13: I am not Yang Kang, but I understand you better than he does.

The sound of the oars from the black-awning boat sent ripples through the twilight. The setting sun dyed the river surface a golden red, and occasionally, several egrets took flight from the reed beds along the shore. Mu Nianci sat at the stern, clutching a reed stalk and gently tapping the water's surface. In her reflection, her brow was slightly furrowed, lost in thought. Seeing this, Xie Hui pulled an oil-paper package from his bundle and held it out to her: "Here, try this. These are milk dates I brought from the grasslands. They're sweet but not cloying, more satisfying than the candied fruits of Jiangnan."

Mu Nianci looked up, took a milk date, and put it in her mouth. The rich aroma of milk mixed with the sweetness of the date spread across her tongue, and her tense brow finally relaxed a bit: "Delicious, sweeter than any I've had before."

"Naturally," Xie Hui raised his eyebrows proudly. "Hua Zheng made these herself. Fearing I wouldn't get used to the food in the Central Plains, she packed a whole bag for me. By the way, when you were at the Prince's Mansion, didn't Yang Kang buy you anything good to eat?"

At the mention of Yang Kang, Mu Nianci's eyes dimmed again. She shook her head gently: "He used to buy me candied hawthorn and osmanthus cake, but ever since he acknowledged Prince Zhao as his father, he hasn't had the heart to accompany me anymore. Last time I was sick and wanted him to take me to the clinic, he said he had to attend a Jin State banquet and told me to go by myself..."

Before she could finish, tears began to fall uncontrollably. Xie Hui quickly handed her a handkerchief and said softly, "Don't cry; it's not worth being sad over someone like that. He doesn't even care about your health; he simply doesn't deserve your sincerity."

Mu Nianci wiped her tears and sniffled: "I know, but I just can't control myself. Sometimes I wonder if I didn't do well enough, and that's why he changed."

"It has nothing to do with you," Xie Hui said firmly. "He allowed himself to be blinded by power and wealth, forgetting his original heart. You are so kind and brave; you deserve someone better to cherish and love you."

Just then, the sound of galloping hooves came from the distance, mixed with the shouting of men and the neighing of horses. The boatman suddenly stopped rowing, his face tense as he said, "Oh no, it's river bandits! Bandits often frequent this area, specifically to rob passing boats!"

Xie Hui immediately stood up and looked toward the sound. He saw several fast boats heading their way, the men on board brandishing blades and spears, looking fierce and malicious. Baturu and the others also became alert immediately, gripping the Scimitars at their waists.

"Don't be afraid, we're here!" Xie Hui comforted Mu Nianci and said to Baturu, "You all protect Miss Mu and the boatman. I'll go meet them!"

As he spoke, the bandits' fast boats had already pulled alongside. The leader of the bandits was a one-eyed man holding a large blade. He shouted at them, "If you know what's good for you, hand over your money quickly, or don't blame us for being impolite!"

Xie Hui gave a cold laugh: "You think a few petty thieves like you can commit robbery here? I suggest you get lost quickly, or I'll throw you all into the river to feed the fish!"

The one-eyed man screamed in rage: "Good boy, you dare challenge me! Brothers, get them! Throw them all into the river!"

The bandits jumped onto the black-awning boat one after another, brandishing blades and spears as they lunged at Xie Hui. Xie Hui was well-prepared; he summoned a military dagger from the System, nimbly dodged the bandits' attacks, and with a flick of the dagger, sent one bandit's blade flying.

A bandit tried to sneak up on Xie Hui from behind, but Mu Nianci was quick-eyed and fast-handed, drawing her longsword to block the attack: "Young Master Xie, I'll help you!"

Xie Hui didn't expect Mu Nianci to take action. He was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Good! Let's deal with these petty thieves together!"

The two coordinated perfectly. Xie Hui handled the frontal attacks while Mu Nianci assisted from the side. In a short while, they had knocked down several bandits. Baturu and the others were not to be outdone, drawing their Scimitars and engaging in a fierce battle with the bandits.

Seeing his men being knocked down one by one, the one-eyed man panicked. Taking advantage of the chaos, he raised his large blade to strike at Mu Nianci. Xie Hui was quick, pushing Mu Nianci aside while stabbing his dagger toward the one-eyed man's wrist. The one-eyed man screamed in pain, his large blade falling onto the boat with a 'clatter,' and he turned to jump back onto his fast boat to escape.

How could Xie Hui give him the chance? He lunged forward, grabbed the man's collar, and pinned him to the deck: "Trying to run? Not so easy! Speak, why are you robbing here? Do you have any accomplices?"

