Chapter 5: The Soldier in Black Armor

"Your brother is a fool; he was already at a disadvantage, so what is there to be afraid of?" Erliang asked in confusion

The ten youths from Yelin Town and a chestnut horse ventured into the forest, filled with anticipation for the journey ahead. It was not until two or three hours later that they realized how inadequate their preparations were

What will your father do? Can he agree?" the bald man said anxiously

The bald man swallowed the food in his mouth, his gaze eager and somewhat smug. Among this group of people, he was the most excited. "Xiao Qiu Ge, I truly admire you for daring to snatch the bride in front of the entire town. I heard Liu Er say that he encouraged you to take her, but when the Shen family came knocking, he didn't dare to utter a word. Haha, it cracked me up..."

A soldier, fully encased in armor, is looking down at him; the object that had just struck him was a black scabbard.

The soldiers of the Xuanfu army stood silent like statues, as if they were from another world, completely unable to understand the words of the youth

Xiao Qiu shook her head even more vigorously, "No, no, I... I just can't do it."

The bald man hurriedly said: "Because Fangfang is Xiao Qiu's wife"

Strange patterns were engraved on the black armor, resembling both characters and billowing clouds. Xiao Qiu had previously seen the soldiers of the Xuanfu army from a distance, only catching a glimpse of a dark mass. This was the first time she had seen the designs on it, and she was completely stunned, her mouth agape, unable to utter a single word

Granny Feng prepared enough provisions for two people to last three days, but in no time at all, ten young boys consumed it all, and it was merely a snack; no one felt full.

No one brought bedding; only Fangfang lay alone on the other side of the campfire, resting her head on the bundle prepared by the Wind Granny. It was not until she fell completely asleep that her hands slipped away from her mouth.

Although Er Shuan had long warned about this matter, they still felt it was inconceivable. Like all the youths in the town, they had caused quite a few disturbances, some of which were even more serious than bride-snatching, yet they had not attracted the attention of the Xuanfu Army. Moreover, there were eleven of them, which was entirely a small contingent.

Xiao Qiu struggled desperately, but in the end, it was Er Shuan who saved him

Before long, the well-fed and well-watered youths eagerly joined the fray, pairing off to fight. The youngest, a bald boy, danced excitedly on the sidelines, cheering everyone on, while Fangfang covered her mouth, laughing uncontrollably.

It is said that the bald man does not harbor any resentment; on the contrary, he is simply filled with envy

The boys simultaneously emitted strange sounds; their understanding of love was only vague and indistinct. Rather than feeling envy, they found it amusing. Xiao Qiu's face turned red, and she casually grabbed a clam shell and threw it, saying, "This is what you get for being so talkative"

No one dared to speak, the boys huddled together like a group of docile sheep. Xiao Qiu sat close to Fang Fang, looking at her terrified little face. Suddenly, he felt a surge of courage and pushed his way to the front, standing tall and declaring: "It was me who took it, take me away, it has nothing to do with them. Fang Fang... Fang Fang is already married to me, she cannot marry into the Shen family. Even if you take her back, it will be of no use."

Fangfang buried her entire face in her palms, and Xiaoqiu hurriedly shook her head, "No, no, I... I have nothing to do with that."

Xiao Qiu sprang up in a hurry, all sleepiness vanished, and she was left dumbfounded

The bald man actively opened his mouth, displaying his gap-toothed smile, making sounds of agreement to indicate that Fangfang was just like him

Xiao Qiu assigned tasks: Da Liang took two people to nearby areas to gather fruits, Er Liang took two people to collect firewood, and Xiao Qiu personally went to the river to search for fish and clams, while Fang Fang and the chestnut-colored horse stayed at the original location

Ershuan had no choice but to temporarily relinquish the position of leader to Xiao hetushu .com .com Qiu

Hearing the praise from others, Xiao Qiu felt a bit embarrassed and suddenly understood something: the reason Er Shuan changed his mind to help was not only to compete with his father but also to vie for "reputation." Xiao Qiu glanced up and saw that Er Shuan indeed appeared quite unconvinced.

After two consecutive days of rushing about, Xiao Qiu's sleep routine was disrupted. He was unable to wake up naturally before sunrise; instead, he was awakened by something. Upon opening his eyes, he realized that it was already bright outside, with the sound of birds chirping all around. In front of him stood a tall figure.

After a while, a soldier finally spoke up. Among the eleven, he was the only one who had never dismounted, sitting upright on his horse. His voice was cold and unfeeling: "Violating the national law is an unforgivable crime; you will all receive the punishment you deserve"

Half an hour later, night fell, and a small bonfire was lit in the open space, filling the air with the aroma of grilled fish and shellfish. Erliang always carried something like salt on him, which was just right for showcasing his skills. The sweet and sour wild fruits served as a side dish, and even the bald man forgot about the meals at home, claiming this was the most delicious meal he had ever had. Then he revealed a little secret, "Fangfang has a gap in her teeth, just like me."

Eleven soldiers of the Xuanfu Army and eleven warhorses surrounded the fleeing youths from all sides

Why? The bald man had his mouth stuffed with fruit, making his voice even more muffled, "Is your family short on money?"

The bald man is not actually bald; his round face is adorned with two lively, twinkling eyes. Initially, he was not qualified to associate with Ershuan and his group, but he secretly brought out a batch of preserved fruits from his family's grocery store to bribe Ershuan, promising to contribute a package every few days, which allowed him to become one of them

Xiao Qiu Ge had a dream. "Daliang could no longer wait; he was the only one in the know," he dreamed that Fang Fang was seeking his help.

Fangfang did not speak about the picture and the book, but Ershuan said: "It is my father who is anxious. He invited the fortune teller from Xiaoe'er Fortress, who said that my brother's fortune is unfavorable this year and that he must get married in the summer to counteract the bad luck, so..."

