Chapter Twenty: The Divine Steed of Precious Worth
At this moment, Bu Yuan turned to Fang Guohuan and said, “I suspect that Monk Zhishan’s journey to the capital somehow brought disaster upon himself, attracting enemies to the Maple Grove Cottage. That eunuch came specifically to take the monk’s life; to kill so cleanly, leaving no trace, he must be a venomous old fiend. The swordsman in blue, however, is truly skilled—yet, for some reason, he went to great lengths to shield him.”
Fang Guohuan replied resolutely, “If Master Zhishan truly lost his life to that eunuch over a game of chess, I swear I will seek out this man, no matter the danger, and challenge him to a match. Even if I cannot strike back, I will demand justice for Master Zhishan.”
Bu Yuan nodded in approval. “Good brother, if that fiend really kills with chess, I trust you’ll be able to defeat him at his own game. Even if you cannot take his life, you’ll surely uncover the method behind his murderous art.”
Fang Guohuan said, “Indeed, I must get to the bottom of Master Zhishan’s real cause of death at the chessboard.”
Bu Yuan added, “Then leave the matter of vengeance to me. It would be only fitting for us, who once befriended the monk.”
Fang Guohuan said, “Our priority now is to track down this peculiar eunuch. He must hail from the imperial palace and is surely the legendary chess master eunuch from the rumors. The clues are all in the capital—we should go there together and search for him.”
Bu Yuan said, “Excellent! Now I am free of all burdens, unlike three years ago when I was tied down by my aged mother and couldn’t accompany you. Today, I will travel to the capital with you; once we have avenged ourselves upon that fiend, we brothers shall roam the world together.”
Fang Guohuan was overjoyed. “That’s wonderful! I came back this time hoping to find you, Brother Bu, to journey the world together.”
Bu Yuan was delighted by this as well.
At this moment, the wooden gate creaked open and Tie Wu entered, carrying some wine and meat. He greeted Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan, set the food and drink on the table, and took a seat to the side.
Bu Yuan asked, “Brother Tie, how are Brother Zhu Qi and the others recovering from their wounds?”
Tie Wu replied, “Nothing serious. After applying the golden wound medicine, they could move about on their own this morning.”
Bu Yuan said, “That’s excellent—I am relieved.”
Tie Wu continued, “Yesterday, when the brothers returned to Zhu Qi’s hunting lodge, they found the gold, silver, and jewels you left behind, Brother Fang. Everyone felt uneasy about it. As they are injured, they sent me to thank you in person today.”
Fang Guohuan replied, “All the hunters are bold and forthright men. Such trifling gold and silver are not worth mentioning.”
Tie Wu said, “We poor hunters suddenly gained such wealth from you, Brother Fang—enough for a lifetime. We don’t know how to thank you. Won’t it leave you short of funds yourself?”
Fang Guohuan laughed, “There’s no need for formality, Brother Tie. Carrying so much gold and silver is inconvenient. I still have some banknotes from friends; when needed, I can cash them at a moneyhouse. I won’t be short of money.”
Bu Yuan smiled, “My brother here has been away for over three years—not only did he gain experience and skill, but also a fortune. It seems the truly fortunate never lack for silver.”
Tie Wu said gratefully, “We owe so much to you, Brother Fang, and truly feel uneasy. We don’t know how to repay you.”
Fang Guohuan replied, “Don’t say such things, Brother Tie. Years ago, you all pooled your money to send me on my journey, even selling leopards you risked your lives to hunt. Such a great kindness, I can never repay in a lifetime.”
Tie Wu was moved, “To have a loyal friend like you, Brother Fang, I could die content.”
Bu Yuan laughed, “If you all died, who would enjoy that gold and silver? Wouldn’t that defeat Brother Guohuan’s good intentions?”
At this, Tie Wu and Fang Guohuan both laughed.
