Grass and mustard reign supreme

Chapter 90 Horse Taming
Inside the east wing of the Yang family's front residence, the air was filled with the rich aroma of meat and the mellow scent of milk wine.

Nearly twenty fierce tribal warriors under Balimo's command were all here.

These men from the grasslands, each with a robust build and weathered faces, were sitting cross-legged on the ground without any hesitation.

They held heavy wooden bowls filled with amber-colored milk wine in one hand, and grabbed shiny lamb bones in the other, tearing into the tender meat with gusto. Their ravenous eating revealed the ruggedness and hearty enjoyment unique to the people of the grasslands.

Milk wine dripped down their chins and onto their clothes without them noticing; bones were gnawed clean and tossed to the ground with a crisp sound.

The entire room was filled with the sounds of chewing, swallowing, and boisterous laughter, as lively as a bonfire party on the grassland.

Just as everyone was enjoying their drinks and someone had started singing grassland folk songs at the top of their lungs, the door creaked open.

A burly Xianbei man strode in. He had a long, narrow face, single eyelids, sharp eyes, and a typical tufted hairstyle.

His eyes scanned the crowd urgently, and he asked in a hurried voice, "Where is the lord? Where is Lord Balimo? I have urgent news to report!"

A Xianbei warrior, who was engrossed in tearing at a piece of meat, looked up at the sound, meat still clinging to the corner of his mouth, and mumbled, "My lord has gone to a banquet at Master Yang's place."

Upon hearing this, the long-faced man became even more nervous. He left with the words, "You all get ready quickly, I'm going to find the master," and turned to leave quickly, forgetting to even close the door.

The Xianbei warriors looked at each other, not knowing what had happened, but they all quickened their pace of eating and drinking.

In an instant, the sounds of gulping down drinks and teeth tearing flesh and bone became more and more frequent, and a restless and desperate atmosphere quietly emerged from the originally lively scene.

Meanwhile, the second hall of the Yang residence has been carefully decorated as today's banquet venue.

The hall had only three tables for banquets, but thanks to Xiao Qingmei's clever arrangement, it exuded a low-key yet elegant luxury.

There is no deliberate piling up of gold and silver jewelry, nor excessive decoration of silk and satin; all the elegance is hidden in the details.
On each table was a celadon vase, with a few fresh crape myrtle flowers in it, their petals still glistening with morning dew, exuding vitality.

The screen in the hall is made of plain silk, with several green bamboos outlined in light ink, the brushstrokes are elegant and the artistic conception is profound.

What's wonderful is the faint, lingering fragrance in the air, which was personally blended by Abbess Jingyao.

Incense wafted from the censer placed in the corner of the hall, resembling both orchids and musk, neither too strong nor too weak, refreshing the mind and enhancing the elegant atmosphere of the entire banquet.

All the farm owners and ranchers present here are people who, in addition to their legitimate businesses, also have many shady ways of making money.

Having managed a local business for many years, who among them isn't wealthy and worldly-wise?
Such a subtle and elegant display was something they had never seen before in their lives.

Although there was a similar grandeur in the Yu family, such a scene only occurred when the patriarch Yu Xinglong discussed matters with the heads of each branch.

When they usually went up the mountain to report on their duties, they could only meet with the steward of the Yu family at most. They had never received such treatment before.
Unconsciously, everyone felt an even greater sense of awe and respect for Yang Can, the young Grand Deacon.

Therefore, no one made a loud noise during the meal. Even when they talked, they leaned down and whispered, keeping their voices very low. The entire banquet hall was always shrouded in a restrained and elegant atmosphere.

The aura that Xiao Qingmei meticulously created perfectly highlighted Yang Can's unquestionable authority, making everyone afraid to show the slightest disrespect.

Just then, the long-faced Xianbei man appeared at the entrance of the banquet hall.

He walked briskly, his eyes quickly scanning the area, and soon locked onto the location of the man who had pulled the man away. He then strode over to him.

He leaned close to Balim's ear and whispered a few words in a voice only the two of them could hear.

Ba Limo was holding a wine glass, chatting and laughing with the rancher next to him, when his eyes suddenly lit up after hearing what the long-faced man said.

Although the long-faced man wasn't entirely certain that the four carriages that left Feng'an Village that morning were there to transport the "mountain goods" they had been searching for.

But just yesterday two people went missing from the village, and today Yang Can hurriedly dispatched a carriage out of the village. Moreover, the driver returned empty-handed, and the carriage was handed over to Yu Rui, who was supposed to return to Dailai City, halfway there...

