Chapter 55: Deeply Hidden Merit and Glory |
The three men didn't understand why Niu You Dao spoke like that. Feng Lin Bo knew their situation, and it was perfectly normal for him to defer payment. And once they reached Cang Wu County, they would find the money to repay him.
Lan Ruo Ting said, bewildered:
— Feng Lin Bo wouldn't delay a major undertaking for 10,000 gold.
By "major undertaking," he meant the hundred-thousand strong Crows army.
When the three of them had discussed it yesterday, they had concluded that Feng Lin Bo would not create an obstacle over 10,000 gold.
Niu You Dao, however, knew that there might be people on that side who would want to put Chao Zong in his place. Peng Yu Lan would likely vent her anger on them. But how strong would her anger be? He wanted to tell Chao Zong something, but then he kept silent and only offered a slight reminder:
— Prince, men are usually magnanimous, but women are unlikely to keep silent about certain things. Peng Yu Lan will likely say something for her daughter's sake. It is unlikely that you will not have to endure a bit of bitterness from her.— he paused, then added:
— However, these are just my conjectures. If you believe nothing will happen, then that's fine. I didn't rest yesterday, so I won't accompany you. I'm going to sleep.— With a wave of his hand, he clearly indicated his final decision.
The hint of bitterness in his words meant that the Prince might have to endure a slight grievance. It would be unpleasant, but it wouldn't significantly affect them.
He said with a smile: — Lord Dao, could you please speak more clearly?
He was already finding the situation difficult. For him, it would be easier to go into a death battle than to go propose. After all, he would be seeing his prospective father-in-law and mother-in-law for the first time. And most importantly, he was taking a bride when he himself wasn't firmly on his feet. Furthermore, Niu You Dao had stirred up trouble on his behalf, and now he had to go and clean up the mess here. This further complicated the situation. He had already tossed and turned all night yesterday, unable to sleep.
And now Niu You Dao was hinting that he should expect ill-treatment.
Niu You Dao turned his head and looked at his grabbed hand. Yuan Gang shot a sideways glance at Chao Zong; his hand instantly rose, but also instantly fell.
Normally, he wouldn't allow anyone to touch Niu You Dao like that, but this time it was Chao Zong. And he could be understood at this moment. Moreover, he had not grabbed his hand with ill intent.
Chao Zong, realizing he had lost control, immediately loosened his grip.
Niu You Dao replied with a slight smile:
— I've already spoken clearly. Nothing serious will happen. I only advise you that it would be better to find some money. After all, if you are prepared for battle, you won't suffer defeat. Is there meaning to that phrase?
Chao Zong was speechless: "You've said it and not said it, what's the difference?"
He smiled bitterly: — If I could get the money, I would have. But it's difficult to get money here.
Niu You Dao said, surprised: — You, a high-ranking Prince, have several hundred cavalrymen one way or another. Can't you possibly have 10,000 gold? Aren't cavalrymen worth money?
Chao Zong said with a bitter smile: — Am I to sell my cavalrymen?
Niu You Dao sighed again: . You can't sell people, but you can sell horses! These horses must be worth 10,000 gold, right?
During times of military turmoil, horses were like treasures. Especially warhorses.
Chao Zong was speechless. He really wanted to ask him: "Are you an idiot? Isn't a horse a cavalryman's second life? If we sell the horses, how will we get to Cang Wu County?"
He furrowed his brows and replied:
— Selling the horses isn't suitable for us.
Niu You Dao's eyes widened, and he said exasperatedly:
— Who asked you to actually sell the horses? You just spread a rumor that you're going to sell a horse for gifts for Feng Lin Bo. Say that the Prince will sell horses, and then lead the horses out. Wouldn't that solve the problem?
Lan Ruo Ting and Shu Qing immediately smiled upon hearing this. They understood. Spreading a rumor was a blow to Feng Lin Bo. Feng Lin Bo certainly wouldn't want to be considered so greedy in his own city.
— Lord Dao is truly highly learned!— Lan Ruo Ting, delighted, cupped his hands.
Shu Qing, from under her hat, smiled coyly and glanced at Niu You Dao. She recalled Yuan Gang's words again and now believed even more strongly that she and her brother had encountered a truly remarkable individual.
Shang Chao Zong also understood him. Feng Lin Bo wouldn't want the common people to speak of him that way. But he would also understand their intention:
— Feng Lin Bo isn't an idiot; he'll understand our intentions. Can we afford to incur his disdain?
Niu You Dao immediately shook his head: — Who will it harm? Is the Prince so afraid of losing a little face? Or is it... difficult for the Prince to take Feng Ru Nan as his wife?— he said the last part with a hint of teasing.
