chapter 43
part 4
The warm glow of the hearth painted dancing shadows on the walls as Ba Gau finished his tale, the pungent scent of woodsmoke hanging in the air. He watched Lan Anh's face shift from amusement at his encounter with the flustered inspector to a tense furrow of her brow.
"An audit of the northern aristocracy?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with worry. "This could spell trouble, Ba Gau." He tilted his head, his thick brows drawing together in confusion. "Trouble? How so?"
Lan Anh sighed, running a paw through her vibrant mane. "Our lands haven't been faring well, Ba Gau. The years of bad harvests and dwindling resources…" her voice trailed off, shame coloring her amber eyes. "If the inspector discovers our predicament, she might deem my leadership unfit. My title… Lan Anh's worried words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the warmth of the hearth fire. Ba Gau's brows remained furrowed, but a different emotion flickered in his amber eyes – a mixture of concern and understanding.
"I see your worry," he rumbled, his voice deep and sincere. "But you know I would never let them take your title."
"It's not just them, Ba Gau," Lan Anh sighed, her voice laced with a weariness that belied her youthful appearance. "This audit… it forces me to confront the truth. My people suffer, our resources dwindle, and the past decisions…" she trailed off, a pained look crossing her features.
Ba Gau remained silent, his gaze fixed on the crackling flames. He knew what she left unsaid. The weight of leadership, the burden of past choices, and the ever-present whispers of doubt gnawing at her confidence.
"Marriage to you, Ba Gau," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper, "was meant to be a solution. A way to bolster my position, secure alliances, and bring stability."
The air crackled with unspoken tension. Ba Gau had been informed of the betrothal, a political arrangement made in the wake of his act of heroism that saved General Khoi. He understood the rationale, the obligation he owed the Lau Vang brigade. But the truth went deeper. There was a hidden story, a sacrifice he made to help people "But I…" he began, his voice thick with unspoken emotions, I have burdens of my own, a past that might not sit well with your people." Lan Anh chuckled, “the serfs are mostly mindless. They’ll be happier with a lord over them than with me, regardless of whether you’re better or worse.” There it is he thought, there’s that contempt for everyone else that the fucking nobles can’t live without. I’m walking back into this world, remember Ba Gau… don’t be an asshole, don’t be an asshole. “Well Lady, your last wedding was probably a big affair, This one, ours should be small and fast” Lan Anh smiled broadly, “can’t imagine the last time you’ve been small or moved fast.” Ba Gau let out a playful growl, “on our wedding night you’ll get a whole new appreciation for FAT and SLOW.” Lan Anh’s tail wagged, “you gather some farmers to witness, I’ll go fight Linh until she’s too tired to resist me forcing her into a dress.”
part 5
“Wait a bit, why is the inspection so worrisome?” Lan Anh explained, "when she gathers us all together, a council of the Lords of Hadupha County. It'll be our chance to present a united front, and influence the inspector's perspective before she reaches an official conclusion."
He furrowed his brow, his lack of political savvy evident. "Lords? How many are there? What about the Archduke? Surely he has a say in all this?"
Lan Anh nodded. "Hadupha has twelve noble houses, each represented by a Lord. The Archduke, wise and powerful, ultimately oversees all, but sometimes, even his decisions can be swayed by a unified voice, a strong show of collective stability."
She saw the dawning comprehension in his eyes and continued, "Each Lord holds influence based on their wealth, military might, and the loyalty of their people. Some, like Baron Tho, boast vast fields and gleaming armories, while others, like Lord Vu, command loyalty through cunning diplomacy and whispers in the dark. Knowing who stands where will be crucial."
Intrigue sparked within Ba Gau. This world of political maneuvering, alliances, and hidden agendas was vastly different from his straightforward life as a warrior. Yet, seeing the worry etched on Lan Anh's face, he knew he couldn't remain on the sidelines.
"Tell me more about these Lords," he said, his voice filled with newfound purpose. Lan Anh's amber eyes narrowed as she traced the intricate map of Hadupha County, her voice low and grave. "Three Lords pose the greatest threat to our united front, Ba Gau. Each follows a different Path of cultivation, each with its own twisted morals and ambitions."
1. Hổ Tàn (Savage Tiger): A hulking brute of a Dobermann, Hổ Tàn embodies the Path of Domination. He believes in raw power and absolute control, ruling his lands through fear and intimidation. His motto? "The weak serve, the strong rule." His ambitions clash with everyone, seeking to expand his territory and subjugate weaker Lords.
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2. Sói Tinh (Cunning Wolf): A sleek and cunning Akita, Sói Tinh walks the Path of Manipulation. He thrives on deception, weaving webs of lies and exploiting others' weaknesses. His motto? "The mind is the mightiest weapon." He seeks influence through whispers and backroom deals, aiming to control the council from the shadows.
3. Phượng Hoàng Đen (Black Phoenix): A regal yet enigmatic Chow Chow, Phượng Hoàng Đen follows the Path of Isolation. She believes emotions and connections are weaknesses, seeking absolute self-sufficiency and power through solitude. Her motto? "Strength lies in detachment." She sees all alliances as temporary and seeks to exploit them for personal gain, ultimately aiming for complete isolation at the top of the power structure.
These three Paths represent fundamentally different approaches to power and life. Hổ Tàn's aggression directly threatens the stability Lan Anh seeks, while Sói Tinh's deceptions could unravel any carefully built alliance. Phượng Hoàng Đen's isolationism, however, is the most dangerous long-term threat, as it undermines the very idea of cooperation and unity.