This series of actions was so suspicious that he couldn't help but be suspicious.

He calmly put down his wine glass, lowered his voice, and asked the long-faced man, "How many of them are there in total?"

"Including Young Master Yu and his guards, there are fourteen people in total," the long-faced man hurriedly replied.

Upon hearing this number, Ba Li's tense nerves immediately relaxed, and he felt confident of victory.

He slammed his hand on the table, making a sharp "smack" that shattered the tranquility of the banquet hall.

Ba Limo angrily rebuked, "A bunch of ungrateful bastards!"

Today, Master Yang hosted a banquet with fine wine and meat, yet they dared to cause trouble under the guise of drinking!

These idiots are making me lose all face!

He stood up angrily, cupped his hands in greeting to the ranchers at the same table, and forced a look of apology on his face.

"I apologize for making a fool of myself; it was my poor management that disturbed everyone's enjoyment."

Please excuse me for a moment, I'll be right back!

After saying that, he exchanged a glance with the long-faced man and strode out of the banquet hall.

Sitting at the same table, the bald-headed Falcon watched Ba Limo's departing figure, curled his lip in disdain, and sneered:

"How dare you allow your subordinates to cause trouble while drunk in someone else's residence?"
What a disgraceful bunch! Aren't they afraid of being laughed at by Master Yang?

After thinking for a moment, he was still uneasy. He beckoned to his personal attendant, Chi Nu, covered his mouth and nose with his hand, and whispered the instructions:
"Go and tell our people that none of them are allowed to get drunk."

Anyone who disgraces me, I'll skin them alive!

"Yes, sir!" Chi Nu replied respectfully, not daring to delay for a moment, and quickly turned and left.

Just then, Yang Can, accompanied by Kang Zhengyang and Leopard Head Cheng Dakuan, slowly walked into the hall.

Zhang Yunyi was the first to react, immediately standing up from his seat and respectfully bowing, "Deacon Yang!"

Upon seeing this, all the guests stood up, cupped their hands in greeting to Yang Can, and said, "Greetings, Steward Yang," displaying the utmost respect.

Only Yu Xiaobao, who was sitting in the chief seat, remained seated proudly, without getting up. A dismissive smile played on his lips, and his eyes held a hint of contempt.

He keenly sensed that although people were outwardly respectful to him, their words and actions always carried a certain distance.

They showed far less genuine awe and obedience than they did when facing Yang Can.

Ultimately, it's all about having real power!
Otherwise, even if I were the third master of the Yu family's eldest branch, these bastards might not truly take me seriously.

Yu Xiaobao thought to himself, his gaze falling on Zhang Yunyi, who was the first to stand up.

Staring at Zhang Yunyi's respectful back, Leopard thought to himself, "This guy was treated so badly by Yang Can, but now he is willing to serve Yang Can and be his lackey."
I do not believe!
I've been secretly observing Yang Can in Feng'an Village these past few days, but I haven't found any significant evidence against him. How can I bring him down if things continue like this?

If we can win Zhang Yunyi over and have him work for me secretly, we might be able to find a weakness in Yang Can's defenses..."

Yu Xiaobao's mind raced, a calculating glint flashing in his eyes.

At this moment, Zhang Yunyi respectfully walked to Yang Can's side and began to introduce him to the managers of the various farms and ranches present.

"Steward Yang, this is Master Huang from Qingyuan."

"Oh? I heard that four days ago, Master Huang was blessed with a grandson. This is a joyous occasion, and we are truly delighted to celebrate."

"Haha, this must be Shepherd Cheng Dong, right? I've heard so much about you!"
In his early years, Yang worked as a horse herder for a powerful family for two years, and he often heard the herders mention you.

Everyone says that the Liupanshan Ranch has the largest number of horses and the best quality.

It is truly a pleasure to meet Pastor Cheng today!

The honest Master Cheng grinned and said, "You flatter me, Steward. I only know a little about the ins and outs of horse breeding."

I have come to pay my respects today, but I have not brought anything of value. I have specially prepared two three-year-old foals.

These two three-year-old foals are so tender, and their coats are exceptionally white. I hope you'll like them, Steward.

Yang Canxin said happily, "A white horse? A white horse is great! Riding a white horse is so impressive. I like it. Master Cheng is very thoughtful."

Zhang Yunyi introduced Yang Can to each of them, and Yang Can was always able to chat with them for a while. His words were not only appropriate, but also accurately reflected their current situation or preferences.

