Chapter 10, Gone with the Wind (Part 2)

Chen Yuanyuan smiled faintly, then took a closer look at Shang Yi. She noticed his short hair, resembling a buzz cut, and his peculiar attire. He appeared to be around twenty-three or twenty-four years old, quite tall, with sharp eyes that seemed to flash like lightning. Although he was also staring at her, it was not with the lecherous gaze typical of other men. Coming from a background of the courtesan world, she naturally possessed a discerning eye for people, and thus felt that the person before her was certainly not an ordinary individual. She then asked, "May I inquire about your esteemed surname and given name, sir?"

Shang Yi never expected that the first historically renowned figure he would encounter upon arriving in this era would be Chen Yuanyuan. While he was shocked in his heart, he couldn't help but carefully scrutinize this famous "beauty who brings disaster".

During the meal, Shang Yi inquired about the situation of the bandits from the several townspeople who had been rescued. Shang Yi had not forgotten that this group of bandits had caused a disturbance during the division of property, and the faction he had dispersed was merely a small part of the larger group. Therefore, it was essential to understand the movements of the larger faction of bandits.

This house was originally a small hotel in the town, consisting of two levels: the lower level for business and the upper level for lodging. Although it had also been plundered by bandits, the structure remained largely intact, with a complete kitchen, two intact tables, and plenty of bowls and chopsticks. After more than an hour of busy preparation, they finally cooked the rice, and Shang Yi had also roasted two yellow sheep, cutting them into dozens of small pieces to distribute among everyone. Although lacking in condiments, everyone ate with great relish, and even Tian Jinguo had two large bowls of rice and gnawed on more than half a roasted leg of lamb. After more than an hour of busy preparation, they finally cooked the rice, and Shang Yi had also roasted two yellow sheep, cutting them into dozens of small pieces to distribute among everyone. Although lacking in condiments, everyone ate with great relish, and even Tian Jinguo had two large bowls of rice and gnawed on more than half a roasted leg of lamb

After a period of persuasion, the crowd gradually ceased their lamentations. At this moment, the sky had completely darkened, and after a long day of toil, many were not only exhausted but also frightened and hungry. Therefore, Shang Yi arranged for people to prepare meals and tidy up their accommodations. Among the thirty-eight surviving townsfolk, there were eight women, whom Shang Yi entrusted with washing rice and cooking, as the food was readily available. Additionally, Shang Yi took out two yellow sheep that he had intended to sell, instructing the brothers Cheng Jin and Cheng Gang to skin and clean them, planning to roast them for a meal. Then, Shang Yi organized the men to clean the rooms in preparation for spending the night there.

Because everyone knows that his survival this time is almost entirely due to the efforts of Shang Yi, both the townspeople and the members of the escort agency are filled with gratitude and respect towards him, and they are all very obedient to Shang Yi's arrangements

It can be said that during the late Ming Dynasty, Chen Yuanyuan was a significant figure, and after the fall of the Ming, she carried the infamous label of "disaster for the beauty" for nearly three hundred years. The escort that Lin Chengye and his companions protected was the convoy transporting Chen Yuanyuan northward, and by chance, Shang Yi became involved in this historical event.

After the surviving townspeople met, they could not help but embrace each other and weep bitterly. Upon witnessing this, Shang Yi and the others felt a profound sense of desolation. Lao Cheng recognized many among them, and thus he repeatedly offered words of comfort, while Lin Chengye and others assisted in providing solace. Although Tian Jinguai felt somewhat impatient, the sight of the devastation around him instilled a sense of dread, prompting him to endure the situation with reluctance. Lao Cheng recognized many among them, and thus he repeatedly offered words of comfort, while Lin Chengye and others assisted in providing solace. Although Tian Jinguai felt somewhat impatient, the sight of the devastation around him instilled a sense of dread, prompting him to endure the situation with reluctance

In Shang Yi's mind, thoughts quickly turned to Chen Yuanyuan... the convoy heading to Beijing... the residence of the emperor's concubines. As several clues connected, Shang Yi immediately understood the entire sequence of events. In later generations, there have been numerous adaptations of stories related to Chen Yuanyuan in film and television. Although the details may vary, the overarching circumstances are quite similar.

