Extra 3: Jianghu Xiaoyaolu
(one)
In the spring of the third year of the Xuanhe reign, the weeping willows by West Lake sprouted new buds, and a warm breeze caressed the surface, rippling the water. A new teahouse, called "Qinglu," had opened beside the Broken Bridge. Its owner was a handsome young man, a man whose hands could both brew fragrant tea and produce moving music on the zither.
That afternoon, Yan Qing was teaching a child how to identify tea leaves. Sunlight streamed through the bamboo curtains, dancing between his fingers.
"Boss, this 'terrifyingly fragrant' Biluochun tea requires water at 80 degrees Celsius." He gripped the teapot, twisting his wrist slightly, and the water flowed like a thread. "If the water is boiled, the tea will be stale."
The little boy studied very hard, his eyes sparkling: "Mr. Yan knows so much."
Yan Qing just smiled and said nothing. In his previous life at the Lu Mansion, in this life at Liangshan, what rare and wonderful things had he not seen? Now that he had unloaded this heavy burden, these skills had become the foundation of his life.
There were all kinds of guests sitting in the teahouse. The storyteller was telling the story of Liangshan. When he mentioned "The Prodigal Yanqing", his saliva flew:
"That Yan Xiaoyi is a truly remarkable figure! He's said to be unrivaled in sumo wrestling, his crossbow never misses a shot, and he's also an expert in music. He's a true all-rounder!"
Some tea drinkers were curious: "Where did such a person go later?"
The storyteller stroked his beard and shook his head. "After being recruited, he disappeared. Some say he traveled overseas, while others say he lived in seclusion somewhere..."
Yan Qing lowered his head to make tea, a slight smile on his lips. Listening to his own legend spread among the people was quite interesting.
(two)
In late spring, Yan Qing hired a small boat and went to the center of the lake alone.
The boatman was a talkative old man. As he rowed, he said, "Young master, are you from out of town? This is the best time to go boating on the lake. It will be too hot later."
Yan Qing leaned against the bow of the boat, letting the breeze caress his face. "I heard that West Lake is beautiful in all seasons."
"Of course!" the old man said, becoming interested. "In spring, I watch the dawn over Su Causeway; in summer, I admire the lotuses in Quyuan; in autumn, I watch the moon over the lake; in winter, I visit the Broken Bridge under the snow. I've been on the lake for forty years, and I never tire of it!"
As they were talking, they heard singing in the distance. A pleasure boat was approaching slowly, with several scholars sitting on the bow, reciting poems and composing couplets.
"...If I were to compare the West Lake to Xi Shi, she would be beautiful with light or heavy makeup..." Someone recited loudly, drawing applause.
Yan Qing's heart trembled slightly. In his previous life, he had never had such leisure time. Even in this life in Liangshan, he was always worried and anxious, afraid of making any mistakes.
As I was feeling emotional, I suddenly heard a "splash" and a scholar on the pleasure boat fell into the water.
"Help! I can't swim!" The scholar struggled in the water and was about to sink.
Without giving it much thought, Yan Qing jumped into the lake. He was an excellent swimmer and in a few strokes he reached the scholar and carried him towards the pleasure boat.
"Thank you for your help, brave man!" The scholars hurriedly pulled the man up and expressed their gratitude repeatedly.
Yan Qing wiped the water droplets from his face and said with a smile, "It's just a piece of cake."
He returned to his boat, and the boatman was full of admiration: "Young Master, you are very skilled! You are so agile, have you practiced martial arts?"
"I know a little bit." Yan Qing wrung the water from the corner of his clothes, his tone indifferent.
The boatman started to ramble, "When it comes to martial arts, the heroes of Liangshan are the best! I heard that the prodigal Yan Qing is not only a martial arts expert, but also very handsome..."
Yan Qing couldn't help coughing and changed the subject: "Old man, row forward, I want to see Leifeng Pagoda."
(three)
Business at the Qinglu Teahouse was booming. Yan Qing was not only a master of tea making, but also possessed a wealth of knowledge. Whether traveling merchants or intellectuals seeking sophistication, they could always find something to talk about with him.
A special guest came that day - an old Taoist priest in tattered clothes, leaning on a broken bamboo stick and with a wine gourd hanging around his waist.
"Boss, I'd like a cup of tea." The old Taoist smiled and sat down without waiting for a greeting.
The waiter was about to send the guests away, but Yan Qing waved his hand and said, "No problem, I'll make a pot of Rain-Predawn Longjing tea for the Taoist priest."
