Chapter 105: 106. A Harmonious Dinner

The dining hall of Wushan Castle is quite luxurious.

The soaring ceiling is inlaid with intricate carvings, and gems of various colors glisten under the illumination of the massive Magic Crystal Lamp, manifesting an incomparable air of nobility.

Murals occupy the entire wall, featuring mountains and water, fierce Thunder Chasing Beasts, and gentle, adorable small animals; it is like a gallery, adding a touch of magnificence.

Along, exquisite dining table is placed in the center, set with silver tableware and candlesticks. When Luoning arrived, the line of Servants on both sides had already begun preparing the food, and the aroma wafting out was enough to make one's mouth water.

Ever since they left the back mountain, Lulansi had restrained his attitude toward Luoning. He did not speak along the way, and especially after entering the dining hall, he walked straight to the head seat, lacking any of the chatting and laughing he had shown on the mountain.

This was clearly intentional, and Luoning let things take their natural course, walking to the side on his own and finding a seat to sit down.

"Haha, long time no see, my dear brother."

Accompanied by a somewhat callow yet cheerful laugh, a youth with the same silver hair and black eyes opened his arms and walked in quickly from outside.

Buleidun's appearance is somewhat like Daianni's, which also makes him look more refined and delicate.

His expression is relaxed and confident, and at this moment, he wears a brilliant smile, as if seeing Luoning is a very happy event.

"Long time no see, Buleidun."

Luoning stood up, hugged the other person, and greeted him very naturally.

Only then did Buleidun salute Lulansi, very formally and somewhat reservedly, "Good evening, Grandfather."

Lulansi nodded with a smile and pointed to the seat next to Luoning, "Sit down. Where are Weijinsi and Daianni?"

"We are here, Father!"

Daianni's figure appeared outside the dining hall, and Luoning looked over.

He saw her wearing a casual gown, pushing a wheelchair into the dining hall. Sitting on the wheelchair, Weijinsi, with a face full of stubble, looked somewhat decadent.

"Father!"

Luoning walked forward and said in a deep voice, "I am deeply grieved by your encounter. But please pull yourself together; Wushan City and Wushan Territory still very much need you."

Weijinsi nodded, his voice somewhat hoarse, "Thank you for your encouragement, Luoning. I originally thought you would return in December; I didn't expect you to return so early. It seems you still have this father of yours in your heart."

As he spoke, he signaled for Daianni to push him to the dining table. The latter nodded at Luoning, continued pushing the wheelchair, and after getting into position, greeted Lulansi.

Luoning heard the sarcasm in Weijinsi's words; the other party was complaining that he hadn't come to visit immediately.

However, it could also be seen that this blow had indeed changed Weijinsi's temperament. If it were in the past, the other party would certainly have jumped up and cursed a few times, but now he was only being sarcastic.

"Since everyone is here, let's begin the meal," Lulansi said.

As his voice fell, the Servants waiting on the side lifted the lids of the silver platters. Some Servants carved roast lamb, some carved steak, and some poured a glass of wine for the masters at the table.

"It is very rare for our family to have the opportunity to sit together."

Lulansi raised his glass, "For Wushan, cheers."

"For Wushan..."

"For Wushan..."

"For Wushan!"

The few of them raised their glasses together and drank in one gulp.

Next came the round of drinking with one another, but mostly it was just raising glasses and nodding in greeting, then drinking in one gulp, without saying much.

Unlike the liveliness of clinking glasses and grand speeches, this meal was eaten somewhat quietly.

Luoning was not quite used to it and could only bury his head in eating.

Before long, Lulansi put down his tableware, said a word, and left first.

Luoning noticed that the atmosphere at the table seemed much more relaxed. It appeared that everyone felt some pressure in front of this old Marquis.

Buleidun stood up, picked up his crystal glass, and raised it toward Luoning.

"Luoning, I heard that you conquered three wild tribes. Your courage and battle achievements make me admire you, and I also hope that I can contribute to the family just like you!"