For example, they knew everything about the recent harvest of a certain estate owner, such as the birth of a grandson of the Huang family, the skill of the Cheng family in raising horses, and even the recent harvest of a certain estate owner.

This made everyone present feel both refreshed and secretly apprehensive.

Yang Can knows so much about us, even such a recent event as the birth of a grandson to Master Huang just four days ago. It's clear how much attention he pays to us.

……

Chi Nu rushed to the west wing where Tuoba Junxie's men lived, and conveyed Tuoba Junxie's order that everyone was strictly forbidden from getting drunk.

Nomadic peoples are naturally fond of alcohol. Perhaps it is because of their life of riding horses across the grasslands and being accompanied by wind and snow that they have developed the habit of using alcohol to keep warm and to enhance their enjoyment.

At this time, there were already six or seven Xianbei men in the west wing who were quite drunk.

After Chi Nu relayed the order, two men who appeared to be stewards immediately began confiscating the wine vessels.

This drew murmurs of discontent from the Xianbei men who hadn't had enough to drink, but no one dared to openly rebel. They all knew Tuoba Junxie's temper; if they truly disobeyed his orders, the consequences would be unimaginable.

After explaining the situation, Chi Nu prepared to return to the banquet hall to serve Tuoba Junxie.

As soon as he stepped out of the courtyard gate of the west wing, he saw Yang Can's bodyguard, Leopard Head Cheng Dakuan, standing on the road not far away.

Leopard Head put one hand to his forehead, gazing in the direction of the ceremonial gate, his face full of astonishment.

"Strange, why did Ba Limo suddenly leave with his people?"
They left in such a hurry that they didn't even say goodbye to my family's estate owner.

So rude and disrespectful! They have absolutely no manners! Bah!

As he spoke, Leopard Head spat on the ground and turned to walk towards the banquet hall.

Chi Nu was puzzled and looked in the direction that Leopard Head had been gazing.

All that could be seen was Bali Mo carrying a ring-pommel sword, followed by more than a dozen fully armed Xianbei men, hurrying towards the gate.

Everyone wore a tense expression and walked quickly, clearly having something urgent to attend to.

Chi Nu, as Tuoba Junxie's close follower, has always been exceptionally alert.

Moreover, his purpose in coming to Feng'an Village with Bald Falcon Evil was to search for the missing batch of "mountain goods".

That shipment was crucial to Bald Falcon Evil; if it couldn't be recovered, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Seeing Ba Li Mo's unusual behavior, Chi Nu felt a strange sensation in his heart.

He didn't make a sound, but quietly followed behind Ba Limo and his group, watching from a distance.

In the open square outside the ceremonial gate, horses had already been prepared for Ba Limo and his party, each horse fully saddled and harnessed.

Ba Limo strode to the front of the horse, mounted it, and shouted sternly to the crowd: "Quickly, all of you mount up and follow me!"

Everyone mounted their horses and, led by Ba Limo, galloped towards the gate of the mansion.

"Something's not right! Ba Li must have discovered some clue to leave in such a hurry!"

Chi Nu's heart tightened, and without daring to delay for even a moment, he turned around and quickly ran back to the west wing.

He grabbed a guard who was still conscious and shouted sternly, "Balimo has run away with his men. You go after them immediately, and I will report to the lord right away!"

"Yes!"

The guard dared not delay, and quickly responded, turning around to fetch his warhorse.

A moment later, he rode his horse and chased after the direction where Ba Limo and the others had gone.

……

Chi Nu rushed to the banquet hall, and as soon as he reached the entrance, a rich aroma of wine and meat wafted towards him.

Inside the banquet hall, maids were carrying trays and methodically serving one exquisite dish after another to the table.

Next to each table, four wine jars of different shapes were neatly arranged.

The jars contained sake, rice wine, milk wine, and wine, respectively, and the mouths of the jars were sealed with red cloth, giving off a festive atmosphere.

Another maid, dressed in simple and elegant clothes, stood by the table, carrying a small wine pot, ready to serve the guests according to their preferences.

Inside the hall, the sounds of clinking glasses and laughter mingled together, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Chi Nu moved with light steps, like a slippery fish, silently passing through the gaps in the seating area.

He quickly walked to the bald-headed Falcon Demon's side and whispered in his ear, "My lord, Ba Limo has left with all his men, and they are in a great hurry!"

Bald-haired Falcon was holding a wine cup, having a maid pour him some.

Upon hearing Chi Nu's words, the bald-headed Falcon's eyes suddenly turned cold.