The old Taoist squinted his eyes and looked at Yan Qing: "My friend, you have an extraordinary face."
Yan Qing laughed and said, "Master, you are joking. I am just a teahouse owner. What's so extraordinary about me?"
"No, no." The old Taoist shook his head. "I see there's purple light between your eyebrows, you're definitely not an ordinary person. If I'm not mistaken, have you ever been an official?"
Yan Qing felt a little nervous, but he remained calm on his face: "Master, you've made a mistake."
The old Taoist didn't argue and took out a cloth bag from his arms: "My friend, you invited me to drink tea. I have no way to repay you, so I will give you a little toy."
Inside the cloth bag was an old copper coin with the Big Dipper engraved on it.
"Carry it with you to keep you safe." The old Taoist smiled mysteriously, stopped drinking tea, and walked away slowly, leaning on his bamboo stick.
Yan Qing held the copper coin in his hand, deep in thought. This old Taoist priest seemed to be quite extraordinary.
(Four)
On a morning in early summer, Yan Qing climbed up the North Peak carrying a basket of medicine.
This was his new hobby—herb picking. An Daoquan had taught him how to identify herbs in his previous life, and now it was putting them to good use. The mountain air was crisp, the birdsong melodious, and compared to the hustle and bustle of the teahouse, there was a unique tranquility.
Halfway up the mountain, he met an old woman who was collecting herbs and climbing the rocks with difficulty.
"Be careful, mother-in-law." Yan Qing stepped forward and gave her a hand.
The old woman thanked him gratefully: "Thank you, young man. I am old and useless now."
Seeing that she only had some common herbs in her basket, Yan Qing handed her a few Ganoderma lucidum he had picked, saying, "Take this, mother-in-law. It's very good for your health."
The old woman repeatedly declined: "This is too expensive..."
"It's okay, there's more on the mountain." Yan Qing forced it into her hands. "I'm young, I just need to walk a few more steps."
After descending the mountain, Yan Qing stopped by Liuhe Temple, where Wu Song had become a monk and was now a famous martial arts instructor.
"How are you these days, second brother?" Yan Qing handed the freshly picked herbs to the monk in charge of reception.
The monk in charge of reception folded his hands and saluted: "Uncle Wu is doing well. He is in the back mountain teaching his disciples martial arts."
Yan Qing did not bother him, but only lit a stick of incense in front of the Buddha. Watching Wu Song spend his old age in the temple was better than anything else.
After leaving the temple, he stood for a while by the Qiantang River. The tide surged, flowing endlessly, just like the world.
In their previous life, they had fought a bloody battle here during the campaign against Fang La. Now the smoke of war had cleared, leaving only ordinary people fishing and catching crabs by the river.
That's good.
(five)
An uninvited guest came to the teahouse.
He was a man with a face full of flesh, accompanied by a few minions. As soon as he entered the door, he shouted: "Who is the boss?"
Yan Qing stepped forward calmly: "What advice do you have, sir?"
The man looked him over and said, "I heard your teahouse is doing well? All the businesses in this area have to pay a fee to our 'Cao Gang'."
The waiter turned pale with fear. Yan Qing smiled and said, "I'm new here and don't know the rules. I don't know what the rules are for this fee."
Seeing that he was sensible, the man softened his tone and said, "Ten taels of silver a month to keep you safe."
"Ten taels?" Yan Qing raised an eyebrow. "Can you give me a few days? Let me raise the money."
The man nodded with satisfaction: "I'll come back in three days."
After the people left, the waiter said anxiously, "Boss, you can't afford to offend the Cao Gang! I heard they have hundreds of members, and even the government has to give in."
Yan Qing was neither anxious nor impatient: "I know my limits."
That night, he went to the Cao Gang's headquarters alone, not to fight, but to find their leader, "Iron Palm" Liu Xiong.
Liu Xiong was practicing in the courtyard. Seeing Yan Qing coming, he was very surprised: "Who are you?"
Yan Qing bowed and said, "Qinglu Teahouse, Yan Qing."
Liu Xiong's expression changed: "Why, are you here to pay?"
"No." Yan Qing smiled, "I'm here to discuss business with Gang Leader Liu."
He pulled out a piece of paper and said, "This is the purchasing channel for West Lake Longjing tea. It's 30% lower than the market price. If the Cao Gang is willing, they can take over this business."
Liu Xiong was stunned. He had thought the other party was coming to plead or provoke him, but he didn't expect that the other party was coming to give him money.
"Why help me?"
