Chapter Forty-Nine: The Horse Breeder’s Legacy

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Across the boundless mountain grasslands, a surging tide of horses raced ceaselessly, the rolling black dots stretching into vast swathes, grand and majestic! Though they were far off and the thunderous roar of ten thousand galloping steeds could not be heard, the sight alone was exhilarating, stirring the heart of anyone witnessing it for the first time, making their blood race with excitement!

It was a torrent of steel! An unstoppable, magnificent surge!

“Is this a horse ranch?” Lin Feng, recovering from his shock, turned and asked, “With so many fine horses, there must be at least ten thousand. Could it be—could it be part of your Bamboo Court Manor’s estate?”

Xia Tong nodded with a proud smile, “Indeed. My father is the most renowned horse connoisseur in Mengliang. Our Xia family has bred, trained, and judged horses for generations. Most of the warhorses of Daqian and Mengliang come from our family’s ranch.”

“No wonder you could so casually lead out a thousand-li horse,” Lin Feng’s eyes sparkled, then suddenly he realized, “This Red Wind is from your ranch as well, isn’t it? Why sell it to Mu Hong and not to a Mengliang general?”

Xia Tong laughed openly, “You’re a clever man, Master Lin. Business knows no borders. Though the Red Wind is an exceptional horse, it’s ultimately a commodity. If trading it brings stability to our family’s ranch, what does a small loss matter?”

“Right—since ancient times, those who accomplish great deeds never fuss over trifles. Master Xia truly is a dragon among men.” Lin Feng nodded.

“And is Master Lin not the same? You slew Mu Hong and charged out of Weihu Pass unharmed—such courage and mettle are rare indeed. The Red Wind has found its worthy master; it could not be more fitting.” Xia Tong arched her brows, casting a meaningful look at Lin Feng.

Her words made Lin Feng slightly embarrassed; the lies he told last night for safety’s sake had clearly been seen through long ago.

“May I ask, Master Lin, where are you bound on this journey? If you’re not in a hurry, my father wishes to spend a few more days with you. Besides his love for horses, he’s also fond of martial arts. You could spar with him for a bit.” Xia Tong led the way, descending the mountain path.

“Oh? What style does your father practice? Which martial arts techniques?” Lin Feng asked from behind.

She smiled, “He says his skill is far beneath yours, knowing only the basics. But over the years, he’s collected many martial arts classics, and practiced three or five styles. The ones I know are the Soul-Cutting Hand, the Death-Seeking Arrow, the Crane-Kirin Fist, and there’s also a footwork and a staff technique.” Xia Tong revealed everything without reservation, then asked, “Master Lin, what about you?”

Lin Feng paused, then replied slowly, “Aside from this spear technique, I know only one method. Frankly, it’s embarrassing. My sect’s arts are vast and profound, but due to my own shortcomings, I’ve learned nothing, wasting precious time.”

Xia Tong was astonished—if he were so formidable with only a single method, then that technique must be a priceless secret.

“Could you tell me about your sect?” she ventured cautiously.

“Oh, I am a disciple of the Hundred Flowers Sect on Mount Qiyun. I was entrusted with a task in Wanzhou, met Young Master Ye and the others by chance, and we traveled together. At Weihu Pass, Mu Hong blocked our way, so I had no choice but to kill him—it was not my intention.” Lin Feng was frank about his own affairs, but kept Ye Ziyin’s matters secret, lest trouble arise.

“Hundred Flowers Sect? One of the three great sects?” Xia Tong reined in her horse, her face lighting up with excitement.

“Yes. I am shallow in learning and have no distinction in the sect, so I hesitate to mention it. Please forgive me. As for sparring in martial arts, I would welcome it. Though my method cannot be freely passed on, there is no problem in mutual study and discussion.” Lin Feng smiled.

They walked slowly down the mountain, chatting a while longer. Along the way, Xia Tong shot a few black geese and tossed them in her quiver, then rode back to Bamboo Court Manor.

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“Miss, the master is waiting in the study. After breakfast, he asks you to see him.” The old steward had been waiting at the manor gate; seeing the two return side by side, a hint of joy crossed his face.

“Understood.” Xia Tong smiled, then said to Lin Feng, “Master Lin, please follow Steward Qu for breakfast. I’ll go to my father’s study first.”

Handing him the reins, Lin Feng and Steward Qu walked toward the stables.

“Master Lin, what do you think of our young lady?” Steward Qu glanced around, lowering his voice.

“Hm? Miss Xia is a heroine among women, with beauty to shame the flowers and moon, and is eloquent—a truly rare woman.” Lin Feng praised sincerely, tying up the horses.

“Ha, that’s good, that’s good.” Steward Qu smiled, stroking his beard.

“What?” Lin Feng was startled.

“Ah, nothing. Please follow me for breakfast; your companions have been inquiring after you since early morning. You have fine friends, truly.” He led the way through winding corridors to a dining hall.

“Brother Lin, you’re back at last.” Zuo Qingcheng stood at the door; his anxious face finally relaxed.

“It’s my fault—I forgot to tell everyone. I apologize.” Lin Feng cupped his hands to the group, then explained everything he knew about Bamboo Court Manor.

“So that’s it. I knew it—this manor seemed suspicious. Maybe they’re after Brother Lin’s skills…” Zuo Qingcheng grumbled.

“Brother Lin, what do you think we should do?” Ye Ziyin sat before a bowl of thin porridge, with a few pieces of pickled radish.