These thoughts flashed through Shang Yi's mind and immediately returned to normal. He also inclined his body slightly and said: "These are merely trivial matters, not worth mentioning. Miss Chen need not be overly courteous."

In fact, there is one more thing that Shang Yi did not mention, which is that if the bandits have indeed begun to rob the mountain village, then it would be of no use to rush back now, and thus one can only leave it to fate

The history unfolds as follows: Emperor Chongzhen's favored concubine, Consort Tian, whose father was Tian Hongyu, sought to help his daughter gain favor in the imperial palace. He sent people to Jiangnan to search for beautiful women, which led to the discovery of Chen Yuanyuan, whom he brought to Beijing and presented to Emperor Chongzhen. Unfortunately, Emperor Chongzhen was overwhelmed by the national affairs of the time. Despite being faced with unparalleled beauty, he was unable to enjoy it and thus returned Chen Yuanyuan to the Tian residence. Later, Tian Hongyu sent Chen Yuanyuan to Wu Sangui, which gave rise to the tale of "a furious charge for the sake of a beauty." Unfortunately, Emperor Chongzhen was overwhelmed by the national affairs of the time. Despite being faced with unparalleled beauty, he was unable to enjoy it and thus returned Chen Yuanyuan to the Tian residence. Later, Tian Hongyu sent Chen Yuanyuan to Wu Sangui, which gave rise to the tale of "a furious charge for the sake of a beauty."

At that time, before his time travel, Shang Yi lived in an era of extremely advanced information technology, where various types of beautiful photos, writings, films, and even real people were abundant. Although Chen Yuanyuan was exceptionally beautiful, she did not cause Shang Yi to lose his composure. It was merely because it was the first time Shang Yi had encountered a historical figure that he momentarily lost his demeanor.

However, Shang Yi stopped them. Based on the current information, the other group of bandits did not initially target their village, so the village should be safe for now. Moreover, returning to the village at night is extremely dangerous; not only is the mountain road difficult to navigate, but there are also wild beasts roaming about. It would be better to wait until dawn and then return to the village together

Shang Yi also smiled and said, "Miss Chen is being too polite; I am called He-Tu-Shang Yi."

Ye Yaochan couldn't help but blush. Fortunately, Shang Yidao said: "Everyone, stop causing a commotion. Quickly check the items left by the bandits, and then load them onto the cart. We will spend the night in town today and return tomorrow."

Her hair, as dark as ink, was styled into an elegant palace bun, high and neatly arranged, with two strands of hair cascading down from either side of her flawless, white jade-like face to her waist. Beneath a pair of willow leaf-shaped, delicate, and verdant eyebrows, her eyes, resembling black jade, sparkled with a captivating beauty; the light blue eyelashes at the corners of her eyes curled upward, and especially the hint of red at the center of her brow added an indescribable charm reminiscent of the rosy clouds and moonlit grace. Her petite, slightly raised nose complemented her exquisitely contoured lips, which were lightly tinted with a subtle layer of rouge, making them appear even more vibrant. The delicate features were almost perfectly harmonized, without a trace of flaw. Fresh and radiant, with a soft demeanor, she indeed possessed a beauty that could bring calamity to a nation.

Lin Chengye gave a pat on his head and said: "What else could it be? With your annual salary, you can't even afford to meet Chen Yuanyuan once. This time, being able to keep your life is already a blessing from heaven. Hurry up and get to work, load the cart and harness the horses, and prepare to leave this place"

Indeed, some of the townspeople heard certain noises. It turned out that the large group of bandits, led by the two leaders, Mountain Tiger and Half-winged Bee, dared not rob the county town and instead decided to roam in the nearby mountainous areas. Therefore, they inquired the captured townspeople about nearby villages and towns as potential targets for their next robbery. Under the coercion of the bandits, the townspeople had no choice but to reveal several nearby villages and towns, including the small mountain village where Shang Yi and others resided. Furthermore, after the bandits split up, the main group of bandits, guided by the townspeople, headed towards a small village fifteen miles east.

