Chapter 50: It's All Lan Ruo Ting!!! |
Shang Chao Zong was practically fuming with rage.
He had indeed given his men to the master, but why had he acted this way? And where were the bodyguards when they saw what Niu You Dao was doing? If this was something he had to endure, then what else couldn't he endure??? Why hadn't Niu You Dao even hinted at this to the prince?
That bodyguard seemed to understand that the prince was unaware of this scheme.
Lan Ruo Ting silently gestured for the bodyguard to leave, then slowly spoke:
— Prince, please calm yourself. It seems this works in our favor for borrowing troops!
Shu Qing also nodded: "Brother, the lord speaks truly. Most likely, the marriage doesn't hinder borrowing troops; rather, it helps our cause. Besides, Niu You Dao said before he left that brother might have to endure some grievance!"
Shang Chao Zong calmed down slightly, and after a moment's thought, sadly said:
— Feng Ru Nan... she's one of Feng Lin Bo's generals. How could she be given to me in marriage? And would they even give us troops? Do you think this is possible?
The others also found it strange. For the sake of troops, Shang Chao Zong would take Feng Ru Nan as his wife. Feng Lin Bo was no idiot; he wouldn't fail to understand this. Moreover, knowing Shang Chao Zong's situation, would he really give his daughter to him? It was impossible. He had many reasons to oppose this marriage.
— Truth be told, Feng Lin Bo can't *not* give his daughter to brother. After all, even their steward came here. It must be real.
Even if it wasn't real, Shang Chao Zong clearly understood that this was no joke. So, gritting his teeth, he asked:
— Have you seen Feng Ru Nan? They say she's built sturdily and is stronger than men. I wonder if that's true or not?
Lan Ruo Ting subtly smiled, while Shu Qing softly said:
— Brother, is appearance the most important thing?
— ... — Shang Chao Zong froze, then clarified: "That's not what I meant. I think Feng Lin Bo won't give her to me."
At that moment, Shang Chao Zong cursed himself silently. He blamed himself for saying such a thing in front of his sister. After all, she had issues with her appearance.
What was the point of guessing? So, without much deliberation, several people decided to go and find out what had happened.
The riders gathered, and after making sacrifices, set off for the provincial city with Shou Nian.
All the way, Shang Chao Zong was downcast. Indeed, Feng Ru Nan's appearance was quite peculiar. Of course, when choosing a wife, who wouldn't want a captivating and graceful girl? However, he understood that in his current situation, it would be difficult to find anyone willing to marry him. He no longer had the right to choose. Now, his top priority was to secure a future for everyone; his own life was no longer so important.
Having calmed down, he thought more clearly and, on the contrary, hoped that everything would work out. He hoped that Niu You Dao could fulfill his promise. And then he would take Feng Ru Nan as his wife, even if it meant sacrificing himself!
The thunder of hooves echoed everywhere, and Shu Qing occasionally glanced at her distressed brother.
She understood his state, but neither comforted nor persuaded him, for she knew their current predicament perfectly well. They both had no choice now. This was no longer just a matter for brother and sister; now they were responsible for the many people who had followed them. It was no longer a question of one person's honor or disgrace, what with brother taking Feng Ru Nan as his wife. Even if Feng Lin Bo wanted to take Shu Qing as a concubine, she would readily agree. Only her expression would likely frighten people.
Shou Nian, accompanying them, occasionally glanced back. He noticed 20 monks following them. Their bald heads were covered by felt caps, and they held various canonical books in their hands. Why were they there?
Halfway to the city, 500 Kuangai riders came out to meet them. Their forces had now doubled, making the escort appear very formidable.
Shou Nian also noticed that throughout the journey, some people emerged from the forest and joined Shang Chao Zong's detachment. Clearly, he had prepared a fast communication method.
It was already getting dark. Feng Lin Bo received notification that Shang Chao Zong and the others would arrive in the city in about an hour. Niu You Dao, also learning of this, decided to go out to the gates to meet the prince. He also needed to speak with them face-to-face, not in front of Feng Lin Bo. If the prince didn't agree, then Niu You Dao might have to come up with something. But this conversation couldn't happen here, where numerous cultivators stood guard.
Feng Lin Bo did not stop Niu You Dao from going to meet the prince, as he saw nothing suspicious in it.
Having received permission, Niu You Dao rode out with Yuan Gang. However, along the way, they encountered a group of people blocking their path. And it was none other than Peng Yu Lan.
— Greetings, Madam! — Niu You Dao said cheerfully.
