Chapter 5, Teasing

What a hothead! Gao Bufan shrugged and turned to look, only to see the father and son of Changsun Sheng rowing their boat towards this side, along with the swordsman Wen Shi Lian named Gao.

Changsun Sheng nodded and said: "To recognize one's mistakes and correct them is a great virtue. This young man, after being shot by you, not only holds no grudge but also extends a helping hand to us, which shows his broad-mindedness. His teasing of you is merely a reflection of youthful exuberance. In the future, if you encounter this young man, you must get along well with him, as it will surely be beneficial to you."

Changsun Wugou felt a slight warmth on her face: "Guanyin Maid is my childhood name, how did the young master come to know it?"

My brother has a rather impatient temperament, and I hope you will not take offense. May I ask you...

Gao Shilian furrowed his brow in deep thought for a moment, and ultimately shook his head, saying: "I have never heard of a talented young man named Gao Bufan in our clan."

Zhang Jincheng's expression changed drastically upon hearing this. Meng Qi and Zhao Jiu were among the best swimmers in the stronghold, yet they were actually defeated when working together. When did such an underwater expert emerge in the territory of Bohai County

"Guanyin Maid, you still laugh, for my brother has cared for you dearly!" Changsun Wuji said angrily

Zhangsun Sheng nodded in satisfaction. Although Zhangsun Wuji and Zhangsun Wugou were born to his second wife, the Gao family, both siblings were intelligent and eager to learn, with personalities that were honest and gentle. Therefore, he was very fond of this pair of children and cared for them deeply

Changsun Wuji's face turned pale, and he quickly lowered his head to admit his mistake

Changsun Wuji was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, with a lump stuck in his throat, his face flushed as if it were on fire, while Changsun Wugou could not help but burst into laughter.

A fierce battle came to an abrupt end, as the lake breeze caused the surrounding reeds to sway with a rustling sound, creating an atmosphere of profound silence. If it were not for the dozens of bloody corpses still floating on the lake's surface, who would have known that a thrilling and bloody conflict had just taken place here

The fifth master remained vigilant for the duration of a tea ceremony, yet the water's surface showed no signs of disturbance. Were it not for the four corpses of his companions floating around him, he might have doubted whether he was experiencing an illusion. Even for a top-tier internal martial arts expert, it would be unlikely to remain submerged for such an extended period without taking a breath, wouldn't it

Changsun Wuji's face turned crimson as he was about to question Gao Bufan about why he threw a turtle at him, but the latter's mocking laughter reached him first: "Little chubby, this turtle is for your sister to make soup to nourish her body, so don't sneak a drink!"

My surname is Gao, and my given name is Bufan. Since we have only met by chance, there is no need for any further gratitude. Let us part ways here

At this time, Gao Bufan was bare-chested, wearing only a pair of tight leather shorts on his lower body, which looked somewhat abnormal. Fortunately, the atmosphere during the Sui and Tang dynasties was relatively open. If it had been the Ming and Qing dynasties when Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism was prevalent, it is likely that the young girl, Long Sun Wugou, would have had no choice but to marry him.

As everyone focused their gaze, it turned out to be an enormous green turtle, wildly thrashing about with its claws, exhibiting great vigor

Changsun Wuji scoffed and said: "What is so difficult about this? If that black boy is truly from our county, my father will have the governor of Bohai County check the household registration and it will be clear."

Beside him, Changsun Wugou said in a crisp voice: "From the very beginning, brother regarded Young Master Gao as a robber and even shot an arrow at him. It is likely that Young Master Gao is just teasing brother because of this."

Gao Bufan smiled, revealing two rows of white and even teeth, and asked, "Are you called Guanyin Maid?"

The fifth captain hurriedly threw away the oar, reached out quickly, and attempted to pull Changsun Wugou back onto the boat. As a result, an unexpected change occurred in the water, and a flash of cold light swiftly pierced his chest

Changsun Sheng's eyes revealed a hint of approval: "Little brother is too modest; holding one's breath underwater for the duration of two cups of tea is something only an extraordinary person can achieve. May I ask for your esteemed name, little brother? Changsun Sheng will surely repay you handsomely in the future"

At that moment, Gao Bufan suddenly turned around and threw an object forcefully at the chubby Sun Wujie. The latter instinctively reached out to catch it, only to realize upon contact that it was a living creature, which startled him, prompting him to hurriedly toss it onto the deck

The fifth master never imagined that this little girl could be so brave, daring to plunge into the lake even with her hands and feet bound, as if she had no regard for her life

"Old Five!" Zhang Jincheng exclaimed in shock. In a moment of distraction, he was struck on the left arm by Changsun Sheng, causing skin and flesh to fly and blood to spurt. However, the injury instead ignited his ferocity, and he swung his blade down with all his might, as swift as lightning and with tremendous force.

