Chapter 48: Everyone Has Their Weaknesses |
The couple fell silent. Shang Chao Zong wanted to take their daughter as his wife, and his true motives were clear. He was, one could say, on his last breath, and they were his last hope. His daughter alone was enough for him to rely on her considerably. But would their daughter want to marry him, and were they truly suited for each other? The only thing that attracted them was the hundred thousand Crows army. If it truly existed, then the imperial family would indeed exert less pressure on them.
"Why would a disciple of the Supreme Purity Sect go so far as to patronize Shang Chao Zong?" a detached voice came from Bai Yao, who was leaning back.
Niu You Dao turned, looked at him, and replied impromptu:
"I have already been expelled from the Supreme Purity Sect. Nothing connects me to them anymore!"
Everyone in the hall was surprised. Saying one had been expelled from their sect so casually was improper; it was an insult to one's masters. Could the killing of Song Yang Qing be related to this?
Bai Yao slowly spoke again: "Our Heavenly Jade Sect does not wish to meddle in your affairs with the Song family." He was hinting that they would not patronize Niu You Dao.
Niu You Dao chuckled dismissively. He had already stated at the Southern Mountain Monastery that he would handle the Song family's affairs himself. Did they think he had come here for nothing? He smiled at Feng Lin Bo and said:
"I forgot to mention, Governor. My master, Dong Guo Hao Ran, seemed to have helped Prince Ning refine this army, and I am his last disciple. My assistance might prove useful in the search for the hundred thousand-strong army. If not for that, I would have abandoned everything myself and cared for nothing!" Niu You Dao spoke calmly.
He... Dong Guo Hao Ran's disciple? Everyone present was speechless. Was it true or not? After all, Prince Ning and Dong Guo Hao Ran had good ties, which was no secret to anyone.
Feng Lin Bo spoke with surprise:
"Shang Chao Zong's current situation is far from ideal, so why do you follow him?"
Niu You Dao calmly replied: "I recognize a hero when I see one, and I honor a worthy man!" It was as if he was answering why Feng Ru Nan should marry him.
Feng Lin Bo smirked, casting a sidelong glance at him, and replied:
"I know Shang Chao Zong somewhat. He is not a weak man, but he is inferior to his father. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been imprisoned. Has Luo Shao Fu's disciple, Lan Ruo Ting, told you of such calculations? Did he send you?"
Luo Shao Fu was Lan Ruo Ting's teacher, and indeed Prince Ning's most valued person and his chief advisor. Without him, Prince Ning would not have been able to endure for so many years. Luo Shao Fu's talents were renowned throughout the land.
Niu You Dao was precisely the kind of man who disliked flaunting his abilities in peaceful times, let alone in turbulent ones. Therefore, without seeking cheap fame, he immediately nodded his head:
"I dare not conceal it, this was Lan Ruo Ting's idea!"
"Lan Ruo Ting... good teachers create good students!" Feng Lin Bo said with a sigh, and, glancing at Niu You Dao again, asked:
"Do you wish to serve me?"
He was not blind, after all. From Niu You Dao's eloquent speech here, he understood that he had "a tongue three cun long and without blemish" – meaning a glib and flawless tongue. Evidently, he was also a talented individual.
He also looked at Yuan Gang and noticed that Shang Chao Zong's subordinates were quite capable. Niu You Dao, sharp-tongued; the brilliant strategist Lan Ruo Ting; and then Yuan Gang, a gifted man. Who knew how many other talented individuals Shang Chao Zong might possess? Who knew if he could manage to win these people over to his side? That would certainly be a good thing.
Niu You Dao replied with a smile: "The Governor and the Prince will become one family, and then serving the Prince will benefit the Governor as well. What difference is there from now on?" He spoke as if he had already married Feng Ru Nan to the Prince.
Peng Yu Lan couldn't help but scold: "What a glib tongue you have!"
Niu You Dao smiled, glanced in her direction, and, cupping his hands again, said:
"Lady, you flatter me. However, I sincerely hope that one day, you will become a princess's mother!" He looked at Feng Lin Bo again.
"Princess." The word once again burrowed into Peng Yu Lan's mind, filling her with complex emotions.
"I need to think more about this matter!" Feng Lin Bo replied slowly.
At this point, Feng Lin Bo's attitude had already softened. Niu You Dao understood that the matter was 90% decided. Only on such an important issue did they still need to consult with the Heavenly Jade Sect.
Niu You Dao, understanding his thoughts, merely reminded him: "I must also remind the Governor. The Prince is at the Southern Mountain Monastery, awaiting news. It has become so noisy here that everyone has learned of the meeting for the bride. I fear that the imperial household's people are already notifying the capital. And it seems that high-level cultivators have been following us the entire way. Now, if we do not hurry, I fear the Prince will be in danger. Whether you agree or not, I hope you will send people to the Prince to protect him from harm!"
At such a reminder, Feng Lin Bo and Peng Yu Lan fell into thought.
