Chapter 146
As evening approached, the smell of rice wafted from the other side of the Moshui River. The Qiang people of the Huatu tribe also began to build stoves and cook. Lin Shuge and his companions were invited to be guests in the tribe.
There was a cool breeze, willows were green on the shore, and the bonfire was emitting orange flames. Lin Shuge and Xie Chen sat side by side, listening to Hua Xu telling the legends of the tribe.
"The ancestor of the Hua Tu tribe was a woman. Her name was Hua Tu. It is said that her mother gave birth to her in the snow, so she grew up to be very strong." Hua Xu took a sip of wine and said aloud.
The Qiang people have lived in a cold land for generations. Both men and women can endure the cold and hardship. It is common for women to give birth without hiding from the wind and snow. As a result, these tribes have always been fierce and advocate the use of force. If Xie Chen had not destroyed two tribes with the power of thunder this time, causing other tribes to be wary, it would have been difficult to subdue them.
Lin Shuge smiled slightly, causing Xie Chen to look at him. He picked up a piece of firewood and put it into the fire, ignoring Xie Chen.
Xie Chen was unhappy and moved towards him again. Lin Shuge glared at him and asked him why he couldn't behave himself in someone else's territory.
At this time, several Qiang women came out carrying food. Hua Wei said, "Please enjoy your meal, my lords."
Lin Shuge thanked him. Seeing that there were various grilled meats and dairy products, Xie Chen used a knife to cut the large pieces of meat into small pieces. He then stood up and took out a few packets of seasoning from the cloth bag on the saddle. After dipping the meat in the seasoning, he handed it to Lin Shuge.
When did you bring these? Lin Shuge was puzzled.
"I've seen my brother bring these with him when he travels before, so I also carry some with me in case of emergency." When Xie Chen saw that he could start a conversation, he immediately took credit for it.
"oh."
"Brother, try taking a bite. You may not be used to the meat here." Xie Chen whispered in his ear.
The movements of the two were noticed by the Qiang children who had been watching them. They smelled the rich aroma of spices and ran to Lin Shuge with expressions that showed they wanted to eat.
Lin Shuge couldn't help laughing and pushed a plate of meat to them. They shared the meat excitedly and didn't forget to talk to their parents.
Xie Chen immediately helped Lin Shuge translate, "They said this is delicious."
Hua Wei scratched his messy hair a little embarrassedly, "Sir, Mulu asked you what you added, it's delicious."
"Just some spices to remove the fishy smell and enhance the flavor."
"Did we add these things to the hotpot and barbecue we ate last time? The Yan people have always been good at cooking and eat delicately. I'm sorry to have embarrassed you with the meal today." Hua Wei signaled to several women to take away the children who were still eyeing the food at Lin Shuge's table.
"The chief can also let the people of the tribe try out the life of the Yan people. I see that you have also changed a lot after this trade." Lin Shuge's voice was gentle, with some persuasion.
Hua Wei naturally knew what he meant, but there were still old people in the tribe who were unwilling to change their previous lifestyle. They felt that making a living by farming like the Yan people was contrary to the teachings of the Qiang ancestors. They even scoffed at the rumors circulating in various tribes that the Han and Qiang were of the same origin, believing it to be a conspiracy of the Yan people.
Hua Tu naturally knew that these rumors were strange. If the Yan Dynasty was weak, he could still fight against it, but the two people in front of him were both extremely talented, so who would dare to have any ideas? The Shaoliang tribe wanted to compete with the Yan Dynasty, but what happened to them now? The once powerful tribe is now left with only the elderly, the weak, women and children, and they have been handed over to their tribes. It is better to just follow them obediently. After all, from last year to now, the tribesmen in the tribe seem to be living better than before.
"Your Excellency is right. This year, our tribe has been farming with the people of Dayan and has obtained some food. We have also exchanged cattle and horses for many things. My wife and children are very happy at home." Hua Wei followed Lin Shuge and said.
Lin Shuge and Xie Chen looked at each other, both of them knew what the other meant. Lin Shuge said, "I met Feng Gu and Xian Han in the school. They are smart and eager to learn. They have already learned a lot of characters. It is true that a good father will have a good son."
When Hua Wei mentioned his favorite son, his eyes lit up. Before he could say anything, a woman next to him suddenly asked, "Is Feng Gu doing well?"
Hua Wei glared at her and said, "Don't be offended, my lord. This is Feng Gu's mother. I haven't seen Feng Gu for several months. I really miss her."
"If Yanshi wants to see Fenggu, she can go and see him in person when she has the chance in the future." Lin Shuge said with a smile.
The woman didn't understand Yan language. Feng Gu had taught her how to say his name in Chinese before. She was so excited just now because she heard Feng Gu's name.
Hua Wei whispered a few words in her ear, and the woman had tears in her eyes. She had witnessed the bravery of the Dayan soldiers led by Xie Chen, and was afraid that her son would be bullied if he went to Dayan. She had always been dissatisfied with her husband's decision, and this time when she heard that she could see her son, how could she not be excited.
All of a sudden, there were a lot more food in front of Lin Shuge. Did they take out all the good stuff? He picked up a piece of cheese and thought helplessly.
It seems that this woman has a high status in the tribe. Lin Shuge is familiar with the customs of the Qiang people. The few women who just came out should be Hua Tu's wives and concubines, and Feng Gu's mother should be Hua Xu's legal wife.
Lin Shuge just glanced over there, but Hua Tu became interested. Even from the perspective of the Qiang people, the two people in front of him were both good-looking and promising young men. He also had a lot of contact with the two of them, and he didn't see anyone around them.