Yan Qing said calmly: "When you meet in the martial arts world, it is always better to have more friends than more enemies."
Three days later, the man came again, his attitude very respectful: "Mr. Yan, our gang leader said that from now on, your teahouse will be under the protection of the Cao Gang. Not only do you not have to pay, but if you have any questions, just ask!"
The waiter was stunned, but Yan Qing just smiled faintly.
The world of martial arts is not just about fighting and killing, it's also about human relationships.
(six)
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Yan Qing closed the teahouse and watched the moon alone by the lake.
The moonlight, like water, sprinkled on the lake, shattered into a myriad of silver sparkles. In the distance, a pleasure boat passed by, bringing with it the sounds of stringed instruments.
He recalled the Mid-Autumn Festival in Liangshan many years ago. The brothers had enjoyed themselves with huge bowls of wine and large chunks of meat, what a joy. Now they were scattered and each was doing well, which was in line with the principle that "the moon waxes and wanes".
Just as I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard someone behind me say, "On such a beautiful day, brother, drinking alone, aren't you feeling lonely?"
Looking back, I saw a scholar in a blue robe, with delicate features, holding a jade flute.
Yan Qing smiled and said, "Brother, aren't you also traveling alone?"
The scholar sat down beside him. "My name is Su Muyun, from Hangzhou. I saw you were admiring the moon, so I came to bother you."
"Yan Qing, the teahouse owner."
The two exchanged names and smiled. Su Muyun played the jade flute, and the melodies drifted through the night. Yan Qing listened quietly, tapping his fingers softly on his knees.
When the song ended, Su Muyun asked, "Brother Yan, do you understand music?"
"I know a thing or two."
Su Muyun handed over the jade flute: "Brother Yan, would you like to perform?"
Yan Qing accepted the jade flute without hesitation. He had mastered music in his previous life, and practiced even more diligently in this one. When the flute sounded, even the ripples on the lake seemed to still.
The piece played was "Spring River Moon Night", which was gentle and melodious, complementing the night view of West Lake.
Su Muyun listened intently, and after a while he said, "Brother Yan is truly talented! Even the musicians at the Jiaofang Bureau might not be able to match your flute skills."
Yan Qing returned the jade flute to him: "Brother Su, thank you for your praise."
The two sat opposite each other and talked about everything from music to poetry, from West Lake to the world. Su Muyun was an interesting person, with a wide range of knowledge and extraordinary conversation.
It wasn't until the moon reached its zenith that Su Muyun stood up and said goodbye: "It's a blessing to meet a kindred spirit tonight. I will definitely visit you someday and ask Brother Yan for advice again."
Yan Qing bowed and said, "I'll be at your service any time."
Looking at the scholar's receding back, Yan Qing suddenly felt that this kind of world was not bad.
(seven)
In late autumn, Yan Qing decided to travel far away.
Leaving the teahouse to the care of a reliable waiter, he packed his simple bag and headed south, with no destination in mind, following his own path.
In Shaoxing, he tasted authentic Huadiao wine; in Ningbo, he visited the busy port; in Taizhou, he climbed Mount Tiantai.
One day, he was touring Yandang Mountain when he suddenly heard the sound of fighting coming from the front.
As he approached quietly, he saw several men in black besieging an old man. The old man was quite skilled in martial arts, but two fists were no match for four hands, and he gradually lost the upper hand.
"Old man Nangong, hand over the "Medicine King Sutra" and I will spare your life!" The leading man in black shouted.
The old man sneered: "Don't even think about it!"
Yan Qing hadn't wanted to get involved, but when he heard the words "Medicine King Sutra," his heart was moved. In his previous life, An Daoquan had mentioned this medical book, saying it was the authentic teaching of the Medicine King Sun Simiao, and had long been lost.
Seeing that the old man was about to die, Yan Qing sighed and took out the crossbow from his arms.
With a few "swish" sounds, the crossbow arrows accurately hit the wrists of the men in black, and their weapons fell to the ground.
"Who is it?" the man in black was shocked.
Yan Qing came out from behind the tree and said, "It's not good to bully the minority with your numbers in broad daylight, right?"
Seeing that he was alone, the man in black became bolder and said, "Stop minding your own business, kid!"
Yan Qing didn't waste any words. He moved closer and used sumo wrestling skills. With a few moves, he knocked down all the men in black.
"Go away." He said lightly.
The man in black fled in panic. The old man stepped forward and saluted: "Thank you for saving me, brave man! I am Nangong Wang. May I ask your name?"
"Yan Qing."