Peng Yu Lan: "Serves him right! Who asked him to make such a ruckus?"
Niu You Dao smirked to himself. Because he had noisily announced the meeting for the bride, everyone knew about it, so they would not harm him. If he had done everything quietly, he would have been quietly detained by them.
However, he could only smile and, unperturbed, continued to remind them: "The longer we wait, the faster dangers may descend upon the Prince!"
Feng Lin Bo looked at the elder who had just returned and calmly said: "Shou Nian, take a few masters and go to the Southern Mountain Monastery. Provide them with support. The rest will arrive later!"
Niu You Dao looked at the elder who had attacked Yuan Gang and remembered his name!
"Yes, sir!" the elder replied, turned, and left. However, as he approached the door, just as he raised his hand, an excellent sword flew out of nowhere. The elder grabbed it, and the qi from his body visibly began to change. It was as if he was no longer a submissive old servant.
Niu You Dao narrowed his eyes. It seemed there were many cultivators in this county governor's mansion if this old cultivator was not simple at all.
However, he understood why this was the case. If not for these powerful cultivators, the imperial court's people would have already killed Feng Lin Bo.
As soon as Shou Nian exited the side door, four people in dark clothing appeared behind him. Thus, five individuals mounted horses and rode off.
When they left the city gates, they headed towards the Southern Mountain. They galloped quickly on their horses, their clothes flapping in the wind.
Not long after, another 500 cavalry riders left the city and headed in the same direction.
Ahead of the five riders, bodyguards positioned along the entire road quickly relayed messages to each other.
Not long after, yet another rider left the city. This was a bodyguard sent by Niu You Dao. Shang Chao Zong likely knew nothing of what had transpired in the city, and Niu You Dao didn't want him to inadvertently ruin anything due to his ignorance.
Dusk fell... In Kuangai County's main city, the common folk were busily discussing Feng Ru Nan's engagement to Shang Chao Zong.
The county governor had already sent news to the Heavenly Jade Sect and awaited their reply.
In the library, a candle burned, its flickering light casting the constantly pacing shadow of Feng Lin Bo back and forth.
"My dear, what do you think? Will the Heavenly Jade Sect agree?"
Peng Yu Lan, sitting beside him, held a teacup: "Niu You Dao spoke reasonably. The Heavenly Jade Sect should understand what a rare opportunity has fallen upon us. And this situation perfectly aligns with their hidden desires. There should be no unforeseen incidents."
"I think so too. Only Ru Nan..." Feng Lin Bo didn't get to finish when a subordinate arrived from outside and handed him a secret letter. Feng Lin Bo opened the letter, chuckled, and told the subordinate:
"Tell the people in the capital to temporarily leave it for safety's sake."
"Understood!" The man nodded and left.
Peng Yu Lan stood up and asked: "What happened in the capital?"
"Wang Heng! Niu You Dao killed his son-in-law, what do you think now?" Feng Lin Bo handed her the secret letter.
Peng Yu Lan unfolded the letter and read it. It stated that Wang Heng asked Feng Lin Bo to capture Niu You Dao and hand him over to the capital. Then, Wang Heng would owe him a debt.
A hundred thousand-strong army or Wang Heng's gratitude? For Feng Lin Bo, the choice was obvious. And from Feng Lin Bo's reply, Peng Yu Lan understood her husband's choice: "And how will you answer Wang Heng?"
"The palanquin welcoming the bride has caused such a commotion that Wang Heng in the capital will soon know what's going on. What more is there to discuss then?" Feng Lin Bo waved his hand and continued with a sigh:
"Ru Nan is not small anymore either. It's long past time for her to marry. Yet, she dislikes men in the east, and in the west too; there's no suitable person for her in the whole world. This has worried me for a long time. Especially with her fierce expression, who would dare to look at her? She seems unyielding and strong on the outside, but inside, she is also a woman. Go talk to her, persuade her. You women communicate well with each other. You are more patient and understand each other. It's not appropriate to persuade her like this. On the other hand, it's better if she marries Shang Chao Zong, who will then rely on us and watch how we react. Then our daughter won't suffer grievances. For this, we can rest assured. Go talk to her."
"Ahh!" Peng Yu Lan sighed and nodded in reply. She also clearly understood that if the Heavenly Jade Sect made a decision, their daughter's fate would be sealed.
Moreover, considering their daughter's formidable appearance and temperament, who would dare to take her as a wife? They had postponed their daughter's wedding year after year, but now they realized that the wedding could not be delayed any longer. Although they understood that Niu You Dao was simply eloquent, if they looked closely at everything, there was indeed common sense in his words. Marrying her to Shang Chao Zong would certainly not be bad for them. With his temperament and character, he would definitely suit her. Shang Chao Zong's benefit from this alliance was clear, and she had no other choice either.
"I'll go see what that girl is doing." Peng Yu Lan said, sighing again. Every family has its weaknesses.