The three then ate and drank together. Tie Wu asked, “Now that the monk died under such mysterious circumstances, what do you intend to do?”
Bu Yuan replied, “Guohuan and I have discussed it—we plan to go to the capital, follow the clues, and seek justice for the monk.”
Tie Wu sighed, “That’s for the best. Let today’s wine be my farewell to you both.”
Bu Yuan said, “Please tell Brother Zhu Qi and the others when you return that I won’t be saying goodbye in person. We’ll meet again when fate allows.”
Tie Wu replied, “So be it. I’ll explain everything to the brothers. You two go on your way.”
Bu Yuan also instructed him to collect the outstanding debts for furs from a few shops, to use as he saw fit.
After they finished eating and drinking, Tie Wu took his leave with much reluctance.
Bu Yuan and Fang Guohuan tidied up the cottage, sealed the door, wrapped the Overlord Bow in cloth, slung it over Bu Yuan’s back, and left Maple Grove Cottage, heading for the capital.
Though the shadow of Monk Zhishan’s mysterious death at the chessboard hung over them, Bu Yuan and Fang Guohuan passed their journey reminiscing and sharing tales, and were not too lonely.
One day, as they reached Renqiu, dusk was falling, and they found a large inn to stay in. The inn’s attendant led them to a fine room on the second floor, prepared a table with wine and dishes, for which Bu Yuan tipped him two silver coins, and the attendant thanked them profusely before departing.
After their meal, Bu Yuan said, “A day’s travel has tired me. Brother, you should rest first. I have an acquaintance here—I’ll take the chance to pay him a visit.”
Fang Guohuan replied, “Go ahead, Brother Bu, but return early.”
Bu Yuan agreed and left.
Fang Guohuan drank a cup of tea, then sat on the bed with eyes closed, reflecting on the strange chess match and pondering how to inquire about the chess master eunuch upon reaching the capital.
Just then, a commotion arose in the inn’s courtyard below—a tumult of horses and voices. Fang Guohuan opened the window and looked down to see thirty or forty guests arriving at once, all sturdy men in travel gear. Among them was a warm sedan chair, attended by two elegantly dressed maids. Judging by their accents and attire, they were from beyond the Pass, from Liaodong. Over a dozen attendants from the inn came out to greet them with smiles. Fang Guohuan watched for a while and then returned to his bed to rest.
Soon, he heard footsteps and an attendant led two people into the room next door. He heard one say, “Little brother, see that my young lady’s room is quiet and undisturbed. Here’s ten taels of silver for your trouble.”
Fang Guohuan thought to himself, “Such generosity—these people must be of some importance.”
The attendant replied delightedly, “Rest assured, gentlemen, everything will be arranged to your satisfaction. Please wait while I bring wine and dishes.” After a few more words, he left.
Then another person came upstairs and entered the adjacent room, saying, “Brother Du, Brother Lei, the young lady’s accommodations are all arranged. Is there anything else?”
Someone asked, “Has contact been made with the Six Harmonies Society?”
“Six Harmonies Society?” Fang Guohuan was startled and listened closely. Both rooms had their windows open and the men spoke in loud, robust voices, so he could hear clearly.
The newcomer replied, “Brother Zhao has gone to make contact with the Six Harmonies Society. We should have news soon.”
“Good. Take care of the young lady—this is her first time in the Central Plains. Nothing must go wrong, or there will be no way to answer to the Grand Chief on our return.”
The man acknowledged this and left.
Soon, the inn attendants brought wine and food. “Gentlemen, enjoy your meal. Call if you need anything,” they said, leaving quietly.
The two men in the next room sat down to drink.
One said, “Though we came to the Central Plains with the young lady to find Young Master Luo and Master Gu’s disciple, the Grand Chief also entrusted us with an important mission.”
The other sighed. “Indeed! The situation in the east is not what it once was. The Jurchens grow more powerful, eyeing the Ming Dynasty hungrily, and they have no tolerance for us outlaws, wishing to swallow us up.”
