Chapter One: Perplexity

  "Older brother! Older brother?...... I'm calling older brother...... what's wrong with you?" A hand stretched out in front of Gao Huaiyuan's eyes, shaking back and forth, as someone called out to the dazed Gao Huaiyuan.

  "Oh?... Um... Nothing, nothing! Let's go! Nothing!" Gao Huaiyuan, who was staring at Liu'er's slender figure in a daze, was suddenly awakened by Huang Yan and felt his face turn red. He quickly covered up his mistake with embarrassment and hastily walked forward.

  "Isn't that right, boss? I feel like something's not quite right. Honestly, have you taken a liking to Liu'er? I've already figured it out, don't try to hide it from me! What's the big deal anyway? If you like her, just like her, you're her master, just take her into your chambers and that's it!" Huang Yan, this sly guy, immediately saw through Gao Huaiyuan's loss of composure, and followed him, whispering to him in a low voice, as if he were an old hand at such things.

  "Scram, don't buzz around me like a fly! You dare to spout nonsense again, see if I won't toss you into the river! Let me tell you, Liu'er is not my servant, she's my benefactor. I won't disrespect her in the slightest! Listen up, take back all that rubbish you just said, or else watch me beat you senseless!" Gao Huaiyuan brandished his large fist at Huang Yan, looking like he was about to throw a punch.

  Huang Yan saw that Gao Huaiyuan was very serious, and he knew that his previous nonsense had offended Gao Huaiyuan's taboo and was a bit disrespectful to Liu'er. So he quickly nodded in agreement and apologized repeatedly. However, later on, he couldn't help but say to Gao Huaiyuan: "I'm saying, boss, if you're too embarrassed, I can go talk to Liu'er for you and tell her that you like her, okay?"

  "Get out!" Gao Huaiyuan was really annoyed by this guy, so he kicked him in the butt and chased after him.

  The small team of people suddenly became lively, Huang Yan was like a rabbit in front, dodging and fleeing, Gao Huaiyuan was jumping up and down, chasing and beating him, everyone burst out laughing, it's rare for Gao Huaiyuan to put aside his dignity and fool around with them once, the whole group felt very relaxed, loudly chatting and laughing, they entered the mountains where they had never been before and started their hunting activity.

  Several people brought their own bows and arrows, and after more than a year of training, their marksmanship was quite good. The birds and beasts in the mountains were abundant due to the fact that few people entered, so they hunted a lot in just one morning. They got all sorts of game, such as pheasants, rabbits, and roe deer. They had a great feast, and even Liu'er was infected by their excitement, grabbing a greasy leg of rabbit and eating with her face full of oil stains.

  Such joy was something that Gao Huairen had rarely experienced before, so he put down the matters in his heart and wholeheartedly threw himself into this hunting trip. After all, he was still just a mortal man; even if the Mongol army really did invade the south, there would still be some time left. As long as he worked hard to manage his current affairs well, it would be good enough if he could contribute a bit of strength to the Han people when the time came. Constantly worrying about these things was somewhat like being a worrywart.

  Many people walked through the mountains and forests, occasionally discovering some prey, competing in archery matches, which allowed them to practice their marksmanship. Unknowingly, they had walked deep into the mountains. Looking up at the sky, it was already late. Gao Huaiyu directed everyone to set up a simple tent in the mountains and decided to stay for a few more days to relax thoroughly.

  Moreover, Gao Huaiyuan decided that from now on, he would bring these young men to the mountains more often to train them. It wasn't just about having fun and hunting; such activities could also increase mutual trust among people, allow them to practice wilderness survival skills, and even let them hone their marksmanship. It was a multi-benefit approach - why hadn't he thought of it before?

  At night, when the moonlight filters through the forest, everyone gathers around the bonfire, gnawing on roasted game, listening to Gao Huaiyuan tell some strange and bizarre stories, with great enthusiasm, before they knew it, it was already deep into the night.

  After all, in the depths of the mountains and forests, apart from those small animals, there must be some large wild beasts. From time to time, the roar of wild beasts can be heard from the depths of the mountains, adding a terrifying atmosphere to the quiet night. Seeing that everyone was tired after a busy day, Gao Huairen ordered them to go and rest, and arranged for personnel to keep watch at night, lest they be attacked by wolves and other nocturnal creatures again.

  While resting, Gao Huaiyuan discovered a problem. Liu'er was after all a little girl, and although he had set up a small hut for her, she was too afraid to sleep in it alone when hearing the calls of wild beasts in the mountains. She insisted on squeezing together with Gao Huaiyuan, causing Huang Yan to flash a sly smile on his face.

  Under the helpless gaze of Gao Huaiyuan, Huang Yan was stared at and immediately let out a "hiss" sound, then scurried into his own little hut and didn't come out again. Others also wouldn't stare at Gao Huaiyuan, they all returned to their own little huts, lay down and fell asleep.

  After seeing that everyone had gone to sleep, Gao Huaiyuan thought about how Liu'er used to always sleep in his room and take care of him. Even bathing was done by Liu'er for him. It wasn't until they arrived at Daye County that Liu'er started sleeping in a separate room from him, beginning to have some boundaries between them as man and woman. But today's situation was special, and Gao Huaiyuan really didn't want to let Liu'er be alone and frightened, so he took her back to his own tent.

