A journey through ancient times, a journey of exquisite divine skills

Chapter 181 Cai Bo Entrusts

Upon hearing this, Cai Yao'er felt a sharp pain in her heart. She covered her face with her hands and cried her heart out, her body trembling slightly.

She sobbed and thanked him, saying, "Thank you... thank you, Young Master Su."

Uncle Cai also sighed, his face full of sorrow.

"I never imagined that you, at such a young age, would suffer such a terrible fate. The whole village was almost wiped out. Sigh, what a world..."

Xiaodie's eyes reddened, and she asked softly, "Brother Shanzi, did they continue to chase after you afterwards?"

Shanzi shook his head: "I don't know. I haven't seen them since then. But once, when we were traveling, we were stopped by several people dressed in the same black clothes."

"That's all in the past. We'll just have to wait and see what happens next..."

Shanzi's gaze swept over everyone present, especially Cai Yao'er's tear-streaked face, which still tried to appear strong. He felt a mix of emotions and was speechless for a moment.

Xiaodie always seems to be able to capture these subtle emotions.

She held a handkerchief embroidered with delicate orchids in her hand and gently wiped away her mistress's tears, her movements full of tenderness and care.

“Miss, don’t be sad. Brother Shanzi saved us, so we must live well so that we will have a chance to repay him in the future.”

The atmosphere in the room gradually warmed up thanks to everyone's efforts. They ate and chatted, their conversation flowing freely, as if trying to sweep away the gloom in their hearts.

Before long, the dishes on the table were all gone, and the air was filled with a sense of satisfaction and warmth.

Xiaodie was about to get up and clear the dishes when Shanzi stopped her.

"Xiaodie, you sprained your ankle and shouldn't walk around too much. Let the two of us take care of it."

After Shanzi finished speaking, Datou got up in tacit agreement, and the two began to clean up the mess on the table.

Cai Yao'er and Uncle Cai sat to the side, watching Shanzi and Datou's busy figures, their hearts filled with gratitude.

Cai Yao'er, in particular, kept glancing furtively at Shanzi.

Today's unexpected turn of events has left all three of them physically and mentally exhausted.

In a single day, Cai Yao'er watched helplessly as her loved ones died tragically.

She almost suffered a terrible attack and lost her innocence; at that moment, she felt as if her soul had been ripped out.

Moreover, she is a young lady of the Cai family; there's no need for her to do things like clearing the table.

Cai Bo wasn't much better off; he had been injured while protecting Cai Yao'er and stopping the Qin soldiers.

Then, after working tirelessly inside and out for a long time, he looked exhausted and should have taken a break long ago.

Xiaodie sprained her ankle today, which already made it difficult for her to move around, so there was no way for her to clean up.

Shanzi quickly stacked the bowls and chopsticks, while Datou tidied up the cups and plates, and then took them to the kitchen to wash them.

When they finished their work and returned to the main hall, they saw Cai Yao'er, Uncle Cai, and Xiao Die sitting there quietly waiting for them.

The flickering candlelight illuminated their weary and sorrowful faces.

When Uncle Cai saw the two of them return, he quickly invited them to sit down.

"Come, come, Shanzi, Datou, you've worked hard, sit down and rest for a while."

He smiled slightly and waved his hand.

"Miss Cai, Uncle Cai, Miss Xiaodie, please don't be so polite. The bowls, chopsticks and plates have already been washed and put back in their original places."

Shanzi seemed a little hesitant, and he glanced at Cai Yao'er.

Then he looked at Uncle Cai and slowly said, "Uncle Cai, now that we're all settled here, Da Tou and I plan to head back."

"Huh? What?"

When Cai Yao'er heard Shanzi mention leaving, her heart tightened, and in her haste, she blurted out the words, her voice filled with urgency and reluctance.

Her sudden reaction startled all four people present, and they all turned to look at her.

Cai Yao'er's cheeks flushed instantly, and she quickly explained, "I... I mean, Young Master Su, Young Master Cai."

You've all been busy all day, shouldn't you at least have a cup of tea before you leave? There's no need to be in such a rush.

Uncle Cai, observing everything clearly, thought to himself, "It seems that Miss has developed some feelings for Shanzi."

Then he thought about the current situation of the Cai family and looked at Shanzi's steady yet gentle demeanor.

A thought suddenly occurred to Cai Bo—perhaps Shanzi was the one Miss was destined for.