Lan Anh's gaze flickered to the door as Linh sauntered in, her sleek fur gleaming under the firelight. "Ah, just in time, Linh," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Ba Gau and I have been discussing the upcoming council. He needs your expertise in the ways of… aristocratic etiquette."
Linh's ears perked up at the word "aristocracy." "Intriguing," she purred, her golden eyes glinting with mischief. "What exactly needs schooling, my dear Lan Anh?"
Lan Anh chuckled. "Ba Gau," she announced, gesturing towards the bewildered warrior, "will be introduced as the new Lord of…" she paused, her eyes twinkling, "let's say, the newly acquired Blackpine Valley."
Ba Gau's eyebrows shot up. "Blackpine Valley? But I haven't—"
"Details, Ba Gau," Lan Anh cut him off with a playful swipe of her paw. "Linh will help you with the finer points of… nobility."
Linh, clearly relishing the role, strutted closer, her tail wagging with barely contained excitement. "Think of it like a grand performance, Ba Gau. You'll need to embody confidence, grace, and perhaps a touch of… aloofness."
She then launched into a detailed explanation, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "First, the order of greetings. We start with the elders, of course, Lord Võ Côn of the Iron Paw clan being the most senior. Then, we move based on land size and military might, ending with the ever-so-charming Lord Minh of the Whispering Pines, a notorious gossip and someone to keep an ear out for."
Ba Gau's head spun. "Wait, there's more?"
Linh winked. "Of course! Now, the sniffing ritual. Crucial for establishing dominance and trust. A gentle sniff at the base of the tail, not too forceful, mind you. Hold eye contact and give a firm head nod. Ear twitches are optional, but a well-timed twitch can convey… things."
Lan Anh leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "And remember, Ba Gau, the most important rule: never, ever let them see you sweat. They thrive on sniffing out weakness. Be strong, be confident, and for goodness sake, act like you've been born into privilege all your life."
Ba Gau felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. This "Ocean's 11" heist of social etiquette suddenly felt more perilous than any battle he'd ever faced.
Linh, sensing his nervousness, let out a low chuckle. "Don't worry, big guy," she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "We'll have you sniffing, tail-wagging, and head-nodding like a pro in no time. Just remember, think of it as a game, a grand performance where the stakes are… well, let's just say your future with Lan Anh."
Ba Gau straightened his posture, a steely resolve hardening his gaze. A performance? He could do that. For Lan Anh, he would master the art of the sniff, the wag, and the ever-so-subtle ear twitch. This council might not be a battlefield, but it was a challenge nonetheless, and he, the Butcher Fang, wouldn't back down from a good challenge, even if it involved sniffing tails and twitching ears.
part 6
Lords and Ladies of Hadupha County:
1. Lord Võ Côn (Iron Paw Clan):
Path: Tradition - Values stability, honor, and adherence to ancient laws.
Temperament: Stoic, stern, respected for his wisdom and experience.
2. Lady Mai Hoa (Jade Blossom Manor):
Path: Harmony - Seeks balance and cooperation, prioritizing diplomacy and negotiation.
Temperament: Calm, diplomatic, known for her insightful mediation skills.
3. Lord Hổ Tàn (Savage Tiger):
Path: Domination - Believes in raw power and control, ruling through fear and intimidation.
Temperament: Aggressive, ruthless, feared for his military might and lack of mercy.
4. Lady Mây Trắng (White Cloud Palace):
Path: Illumination - Pursues knowledge and understanding, advocating for education and progress.
Temperament: Curious, intellectual, respected for her vast knowledge and innovative ideas.
5. Lord Sói Tinh (Cunning Wolf):
Path: Manipulation - Thrives on deception and exploiting weaknesses, weaving webs of lies and intrigue.
Temperament: Cunning, charismatic, known for his hidden agendas and unpredictable nature.
6. Lady Hổ Mang (Striped Panther):
Path: Adaptability - Embraces change and flexibility, known for her resourcefulness and ability to thrive in chaos.
Temperament: Energetic, opportunistic, unpredictable, often seen as impulsive and reckless.
7. Lord Phượng Hoàng Đen (Black Phoenix):
Path: Isolation - Believes in self-sufficiency and detachment, seeking power through solitude and independence.
Temperament: Enigmatic, aloof, feared for her unpredictable nature and hidden motives.
8. Lady Rồng Xanh (Azure Dragon):
Path: Justice - Upholds fairness and righteousness, known for her strict adherence to law and order.
Temperament: Principled, stern, respected for her unwavering integrity and decisive actions.
9. Lord Minh (Whispering Pines):
Path: Influence - Seeks power through charm and persuasion, known for his network of informants and gossip-mongering.
Temperament: Suave, charming, seemingly harmless but possesses a hidden manipulative streak.
10. Lady Sói Đen (Black Wolf):
Path: Survival - Prioritizes survival and safety at all costs, known for her ruthlessness and pragmatism.
Temperament: Cunning, resourceful, feared for her willingness to resort to any means necessary.
11. Lord Hùng Sư (Mighty Bear):
Path: Strength - Believes in physical prowess and courage, known for his military might and unwavering loyalty.
Temperament: Bold, direct, respected for his strength and unwavering loyalty to his allies.
12. Lady Lan Anh (Emerald Valley):
Path: Leadership - Values unity and cooperation, known for her fairness, strategic mind, and strong sense of justice.
Temper
ament: Determined, compassionate, inspires respect and loyalty from her people.