Chapter 145
Chapter 145: Steward
Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong, who remained on this side of the riverbank, reacted swiftly without hesitation. They immediately sprang from horseback, abandoning their mounts. Using their lightness skill, they skimmed gracefully over the turbulent waters of the mighty river, trailing closely behind the carriage. Soon, they reached the opposite shore safely and soundly.
The black-clothed man who previously forbade crossing, along with the armored guards, remained utterly still. It wasn’t that they were unwilling to act, but rather, they didn’t dare. Indeed, witnessing the hemp-robed elder tossing a horse effortlessly with one hand, and the carriage soaring gracefully over the Ju Lu River, they had become completely frozen in shock. No one dared rashly challenge martial masters of such formidable strength.
Within the carriage, Hu Rui An gently stroked his beard, glancing calmly at Li Mu Sheng, and asked, “Your Highness, might these humble skills of mine still catch your eye?”
Li Mu Sheng raised an eyebrow, giving him a casual glance. “Lord Hu, weren’t you the one advising caution earlier?”
If Hu Rui An had been the first to fly the carriage across the river, Li Mu Sheng wouldn’t hesitate to commend him on his splendid display of bravado. However, the hemp-robed elder had already set the precedent. At best, Hu Rui An’s act could only be considered copying—or politely speaking, immediate inspiration. [Honestly, can’t he come up with something more original? Even his flashy displays have to be borrowed?]
At this moment, Hu Rui An responded to Li Mu Sheng’s questioning look with a faint smile. “I was inspired by that expert just now. Besides, my main intention was to swiftly cross the river by surprise and avoid unnecessary complications. Furthermore, now that I’m disguised, as long as I don’t reveal myself openly, Deer Slaying Manor should not recognize me.”
Li Mu Sheng didn’t respond but instead glanced outside the carriage. After crossing the Ju Lu River, this side of the riverbank seemed notably quieter, far less crowded compared to the opposite shore. The black-clothed man and his armored guards now stood back cautiously, appearing extremely wary of Hu Rui An’s group.
As for the hemp-robed elder who had crossed earlier, he hadn’t departed yet. He stood, holding the reins of the pack mule carrying the pink-clad girl, gazing thoughtfully toward the carriage driven by Cao Gao Shan. Clearly, seeing the carriage cross had piqued his interest, realizing someone extraordinary must be inside.
At this moment, Millenary Commander Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong arrived beside the carriage. Glancing at the black-clothed man and his group, both men frowned.
“Judging by their armor and weapons,” Wu Shang observed quietly, “they seem to belong to the Great Li garrison troops from Sheng Province. But why would they leave their stationed area and come here?”
Hearing this, Hu Rui An considered for a moment, then instructed Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong, “Go and ask them about the situation.”
Originally, Hu Rui An didn’t intend to get involved, but since they would soon be entering Sheng Province to handle the affairs of Provincial Governor Zhu Zi Ming and Deputy Commander Mei Yan of the Heavenly Brocade Guard branch, encountering these troops here made it impossible for him to simply ignore. Additionally, he hoped to gather some information about Sheng Province from the black-clothed man.
Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong agreed and approached the black-clad man and his group. Just as the two men were about to speak, the thundering sound of galloping horses echoed from afar. Clouds of dust rose dramatically, signaling the swift arrival of another group.
Leading them was a rugged-faced, thickly-bearded middle-aged man, clearly a seasoned figure. His purpose was evident. His gaze swept across the hemp-robed elder and the carriage driven by Cao Gao Shan, finally landing on Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong. He respectfully clasped his hands and addressed everyone present.
“Esteemed martial elders and heroes of the Martial World, I am the steward of Deer Slaying Manor. Today our manor’s Third Young Lady is hosting a martial competition to select a groom. We have specially prepared a grand banquet to welcome distinguished guests from all corners of the Martial World. If you wouldn’t mind, we sincerely invite you all to our manor to enjoy some refreshments.”
Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong frowned slightly, glancing back at the black-clothed man, suddenly realizing why he had prohibited crossing the river earlier.
At this moment, upon hearing the steward’s words, the pink-clad girl on the mule suddenly turned to the hemp-robed elder, her voice clear and sweet as she said, “Grandfather, I’d like to taste the banquet.”
The elder shifted his gaze from the carriage and gently nodded. Turning toward the manor’s steward mounted on horseback, he said, “Then, this old man shall trouble you.”
Hearing this, the steward swiftly clasped his hands, a welcoming smile on his face. “Senior’s presence at Deer Slaying Manor is truly our honor.”
Then his eyes shifted, noticing Hu Rui An who had already raised the carriage curtain slightly, revealing his face. Lowering his head slightly, the steward asked respectfully, “Might this esteemed senior have any instructions?”
Hu Rui An waved his hand casually. “Since you have graciously extended your invitation, it would be rude for us to refuse. We’ll accompany you to your distinguished manor.”
Upon hearing this, delight spread across the steward’s face. Clasping his fists respectfully again, he promptly turned around, leading his men ahead. “Everyone, please follow me,” he called, swiftly riding back the way he came.
From start to finish, he didn’t exchange a single word with the black-clothed man or his soldiers, as if they were complete strangers.
Seeing this, the hemp-robed elder led the pack mule and followed. Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong, however, looked surprised, turning simultaneously toward the carriage. Hu Rui An’s acceptance of the invitation to Deer Slaying Manor was completely unexpected, contradicting his cautious nature throughout their journey. Yet, they didn’t dare ask him openly, so they quietly followed, filled with uncertainty.
Just then, Hu Rui An turned towards them, instructing briefly, “Finish asking your questions quickly, then hurry to catch up.”
Afterwards, Hu Rui An lowered the carriage curtain, signaling Cao Gao Shan to follow the Deer Slaying Manor entourage forward.
Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong acknowledged him respectfully before returning toward the black-clothed group to question them further.
Inside the carriage, Li Mu Sheng hadn’t yet spoken when Hu Rui An took the initiative to explain respectfully, “Your Highness, it’s getting late. Now that we’ve crossed the Ju Lu River, for several dozen li ahead, there is no other settlement to rest besides Deer Slaying Manor. It’s practical for us to pause briefly there and continue our journey after.”
Li Mu Sheng frowned slightly, clearly unconvinced by this excuse. Earlier, Hu Rui An had clearly mentioned past grudges with Deer Slaying Manor’s lord, yet now he willingly headed there. His words contradicted themselves completely, making little sense. Besides, rough travel with simple rations was entirely normal; this reason wasn’t very persuasive.
Nevertheless, Li Mu Sheng wasn’t one to endure hardship unnecessarily. Since the manor was offering a feast, he had no intention of opposing Hu Rui An’s decision just to stubbornly chew on dry bread. Instead, he gave Hu Rui An a leisurely, skeptical look, remarking casually:
“Lord Hu, whatever your intentions are, I won’t interfere. But if you’re thinking of staying behind for that martial contest to win a bride, I certainly don’t have time to idle around with you.”