The one-eyed man trembled with fear and quickly begged for mercy: "Spare me, Young Master! We had no choice. There's a drought in this area, the crops have withered, and we truly had no way to survive, so we became river bandits! There are only a few of us; we have no other accomplices!"

Xie Hui frowned and let go: "I can let you go this time, but you must promise me that you will never rob again and will earn your living with your own hands. If I catch you robbing again, I will show no mercy!"

The one-eyed man nodded repeatedly: "We promise! We will never rob again! Thank you for sparing our lives, Young Master!"

With that, the one-eyed man led his subordinates away in their fast boats, fleeing dejectedly. Mu Nianci walked to Xie Hui's side and said with a look of admiration, "Young Master Xie, you are truly amazing. Not only is your martial arts skill great, but you are also so kind as to give even river bandits a chance to reform."

"Everyone has their difficulties," Xie Hui said with a smile. "As long as they are willing to change, they deserve to be forgiven. Let's continue our journey and try to reach the town ahead before dark."

The boatman quickly took up the oars, and the black-awning boat continued downstream. The twilight deepened, smoke from cooking fires rose from the villages along the banks, and the sound of dogs barking could be heard. Mu Nianci sat at the stern, looking at Xie Hui's back, a warm current surging in her heart. She felt that Xie Hui not only understood her better than Yang Kang did, but was also more responsible and kinder. Being with Xie Hui, she always felt an immense sense of peace.

After traveling for about an hour, the black-awning boat finally arrived at the town ahead. The town wasn't large, but it was very lively. The streets were brightly lit, with vendors selling snacks and general goods, and even acrobats performing. It was bustling and exceptionally vibrant.

"Let's find an Inn to stay in first, then continue our journey tomorrow," Xie Hui said, leading the group into an Inn that looked reasonably clean. The owner was a warm, middle-aged man who quickly came forward: "Guests, are you staying the night or having a meal?"

"Both staying and eating," Xie Hui said. "Open three rooms for us, and prepare a table of the best food and wine to be sent to a private room upstairs."

"Certainly!" The owner quickly instructed the waiter to prepare.

The group followed the waiter upstairs into a private room. Before long, the waiter brought out the food and wine: steamed fish, braised pork belly, stir-fried greens, and a jar of fine yellow wine. Xie Hui poured a cup for everyone and said with a smile, "Everyone worked hard today; drink some wine to relieve your fatigue."

Baturu raised his cup and drained it in one gulp: "Warrior Xie, today was truly satisfying! Not only did we deal with those river bandits, but we also get to eat such delicious food. It's much better than being on the grasslands!"

Everyone laughed and raised their cups to drink. Mu Nianci held her cup and took a small sip, looking at the lively scene before her, her heart feeling exceptionally warm. She had never eaten so boisterously with so many people; this feeling was much better than being alone in the Prince's Mansion.

After finishing the meal, everyone went to their rooms to rest. Just as Xie Hui returned to his room, he heard a knock on the door. He opened it to see Mu Nianci. She was holding a neatly folded garment and standing at the door, her face slightly flushed.

"Young Master Xie," Mu Nianci handed the garment over, "this is a robe I sewed for you on the boat today. Your other one was torn during the fight with the bandits. Try it on and see if it fits."

Xie Hui took the garment, his heart warming. He opened it to see a white robe with fine stitching and a few light orchids embroidered on it; it looked exceptionally exquisite. "Thank you, Miss Mu. Your craftsmanship is truly excellent."

"I'm glad you like it," Mu Nianci said with a smile. "If it doesn't fit, let me know, and I'll adjust it for you."

"It fits perfectly," Xie Hui said. "Go back and rest; we still have to travel tomorrow."

"Okay," Mu Nianci nodded and turned to return to her room.

Holding the robe, Xie Hui was filled with emotion. He knew that Mu Nianci had developed feelings for him, and he, too, liked this kind and brave girl more and more. He secretly vowed to protect Mu Nianci well, to never let her suffer again, and to let her live a happy and joyful life.

The next morning, everyone packed their luggage and prepared to continue their journey. Just as they stepped out of the Inn, a group of government soldiers surrounded them. The leading official pointed at Xie Hui and shouted, "That's him! Arrest him!"

Xie Hui frowned: "What crime have we committed? Why are you arresting us?"

The official sneered: "Did you not fight with river bandits yesterday? Those bandits are people His Highness Prince Zhao is looking for. By releasing them privately, you are opposing His Highness! We are here on Prince Zhao's orders to arrest you!"

Xie Hui's heart skipped a beat—he hadn't expected the one-eyed man and his group to have a connection with Prince Zhao! It seemed this trouble would not be small.