Song Qingshu had clearly not expected this and could not help laughing. "My reputation isn't very good. Traveling with me might tarnish Miss Yuan's good name."
Yuan Shixiao shook his head. "That is merely the world's misunderstanding of you. From the few times I've interacted with you, although you may act somewhat unconventionally, at heart you are a man of great benevolence and righteousness. Otherwise, you would not have traveled thousands of miles to offer aid and become enemies with the powerful Mongol Empire..."
"Am I really that good?" Song Qingshu felt a little embarrassed after being praised so lavishly.
Yuan Shixiao said, "You are, after all, from the Central Plains and unfamiliar with the terrain of the Western Regions. You also do not speak the local languages. Ziyi grew up here and is extremely familiar with the region; she can serve as your guide. Besides, you are the man Qingtong chose. Even if I do not trust my own judgment, I trust Qingtong's. You would never mistreat our Ziyi."
Song Qingshu had initially intended to refuse, but when he heard mention of a guide, he recalled the different treatment he and Huo Qingtong had received when buying horses from the herdsmen. He immediately realized how useful a local guide would be and did not refuse again. "I just wonder whether Miss Yuan is willing."
Yuan Ziyi had not expected her grandfather to suddenly make such a request, and she had been caught off guard for a while. By now, however, she had gradually calmed down. "Kasili and I are as close as sisters. Now that she has been abducted, I naturally must do my part. I only hope you will not dislike my poor martial arts and think me a burden."
"Then I must thank Senior Yuan. I'll be