"Boss, we have encountered a formidable water ghost; Meng Qi and Zhao Jiu have all been slaughtered," said the Fifth Boss, his voice trembling slightly.

Moreover, Gao Bufan escorted Changsun Wugou onto the ship, where she was immediately greeted with a heroic welcome by Gao Shou and Gao Ren. These two untied Changsun Wugou and warmly inquired about her well-being, likely considering the young girl as a future young mistress.

Changsun Sheng spoke while looking at Gao Shilian, as the saying goes, "The heights of the world rise from Bohai." The Gao family of Bohai has been a prominent clan in Bohai County since the Wei and Jin dynasties, and Gao Shilian himself hails from the royal lineage of the Northern Qi. Therefore, if there are any rising talents in Bohai County, it is highly likely that they will emerge from the Gao family!

At this moment, Gao Shilian realized that Gao Bufan was surprisingly young, only about fourteen or fifteen years old. He couldn't help but be astonished and clasped his fists, saying: "Thank you, young brother, for your assistance. At such a young age, you possess such remarkable skills. May I ask where you learned your craft?"

Changsun Sheng coughed several times, and a wave of sorrow and indignation inevitably surged within him. Of the eighteen subordinates, only eight remained, all of whom were injured. It is worth noting that during his time maneuvering through the Turkic territories, he had never suffered such a significant loss. Unexpectedly, in his own country, he had been caught off guard and reduced to such a sorry state by an obscure bandit. It can truly be said that a tiger has fallen to the plains.

The fifth master hurriedly recoiled, but unfortunately it was too late. He felt a sharp pain in his chest and let out a piercing scream, clutching his chest as he fell backward. Meanwhile, the fallen Changsun Wugou felt someone supporting her waist and hips, swiftly moving towards the boat where Gao Shou and Gao Ren were, as if she had suddenly mastered the art of lightness and was gliding over the water.

At this moment, Changsun Wuji had already leaped over to the boat, assisting his sister Changsun Wugou back, fearing that she might be taken advantage of by Gao Bufan, this "pervert".

Changsun Sheng furrowed his brow and did not pursue the chase. He leaped onto the bow of Changsun Wuji's ship. Upon seeing their leader flee, the other bandits also jumped into the water to escape, and in an instant, not a single one remained!

Changsun Sheng expressed regret upon hearing this, saying: "What a pity!"

As soon as Zhang Jincheng finished speaking, Changsun Wugou on the ship unexpectedly struggled and fell backward into the lake

Thud

Zhangsun Wugou was just about to inquire about Gao Bufan's name when the voice of her elder brother, Zhangsun Wuji, echoed from afar, filled with joy

Little Fatty... cough, I just encountered your brother, Changsun Wuji, and he shot an arrow at me, shouting for the thief to hand over the Guanyin maid. Miss Changsun, I must say, your brother's eyesight is truly lacking; in this world, where could one find a thief as handsome, charming, and just as I am

Gao Bufan clasped his fists in return and said: "You flatter me, country bumpkin. What lineage do I have? It is merely that I have been swimming since childhood, and my skills in the water are somewhat proficient. If it were on land, I would undoubtedly not be a match for these ruffians."

Zhangsun Sheng and Gao Shilian were taken aback, while Zhangsun Wuji's face turned even redder as he awkwardly said: "The child has been reckless!"

Gao Bufan finished speaking, lifted the bamboo pole, and with a gentle push, the fishing boat glided out like an arrow, leaving behind a carefree and unrestrained silhouette for Changsun Sheng and the others

Changsun Wuji deeply bowed and said: "The child will remember the teachings of his father"

However, although the young man before me has dark skin, he is extremely handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, a straight nose and a square mouth. Especially those eyes, clear as a stream and bright as the stars, are unforgettable at first sight

Changsun Wugou was momentarily taken aback, then burst into a soft laugh, resembling a peony in full bloom; indeed, she was a rare beauty, destined to be extraordinary when she grew up. Gao Shou and Gao Ren secretly gave a thumbs up, thinking to themselves that the young master was truly impressive, excelling even in the art of courting women, it was a sure thing!