  It's not like being at home, everyone sleeps in their clothes, and it won't feel too awkward. But for Gao Huaiyuan and Liu'er, their bodies have undergone great changes over the past year, and they have started to develop and are now almost indistinguishable from adults. After entering the tent, the space inside is very small, and they can only lie tightly together.

  Two people didn't speak, just lying quietly like this, Liu'er snuggled up against Gao Huaiyuan's body, smelling the masculine scent that only men had on their bodies, listening to Gao Huaiyuan's long breathing, unable to fall asleep for a long time. She had actually discovered that she couldn't leave this young master behind in this life. She couldn't say what her feelings were, but she knew it was just dependence. The young master had woken up from his coma and gave off a different feeling everywhere, and he took great care of her, even offending the old master's concubine in the mansion for her sake, and always maintained her dignity, treating her with respect, never looking down on her as an inferior person. She didn't know how to describe the gratitude she felt towards Gao Huaiyuan in her heart, only feeling that she would be happy to stay by Gao Huaiyuan's side forever, never leaving him!

  Although Gao Huaiyuan had his eyes closed, he couldn't fall asleep. He could smell the faint scent of a young girl's body from beside him, and his heart was still racing. Only today did he truly discover his feelings for Liu'er, realizing that he had already fallen in love with this selfless girl who cared for him so deeply. Now that they were lying together like this, how could he possibly fall asleep?

  "Master!" In the darkness, Liu'er suddenly called out to him softly.

  "Hmm!" Gao Huaiyuan responded with a hum of his nose.

  "Willow is so scared!"

  "What's there to be afraid of? With me here, don't be afraid of anything! Nothing can hurt you!" Gao Huaiyuan thought that Liu'er was afraid of the wild beasts in the mountains and forests, so he quickly spoke words of comfort.

  Liu'er knew, Liu'er wasn't afraid of those wild beasts, Liu'er was afraid that one day Master wouldn't need her to stay by his side anymore, so Liu'er is really scared!

  Gao Huaiyuan was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly understood Liu'er's intentions. It turned out that Liu'er had also secretly liked him for a long time. Her concerns were not unfounded. He was her master, while she was just a slave girl. There was an unbridgeable gap between them. Although Gao Huaiyuan could take her as his own, if he wanted to give her a legitimate status, it would definitely invite ridicule from others or face strong opposition from his family.

  In this era, it's about matching doors and households. Liu'er is a maid, warming the bed is not a problem, but if Gao Huaiyuan wants to marry her as his wife, it's probably impossible. Gao Jianfei would be furious with him, and Liu'er's worry is probably not because he won't marry her, but because she's worried that one day when he marries a wife, will he drive her away?

  After understanding Liu'er's concerns, Gao Huaiyuan couldn't make any other promises to her at the moment, but on this point, he could still agree. He hastily replied: "Liu'er, don't think wildly, I know in my heart how good you are to me, and I...I also... Ah! Remember, didn't I tell you before? As long as Gao Huaiyuan is alive for a day, I will never drive you away from me! Liu'er doesn't need to worry about this anymore! There's no one in the world who can take you away from my side! Remember my words!" Gao Huaiyuan hesitated for a moment and ultimately didn't say that he liked Liu'er, but once again emphasized the promise he had previously made to her.

  After hearing Gao Huaiyuan's words, Liu'er felt that her heart was about to burst with joy. Although Gao Huaiyuan had promised not to abandon her last time, he hadn't said it so clearly, so she still had some worries. Now she could finally put her mind at ease on this matter. At least Gao Huaiyuan had guaranteed that no matter what situation arose, he would never drive her away. For her, this was enough. She didn't dare to hope that Gao Huaiyuan would marry her; she just wanted to stay by his side forever, even if it meant not having any official status, being his maid would be sufficient.

  Liu'er couldn't help but turn over, gently burrowing into Gao Huaiyuan's thick and sturdy arm, and began to sob quietly. Tears streamed down her face, flowing along her delicate skin, and onto Gao Huaiyuan's shoulder, wetting his clothes.

  "Thank you, Master! With these words from the master, it's enough for Liu'er! Liu'er will always be the master's personal maid!" Liu'er whispered tearfully to Gao Hua Yuan.

  Feeling the softness of Liu Er's body against his own, Gao Huaiyuan's heart rate accelerated uncontrollably. Suppressing his desires, he managed to control the urge to hug and kiss her, instead gently wrapping his arm around her slender, almost boneless body, lightly patting her back, sensing the excitement in her heart, unsure of what to say next!

  The two of them put aside the matter and started talking about some things related to Wòhǔ Zhuāng. Gradually, Gāo Huáiyuǎn managed to suppress the bad impulse in his heart. Although he knew that if he wanted to, Liǔér would not refuse his request, he felt it was unfair to Liǔér. Liǔér was also a living person with a healthy personality and should be respected by him. So he endured the desire in his heart and eventually did not do anything excessive while holding Liǔér.

