"In other words, the Duke wants both the population of the Minuo Tribe and our food for free."
What Lu Heng didn't say was that the Duke also wanted Qin Yining!
Lu Heng couldn't help but gnash his teeth in anger when he thought of Zhou Meng's lecherous expression when he saw Qin Yining. Qin Yining was born beautiful, so it was normal that he couldn't help but take a few more glances at her. However, Zhou Meng already had four concubines and over thirty concubines. He even had more than ten sons. How could he still have the nerve to stare at a young woman at such an age?
"How do you plan to deal with this? Think of a way to keep us here. I'm afraid you'll be in danger. "Lu Heng's eyes were filled with worry.
Qin Yining also felt her teeth ache when she thought of Zhou Meng's appearance.
"I'll think of a way to keep you here." She pointed at everyone and said, "You're my cousin, the three of you are my guards, and the two of you are my maids. He only allowed you to come after I told him this. "
Uncle Arhan smiled and said, "That's what the person who called us said. We guessed that it was your idea, so we didn't act rashly. Also, they don't understand what we're saying. "
Qin Yining was delighted and said, "That's even better. It'll be more convenient for you to talk among yourselves. Have you been restricted in your movements during this time? "
"Maybe they want to show respect to the wise, or maybe it's because we're guarding the food, so their people are very polite to us. Also, many of their women come every day to deliver food and water to our warriors, so they'll deliberately stay to talk to us and take a look at the food before leaving."
In this way, it was obvious what the Sunset Moon Tribe wanted to do.
It was likely that their King had ordered them to do so. Or maybe Zhou Meng had already ordered people to leak out that he was going to marry the Goddess as his first wife. That was why they were following his example.
Qin Yining nodded and said, "I understand. I might have to deal with him for a while. Once we figure out the route, we'll act accordingly. "
Lu Heng then used Tatan to tell Qin Yining's words to the people behind him. They all nodded to show that they understood.
Qin Yining then discussed with Lu Heng in a low voice, "Let's blend into their lives first. We need to get a clear picture of the terrain. If we want to leave, we need to have a clear plan. Don't act rashly. It's not worth it to lose our lives for nothing. Now, these people are certain that we have also escaped to the oasis. Although they keep saying that it's a goddess, I don't think the County King here really believes the words they used to appease the people in the Holy Book. It's most likely that they want to blackmail us in the end. Let's observe first and act according to the situation. "
Lu Heng nodded and said somewhat helplessly, "We just left the wolf's den and entered the tiger's den. It wasn't easy for us to not get into trouble in the desert, but we just had to meet these people again."
Qin Yining smiled confidently. "It's nothing. As long as I'm alive, there's hope for everything. Right now, we don't lack food or water. At least we don't have to worry about being buried alive after a sandstorm. It's just a battle of wits. You and I are both familiar with this. What's there to be afraid of? "
Although she was seriously ill, she was still a little weak when she spoke, as if she didn't have enough breath. Even her complexion was not as good as when they first met. Now, she was too thin. Her cheeks were the size of a palm, and she was pale and weak. She gave people the feeling that she was weak. However, her eyes had never changed. They were still as bright and spirited as before, full of confidence.
This person was like a luminous body. Her entire body was shining, making people feel hopeful for the future.
Lu Heng couldn't help but smile. "You're right. When it comes to a battle of wits, we just need to calm down and think about it thoroughly. "
Qin Yining also smiled and nodded. He patted Lu Heng's shoulder and said, "Thank you very much."
What she had always wanted to say to Lu Heng was to thank him for saving her life, thank him for accompanying her, and thank him for not giving up on her and not abandoning her when she was sick.
Lu Heng immediately understood Qin Yining's meaning. He couldn't help but smile. "What are you thanking me for? When I was sick, you didn't give up on me. You even took care of me meticulously. After I was kidnapped, I heard from Uncle Arhan that it was because you insisted on tracking me that I was rescued. As far as I'm concerned, I also want to thank you. But it's pointless to keep thanking me like this. We're partners, and we're a family with the Minuo tribe. There's no need to thank me. "
Uncle Arhan nodded repeatedly as he listened. "Yes. We're a family. There's no need to thank me. "
Qin Yining smiled and nodded. "Okay, I won't say that in the future. There's no need to be so formal between partners. "
Lu Heng also smiled and nodded.
Right now, he was incomparably glad that he didn't fight for anything.
It was precisely because he hid his feelings so well that no one discovered them. He also didn't show them in front of Qin Yining. He didn't cause her any pressure. That was why he was able to stand by her side as a friend and partner.
Perhaps this was enough.
Since Qin Yining only had Pang Xiao in his heart, if he insisted, not only would he not get anything in return, but he would also hurt the friendship between him and Qin Yining.
It was better to bury this unattainable feeling deep in his heart and leave it as a memorial for him alone.