Seeing this, Changsun Sheng did not dare to confront directly and quickly retreated. With a crack, Zhang Jincheng struck the boat's plank with his knife, instantly splintering the wood and causing water from the lake to rush in. The small boat rapidly sank, while Zhang Jincheng took the opportunity to plunge into the lake and disappeared.

"Wujin must not be disrespectful; do not forget who saved your sister. A drop of kindness should be repaid with a fountain of gratitude. How did your father teach you to behave?" Changsun Sheng reprimanded sternly

It is not that Gao Bufan is being modest; if it were not for being in the water, he might not truly be a match for these bandits. At the very least, their leader, Zhang Jin, claims that he is absolutely no match for him

Guanyin - maid

Gao Shilian quickly intervened, saying: "Wuji has always been steady and gentle. It is only natural that he feels a bit dissatisfied, given that he is of a similar age to that young brother and has been provoked by the other's words. There is no need for the elder brother to reprimand him."

Changsun Wugou was exceptionally intelligent. Upon hearing Gao Shou and Gao Ren refer to Gao Bufan as "Young Master," she also called him "Young Master." She had seen many young masters from noble families in the Eastern Capital, Luoyang, and none of them were anything but fair-skinned; some even applied makeup and dressed more exquisitely than she did. This was the first time she had encountered a "Young Master" as dark-skinned as Gao Bufan.

Changsun Sheng was equally astonished and perplexed, for he had no such underwater expert under his command. He instinctively glanced towards the fishing boat where Gao Shou and Gao Ren were located, only to find that the previously dark-skinned youth had vanished, causing a subtle stir in his heart

At this moment, Zhang Jincheng evidently also noticed Gao Shou and Gao Ren, and shouted angrily: "It could be that black kid from the boat earlier, damn it, it seems someone misjudged the situation, don't worry about him for now, bring the girl over."

Changsun Sheng could not help but exclaim: "It is said that the people of Bohai Commandery are exceptional and the land is blessed, and it is indeed true. This young man speaks with elegance and possesses such abilities at a young age. What is most remarkable is his calm and unrestrained demeanor. I wonder whose son he is; he will surely not be an ordinary person in the future."

Soon, the boat arrived before them. Changsun Sheng cupped his hands towards Gao Bufan and smiled, saying: "Young brother, your assistance just now has left me immensely grateful."

Changsun Sheng was taken aback, clearly not expecting Gao Bufan to be so decisive, leaving without hesitation. Was the reputation of the Changsun family not bright enough? Was Changsun Sheng's name not prominent enough? Or was the position of Right Guard General not appealing enough?

Changsun Wugou, with a flushed face, curiously gazed at her "black horse prince" Gao Bufan. Her pitch-black eyes sparkled as she gracefully yet generously said: "Thank you, young master, for your rescue"

Changsun Wuji nearly rolled his eyes, while Changsun Sheng and Gao Shilian couldn't help but smile. When they looked up again, Gao Bufan and his three companions had already disappeared around the bend of the river, leaving only ripples behind.

Zhangsun Sheng took a boat from the Eastern Capital to Bohai County this time, with the purpose of bringing his two siblings back to their hometown to pay respects to their ancestors, while also visiting the Gao clan relatives, laying a foundation for Zhangsun Wuji's future connections, which can be said to be a thoughtful endeavor

Changsun Wugou quickly took her brother's hand and said in a charming manner: "Brother, please do not be angry. You are not fat at all. In the future, you need not sneak a drink; you can drink openly and honestly."

"Old Five, what is going on?" The bandit leader Zhang Jincheng, who was engaged in a fierce battle with Chang Sunsheng in the distance, finally noticed the situation over here and shouted loudly.

Wudangjia, upon hearing this, quickly held a knife in one hand and paddled with the other, heading towards Zhang Jincheng. Zhang Jincheng sneered and threatened: "Changsun Sheng, immediately order your men to lay down their weapons and surrender, otherwise I will kill your daughter"