As she spoke, Ye Yaotian also approached Shang Yi, instinctively drawing a little closer to him. She tugged at his sleeve and said, "Brother Shang, it's almost dark. We should leave here as soon as possible."

This time, Shang Yi and others rescued a total of thirty-three people. Among them, there were Chen Yuanyuan and her two maids, Tian Jinguo and four members of the Tian family, one escort leader and four porters, making a total of thirteen people. The other twenty individuals were townsfolk who had been taken by bandits from this small town. In addition to the remaining eighteen survivors, the entire town, which had a population of nearly two thousand, was left with only these last thirty-eight people

After everyone had tidied up their belongings, they all returned to the small town together

At this moment, Ye Yaotao also turned around and, seeing Zhou Shaohuan and the others still gazing longingly at Chen Yuanyuan as she got into the carriage, said irritably: "What is there to look at? She has already gotten into the carriage."

Chen Yuanyuan also nodded slightly, then bowed slightly to Shang Yi before turning to leave. Tian Jinguo hurriedly approached and instructed two waiting maidens to assist Chen Yuanyuan into the carriage.

Only then did everyone come to their senses. Zhang Zhan said, "My goodness, it turns out the person we have been protecting all along is Chen Yuanyuan! Truly deserving of her reputation! If only..."

Upon learning that their village had become a target for a powerful bandit group, Shang Yi and others were taken aback. Several impatient youths were almost ready to rush back to the village overnight to warn the villagers to be cautious and vigilant.

Seeing Shang Yi staring at her intently, Chen Yuanyuan couldn't help but feel a slight blush on her face. Although a hint of embarrassment and annoyance arose in her heart, she had encountered such scenes of men being utterly captivated by her many times in her life, so she was not particularly concerned. In fact, it was not just Shang Yi; the members of Lin Chengye's escort agency, as well as Zhou Shaohuan and others who were with Shang Yi, were all staring wide-eyed at Chen Yuanyuan.

The bandits left behind a total of 8 vehicles, 3 horses, and 5 donkeys, all of which clearly belonged to Shang Yi and his companions. Among these, 6 vehicles were loaded with grain, amounting to approximately 80 shi, along with a considerable number of other items such as cloth, clothing, utensils, and so forth. Additionally, over 3,000 taels of silver and some jewelry were discovered. Furthermore, the bandits left behind a significant number of knives and firearms, which are useful items for those who rely on hunting for their livelihood. Among these, 6 vehicles were loaded with grain, amounting to approximately 80 shi, along with a considerable number of other items such as cloth, clothing, utensils, and so forth. Additionally, over 3,000 taels of silver and some jewelry were discovered. Furthermore, the bandits left behind a significant number of knives and firearms, which are useful items for those who rely on hunting for their livelihood

At this time, the sky had already darkened, and Lao Cheng and the others were feeling somewhat anxious. However, they finally saw Shang Yi returning with a large group of people, which put their minds at ease. They hurriedly went to welcome Shang Yi and his companions along with the survivors of the town.

Upon seeing these items, Shang Yi was also very pleased. Although this trip involved some risks, the rewards were considerable. Just in terms of food alone, if all of it were transported back to the village, it would be enough to feed the entire village for over a month. Moreover, in any era, money is an indispensable asset. More than 3,000 taels of silver is not a small amount, especially for Shang Yi, who is preparing to venture out into the world; it is of utmost importance.

Shang Yi glanced back at her, nodded, and then said to Chen Yuanyuan: "This is not a suitable place for conversation; let us leave first and discuss it later"

However, having defeated the bandits and rescued her companions, Chen Yuanyuan could not help but feel a sense of pride, also somewhat intimidated by her own unparalleled beauty

The group of young boys burst into laughter, and Cheng Jin said, "Isn't Sister Yao Tian worried that Brother Shang will run away?"

However, after listening to Shang Yi, Lao Cheng and the others also found his reasoning to be sound. Therefore, they did not insist and decided to stay in the town for the night