“Get out of my way! I’m taking this flower today!” A thunderous shout echoed through the marketplace, instantly shattering the previous noise.
In one corner of the market, a brutish thug with a face full of excess flesh surrounded a young flower seller with a group of menacing henchmen. The girl, slender and fragile, clutched her flower basket tightly. Her face was delicate, but in the face of such a scene, she appeared worn and weary.
“Sir, I worked hard to grow these flowers. You... you haven’t even paid yet,” the girl said, her voice trembling and timid.
“Pay? In my territory, I take what I want without needing your money!” The thug grinned maliciously and reached for the flower basket. The girl struggled desperately, but she was no match for the brute.
Just as tears were about to spill from her eyes, a commanding voice rang out: “Stop! In broad daylight, robbing innocent people—do you have no shame?” The crowd turned to see Su Yizhi dismounting his horse and striding forward. Dressed in a blue robe, he appeared calm yet exuded an undeniable authority.
The thug turned to size up Su Yizhi and scoffed disdainfully. “Who do you think you are, ruining my fun? Brothers, get him!”
Su Yizhi watched as the henchmen charged at him without flinching. He swiftly dodged the first attacker’s lunge and kicked at the back of his knee. The man cried out and collapsed to the ground. In an instant, Su Yizhi unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, dispatching several henchmen who fell over themselves in pain.
Seeing this, the thug’s expression shifted slightly. He quickly drew his knife and swung it menacingly at Su Yizhi. With a sidestep, Su Yizhi seized the thug's wrist and twisted it forcefully. With a clatter, the knife fell to the ground. The thug's face turned pale from pain as he knelt down, pleading, “Hero, spare my life! Hero, please!”
Su Yizhi released his grip and coldly replied, “If you dare bully the common people again, this will be your fate! Get lost!” Though reluctant, the thug and his henchmen fled in disgrace.
The young girl stepped forward, tears glistening in her eyes as she gratefully said, “Thank you for saving me, kind sir.” Su Yizhi smiled and waved his hand dismissively. “No need to mention it; it’s only right to help those in need.”
The surrounding townsfolk gathered around, murmuring among themselves. “This young man has impressive skills; he really gave us a sense of relief!” “Indeed! If we had more heroes like him, our lives would be much better.”
After exchanging a few words with the townsfolk and learning that this thug frequently oppressed them while they dared not speak out in anger, Su Yizhi felt a heavy weight in his heart as he left the marketplace and rode along the country road.
At that moment, an old man by the roadside waved at him. Su Yizhi dismounted and walked over. "Young master, what a good deed you did today! Everyone saw it, and it truly brings joy to our hearts," the old man said.
Su Yizhi cupped his hands in greeting and replied, "Elder, this is nothing. I was simply angered to see the common people bullied by the powerful." The old man sighed, "In this world, there are too few good people like you. If more could stand up and unite as one, perhaps life would improve."
Su Yizhi nodded, "Elder, I will remember your words. I intend to do just that." After bidding farewell to the old man, Su Yizhi continued on his way, silently vowing to bring peace to the people.
In the days that followed, Su Yizhi roamed the land, helping farmers reclaim their lands from tyrants and seeking justice for wronged citizens. His reputation grew ever larger.
One day, while resting at a teahouse at the foot of a mountain, a young scholar walked in and stared at Su Yizhi. "Excuse me, are you Su Yizhi, the renowned hero?" Su Yizhi smiled in response, "Indeed, I am. What can I do for you, Brother?"
The scholar spoke excitedly, "I have heard of your noble deeds. In these chaotic times, the common people suffer greatly. I wish to contribute to changing this situation; may I…"
Su Yizhi's eyes lit up as he stood up and grasped the scholar's hand. "Brother, with such aspirations, that would be wonderful! May I ask your name?"
"I am Lin Yu. I have some knowledge of literature and wish to follow you, hero Su," the scholar replied with a bow.
"Excellent! From today onward, we shall fight side by side!" Su Yizhi said as he patted Lin Yu's shoulder firmly. The two exchanged smiles and were about to discuss their plans when suddenly a rapid sound of hooves echoed from outside the teahouse…
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