father would send someone, so he just described a situation that could not be falsified and had a very high probability, so as to avoid Du Jian putting on the airs of a senior to educate him, which would be unpleasant.

People who are lucky enough to get bonuses often take the credit of the platform as their own, and then point fingers at those who come after them, not realizing that they are just pigs that happened to be in the wind.

The guests around all had strange expressions on their faces.

First, what Xie Yuan said made sense, but some people didn't think of it;
Secondly, this escort was born in a commoner family. Facing so many young men with distinguished backgrounds and masters on the Hidden Dragon List, he was still able to talk eloquently, which made Du Jian look a bit inferior.

Even though he has Situ Qin's support, there are not many people who can remain neither humble nor arrogant and stick to their own opinions in such an occasion, even those present can do it.

In the silence, with everyone thinking differently, Peng Wei's words rang out:
"Brother Du, don't listen to his nonsense. He is just an escort from a small county. How much knowledge can he have?"

He was already unhappy because Xie Yuan was refuted by Situ Qin - and he was usually outspoken and unpopular.

"Yun... Yunzhao, right? Humph, your Yunzhao's county lieutenant came to visit a few days ago, and he was so submissive when he saw my father. Yunzhao's escort is even more arrogant."

When Xie Yuan heard this, he pricked up his ears:

"Yu Chunsheng? Master Peng, you said that Yu Chunsheng, the lieutenant of Yunzhao County, went to visit your father?"

"Yes, it's him. Your Yunzhao Escort Agency should be under his control, right? When he was promoted to county lieutenant, he came to see my father."

Peng Wei snorted and held his head high, seeming very proud.

Xie Yuan narrowed his eyes when he heard this.

Many second-generations shook their heads slightly when they saw Peng Wei like this, but no one spoke out to dissuade him. Instead, they wanted to watch the fun.

But the host Xue Yanwen coughed and laughed:
"Mr. Peng, we are only talking about young people's affairs here, don't get drunk!"

"It's alright, Your Highness. What's the big deal? We all know what's going on!"

Peng Wei waved his hand, very arrogantly.

Xie Yuan pursed his lips, moved closer, and smiled:

"As expected of Master Peng, you are so free and easy! I admire you.

"But I am a little curious. County Lieutenant Yu is highly respected and loved by Yunzhao, and our escort company has a lot of dealings with him... Hey, the county lieutenant usually works hard for Yunzhao, we see it with our own eyes, and we are worried about him. May I ask why he visited the provincial governor a few days ago?"

Peng Wei felt relieved after being praised by him. He squinted his eyes and said:
"You want to know?"

Xie Yuan nodded.

Peng Wei sneered:
"Why should I tell you? For no reason..."

Xie Yuan heard that he didn't finish his words, so he followed his tone and asked:

"Then, Master Peng, how do you think it would be best to tell me?"

Peng Wei glanced at Xie Yuan, looked at his sword, and said with a smile:

"Let's put it this way. We are both martial artists. Since you can also use a knife, let's have a duel. Let's use this as a prize. If you win, I'll answer whatever you ask me. Humph, I want to see why you can associate with Miss Qin!"

(End of this chapter)