— No need for idle chatter. See for yourself. — Peng Yu Lan pulled out a paper and handed it to a subordinate, who then gave it to Niu You Dao.
Niu You Dao took the paper and then examined its contents under the lamplight. Sweat beaded on his forehead from what he read. Because on that paper were the terms of the wager and the signatures of himself, Feng Ru Nan, and Yuan Gang. He didn't need to think long. Feng Ru Nan had told her mother everything. He had still hoped that Feng Ru Nan wouldn't speak of such a thing to others. But he hadn't imagined this lass wouldn't be afraid of losing face!
Yuan Gang also recognized it, glancing askance at the paper.
Niu You Dao, twisting his mouth, said: "Your daughter is quite capricious after all!"
Feng Ru Nan had taken everything and told her mother. Now, Niu You Dao's only option was to somehow divert her attention.
And Peng Yu Lan, holding the wager agreement in her hands, asked in a cold tone:
— I've seen shameless people, but never anyone as utterly shameless as this. How did you even dare to do such a thing!"
After she learned everything from her daughter, she was consumed by anger. Not only had they tricked her daughter, but they were also giving her away like this. And they had even used her own own money to buy gifts for them. Could such despicable individuals truly exist on earth? They had insulted not only Feng Ru Nan but also her.
Feng Lin Bo also learned about this wager, but he had asked everyone to forget about it. After all, compared to the benefits of kinship, 10,000 gold meant nothing. Only Peng Yu Lan could not calm down and still wanted to seek justice for her daughter.
Niu You Dao sighed heavily:
— Madam, there was truly nothing else to be done. You yourself know the prince's situation. He couldn't possibly take your daughter as his wife without a gift. There was nothing to do, so Lord Lan resorted to extreme measures!"
He had previously said that the plan belonged to Lan Ruo Ting. So now he thought, since he'd started pinning everything on him, he might as well go all the way.
Peng Yu Lan only replied in a cold tone:
— I'm not interested in whose plan it was, Lord Lan's or yours. But I've found those who signed the wager. I want the 10,000 gold specified in the wager... — She then pointed at Yuan Gang: "When do you intend to give him to me?"
If it were about money, Niu You Dao could still pin everything on Shang Chao Zong, but he definitely wouldn't hand over Yuan Gang.
— Madam, how dare you say such a thing?
— Huh? — Peng Yu Lan sneered maliciously, and waving the agreement, replied:
— Where am I shameless? Is there deceit here, where the terms are written in black and white?
Niu You Dao waved his hand and respectfully said:
— That's right. That's not the issue. If we're truly talking about the terms of the wager, then I haven't lost at all. Who said I wouldn't return the money within an hour? The main point is that the hour hasn't passed yet, but the ruler's men arrived and brought me to the palace. If your daughter is in collusion with the ruler, then there's certainly no chance of winning here. Anyone can confirm this!"
Peng Yu Lan gritted her teeth slightly and thought to herself: "There is indeed logic in this."
Then she waved her hand and, with a malicious smile, said: "Alright, let's not talk about that. But what about the 10,000 gold? Have you found an excuse for that too?"
Niu You Dao immediately nodded: "Noooo. Why would I? I'll return it, I'll definitely return it!"
Peng Yu Lan asked: "When?"
Niu You Dao replied decisively: "As soon as the prince returns, I'll return it immediately!" — He couldn't beat around the bush now.
— Fine! I'll wait. And just try to deceive me! — Peng Yu Lan spoke with a threat, then turned and left. She was deeply vexed and offended. As she departed, she was still thinking about how to get even with that despicable Lan Ruo Ting. Perhaps she could extend the wager and see how they would squirm. She could order everyone in all of Kuangai County not to lend Shang Chao Zong any money. Then she could watch them panic!
As soon as she left, Bai Yao, holding the agreement in his hands, leaned in and said in a cold tone:
— I heard you wish to go to the gates and meet the prince. The ruler ordered me to accompany you.
Since the Song family had already begun to act, there was nothing to be done. Niu You Dao, Dong Guo Hao Ran's only disciple. And perhaps he knew how to find the hundred-thousand strong army of Crows.
Niu You Dao, seeing Bai Yao's scrutinizing gaze, could only smile and say: "A pauper has no pride. I have amused senior."
Bai Yao, shaking his head, replied: "Truly shameless!"
— Ah, it's all Lan Ruo Ting! Niu You Dao only smiled bitterly, and the group headed towards the gates.