The terrain of Dongyi is different from that of the Great Yan and Xiliang.
Dongyi is mostly flat. Even when there are mountains, they are not very high.
In contrast, the Great Yan has many mountainous areas.
As for Xiliang, it is located at a high altitude and has many perilous peaks.
Therefore, Chu Qing and the others had a relatively smooth journey.
However, when they passed by a desolate small forest, they encountered an unexpected situation.
A group of burly men on horses surrounded them.
Chu Qing took a look and then leaned close to Wei Ying, whispering, "Have we encountered bandits?"
"Most likely," Wei Ying frowned slightly.
Seeing that the people surrounded didn't show any signs of timidity, the bearded man in the lead spat out a mouthful of phlegm and grinned hideously,
"I've opened this mountain, and I've planted these trees. If you want to pass this mountain, hey! Leave your toll! And those two pretty young ladies should stay with me too!"
"Boss!" A strong - built man frowned and said, "One of the young ladies seems to be pregnant."
Hearing this, the bearded man's gaze fell on Chu Qing. Then he grinned and said, "It's okay. Once the baby is born, there will be one more person in our stronghold! I'll raise it myself!"
Chu Qing felt a bit embarrassed when she heard what the man said.
Are these bandits a bit dim - witted?
Raise her son?
Tsk!
These silly guys!
Wei Ying naturally heard what the bearded man said. He frowned and sneered inwardly.
Humph! I've given you too much face.
Seeing that the people on the opposite side didn't move for a long time, the bearded man rode closer and continued to say brazenly, "Quickly drop your silver, and then you big guys can go wherever you want. You're lucky to have met our Loyalty Stronghold. Otherwise, your lives would surely be lost! So! I'll say it one last time. Leave your money and the women, and get out of here quickly!"
Wei Ying habitually turned his head and squinted his eyes. A cold killing intent gradually emanated, "So noisy."
The bearded man stared wide - eyed and turned to his brothers beside him, saying, "Is he scolding us?"
The strong - built man shook his head.
A thin man behind him came forward and whispered, "Boss, he's saying we're noisy."
Chu Qing finally couldn't help laughing out loud.
These silly guys were quite funny.
Seeing the beautiful young lady laughing, the bearded man also grinned, "Don't be afraid, young lady. Follow me, and I'll ensure you live a life of luxury. I'll also help you raise the baby in your arms."
Chu Qing giggled and said loudly, "You can't afford to support me."
"Are you looking down on me! I said I'll ensure you live a life of luxury, and I'll never let you starve!"
"Oh? How about this. I'll simply tell you about my daily expenses. Since I come from a wealthy family, my living expenses, food, clothing, housing, and transportation can't be too shabby. Without going into too much detail, at least I need two hundred taels of silver every month for rouge and powder. And for clothes, I don't need too many. At least one new set every month. Remember, the material must be the top - grade Huanhua brocade. I'm not used to other materials. As for the house, it doesn't need to be too big. An eight - courtyard mansion should be enough. Not for any other reason, mainly because I think the number eight is auspicious. And the furniture in the house must be made of yellow - flowered rosewood. Otherwise, I'm too delicate to bear other materials. For three meals a day, twenty dishes for breakfast will do. For lunch and dinner, well... just make do with forty. Of course, snacks are not included. Um... let me think what else..." Chu Qing frowned slightly, as if really thinking about this serious question.
The bearded man was already dizzy from being confused by her. Not to mention anything else, just those dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where could he get them!
This woman was really hard to serve!
Thinking of this, the bearded man looked at Wei Ying sympathetically and said, "Forget it, forget it, brother. You'd better keep this young lady for yourself to enjoy! It's just hard on you! If your family is ruined by her, you can come here and seek refuge with me. I'll surely give you face and take you in!"
Wei Ying: "..."
Chu Qing: "..."
Chu Qing held back her laughter and turned to Wei Ying, saying, "Go and solve it quickly, or he'll make me laugh to death."
Hearing Chu Qing's words, Wei Ying nodded.
Seeing that the other side still had no intention of giving him money, the bearded man said angrily, "I've really given you... ah!!!"
Wei Ying, Wei Yi, and Wei Er had already rushed forward.
There weren't many people on the other side, at most thirty.
Only ten of them were on horses.
Wei Ying struck quickly and directly attacked these ten horses first!
The bearded man fell off his horse and cursed, "Damn it! You pretty boy are so shameless! We were having a good talk. How could you start fighting all of a sudden! Since that's the case, don't blame me for being unrighteous! Boys! Bring those two young ladies here!"
Wei Ying immediately looked at Chu Qing. Seeing her smiling and waving her hand, he relaxed.
It seemed that Qingqing was... itching to fight.
Indeed, Chu Qing hadn't had a good fight for a long time. Before, she was pregnant. Now that the fetus was stable, it should be okay to fight.
She knew her own body well.
Just then, the thin man carrying a wooden stick rushed straight towards her.
Presumably... he wanted to curry favor with his boss.
However, this guy seemed to be as dim - witted as his boss. She was smiling so brightly, but he didn't even have the slightest bit of defense.
Alas...
Since that's the case...
"Young lady! Look at your big brother's big stick!" The thin man sneered, and the stick came straight at her without any fancy moves.
Do you have to shout to boost your courage when fighting?
Moreover...
What the little bastard said sounded so strange!
Chu Qing said disgustedly,
"You little brat, your so - called big stick? It's as thin as anything. I... I'll kick it off for you, believe it or not."
As her voice fell, her kicking leg also landed.
Sure enough, the stick broke.
The thin man slumped on the ground and suddenly looked like he was about to cry, "You cruel woman! My fire - poker! My precious thing!"
Chu Qing: "..."
On the other side, Wei Ying and the other two quickly took care of the people around them.
They didn't kill anyone. Those people were just sitting on the ground, mostly with dislocated joints or broken bones.
The bearded man was also kicked out by Wei Ying.
Humph! Raise his son?
Humph! Take him in?
Thinking of this, Wei Ying went up and kicked him again.
Since the other side wasn't extremely evil, Wei Ying showed mercy.
Otherwise, one kick would have killed him.
A few people came towards Chu Qing one after another, but they were all beaten to the ground by her.
One man wanted to approach Lvluo. Seeing that Chu Qing was pregnant but still so powerful, he retreated the same way.
In short, this fight ended within the time it took to burn an incense stick.
This made Chu Qing feel quite regretful.
When they turned around and were about to leave, Wei Ying's foot was suddenly grabbed by someone.
It was none other than the bearded man.
At this moment, there seemed to be flames in his eyes.