The first said, “Though the Grand Chief and our brothers are bold and fearless heroes, we are far outnumbered and cannot withstand the Jurchens’ hundreds of thousands of cavalry.”
The other continued, “Two months ago, that Jurchen prince, Nurman, came to White Tiger Mountain’s Dragon Cloud Stronghold to visit the Grand Chief. Though his words were polite, his true aim was to threaten and entice us into surrender. The Grand Chief barely managed to deflect him.”
The first man sighed, “The Grand Chief and most of us are Han Chinese who, for various reasons, became outlaws in the east, but we do not wish to fall under Jurchen rule, nor to aid them in attacking the Ming.”
At this, Fang Guohuan realized the men next door were heroes of the eastern forests, men of principle, and he felt a surge of respect.
One of the men sighed, “Of the fifty-six mountain strongholds under the Grand Chief’s command, more than twenty have already been won over by the Jurchens. But who can blame them? If you can’t eat from one bowl, you’ll eat from another.”
The other said, “The Jurchens want to force the Grand Chief to submit; if he surrenders, well and good. If not, they’ll destroy us. The Grand Chief cannot bear to see the foundation he built over decades destroyed, so he sent us to the Central Plains to seek out the Six Harmonies Society, the greatest chivalrous society in the land, hoping to ally with them and keep our brothers from scattering into banditry. It’s a wise move.”
Fang Guohuan thought, “If even my sister’s Six Harmonies Society can take in these eastern heroes, its strength will be greater than ever—a very good thing indeed.”
He heard one continue, “I hear the Society’s current leader is a young woman named Lian Qiying. Under her leadership, the Society has flourished, with branches in a hundred and eight places, each with six sub-chapters, and thousands of members. Moreover, all their deeds are righteous and chivalrous, which is why the Grand Chief decided to seek alliance with them.”
The other seemed uneasy. “Our White Tiger Mountain’s Dragon Cloud Stronghold and the other strongholds have five or six thousand men, plus countless properties. To join the Six Harmonies Society all at once—will they accept us? Even if they do, being under someone else’s roof is not a pleasant thing. We’ll have to see if their leader knows how to handle people.”
The first replied, “I’ve advised the Grand Chief that, since our foundation is solid, we could just move our men to the Central Plains and set up on our own. But the Grand Chief said that would be a poor strategy. It would inevitably bring us into conflict with the Six Harmonies Society, and both sides would suffer. Besides, a strong dragon does not press a local snake. Competing with the local power in their own territory is risky. Forming an alliance is the wiser course.”
The other said, “We’ll see what comes of contacting the local branch. Even if they agree, there’s much to negotiate—this is no simple matter.”
The first said, “Right now, the most important thing is to arrange the alliance with the Six Harmonies Society. As for Medicine King and his disciple, who knows where they are? Once this great affair is settled, we’ll accompany the young lady to search for them, and take the chance to see more of the Central Plains.”
The other said, “Since Medicine King and his disciple left, the young lady has hardly eaten or slept. Now, after these years, she insists on finding Young Master Luo.”
The first laughed, “The Grand Chief and Master Gu have arranged an engagement between the young lady and Young Master Luo. That she now travels a thousand miles to seek her husband is nothing shameful.”
The other said, “Young Master Luo is truly blessed. Ever since he ate the ginseng king, not only does he shine with health, but under Master Gu’s instruction, his skills have become extraordinary. When he and the young lady wed, he’ll be our young master. I hope we find them soon.”
At that moment, another commotion broke out in the inn’s courtyard. Someone hurried upstairs and entered the room next door, saying, “Brother Du, Brother Lei, the leader of the Hebei branch of the Six Harmonies Society, Master Huang, has arrived—he’s downstairs.”
The two were shocked and hurried down to greet him. Fang Guohuan, hearing that someone from the Six Harmonies Society had come, quickly left his room and watched from the corridor.