Luoning chuckled and stood up to clink glasses with him, "They were just some backward savages. To tell the truth, finding their hiding spots was actually harder than defeating them."

"I heard that you also became a Primary Knight."

Daianni also raised her glass, "To your progress, cheers."

"Thank you!" Luoning responded.

"Speaking of wild tribes, I remember the days when I led the Noble Allied Forces to clear them out."

Sitting in the wheelchair, Weijinsi was somewhat reminiscing about the past.

At that time, he was young and vigorous, with much more drive than before his leg was broken. It was just a pity that they didn't finish off those fleeing nobles in one go that time, which left him with a great sense of frustration.

"You conquered three wild tribes, plus the one Leisen from Sain Territory conquered; those sinners in the north have finally been purged, which can be considered fulfilling one of my wishes."

Weijinsi raised his wine glass, "You did very well!"

Luoning raised his glass again.

It was the first time he had heard words of praise from Weijinsi's mouth; in his memory, the predecessor didn't seem to have received any.

"Brother, my grandfather's side has already found out that this assassination attempt on Father was the work of the Skull Society, and this Skull Society is a branch of the Black Gold Brotherhood. To seek revenge, and also to reclaim the dignity of the Wushan Family, Father and I both believe that we should send troops against the Black Gold Brotherhood next spring!"

Buleidun shifted the topic to the matter of Weijinsi being assassinated.

"In the past, Father always led the expeditions, but he is not convenient now, and Mother says I am too young and haven't reached the age to go to the battlefield. So, how about you represent our Wushan Family for the expedition next year?"

Buleidun's expression was very serious, "The team needs a commander who can represent the Wushan Family."

Luoning's heart tightened; the jump in this topic was a bit large.

But if one carefully analyzed this statement, it did have its correctness.

Now, among the members of the Wushan Family, there are only three people suitable to be chosen to represent the Wushan Family in battle—Lulansi, Luoning, and Buleidun.

Lulansi would not move easily, so he is excluded first;

Buleidun is only thirteen years old and does not meet the conditions for going to the battlefield, so he is excluded second.

As for who is most suitable in the end, it is obvious.

"An expedition next spring?"

Luoning feigned surprise, "Has it already been decided?"

Weijinsi nodded, "It should be about settled."

Luoning was noncommittal; Lulansi had not even made a decision yet, so for them to be so certain was perhaps a bit premature.

However, facing such a question, and considering the personality of his predecessor as well as Luoning's current situation, he chuckled and said:

"The battlefield is treacherous. Buleidun, as the heir to the family, you are still young, so it is indeed not very suitable for you to go on an expedition. Father's injuries have not yet fully healed, and his mobility is limited, making it even less appropriate."

He drained the wine in his cup in one gulp, "It is my honor to be able to contribute to the family. If it is confirmed that we are to go on an expedition next year and Wushan Castle still needs me to take command, I will absolutely not decline!"

When these words were spoken, Weijinsi and the others all smiled with gratification, though what they were each thinking in their hearts was unknown.

Buleidun would feel that this older brother was still giving him plenty of face;

Daianni would continue to think that Luoning was simple-minded and still posed little threat;

Weijinsi would feel that this son had finally grown up and was somewhat useful, capable of stepping up when the time came.

For Luoning, he had merely spoken some pleasantries.

Never mind that Lulansi had not confirmed whether they would fight when spring arrived next year, even if they were to fight, he would be in Shanlin Town by then and would have plenty of reasons to delay coming; at worst, he could just pay some money as a fine and accept a reprimand.

Having him serve as the commander was far too rash.

As someone who had been stripped of his inheritance rights, although he had wiped out the wildling tribe, this matter was indeed not considered anything remarkable in the eyes of certain nobles.

After all, even Weijinsi struggled to command respect, let alone someone like him who had a history of notorious behavior.

Even if they were to force him into the position, would those nobles listen to his commands?

They were not Maiken or Ruidar; without prestige, Luoning would be unable to command them properly.

Once on the battlefield, it is very dangerous for a unit to not listen to orders.

(End of this chapter)