Why did Ba Limo suddenly leave?

What is he going to do?
Could it be... that he discovered my plot against the Bali tribe?
Judging by the timeline, even if the messenger I sent to deliver the message to my elder brother traveled at top speed,
Even if the eldest brother immediately dispatched troops after receiving the message, they shouldn't have reached the Bali tribe yet!

If Ba Limo didn't leave for this reason, then why was he in such a hurry, without even saying goodbye?

Tufa Junxie never even considered that batch of "mountain goods".

In his view, if Balimo really found the trail of that batch of mountain goods, there was no reason not to tell him.

Little did he know that his unusual attention to this batch of goods aroused Ba Limo's suspicion.

Ba Limo thought he could handle Yu Rui and his group, so he wanted to resolve the matter on his own.

This was not only because he was curious, but also because he had become greedy.

If the value of this batch of mountain goods is so great that he is willing to offend the Bald Tribe, then he really has the idea of ​​"double-crossing" them.

Bald Falcon remained expressionless, only nodding slightly and giving Chi Nu a wink, signaling him to wait outside the hall.

Afterwards, he picked up his wine glass and chatted and laughed with the other owners at the table, drinking a few glasses together. His tone was natural, and there was no sign of anything unusual about him.

After socializing for a while longer, the bald-headed Falcon suddenly clutched his stomach, a look of discomfort on his face, and apologized to the people at the table:
"Please forgive me, everyone. I drank too quickly today and I'm feeling a bit tipsy and my stomach is aching. Please excuse me for a moment."

The other estate owners and herders at the table were not particularly close to him, and none of them paid any attention to his departure.

With the Xianbei man gone, the remaining people were all old acquaintances, and the atmosphere of the conversation became more lively, with laughter louder than before.

Zhang Yunyi, who was sitting at the main table and in charge of managing the banquet, noticed something amiss immediately.

He clearly remembered that Ba Limo had left in a hurry before the banquet started, citing "his men causing trouble while drunk," and had not returned until now.

Now, the bald-headed Falcon Demon has suddenly left the table again, citing "stomach discomfort"...

The two Xianbei leaders left one after the other. Could something have happened?

Zhang Yunyi was puzzled and was about to quietly leave his seat to find out where the two had gone and what had happened.

Just then, Yang Can, who was sitting in the main seat, suddenly stood up with a smile.

As soon as he stood up, the noisy atmosphere in the hall instantly subsided, and all the guests turned their attention to him.

Seeing this, Zhang Yunyi had no choice but to suppress his doubts for the time being and sit back down in his seat.

Yang Can, holding a celadon wine cup, said loudly, "I am deeply grateful for the trust of the clan leader, who has appointed me as the head steward of the eldest branch and also made me the head of Feng'an Manor."

To be honest, when it comes to the ability to manage farms and ranches, you are all my seniors.

In terms of experience and methods, I am no match for you all, and I should respect you all and learn from your strengths.

In the future, Yang will undoubtedly rely on everyone's abilities to manage the lord's estates and ranches effectively.

He paused, then his tone suddenly turned stern: "However, since we're meeting for the first time today, let's be frank and discuss things openly from the beginning."

Over the years, we all know what the estate owners and ranchers have been doing behind the scenes, and there's no need to pretend we don't.

At this point in Yang Can's speech, the entire room fell into complete silence, with even the sound of breathing becoming extremely faint.

The managers' hearts jumped into their throats, and their smiles froze.

Although Yang Can had been polite and courteous since they met, and had accepted all the generous gifts they had gone to great lengths to present, his sudden change to a stern tone still made them uneasy.

Yang Can suddenly smiled, and his tone softened: "Everyone has selfish motives. Do you think I, Yang, don't have selfish motives?"

What do we gain from serving the powerful lord? Nothing more than fame, fortune, and beautiful women.

Therefore, I will not make demands on everyone because of this, and I believe the clan leader will not make demands on me either, expecting us to act like saints.

As soon as these words were spoken, the tense atmosphere in the banquet hall finally eased, and even a faint chuckle could be heard from within.

Leopard Head Cheng Dakuan walked up to Yang Can, carrying a thick stack of notebooks.

Yang Can patted the notebook in Leopard Head's hand: "These are the documents sent by various estates and ranches, as instructed by me before."

One of them is a 'petition', and the other is a 'reply'..."

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the banquet hall became tense again, and everyone who had just relaxed instantly became anxious again.

This rhythm of tightening and loosening was firmly held in Yang Can's hands, like a rein.

(End of this chapter)