If there are girls in the tribe who can marry them, whether as wives or concubines, it will be a good thing for them.
He waved to the soldiers around him, whispered a few instructions, and the soldiers responded and went to do it.
Lin Shuge took a bite of the roast meat. Seeing that the meat on his plate was almost gone, Xie Chen whispered in his ear, "If you like it, I'll have someone buy more cattle and sheep to roast later."
Lin Shuge glanced at him and stuffed the last piece of barbecue into his mouth. Xie Chen didn't dislike it at all. After a whole night, he finally waited for Lin Shuge to give him a good look, and he got closer to Lin Shuge.
Suddenly, laughter broke out in the camp and several young Qiang women came out.
Hua Wei said: "It's boring to just eat and drink. You two adults should enjoy the singing and dancing of our Qiang people."
Lin Shuge clapped his hands. Xie Chen was not interested in singing and dancing. He took a sip of wine and said to Lin Shuge, "Brother, try this wine. It tastes okay but a little strong."
Lin Shuge took a sip from his hand and nodded. Xie Chen's eyebrows relaxed and he smiled at Lin Shuge, "I haven't had the chance to drink the wine that my brother brewed this year."
Suddenly, a fierce beat sounded, and the passionate singing of Qiang women was heard. Then several women danced around the campfire. Although their steps were light, they were full of passion and energy.
Lin Shuge found it interesting and said to Xie Chen casually, "There's no share for you."
Seeing that he was watching the singing and dancing, Xie Chen looked over there at the dancing girl. The Qiang girl was dancing to the singing, and Xie Chen's heart was filled with alarm.
Damn it, his brother is still mad at him. He felt jealous but didn't dare to show it. He could only drink a few big gulps of wine in silence.
The singing gradually died down, and several Qiang girls bowed to Lin Shuge and Xie Chen. Lin Shuge quickly applauded and said, "It's really a good song and dance."
There was only admiration and praise in his eyes, without any lewd look. Several girls were used to seeing all kinds of looks in men's eyes after they appreciated singing and dancing, but when they saw Lin Shuge's clear and upright eyes, they secretly glanced at his appearance a few times, and they were secretly delighted. If they could become this gentleman's wife or concubine, they would be truly blessed.
"What does your Excellency think of these women?" Hua Wei asked.
"The singing and dancing of the ladies are excellent." Lin Shuge frowned, feeling that there was something else behind Hua Wei's words.
Xie Chen's face turned pale and he dropped the wine glass in his hand heavily on the table.
Hua Wei thought that he had treated Xie Chen badly, and hurriedly tried to make amends, "Master Wei, what do you think of these women? If you like them, I am willing to present them to you."
Lin Shuge looked at Xie Chen with a half-smile, and Xie Chen was very panicked, "Brother, I didn't mean that, how could I like it..." He was usually very talkative, but now he was completely speechless. He could only turn around and glare at Hua Wei fiercely.
Hua Wei was frightened by his look and immediately stood up to apologize to him, "I don't know how I have neglected you, sir?"
Lin Shuge sighed, "The ladies' singing and dancing should be left to people who can appreciate them. We are both rough people, so how can we understand these things? Sorry for bothering you today, I will take my leave now."
After saying that, he stood up and prepared to leave. Xie Chen quickly followed him, leaving the people from the Huatu tribe sitting there awkwardly, not knowing what was going on and why he left suddenly.
Yanshi saw it, and walked over to tell Huawei about it. Huawei was shocked by the information he heard. How could such a thing exist in this world? Is there anyone who doesn't like girls liking men? What is there to like about men?
After looking at the place where the two people left, he ruffled his messy hair even more.
The moon was reflected in the Moshui River, illuminating the surroundings. A few fireflies were flying around. Lin Shuge walked across the bridge leading his horse, and Xie Chen also followed behind him on his horse.
"Brother, Hua Wei really acted on his own."
Lin Shuge turned around and looked at him. The moonlight was dim. Xie Chen's usually tough face now looked gentle. His long eyelashes trembled slightly, the corners of his lips moved slightly, and he blurted out a few words.
"What do you want to say?"
"Brother was really enjoying what he was watching just now." Xie Chen's tone was awkward, he wanted to be angry but didn't dare to.
"Of course. I have never seen Qiang dance before. After seeing it today, I found it really has a different flavor." Lin Shuge said deliberately.
Sure enough, Xie Chen's face changed and he clenched his fists, "Brother likes them?" He looked as if he didn't know what he would do if Lin Shuge nodded.
Lin Shuge looked at Xie Chen with a smile on his face, "Don't you know who I like?"
Xie Chen felt relieved, "Brother, please don't scare me, I can't bear it." As he spoke, he stepped forward and held Lin Shuge's hand.
"Let go, the person I like is Wei Zhongxuan, are you one?" The sounds of insects chirping came from the river, like the whispers between lovers.
The lovers were silent for a few moments, "Brother, which one do you want, Wei Zhongxuan or Xie Chen?"
"What do you mean?"
"If brother only wants Wei Zhongxuan, then I will be Wei Zhongxuan. If he can want Xie Chen, then I will be Xie Chen." Xie Chen's voice trembled a little, but he still held Lin Shuge's hand tightly.
"Are you stupid or not? It's all your fault. Go home." Lin Shuge held his hand, stroked Xie Chen's face with one hand, and said softly.
Xie Chen looked down at him, his eyes were deep, in which was imprinted the image of Lin Shuge, and suddenly he reached out and hugged him tightly in his arms. Lin Shuge opened his mouth to say something, but was blocked, and there were indescribable beautiful emotions between their lips and teeth.
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