Nangong Wang's eyes lit up: "But is it the Liangshan hero, the prodigal Yan Qing?"
Yan Qing remained noncommittal: "Senior, do you recognize me?"
"I heard An Daoquan mention it." Nangong Wang smiled, "He said you are extremely smart and a good candidate for studying medicine."
It turns out that Nangong Wang is An Daoquan's senior brother, and the two are from the same school.
"Since we have met, it is fate." Nangong Wang took out a book from his arms, "This 'Medicine King Sutra' is given to you. I hope you will make good use of the medical skills in it to save the world."
Yan Qing couldn't refuse and had to accept it.
After staying at Nangong Wang's thatched cottage in the mountains for a few days, the two of them talked about medicine and got along quite well. Nangong Wang was amazed by Yan Qing's talent:
"If you concentrate on studying medicine, your achievements will not be inferior to those of Junior Brother An."
Yan Qing just smiled and said nothing. He wasn't interested in this, but it was always good to learn more skills.
(eight)
Before the cold winter came, Yan Qing returned to Hangzhou.
Everything was normal in the teahouse, except for one more regular customer - Su Muyun came almost every day, sometimes to drink tea, sometimes to play chess, and sometimes just to chat.
It was snowing that day, and the two of them were playing chess around the fire.
"Brother Yan, did you have any interesting experience during this long journey?" Su Muyun dropped a piece.
Yan Qing twirled the chess piece and said, "I met an old doctor and learned some medical skills from him."
Su Muyun smiled and said, "Brother Yan is truly multi-talented. Tea art, music, martial arts, and now medicine."
"Just killing time."
As he was speaking, there was a quick knock on the door. The waiter opened the door and saw a woman holding a child.
"Doctor! Please save my child!" The woman's face was covered with tears. "I heard you have medical skills..."
Yan Qing hurriedly let her in. The child was about three or four years old, burning hot all over, and already unconscious.
After taking the pulse, Yan Qing frowned and said, "It's an acute convulsion."
He took out the silver needles and applied acupuncture according to the method in the Medicine King Sutra. He also wrote a prescription and asked the waiter to get the medicine.
Su Muyun watched quietly from the side, with a strange light in his eyes.
After half an hour of hard work, the child's fever finally subsided. The woman thanked him profusely and knelt down to kowtow.
"It's just a piece of cake." Yan Qing helped her up. "Take your medicine on time and come back for a follow-up visit in three days."
After the woman left, Su Muyun sighed, "I didn't expect Brother Yan to be so kind-hearted."
Yan Qing looked at the falling snow outside the window and said, "I'll help as much as I can."
(Nine)
In the spring of the fourth year of Xuanhe, a special guest came to Yanqing's teahouse.
He was a middle-aged scholar, elegant yet commanding. The accompanying guards, though dressed in casual attire, had sharp eyes, clearly no ordinary men.
The scholar ordered a pot of Longjing tea and sipped it slowly. Suddenly, he said, "Boss, this tea is as good as the imperial tribute tea."
Yan Qing's heart moved, but his expression remained calm: "Thank you for your compliment, sir."
The scholar looked him over and asked, "I heard the boss's last name is Yan?"
"Exactly."
"But they're from Tokyo?"
Yan Qing smiled: "It's a small business, I dare not go too far."
The scholar didn't ask further questions, but instead turned the conversation to the tea ceremony. This man was extremely knowledgeable, and he knew all the famous teas from all over the world like the back of his hand. Yan Qing responded appropriately, and the two of them enjoyed a pleasant conversation.
Before leaving, the scholar said, "Boss Yan is an extraordinary person. It's a pity that he stays in this small teahouse."
Yan Qing said calmly: "Everyone has their own aspirations."
The scholar looked at him deeply, left the ingot of silver and left.
That night, Su Muyun came with a serious look on his face: "Brother Yan, has a middle-aged scholar come here today?"
Yan Qing nodded.
"Do you know who he is?" Su Muyun lowered his voice, "The current Grand Tutor, Cai Jing."
Yan Qing raised an eyebrow. No wonder he had such an extraordinary bearing.
"What did he say?" Su Muyun asked.
"It's just a casual chat about tea."
Su Muyun breathed a sigh of relief: "Cai Jing is a man of deep scheming, Brother Yan, it's best to be careful."
Yan Qing laughed: "I'm just a teahouse owner, what could he possibly be plotting against?"
Having said that, he knew in his heart that the peaceful days might be coming to an end.
