Chapter 101: 102 Visiting Wushan Castle Again

Chapter 101: 102. Return to Wushan Castle

More than two months had passed since Luo Ning last set foot in Wushan Castle.

This time, unlike his first arrival, his personal strength had reached the Advanced Rank. Even if he encountered beasts or bandits along the way, he could handle them alone.

Luo Ning’s purpose in coming to Wushan Castle was twofold: first, to sell the array of items he carried in his space ring; second—and more importantly—he hoped to secure formal ownership of the land north of Shanlin Town.

Generally, nobles seeking to expand their fiefs had four means: conquest, marriage, inheritance, or bestowal.

“Bestowal” required a vassal to render extraordinary service to his lord, only then might the lord grant new lands.

Luo Ning had conquered the barbarian tribes—technically, a service rendered to the Wushan domain.

He could use this achievement to express his desire to Lu Lan, and even if the land was not granted to him, at least he hoped Lu Lan would consider him when assigning it to another.

Though Luo Ning was away, he knew he remained a member of the Wushan family in Lu Lan’s eyes.

After all, the direct bloodline of Wushan Castle was dwindling—Wei Jins had been crippled; only three remained in the third generation.

The eldest granddaughter, Mai Jini Wushan—Luo Ning’s own sister—had married six years ago to Sir Kabir Pedersen, commander of the Second Knightly Order, effectively becoming an outsider.

The only two remaining heirs of the Wushan bloodline were Luo Ning and Bu Reton.

But they differed greatly.

Luo Ning had no complex familial ties; his mother’s family, the Sari clan, had been wiped out in the southern war.

Bu Reton, however, had a count for a maternal grandfather—and that man’s ambitions were far from modest.

Once Bu Reton inherited the marquisate, there was no guarantee the Hai family wouldn’t install a new puppet, gradually erasing the Wushan bloodline over one or two generations.

Lu Lan had once abandoned Luo Ning—not out of malice, but out of desperation.

Now, if Luo Ning demonstrated sufficient potential—enough to convince Lu Lan that he might restore the Wushan legacy, enough to make Lu Lan consider striking against the Hai family—then who would truly inherit the marquisate remained uncertain.

These were merely Luo Ning’s private thoughts. He had no intention of rushing to reveal his true potential.

As the saying goes: when a tree towers above the forest, the wind will surely break it.

If he stood out too conspicuously, he would draw attention—especially from the Hai family.

Should they perceive him as a threat to Bu Reton’s position, a new wave of persecution would begin, and this time, it would not be mere slander or false accusations.

Thus, Luo Ning chose to remain as low-key as possible, buying time to grow.

In short: fortify the walls, stockpile grain, delay proclaiming oneself king.

...

The journey was dull, but this time he traveled with Mai Ken, Wo Dun, and George, one of the Three Knights of Huitu Village.

All four were professional knights, mounted on high-quality warhorses. Luo Ning himself rode the Tànyún, the steed gifted to him by Luo Gena of Mu Ma City—their pace was swift.

On the fifth afternoon, they passed through Wushan City and arrived at the gates of Wushan Castle.

Though Luo Ning was Lu Lan’s grandson and Wei Jin’s son, as a branch member already granted his own fief, custom demanded he announce his arrival before entering.

Before the castle gates, Wo Dun and George stared upward in awe.

Both had been born among the barbarians; they had never seen such grandeur. The sight before them struck their senses, deepening their resolve to follow Luo Ning.

They knew that low-rank knights were plentiful—but few ever set foot within a noble’s castle.

For common knights without lineage, only by aligning with the right lord could they transcend their station.

Soon, the castle’s steward strode out with a radiant smile.

“Welcome home, Master Luo Ning!”

Huo Hua Te bowed deeply before Luo Ning. “Your return has breathed life into Wushan Castle. I have prepared your most comfortable chambers, and hot baths to cleanse the weariness of your journey—may you feel the warmth of home.”

Luo Ning’s expression turned slightly odd. Why was Huo Hua Te so formal?

“It’s been a long time, Master Huo. I heard of my father’s misfortune and was deeply troubled. How is he now?”

Huo Hua Te’s face flickered with awkwardness.

There was no trace of concern on Luo Ning’s face. And it had been a month—Wei Jin’s amputated limb had already healed.

“The master’s condition has improved significantly.”

Huo Hua Te’s expression darkened with sorrow. “But he has lost a leg. He will never ride into battle again. He must spend the rest of his days in a wheelchair.”

Luo Ning’s gaze dimmed. “That is truly heartbreaking. Lead me to him.”

“Master...”

Huo Hua Te hesitated. “Master Bu Reton returned this morning. He is likely with Lady Dai Anni in the master’s chamber.”

Luo Ning raised an eyebrow. Since his arrival, he had never laid eyes on his younger brother.

“Then first, show me to the bath. When it is convenient, inform me.”

“Oh, and please tell Mo Si—I’d like to know when I may visit Grandfather.”

Huo Hua Te smiled and nodded, his perception of this young master shifting anew. This Luo Ning was utterly transformed from the one stripped of his inheritance—mature, composed, immeasurably different.

“Master, please follow me.”

Huo Hua Te bowed, gesturing for Luo Ning and his companions to enter the castle.

After settling Luo Ning and Mai Ken, he went to two places.

First, to Wei Jin’s quarters, to deliver the news of his eldest son’s return.

Wei Jin showed no surprise, no anger. Only a quiet, detached remark: “So he remembers how to come back.” Then he ordered preparations for dinner—they would meet then.

His second destination: the rear courtyard of Wushan Castle, where he informed Old Master Mo Si of Luo Ning’s arrival.

When Lu Lan heard the news, a faint smile curled at the corner of his lips—whether of joy or something else, no one could tell.

Truthfully, when word reached him from Mu Ma City that the Baron of Shanlin Town had conquered three barbarian tribes in one stroke, he had been stunned.

He had thought it a miracle if this grandson could simply endure life in Shanlin Town. He had never imagined the boy would not only adapt, but launch war beyond its borders.

Though he heard the barbarians offered little resistance, the mere courage to draw a sword and march forth had already earned Luo Ning Lu Lan’s respect.

He grew more certain: stripping him of his inheritance had awakened him. For the Wushan family, this was a blessing.

“Go. Tell Luo Ning to come see me before dinner.”

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Thank you to the patrons Qinghe Sanren and Dong Fei Zou Nai for your generous donations, and to all the lords for your recommendation votes. Much appreciated!

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The editor says today is the day for subscription launch—but it’s too rushed. I’ve been traveling this week and am unprepared. I’ve voluntarily postponed it. Unless something unforeseen occurs, the launch will begin next Friday. For a new author, first-subscription numbers are critically, critically important. I humbly beg your support then. Thank you!

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(End of Chapter)