Downstairs, more than ten people had gathered, led by a thin, elderly man. Du Jian and Lei Tianbao descended the stairs, followed by the eastern heroes. Du Jian greeted the elder, “So it is Master Huang. I am Du Jian, and this is Lei Tianbao, from White Tiger Mountain’s Dragon Cloud Stronghold in the east.”
Master Huang glanced at them, declined to enter the room, and, standing arrogantly in the courtyard, said, “I am Huang Xiaotian, chief leader of the three great branches of the Hebei Six Harmonies Society. I hear you eastern heroes wish to join us?”
Du Jian bowed, “Indeed. The Six Harmonies Society commands respect throughout the land as a righteous brotherhood. We hope Master Huang will introduce us to Chief Lian, so we may discuss an alliance.”
Huang Xiaotian snorted, “Is our chief someone you can meet just because you wish to?”
Du Jian was taken aback; behind him, Lei Tianbao’s face darkened with anger, and Fang Guohuan, watching from above, frowned as well.
Du Jian composed himself and replied respectfully, “Forgive our impudence, Master Huang, but this is a grave matter. Only by meeting Chief Lian can it be settled. We humbly request your assistance.”
Huang Xiaotian sneered, “Your chief, the Mighty Bow King, Gong Changjiu, is somewhat famous, but as for you two, I’ve never heard of you. Clearly, you’re only here because the Jurchens have left you nowhere to turn—seeking refuge with us...”
Behind him, another branch leader, Wang, tugged at his sleeve, signaling him not to go too far. Huang Xiaotian shook him off and continued, “You people aren’t qualified to see our chief. If Gong Changjiu comes in person, perhaps I’ll grant him an audience.”
Du Jian flushed with embarrassment; the men behind him bristled, and Lei Tianbao glared, ready to protest. Du Jian restrained his anger, pulled Lei Tianbao back, and with a stern look kept his men from acting.
Fang Guohuan upstairs felt his own anger rise. “How could the Six Harmonies Society harbor such narrow-minded men? But then, with so many branches, my sister can’t possibly weed out all the undesirables.”
Suddenly, he remembered the Six Harmonies Society’s golden command token given to him by Lian Qiying, who had said it was as good as her personal presence. Joyful, he called out, “Master Huang, how can you speak such unreasonable words?” As he spoke, he descended the stairs.
The crowd in the courtyard turned in astonishment, seeing a calm young stranger walking down.
Huang Xiaotian, seeing this unknown youth daring to rebuke him in public, was furious. “Who are you, boy, to offend me?”
Fang Guohuan stepped forward, saluted, and said with a smile, “Calm yourself, Master Huang. If you do not wish to accept the goodwill of these eastern heroes, so be it, but why insult them? Chief Du and his men are heroes, unwilling to fall under Jurchen control, seeking alliance with the Six Harmonies Society for the greater good. They come not as supplicants, but as equals. If you do not wish to win merit by introducing them, why bar them at the door?”
Both sides were stunned. Du Jian, realizing Fang Guohuan had overheard his conversation with Lei Tianbao earlier, was nonetheless pleased by his righteous words.
Huang Xiaotian was briefly startled; his men nodded to themselves. Feeling the authority of Fang Guohuan’s words, Huang Xiaotian grew uncomfortable, then, shamed and enraged, shouted, “Impudent boy! I’ll teach you a lesson!” He leaped forward, claw-like hand reaching for Fang Guohuan’s shoulder.
Du Jian, anticipating trouble, blocked his path. The branch leader Wang, seeing things about to escalate, quickly grabbed Huang Xiaotian’s belt, pulling him back by force. The eastern men drew their weapons, ready for a fight.
Huang Xiaotian, unable to advance, glared at Wang. “What are you doing, Wang?”
Wang whispered urgently, “Master Huang, don’t be rash. This man has a powerful background—we mustn’t act rashly.”