  The two of them chatted idly like this and gradually fell asleep.

  However, unbeknownst to him, a group of mischievous boys had been lurking not far from his tent, staring at his little hut with ears perked up and holding their breath, making no sound as they endured the bites of mosquitoes in the mountain forest, eavesdropping on the sounds coming from Gao Huaiyuan's hut.

  It wasn't until they heard Gao Huaiyuan emit a steady snore that the leader of the group slapped the ground in front of him and muttered, "Tsk! The old man really isn't an ordinary person, he can actually endure this. I strongly despise him, it's all because of him that I have to keep watch for the whole night!"

  Several others yawned and returned to their own tents, it seemed that Huang Yan would have to keep watch until dawn tonight. This guy wouldn't let everyone sleep, insisting on dragging everyone to listen for the sound of the house, but in the end, they didn't hear anything. In his heart, he felt a little disappointed. Only Huang Yan dared to do such a thing, they didn't dare let Gao Huaifeng find out about this kind of thing, otherwise, who knows how many pairs of shoes would be worn out!

  "Hmph! You're getting what you deserve, asking for it! Do you think Brother Gao is like you? Seeing a few young girls in the village and your mind starts to wander? You're a pervert, do others have to be perverts too? Don't think I can't see through your little thoughts! Off to sleep! Hmph!" Zhou Hao got up from beside Huang Yan, rarely saying a long string of mocking words, then quietly crawled back into his own little nest and slept soundly with his quiver as a pillow.

  Huang Yanqi rolled his eyes, but there was nothing he could do. After all, it was his own fault for saying that if the boss didn't make a move, he would be the only one to stay up all night. As a result, Gao Huaiyuan really did come and go without anything happening with the beautiful maid, making Huang Yanqi pay the price of a sleepless night for nothing! However, Zhou Huan was right, now that some girls had arrived at the Zhuangzi, he found himself feeling a little romantic. It seemed like a certain girl had taken a liking to him! Should he take advantage of the situation and get married without telling anyone? No way, if he did that, Gao Huaiyuan would kick his butt!

  Alas! Let's just honestly keep watch for the night. Huang Yan moved to the side of the bonfire, threw a few dry firewoods into the fire, and started staring at the night sky in a daze. From time to time, some wolf howls came from the distant mountains, but they didn't arouse Huang Yan's interest. After all, these people were now considered to be skilled and brave, so what would they fear about those four-legged beasts?

  Listening to the sounds of birds and beasts in the mountains, as well as the rustling of leaves blown by the wind, he gradually started to feel drowsy, his eyelids drooping, his head slowly nodding downwards, until finally, with a snore, Huang Yan unexpectedly fell asleep out of boredom.

  In the darkness, there was a stir in the forest, and a group of green lights began to appear and disappear, gradually surrounding the campsite of Gao Huaiyuan's party.

  If someone had seen it, they would have been frightened and exclaimed on the spot, because this was a group of medium-sized forest wolves occupying this land, and Gao Huaiyuan and his party had chosen to camp in their territory, and the sound of human voices had attracted these pack wolves.

  For this group of uninvited guests who broke into their territory, it is clear that the wolves are not very welcome. After hearing the call of their leader, they began to gather together and quietly surrounded the place.

  They were not pleased that a group of two-legged creatures had entered their territory, hunting the prey that was rightfully theirs. This was their domain, and they would not tolerate these intruders coming here to hunt with impunity.

  A revenge began to brew in the wolf pack, under the command of the head wolf, this group of forest wolves began to form a circle around the camp of these two-legged guys according to the head wolf's instructions.

  All the wolves, after getting into position, stared at the bonfire that was still crackling and occasionally spitting out sparks. They didn't make any sudden moves, but just thought to themselves: What's with these two-legged creatures who aren't afraid of fire, this terrifying thing?

  The bonfire, without human care, gradually weakened, the flames jumping and struggling hard in their final struggle, until they completely lost strength and slowly went out, leaving only the charcoal in the bonfire that was still emitting heat, faintly glowing in the dimness.

  Gao Huaiyuan hugged Liu'er, had a dream, in the dream he returned to his parents' side in his previous life, enjoying their care for him. However, just as he was still indulging in his mother's arms, he suddenly felt a chill in his body, as if something dangerous was approaching. He shook his body and woke up from the dream. The sky was not yet bright, Liu'er was still sleeping soundly on his arm, with a happy expression on her face under the ray of light that shone through the gap of the thatched cottage.

  But at the same time, he also heard a rustling sound coming from around the campsite, which seemed to be the sound of wind blowing through the grass, and yet it was also similar to the sound of leaves rubbing against each other. What was strange was that there were no other animal sounds in the night, and suddenly he felt a sense of alertness, quickly picking up the dragon-scale treasure knife that he rarely brought out, gently placing Liu'er on the grass mat, and then grabbing his hard bow and quiver of arrows, flashing out of his own nest.

  The camp was still quiet, the bonfire had gone out at this time, and Gao Huaiyuan saw Huang Yan leaning against the tree next to the bonfire under the moonlight, sleeping soundly.

  A dark grey shadow is creeping closer to Huang Yan who is fast asleep...