Chao Zong was indeed tense about Feng Ru Nan. He himself felt awkward realizing it.
Niu You Dao smiled and cupped his hands. He had said enough and now turned and went for a stroll in the garden. He had wanted to see this park yesterday as well.
After a while, Yuan Gang caught up with him:
— Lord Dao, they've left. They must be acting on your advice.
Niu You Dao stopped by the pond and, with his hands clasped behind his back, said:
— My affairs are almost done. Most likely, the Supreme Purity Sect situation is also resolved. Even if they don't let me go, they won't have time for me now anyway. Now we need to think about the Song family. That's more difficult. There's a significant difference in power between us!
Yuan Gang remained silent, sighing inwardly. So Lord Dao had indeed decided to destroy the Supreme Purity Sect. It seemed he had no feelings for Tang Yi. Since he wasn't even concerned about her life...
— No? Weren't there carriages of gifts the day before yesterday? Or is it still not enough?
— Who is Feng Ru Nan? Can she be given away so easily? This is why the Prince most likely had to sell his horses. What a ruler we have, after all!
On the main street, bodyguards slowly led horses, and people on the sides constantly discussed it...
In the Governor's Residence.
Feng Lin Bo and Peng Yu Lan were just sitting, waiting for Chao Zong, when suddenly, Steward Shou Nian entered and immediately reported the situation to them.
Feng Lin Bo, eyes wide, looked at him:
— Selling horses to buy more gifts? Did I want more gifts?
Shou Nian said softly:
— I fear it's about the 10,000 gold.
Feng Lin Bo's face darkened, and he said in a grim voice: — If it's for debt repayment, then say so directly. Why talk about gifts then!
Peng Yu Lan's expression also changed. She understood everything and said through clenched teeth:
— A bunch of freeloaders, still unwilling to repay their debt!
Feng Lin Bo sneered: — This Lan Ruo Ting is truly cunning. I want to see him...— He nodded at Shou Nian and said: — You go there yourself and tell them to forget about the 10,000 gold. Bring them to me immediately!
— Understood!— Shou Nian replied and left.
And Peng Yu Lan, with an icy face, said nothing against it. She understood that the mood of the common people was not worth 10,000 gold. After all, one of the couple's main supports was precisely the populace. They were also against the imperial house getting involved with them in their affairs. Therefore, they would have to forget about the 10,000 gold.
Not long after, Chao Zong and the others arrived. They entered the reception hall, and the couple immediately greeted him:
— Greetings, Prince!
Although their current actual positions were different, propriety had to be observed. Though they only managed to uphold appearances.
— Master Lan, I've heard of you for a long time...— Feng Lin Bo, laughing heartily, extended his hand and clapped Lan Ruo Ting on the shoulder, as if they were old acquaintances.
Feng Lin Bo already felt that he had seen enough of Lan Ruo Ting's tricks, and now they could finally be close. After all, these were troubled times, and mere strength would achieve little, but a group of ingenious people could accomplish great things.
After everyone had greeted each other, Feng Lin Bo continued:
— Master Lan, you're quite the trickster. Even before we met, you made me break a sweat. You owe me three penalty cups!
— Circumstances compelled it, you know. Such is our situation. I am ashamed, truly ashamed!— Lan Ruo Ting calmly accepted the accusations.
Meanwhile, Peng Yu Lan and Shu Qing stood aside, chatting about women's matters. After all, Shu Qing would be with her daughter after the wedding. As for Chao Zong, he stood a short distance away, quietly drinking tea.
Both sides exchanged greetings. Lan Ruo Ting was an outstanding individual in his own right and earned Feng Lin Bo's approval. Moreover, Feng Lin Bo had personally experienced Lan Ruo Ting's talent, thus, he wanted to take him on as an aide.
If one were to compare the two men, Lan Ruo Ting was certainly an extraordinary person, and in many aspects, he displayed grace and skill. He was also a good strategist in military arts. Only, it seemed he was significantly inferior to Niu You Dao.
Niu You Dao, on the other hand, always spoke vaguely and mostly praised things or people, while Lan Ruo Ting spoke concisely and to the point. And although both of them said things that Feng Lin Bo agreed with, to him, Lan Ruo Ting seemed more gifted.
Of course, Niu You Dao didn't want everyone to consider him a genius. He didn't want to be constantly bothered. Such fame, he certainly wasn't seeking.
Thus, through discussion, Lan Ruo Ting and the other party successfully agreed on everything. And they chose the wedding day to be as soon as possible. In three days!