Huang Xiaotian paused and withdrew.
Knowing the time was right, Fang Guohuan produced a small red cloth bundle, stepped up to Huang Xiaotian, and opened it in his palm. “Master Huang, do you recognize this?”
Everyone stared in surprise.
Huang Xiaotian, seeing it, blurted out, “The Six Harmonies Gold Command Token!” The Society’s members gasped and fell to their knees.
Fang Guohuan was taken aback by their reaction, not expecting the token’s power to be so great. He hurriedly put it away and helped them up. “Rise, Master Huang, please. I cannot accept such courtesy.”
Sweat beaded on Huang Xiaotian’s brow. Once everyone stood, he stammered, “Young Master Fang, are you a special envoy from Chief Lian? Please forgive my earlier offense!”
Fang Guohuan replied, “You misunderstand, Master Huang—I am not a member of your Society.”
The crowd was startled anew. Huang Xiaotian asked, “Then how do you possess the gold command token?”
Fang Guohuan smiled, “Your Chief Lian—whom I call Sister Lian—gave it to me herself.”
The crowd was even more astonished at his familiar address.
Fang Guohuan explained, “Sister Lian recently inspected the Crane’s Nest Villa by the Yellow River, together with Masters Hong Jinshan and Liu Yunhe.”
Huang Xiaotian relaxed, “I’ve received word of her inspection and expect her arrival soon.” Still, he could not fathom how Fang Guohuan came to possess the token.
Fang Guohuan was delighted. “That’s excellent! When Sister Lian arrives, she can discuss the alliance with Chief Du. Master Huang, why not use this opportunity to introduce them and win great merit?”
Huang Xiaotian, realizing how close he had come to disaster, was grateful. “You are right, Young Master Fang. Please forgive my ignorance. As Chief Lian’s close friend and bearer of the gold token, I will follow your lead.”
The other leaders breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Huang Xiaotian turned to Du Jian and his men, bowing deeply. “I spoke out of turn earlier and nearly caused a terrible mistake. Please forgive me.”
Du Jian quickly helped him up. “No need for blame, Master Huang. As the saying goes, ‘No fight, no friendship.’ Let us look to the future and work together.”
Grateful, Huang Xiaotian said, “Such magnanimity proves you eastern brothers are true heroes. I will immediately send word by carrier pigeon to the Chief, urging her to come quickly so we can discuss this great matter.”
Du Jian was overjoyed. “Excellent! We’ll leave all arrangements to you.”
Huang Xiaotian apologized to Lei Tianbao and the others, now much changed from his earlier arrogance. The two groups introduced themselves, and the tension melted away. All then thanked Fang Guohuan for mediating.
Fang Guohuan demurred, “This is your Society’s affair—I am an outsider. Just mention me to Sister Lian when you see her.”
Huang Xiaotian called for the innkeeper. “These eastern heroes will soon be brothers of the Society. Treat them well. Young Master Fang here is the Chief’s friend—see that he is especially well cared for. Put all their expenses on our Hebei branch’s account, and bring out the best food and drink.”
The innkeeper replied, “At once, Master.” He bowed to everyone. “Not knowing you were our own people, my hospitality fell short. Please forgive me.” He then ordered the staff to prepare a feast. It was only then that Fang Guohuan and the others realized the inn belonged to the Six Harmonies Society.
Huang Xiaotian said, “The matter of the eastern heroes joining us is so important that I dare not delay. I must go make arrangements.” He took his leave and hurried off with his men to notify headquarters.
After he left, Du Jian turned to Fang Guohuan and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Young Master Fang, for intervening in time and helping us greatly. We will report this to Chief Gong and reward you handsomely in the future.”
Fang Guohuan returned the bow. “No need for thanks. You act for righteousness—I am honored to assist in any way.”
Lei Tianbao and the others also came to express their gratitude.