(ten)
Sure enough, a few days later, Cai Jing sent someone to deliver an invitation, inviting Yan Qing to his house for a chat.
The Grand Tutor's residence was extremely luxurious, with servants thronging the sky. Cai Jing met him in his study and got straight to the point:
"Young Master Yan, let's not mince words. I already know your identity."
Yan Qing said calmly, "What identity are you talking about, Grand Master?"
Cai Jing twirled his beard and smiled: "The hero of Liangshan, the prodigal Yan Qing."
The study was silent for a moment. Yan Qing's expression remained unchanged: "Grand Master, you recognized the wrong person."
"Really?" Cai Jing took out a scroll from a drawer and unfolded it. It turned out to be a portrait of Yan Qing. "This one came from the palace."
Yan Qing understood. It must be Huizong who leaked the news.
"What does the Grand Master want to do?"
Cai Jing said, "Don't be nervous. If I wanted to arrest you, I wouldn't have asked you to come."
He stood up and paced around the study: "The court is in need of talent right now. With your talent, Master Yan, it's a shame for you to stay in a teahouse. Why not join the court and become an official? I can guarantee you a bright future."
Yan Qing smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Grand Master. But I am used to being idle and cannot stand being restricted."
Cai Jing didn't force it: "Everyone has their own aspirations. But..." He changed the subject, "I have an unwelcome request."
"Taishi, please speak."
"My daughter has always been weak. I heard that Master Yan is proficient in medicine, so I would like you to treat her."
So that's how it is. Yan Qing nodded: "That's easy."
Cai Jing's daughter suffered from asthma, which would flare up every spring and autumn. Yan Qing prescribed a prescription and taught her a set of breathing techniques.
"According to this method, you can recover in three years."
Cai Jing was overjoyed and insisted on offering Yan Qing a large sum of money as a thank you. Yan Qing only took some of the consultation fee and refused to accept the rest.
Before leaving, Cai Jing said, "If Master Yan changes his mind in the future, you can come anytime."
When we returned to the teahouse, Su Muyun had been waiting for a long time.
"Did Cai Jing give you any trouble?"
Yan Qing shook his head and told the story. Su Muyun pondered, "He's using courtesy first and then force. But since you refused so bluntly, he probably won't force it."
Yan Qing said, "I'm ready to leave Hangzhou."
Su Muyun was stunned: "Why?"
"A tall tree attracts the wind." Yan Qing looked at the West Lake outside the window. "Since my identity has been exposed, it's better to change places."
In fact, he had long intended to travel, and this was just an opportunity.
(eleven)
It was drizzling over West Lake on the day we left.
Yan Qing gave the teahouse to his waiter who had worked with him for two years, and took with him only a simple bag. The Sichuan crossbow, the jade flute, the "Medicine King Sutra" and a few changes of clothes were all his belongings.
At the dock, Su Muyun came to see them off.
"Where are you going, Brother Yan?"
"I don't know." Yan Qing looked at the misty lake. "Maybe I'll go to Shuzhong, or maybe go to the south of the Yangtze River."
Su Muyun took out a jade pendant from his bosom and said, "Brother Yan, take this with you. If you encounter any difficulties, you can go to any Su family business for help."
Only then did Yan Qing realize that Su Muyun was actually the son of the Su family, the richest family in Jiangnan.
"No wonder he's so knowledgeable."
Su Muyun smiled and said, "It is my honor to meet Brother Yan."
The boat was about to depart. Yan Qing climbed onto the bow and bowed to Su Muyun in farewell.
The drizzle shrouded the West Lake in a hazy haze. Leifeng Pagoda loomed in the mist, and the weeping willows on the Su Causeway swayed swaying in the wind.
The boat slowly left the shore as the boat rowed. Yan Qing stood at the bow, letting the drizzle wet his clothes.
This year's life in Hangzhou has been like a dream. Now that I'm awake, it's time to move on.
Ahead is a wider world and a more exciting world.
When the boat reached the center of the lake, he took out his jade flute and began to play. The sound of the flute drifted through the rain and mist, clear and melodious, as if bidding farewell to this city.
The song ended, and Yan Qing put away his flute. He looked toward where the water met the sky, his lips curled up slightly.
The world is his home, and the rivers and lakes are his companions. This kind of freedom is what he wants.
(twelve)
Three years later, Chengdu Prefecture.
There was a long queue in front of a clinic. The doctor who was treating patients was a handsome young man. He was skilled in observing, smelling, asking and palpating.
"Next."
An old woman came forward holding her grandson: "Doctor Yan, this child has been coughing for half a month..."
