章 9: Agreeable Life
These desert hounds were more than mere hunting companions; they were revered as both protectors and symbols of nobility in the desert. Those privileged enough to own such beasts considered themselves doubly fortunate. Boluo, responsible for these hounds, was a person of considerable skill and experience, tasked not just with their care but also their training for both war and the hunt. He was one of most talented beast masters in the area.
It was no wonder he was asked to serve Young Master Xuan when he was here. No man could be as talented as Boluo, Wuyi was sure. Wuyi enjoyed the company of hounds very much.
The once-lackey evil gangsters of a past world was enjoying the simple pleasures of this world, encompassing just simple elements. Ever since he was born, this was the first time he felt a bit comfortable.
Wuyi found this life agreeable. He had better food than what he used to get before with his grandpa and mother. For some reason, he also felt safe with Boluo, the hounds, and the horses. His only complaint might be the accursed desert weather - the unbearable heat, sandy winds, and icy nights.
At night, memories of his past life would awaken him. They were hazy, like a distant dream—sometimes feeling real, sometimes as if it were all a foggy illusion.
One night, Wuyi was roused from slumber by Haowen's restless movements and the warm glow of a lantern hovering above him. Two men leaned over him, but Boluo stood firm behind them, so he felt no fear.
"You've woken him up," one cautioned. It was Master Zhenli, the man from the comfortable chamber on his first night there.
"So? He'll drift back to sleep once we depart. Look at him; he has his father's features. I'd recognize that lineage anywhere, and no one who sees him could deny it. But are you both so unwise? Even if he's born out of wedlock, a child should not be kept among beasts. Was there no other place for him?" the young man questioned.
The younger man bore a resemblance to Zhenli in the jawline and eyes, but that's where the likeness ceased. This man was notably younger, with a smooth face devoid of facial hair, and fine brown locks that were neatly combed and scented. His cheeks flushed pink, a stark contrast to Zhenli's weathered complexion. Zhenli wore attire typical of his men: plain linen garments with a hound emblem embroidered in gold and silver. However, the younger man was dressed flamboyantly in vivid shades of crimson and golden yellow. His doublet was a lush cream adorned with intricate lace, and a scarf fastened around his neck bore a gilded hound pendant with a twinkling emerald eye. His manner of speaking was refined, unlike the straightforward style of Zhenli.
"Wangzhe, I hadn't considered it. What do I know about children? I handed him over to Boluo. He had served Young Master Xuan and therefore was the best option..." Zhenli began, only to be interrupted by Boluo.
"I intended no disrespect to Young Master Xuan or the Yuanjing clan," Boluo interjected, his voice tinged with genuine bewilderment. "I tended to the boy as I saw fit. I could arrange a small sleeping area for him in the guards' chamber, but he seems too young to be among such men, what with their ceaseless activity, cursing, fighting, and raucous noise. Here in this enclosure, he finds peace, and Haowen, the hound pup, has taken a liking to him. Plus, with hounds guarding him during the night, no one could harm him without feeling their fangs. My lords, I know little about rearing children; it seemed to me—"
"It's acceptable, Boluo, it's acceptable," Zhenli said calmly, interrupting him. "If anyone needed to ponder the situation, it should have been me. You've done as well as could be expected. The boy's circumstances are better than most in this town. It suffices for the time being."
"The situation must change once we return to Lujingbao Fortress," Wangzhe retorted, visibly displeased.
"Our father wishes him to accompany us back to the fortress?" Zhenli inquired.
"Indeed, he does. But not everyone is in agreement."
"I see," Zhenli responded, his voice carrying an undertone of disinterest in delving deeper into the subject. However, Wangzhe pressed on.
"The Yuanjing clan has been informed; they expect us to oversee the boy until they determine his fate."
"There's nothing complicated about that, Wangzhe," Zhenli replied, tone neutral. "If the Yuanjing clan requests us to safeguard the child, then that's what we'll do. What more is there to discuss?"
"I disagree," Wangzhe snapped, glaring down. "I have heard stories about those big clans. Their politics and power are different. What if Master Yuanjing Xuan fails to produce a legitimate heir? What if he decides to acknowledge this...child? It could create rifts among the Yuanjing nobility. If they felt like it, they would silence all our clans and nobles just to hide the boy. We shouldn't invite chaos; it will embroil us in the unnecessary politics of the Yuanjing and Sacred Sword Sect. Our father, however, treads carefully, as we all know. He cautioned against hasty decisions. 'Don't act irrevocably,' he says, 'until you've weighed the irreversible consequences.' And then he chuckled." Wangzhe emitted a short, acerbic laugh. "I grow tired of his wisdom."
"Ah," said Zhenli again, and Wuyi lay still, wondering whether he was attempting to unravel the meaning behind their father's words or refraining from responding to his brother's grievances.
"Does Master Yuanjing Xuan not have a voice in this?" Boluo cautiously asked. "If he wishes to provide for the boy's mother and the boy, then, by the heavens, shouldn't he be granted that prerogative?"
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