Although he still couldn't completely accept it, he still felt regret when he thought about how Qin Yining wouldn't belong to him in the end.
But if he could remain silent in exchange for a lifetime of standing by her side as a friend, this exchange was already the best outcome for him.
Thinking of this, Lu Heng couldn't help but laugh at himself.
At the end of the day, he was just a businessman. Everything he did was about maximizing the benefits. If it was another person with a more passionate temperament, or if his feelings were more intense, he would rather die in glory than live in dishonor. It could also be considered a heroic act. But he was only calculating the gains and losses.
At this moment, there was a burst of voices coming from outside.
For Lu Heng, those people spoke with a southern accent. If they spoke quickly, he would have a hard time distinguishing them, let alone Uncle Arhan, who only had a rough understanding of Da Zhou's dialect.
On the other hand, Qin Yining could tell that their language was very similar to the Dayan language, so he didn't have any problems understanding them.
"It's Duke Xiyue who brought people here." Qin Yining said in a low voice and hurriedly sat down. The rest of the people also chose their own seats and assumed a posture of chatting.
Qin Yining really did ask about the local customs outside. "… How's the scenery? Is it winter or summer in this oasis? Why do I feel that it's even colder here than outside? "
Perhaps because he heard Qin Yining's words, Zhou Meng's voice came from afar. There was even a hint of laughter in his voice. "To be honest, Miss Xuan, it's much colder here than outside. The wind is also much stronger. However, thanks to the Sunset Lake in the oasis, not only does it nourish the people of the oasis, it also waters all the trees and flowers in the oasis. That's why the dust isn't too heavy."
It seems that the entire Sunset Clan has treated this oasis as their territory after coming here.
Qin Yining stood up and said, "It's so warm in the palace. I see that my guards are wearing thick clothes."
Zhou Meng laughed loudly. "That's because when we built this palace, we used warm walls and kang beds. Furthermore, Miss Xuan is still ill. Naturally, we had to choose the warmest palace for you to live in."
Qin Yining nodded and said, "Thank you, Duke Xiyue."
Zhou Meng placed his hands behind his back and stared at Qin Yining with bright eyes. Seeing that her complexion had improved after meeting with his own people, he couldn't help but feel happy.
It seems that to make a beauty happy, he had to follow her heart. When a beauty was in a good mood, her smile was also beautiful. Looking at her made him even happier.
She was such a gentle and weak woman, and she was also so beautiful. What harm was there in pampering her a little more?
Zhou Meng made up his mind and placed his hands behind his back. He leaned closer and said with a smile, "This King has arranged for your guards to come and visit you every day. Do you like it?"
Qin Yining promptly went to pour her a cup of tea and moved to the side to avoid Zhou Meng's approach.
Zhou Meng watched as she handed him a cup of tea and smiled even more proudly. He took the cup and drank a mouthful.
The tea that he usually found tasteless now seemed to be filled with sweetness.
"Good tea!"
Qin Yining observed Zhou Meng's expression and saw that he was in a better mood. She then said in a warm voice, "Duke Xiyue, this little girl has left her hometown and is unfamiliar with this place. I really miss my hometown. Duke Xiyue is kind enough to allow my clansmen to come and visit me every day. Of course, I am happy. However, I don't know anyone else in this palace, so it's not easy to order them around. I wonder if Duke Xiyue can allow them to stay here? I see that there are many side rooms here. It won't take much effort for them to stay here. Furthermore, I will restrain them and not let them walk around your palace. "
Zhou Meng narrowed his eyes and slowly put down the cup of tea.
"Miss Xuan likes it. This King shouldn't have refused. However, This King's palace is filled with This King's concubines and concubines, as well as This King's children. It would be very inconvenient for outsiders to come in. "
Seeing that Qin Yining's watery eyes were filled with grievance and disappointment, Zhou Meng immediately felt that his words might have been too harsh. He immediately added, "How about this? This King will allow them to come and visit you once a day. They can stay for four hours each time. He can also arrange for someone to accompany you to walk around. What do you think? That's right, This King's daughters and concubines all worship the Goddess. Their temperaments are also very gentle. If This King allows them to accompany you, you won't feel lonely. "
Qin Yining pursed her lips and said, "Alright. Duke Xiyue, please don't go back on your words. As for my cousin, Duke Xiyue, on account of his concern for me, please don't lock him up."
The beauty frowned and pouted. Her appearance was very pitiful. Zhou Meng simply wanted to give her the most precious fruits and the most beautiful clothes to make her happy. He would give her everything she wanted. This request wasn't too much. After all, once she married into this family, this cousin would be considered a relative.
Thinking of this, Zhou Meng pretended to be generous and said, "Although your cousin's words were too unruly and offended This King, Miss Xuan pleaded for him. This King will let him go for your sake. Let him stay with your clansmen. "
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