Yan Qing made a careful diagnosis: "The wind and cold have entered the lungs. Three doses of medicine will be enough."
He wrote out a prescription and gave some precautions. The old woman thanked him profusely and left.
Three years ago, he left Hangzhou and traveled westward, eventually opening this clinic in Chengdu. Combining the medical techniques from the Medicine King Sutra with his own insights, he quickly became a local celebrity.
Besides practicing medicine, he still maintained his habit of traveling. The magnificent landscapes of Qingcheng Mountain, Emei Mountain, Jianmen Pass... all captivated him.
After closing the shop that day, he was sorting herbs in the backyard when he suddenly heard some noise in the front yard.
When he opened the door, he saw a familiar face - Wu Song standing in the yard, looking dusty but in good spirits.
"Second brother?" Yan Qing was surprised and happy.
Wu Song laughed: "Finally I found you! I heard there was a miracle doctor in Chengdu, his last name was Yan, so I guessed it was you."
The brothers were particularly affectionate when they met. Yan Qing prepared some wine and food, and the two of them sat opposite each other and drank.
"Why are you here?" Yan Qing asked.
Wu Song said, "The temple sent me to Shu to exchange Buddhist teachings, and I wanted to see you on the way."
It turns out that Wu Song is now the abbot of Liuhe Temple and is often invited to preach everywhere.
"How is Second Brother doing?"
"Very good!" Wu Song laughed. "Reciting scriptures and worshipping Buddha every day, and guiding the disciples, is much better than the fighting and killing back then."
Yan Qing nodded with satisfaction. Seeing his brothers each find their place made him happier than anything else.
Wu Song stayed in Chengdu for a few days. The two of them traveled to Dujiangyan and visited the Wuhou Temple. Before leaving, Wu Song said:
"Xiao Yi, seeing you like this now, Second Brother is relieved."
Yan Qing smiled: "Take care, second brother."
After seeing Wu Song off, Yan Qing stood in front of the clinic and looked at the bustling crowds on the street.
These days are ordinary, but fulfilling. Treating patients, traveling, and occasionally meeting old friends...
Perhaps, this is the meaning of his new life.
(Thirteen)
Another spring came, and Yan Qing closed his clinic and set out on his journey again.
This time, he was going to the Western Regions. He had heard that the customs and practices there were very different from those in the Central Plains, and he wanted to go and see them.
Leaving Yangguan Pass and passing Yumen Gate, he saw the vastness and magnificence of the Western Regions, which broadened his mind.
In Dunhuang, he observed the murals of Mogao Grottoes; in Turpan, he tasted sweet grapes; in Kashgar, he experienced the exotic customs.
One day, he was traveling alone in the desert when he saw a caravan being attacked. Dozens of bandits surrounded the caravan.
The caravan's guards fought desperately, but they were outnumbered and on the verge of being wiped out.
Yan Qing didn't want to get involved, but seeing that the horse bandits were brutal and did not even spare women and children, he finally couldn't help but take action.
The crossbows fired continuously, and every arrow hit its target. He used sumo wrestling skills to move freely among the horse thieves.
Seeing this, the bandit leader spurred his horse and charged forward. Yan Qing did not dodge, but waited until his horse was close before suddenly turning sideways and using a "harrier flip" to pull the bandit leader off his horse.
"Good skills!" Someone in the caravan cheered.
After repelling the bandits, the caravan owner came forward to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your help, brave man! I am Sayyid, the leader of this caravan."
He was a man from the Western Regions with a high nose and deep eyes, but he spoke fluent Chinese.
Yan Qing bowed and said, "I just saw injustice on the road."
Sayid insisted on offering Yanqing a generous reward, but Yanqing declined. Learning that Yanqing was traveling alone, Sayid warmly invited him:
"We are going to Daqin. If you have nothing to do, Mr. Yan, why not come with us?"
Yan Qing thought about it and nodded in agreement. It would be nice to see the world further away.
The caravan continued westward. The sound of camel bells echoed across the desert. Yan Qing rode on his camel, gazing at the boundless sea of sand, his heart filled with tranquility.
In this life, he witnessed too much and experienced too much. From Liangshan to Jianghu, from Hangzhou to the Western Regions, every step was a new landscape.
Perhaps one day, he will continue his journey to India, Persia, or even more distant places.
Or maybe, he will find a place with beautiful mountains and rivers to spend the rest of his life.
But no matter what, it's his own choice.
The prodigal Yan Qing finally found true freedom.
【End of extra】
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