Just then, a maid descended the stairs, bowed, and said, “Chief Du, Miss saw everything from upstairs and wishes to thank Young Master Fang in person. Please invite him up.”
Fang Guohuan replied, “The young lady need not be so formal.”
Du Jian said, “It is only proper. Please, Young Master Fang.”
Seeing refusal would be impolite, Fang Guohuan followed them.
Du Jian led him to a refined room upstairs, where a pretty young lady, accompanied by a maid, greeted him with a curtsy.
Du Jian introduced her. “This is Miss Gong Ying’er, daughter of our Grand Chief.”
Fang Guohuan bowed. “I am Fang Guohuan. Greetings, Miss Gong.”
Gong Ying’er returned the bow. “Young Master Fang, you have acted with great righteousness and helped Uncle Du and the others. I thank you.”
Fang Guohuan replied, “No need for thanks, Miss Gong. Your father’s wish to ally with the Six Harmonies Society for a just cause is admirable. Besides, I have friends in the Society—it was only right for me to help.”
Miss Gong invited him to sit and said, “My parents are both from the Central Plains, but I was born in the east. I never thought my first visit here would bring me such chivalrous company—it gladdens me greatly. The scenery here is beautiful, the people good, just like you, Young Master Fang, and my dear Kun brother...” At this, a gentle sigh escaped her lips.
Fang Guohuan asked, “Why do you sigh, Miss Gong? Once your father leads the eastern heroes back to the Central Plains and allies with the Society, it will be a grand event.”
Gong Ying’er replied, “I came with Uncle Du not only to help my father’s cause, but to search for an old friend. Alas! Where might he be? It is a torment not knowing.”
Fang Guohuan consoled her, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Since you have journeyed so far with such sincerity, I am sure you will find him.”
Gong Ying’er brightened. “With your kind words, I am comforted.” Little did Fang Guohuan realize the friend she sought was Luo Kun, whom he lost in the Turret Monastery years before.
After some further conversation, Fang Guohuan took his leave, escorted personally back to his room by Du Jian. Knowing his alliance depended on Fang Guohuan, Du Jian was especially respectful and presented three hundred taels of silver, which Fang Guohuan accepted after polite refusal.
Shortly after, Gong Ying’er sent a maid with a pouch of jewels, which Fang Guohuan also accepted, rewarding the maid with twenty taels of silver, much to her delight. The innkeeper then dispatched a waiter with two hundred taels on behalf of Huang Xiaotian. When Fang Guohuan declined, the innkeeper insisted, “If you don’t accept, Master Huang will believe you are still angry and will be uneasy.” Thus Fang Guohuan reluctantly accepted and asked the innkeeper to thank Master Huang.
Looking at the pile of silver on his table, Fang Guohuan shook his head with a wry smile, wrapped it all in cloth, and placed it by his bed. Soon, two attendants brought in a table of food and drink. Fang Guohuan tried to tip them, but they steadfastly refused, and withdrew.
He shook his head and waited for Bu Yuan to return.
Half an hour later, someone bounded up the stairs and Bu Yuan burst in, exclaiming, “What a horse! What a horse!” Then, seeing Fang Guohuan alone with a table full of food, he was startled. “Brother, are you hosting guests?”
Fang Guohuan laughed, “I’m not hosting anyone. The inn sent all this.”
Bu Yuan wondered, “Why such a feast? Did you win it at chess?”
Fang Guohuan smiled, pointing to the bundle of silver. “Look at what’s in that bundle, Brother Bu.”
Bu Yuan, curious, opened it and exclaimed, “What day is this for you? A feast and a pile of silver!”
Fang Guohuan recounted what had happened.
Bu Yuan was amazed. “My! You have such skill at peacemaking! A few words and a token, and you reap such rewards.”
Fang Guohuan smiled and asked, “What was that about a good horse, Brother Bu?”