I wonder if there's a place for Miss in Shanzi's heart?

Cai Bo smiled casually and said, "Shanzi, Datou, don't rush off. Let's have a cup of tea and chat."

"Uncle Cai, I do have a few things I'd like to discuss with you."

Shanzi and Datou exchanged a glance, reading a hint of helplessness in each other's eyes, but they could only nod in agreement.

“Alright, Uncle Cai, let’s sit for a while longer.”

As the tea was brewed, the atmosphere in the main hall became warm and harmonious once again.

Uncle Cai slowly began to speak, first expressing his deep gratitude to Shanzi and Datou for their righteous help, and then changing the subject to talk about the current situation of the Cai family and their future plans.

Cai Yao'er listened quietly from the side.

Occasionally, she would look up at the mountain, her eyes flashing with a complex light, a mixture of gratitude and expectation.

Uncle Cai coughed lightly, his eyes showing a hint of gentleness, and slowly began to speak.

"Shanzi, it is truly a blessing for the Cai family that you and Datou were able to lend a helping hand today."

I am deeply grateful, but I wonder, Shanzi, do you still have elderly parents? Or are you already engaged?

Shanzi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, but then responded sincerely.

"Uncle Cai, you flatter me. It is our duty to help those in need when we see injustice."

As mentioned during the meal, my parents have passed away because of the arrival of the men in black.

As for marriage, nothing has been decided yet.

Firstly, everyone has been busy running around ever since that incident happened in the village.

Secondly, I am currently engaged in battle with the Qin state alongside King Ling, and have no time to ponder such matters.

Upon hearing this, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Cai Bo's eyes, and he turned to look at Da Tou.

But Da Tou just smiled slightly, shook his head, and indicated that his situation was similar to Shan Zi's, and he had no family burdens.

Uncle Cai nodded, seemingly having already made up his mind, and then said, "Alas, the world is not peaceful these days, and the Cai family has suffered such a great calamity."

Although I was fortunate enough to survive, my health is not what it used to be.

"Miss...sigh, I'm an old woman, so it doesn't bother me, but Miss is almost of marriageable age, and to encounter such a tragedy, I'm truly heartbroken..."

As Cai Bo spoke, his voice choked with emotion, and his eyes reddened slightly.

When Cai Yao'er heard Cai Bo's words, she blushed and said shyly, "Uncle Cai, don't be sad. Yao'er will support our Cai family again."

When Xiaodie heard that Uncle Cai was planning to arrange a marriage for her young lady, and that it would be with her brother Shanzi, she was taken aback.

"If Miss marries Brother Shanzi, does that mean I'll belong to him from now on?"

Her face flushed instantly at the thought.

Cai Bo took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and looked at Shanzi as he spoke.

"Shanzi, I think you are a responsible young man, with good martial arts skills and a kind heart."

This old man has a request, though I'm unsure whether I should make it.

Shanzi quickly cupped his hands and said, "Uncle Cai, please speak freely. As long as it is within my power, I will certainly not refuse."

Cai Bo looked at Shanzi with anticipation in his eyes.

"I was wondering if you could stay at the Cai residence for the time being and help this old man look after the Cai family and Miss Cai?"

Today, we have suffered this calamity. Now, the Cai family is left with only the three of us orphaned children. I am truly worried about us.

"Once this period of time has passed and the situation has stabilized, it won't be too late for you to leave."

Upon hearing this, Shanzi felt a ripple of emotion stir within him.

He looked at Cai Yao'er and saw that she was also looking at him with affection, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her eyes sparkling with expectation and gratitude.

When Shanzi saw Cai Yao'er looking at him like that, he quickly turned his head to the other side.

He thought about his nomadic life and the unknown future.

Suddenly, Big Head jumped up excitedly, as if he had discovered some earth-shattering secret, and hopped around on his feet.

"Well, Uncle Cai, are you planning to have my brother Shanzi marry Sister Yao'er?"

I've heard Xiaoya tell me many stories like this before, and the plot is exactly the same as what you're saying now!

When Da Tou said that, all four of them were stunned, and an unnatural blush rose on their faces, making the atmosphere suddenly become subtle.

Cai Yao'er lowered her head, her hands gently twisting the hem of her clothes, feeling both shy and expectant.

Shanzi glared at Datou and scolded him sternly, "Datou, what nonsense are you talking about? Don't spout off."