The bald man could no longer contain himself and burst into tears

"Oh, so you still want to run away? I saw it; you jumped onto the horse by yourself, not because Xiao Qiu pulled you up," Er Liang said, puzzled.

Xiao Qiu was even less willing to speak, shaking his head repeatedly. However, when Fang Fang revealed a gaze full of curiosity from behind his palm, he hesitated, awkwardly took off his straw hat, and fanned himself a couple of times in front of him, saying, "It's really hot"

"I can take care of myself," Fangfang said stiffly, glancing quickly at Xiaoqiu. "Besides, my father isn't seriously ill; he is just a bit weak and tends to overthink."

"You are not the Xuanfu Army, you are a barbarian monster!" After discovering the truth, Ershuan charged forward at full speed, "I am the Xuanfu Army!"

I wasn't in a hurry to begin with. " Xiao Qiu shook off the other person's hand, " No, I didn't save Fang Fang just to get married.

The young boys do not quite understand manners. After spending half a day together, they have become quite familiar with each other. The more Fangfang tries to conceal her feelings, the more everyone stares at her intently. Erliang curiously asks, "Fangfang, your teeth haven't even fully grown in yet, and your father is already planning to marry you off. Isn't that a bit too hasty?"

"Xiao Qiu has long wanted to save Fang Fang and even sought our help, but unfortunately..." Er Liang said with a hint of regret. If it hadn't been for his brother's intervention, he would have joined Xiao Qiu to become the 'young hero' of Ye Lin Town. The people around had already eaten and drunk their fill, while he alone still held the last half of a large river clam, forcing himself to swallow it down, determined not to waste food. Then, while chewing, he asked, "Xiao Qiu, how did you come up with the idea to save Fang Fang?"

The excitement of venturing away from home gradually faded. As dusk approached, the boys began to call out one after another that they were hungry. The ten-year-old bald boy even cried and wanted to go home. At this point, Ershuan found himself at a loss, as he had never considered the issue of food in his grand plan.

The Xuanfu Army is here!" a voice shouted from behind the tree, causing Xiao Qiu and Er Shuan to jump up almost simultaneously, anxiously looking around.

"It's nothing, my uncle has a poor relationship with my father." Er Shuan was determined to facilitate this matter, aiming to become the leader of the youth in Yelin Town, even if it meant offending his father.

What came out was a fool; he just went behind the tree for a brief relief and decided to play a joke on everyone

"Oh, why is that? Is it about chivalry and helping others in need?" the bald man inquired

The enthusiasm of youth comes quickly and fades just as fast. Since Ershuan has spoken, no one insists any longer, and they gather around the bonfire to chat leisurely

Erliang still wanted to speak, but was stopped by his older brother Daliang. Fangfang finally spoke up, her hands still covering her mouth, her voice somewhat muffled, "Actually, it was my father who took the initiative to propose an expedited marriage."

In this small group, he has yet to find his place and often makes inappropriate remarks. This time was no different; as everyone was enjoying their meal, they all turned to Fangfang upon hearing his words

This is why he laughed heartily after fighting with Fangfang, and it is also the reason why Fangfang has always been reluctant to speak.

Daliang and Erlang, the two brothers, took the lead, and several young boys rushed forward, pushing Xiaoqiu towards Fangfang, while the others shouted in excitement around them, startling the resident birds in the forest into flight.

The bald man still did not feel satisfied, his two eyes shining brightly in the glow of the fire. "Xiao Qiu Ge, how did you come up with the surprise attack? You really startled everyone. My mother injured her leg and has been shouting in pain, saying she will give you a couple of hits when you return."

Xiao Qiu's face turned even redder as she scratched her head, "It just came to me suddenly when I saw the crowd, and I immediately thought of the picture book."

Ershuan's face was redder than Fangfang's as he shouted, "That's my brother; no matter what, he must live. I just don't believe the fortune teller's words; he looks like a fraud to me."

Er Shuan stopped the lively crowd, saying, "Alright, alright, let's stop here, you all listen to me." His companions ceased their actions, and Er Shuan, resembling an adult, placed a hand on Xiao Qiu's shoulder and said, "There's no need to rush; you will eventually marry Fang Fang."

No one believes Xiaoqiu's statement, and Ershuan believes it even less. "When we arrive at Xijie City, I will have my uncle take charge and officiate your wedding, so that it will be legitimate and proper at that time"

Daliang dodged with a smile, and after straightening up, a thought arose in his mind. He said loudly: "Let Xiao Qiu and Fang Fang get married."

This is a game that the youth of Yelin Town often play, simple yet brutal, perfectly suited for expending excess energy. After a quarter of an hour, the boys lie down in disarray to sleep, while Xiao Qiu and Er Shuan are still debating who is qualified to be the leader of the Xuanfu Army

Xiao Qiu was the first to wake up, and the other youths were gradually roused from their slumber, all of them terrified. In a state of confusion, Er Shuan attempted to escape but was lifted into the air by a soldier with one hand and then violently thrown to the ground. After this incident, no one dared to resist again

Xiao Qiu seemed to be gazing up at a large tree, but this tree bore no trace of greenery; its entire form was composed of black metal, with even its eyes concealed within, leaving one to wonder how it perceived the outside world

Fangfang had just finished half a grilled fish, her lips tightly sealed, her cheeks flushed, and her hands covering her mouth, preventing anyone from seeing.

Fangfang slowly shook her head, "No, my father thinks he is ill, he is afraid... that no one will take care of him"

This is the true Xuanfu Army

The boys had filled their stomachs and were eager to engage in some activities to release their excess energy, cheering and applauding together. Fangfang hid her face behind her palms, feeling isolated among the group of boys, and rarely spoke up.