Bu Yuan’s eyes lit up. “Right! On my way back, I passed the stable and saw a magnificent black horse—so extraordinary! I don’t know whose it is, but I hurried back to fetch you to see it. It’s the finest I’ve ever beheld.”
So he dragged Fang Guohuan to the stable behind the inn.
There, indeed, was a rare black horse: six feet tall, dignified, black as ink with a snowy patch on its belly, gleaming in the sunlight, with a flowing mane and a long, curly tail, crystal-clear eyes, and an imposing bearing. It stood perfectly still, like a sculpture of jade—a true steed among steeds.
Fang Guohuan was awed. “Splendid! Truly a divine horse!”
A groom came to feed it the freshest of hay, and two burly guards stood watch with weapons. Bu Yuan, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, “What is this steed’s name, and whose is it?”
The guards sized them up, saw no ill intent, and one replied, “This horse’s coat is all black except for a patch of white on its belly—hence its name, ‘Clouds Draping the Moon.’ Our master brought it from the east to present as a gift.”
At that moment, a voice behind them said, “Does Young Master Fang also appreciate fine horses?”
Fang Guohuan turned to see Lei Tianbao and greeted him. “It’s you, Chief Lei.” He introduced Bu Yuan.
Lei Tianbao greeted them warmly. The guards saluted him. He nodded, “Take good care of it. This horse is more valuable than your lives.”
Fang Guohuan thought, “So this steed belongs to Chief Du and his men.”
Lei Tianbao, a little proud, asked, “How is it, Young Master Fang?”
Fang Guohuan praised, “Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would not believe such a horse existed in this world!”
Bu Yuan, emboldened by their acquaintance, stepped into the stable and tried to stroke the horse. The guards hesitated but did not interfere. Bu Yuan, enamored, reached out, but before he could touch its back, the horse neighed and kicked wildly. Bu Yuan leapt back in fright.
Lei Tianbao called out, “Brother Bu, beware! This horse is fierce and does not tolerate strangers.” Luckily, Bu Yuan dodged in time.
He left the stable, shaking his head in admiration. “What a horse! What a fiery spirit!”
Fang Guohuan said, “You are too hasty, Brother Bu. Exceptional horses have exceptional temperaments and are not easily tamed.” Then he asked Lei Tianbao, “Chief Lei, who is this steed intended for?”
Lei Tianbao replied, “Our Grand Chief wishes to present it to Chief Lian of the Six Harmonies Society as a gift to mark our alliance.” After a pause, he smiled, “But our young lady wishes to give it to Young Master Luo, our future young master.”
Bu Yuan asked, “Such a rare horse—where did you find it?”
Lei Tianbao replied, “Our Grand Chief purchased it from a Mongolian horse trader at great cost. It is the finest steed in the east!”
Bu Yuan declared, “It would be worthy of being the world’s greatest horse!”
Lei Tianbao continued, “It is incredibly swift—capable of a thousand li in a single day. But except for our Grand Chief and myself, no one has been able to ride it. Because it is so fierce and untamable, the Grand Chief wishes to present it to Chief Lian, hoping someone in the Society can master it.”
Fang Guohuan was amazed, and seeing Bu Yuan’s longing, he teased, “Are you a skilled rider, Brother Bu?”
Bu Yuan replied, “Years ago, I was adept at riding and archery. Though I’ve hunted more than ridden lately, with a fine horse, I could still manage.”
Returning to their room, Bu Yuan could not stop extolling the horse.
Once inside, the two sat down to their feast. After a time, Fang Guohuan said, “Brother Bu, we must leave early tomorrow—let’s not be noticed.”
Bu Yuan wondered, “Is there anyone here to fear?”
Fang Guohuan replied, “We must avoid being detained by the Society, which might delay our journey to the capital.”
Bu Yuan agreed, “Let’s leave before dawn and avoid trouble.”
Before daybreak, they packed quietly, slipped out of their room and the inn, avoiding the night watch, and set off toward the capital.