Lin Feng had already devised a plan on the way here. Unless Che Chonglou appeared, they’d have to find another way into Zhen Nan Pass, and this manor was the perfect route.

“Don’t worry, Ziyin. We’ll meet challenges as they come. Master Xia is not a scheming villain; let’s observe for now.” Lin Feng sipped his millet porridge, peeling a boiled egg.

“Ha ha… Did you all sleep well last night?” As they spoke, Xia Baizhu’s hearty laughter came from outside. Before anyone could look up, his silhouette flashed and he entered the hall.

“What speed!” Lin Feng noted silently.

“Thank you, Master Xia, for your hospitality! Hot baths, food and drink—it’s been ages since I enjoyed such comfort.” Zuo Qingcheng stood and thanked him.

“A small matter—you need not worry. Today I have a major issue to discuss with you two gentlemen. May I speak in private?” Xia Baizhu wasted no time, surprising everyone.

Lin Feng and Ye Ziyin exchanged a glance. Lin Feng replied seriously, “Since the master has business, we shall listen. These men are our brothers through thick and thin—please speak openly.”

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Xia Baizhu pondered for a moment, then clapped his hands, “Very well! To be frank, I am a strategist under Prince Rongqing of Mengliang, managing this ranch on Qihong Mountain. First, it lets me learn both nations’ secrets; second, I seek talents for the prince to help him seize Mengliang’s throne. Now, with you two here, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

Everyone was shocked, but remained silent. Xia Baizhu paced the hall, then spoke loudly, “Young Master Ye, prince of Qiuchi, General Zuo with illustrious battle honors—if you join hands with the prince, our families can share the rule of Qiuchi and Mengliang, forging a century-long alliance, securing the realm, aiding the people, following the right path, restoring peace and prosperity—wouldn’t that be a great blessing?”

“Now, the prince commands a full army and over three thousand guests and strategists, but few possess the talents of Master Lin. The Mengliang emperor is weak and irrelevant, but the Grand Tutor and others in court are formidable. With Master Lin’s help, half the task is done!” Xia Baizhu continued, “This morning, I sent messengers on swift horses to Quhuai; the prince’s reply will arrive by tomorrow. What are your thoughts?”

Lin Feng remained silent. Ye Ziyin spoke first, “Master Xia, with Prince Rongqing’s three thousand guests and a million armored troops, why bother with a fallen prince like me? I command no soldiers, hold no power, and am hunted everywhere. If the prince allies with me, wouldn’t it just add trouble?”

Xia Baizhu laughed, “You are frank and wise. Qiuchi has declared war on us; both sides are gathering forces for a fierce battle. There are many dissenters in both countries. While your position is weak, your virtue and wisdom surpass Ye Qiuping’s. If you raise your arm, the officials and people will respond. Achievements and the throne will be within reach. The prince values not the current situation, but your potential. If you join him, our ranch will provide ten thousand fine horses and a hundred thousand silver as support.”

Ye Ziyin was stirred, his face flushed. He had never imagined meeting the prince’s strategist here, let alone being chosen. Prince Rongqing, Luodanwen, was famous among the four nations, lord of Quhuai in Mengliang, conferred as Loyal and Honorable Prince by the late emperor, a regional power and the Mengliang emperor’s uncle, with great authority. Since he was set on restoring order in Mengliang, it would be a sweeping force once begun, and Ye Ziyin’s joining was a highly advantageous move. Yet it came so suddenly, leaving the young prince confused and unable to think clearly.

Xia Baizhu’s gaze was fixed on Ye Ziyin, sincerely urging, “Young Master Ye, take time to consider. When the prince’s letter arrives, we can discuss further.”

“Good, very well. Thank you, sir.” Ye Ziyin sighed in relief, silently eating his porridge.

Xia Baizhu stroked his beard, paced a few steps, and was about to question Lin Feng. Before he could speak, Lin Feng stood and said, “If Prince Rongqing wishes me to kill Mengliang’s loyal and upright officials, I must refuse. But if it’s for the study of martial arts, I have no objection.”

“You misunderstand, Master Lin. I would never ask you to act unjustly. Mengliang’s court is now controlled by the old villain Qin Mi, who gathered a band of traitors and evil sects, wreaking havoc in the capital. The people suffer, and no minister dares intervene. The prince fears their sorcery, and so has delayed his plans. You are a disciple of the righteous path—how could you stand by while the people suffer?”

Master Xia spoke with righteous indignation; his robe billowed, long beard trembling, like a scholar debating in the halls of power.

“If it is as you say, I will uphold justice and rid the realm of evil!” Lin Feng was moved, cupping his hands and declaring firmly.

“Excellent! The matter is settled. Please stay at the manor; once the prince’s reply comes, we’ll arrange everything and plan the entry into the pass.” Xia Baizhu, excited, saluted and strode away.

“Brother Lin, do you trust Master Xia’s words?” After Xia Baizhu left, Ye Ziyin’s eyes flashed as he turned to Lin Feng.

“I believe so. Ziyin, you have no troops, so there’s no risk of their tricks. If we wager right, we stand to gain much.” Lin Feng replied cheerfully.

“Brother Lin is right. Let’s eat and rest here, and watch how things unfold.” Zuo Qingcheng flicked his steel blade with his toe and shouted, “You two, come to the courtyard to train!”

Liu Yun and Liao Kai grabbed their weapons and followed.

“Ziyin, let’s practice swordplay too and wait for news in peace.” Lin Feng picked up his pear blossom spear, called for his black steed, and walked out the door.