Lee Zhong ran his hand over the wooden carvings, a look of astonishment on his face, while Han Fei, recovering from his initial shock, turned to him and said with a smiling expression, "brother Lee Zhong, congratulations on being fortunate enough to acquire such a rare object."
One of Lee Zhong's eyebrows raised as he heard Han Fei's words. He turned to him and replied, "brother Han Fei, I only just learned about the existence of this wood, just like you. Didn't you see how surprised I was a moment ago?"
Since both of them had been frozen in shock, staring at Bo An when he revealed the nature of the wood, neither had noticed the other's expression. This led Han Fei to mistakenly assume that Lee Zhong was already aware of the wood's existence.
"If you didn't purchase something this valuable, then how did it come into your family's possession?" Han Fei asked, unable to hide the curious expression that took over his face in response to Lee Zhong's reply.
As Lee Zhong noticed Han Fei looking at him, he turned his gaze toward Bo An as if expecting an explanation. Han Fei, too, shifted his attention to Bo An.
Seeing the two young masters staring at him with curious yet serious expressions, Bo An responded, "Young master, young master Han Fei, this wooden carriage, carved from metallic wood, is actually a spoil."
"A spoil!?"
The two young masters reacted loudly in unison, their voices filled with surprise. Though startled for a moment, Bo An maintained his composure as he continued, "Yes, according to the stable master, that's the case. Let me explain the situation to you."
Without making the young masters wait any longer, Bo An began his explanation. "According to the stable master, this wooden carriage was taken from the Lu family's house two years ago."
"The Lu family? The one I'm thinking of? How is it that this family is always involved in everything?" Lee Zhong shook his head as he exhaled deeply, speaking in a baffled tone.
"Brother Lee Zhong, let the man finish his story first, we'll discuss the details afterward," Han Fei interjected, urging Lee Zhong to listen. He then turned his expectant gaze back to Bo An.
Continuing from where he left off, Bo An said, "Yes, young master, it's the family you're thinking of. According to the stable master, two years ago, after the Lu family failed to return from an expedition, the family leader, the head stable master, and a few men went to the Lu family house in search of something.'
"Something!?" Both young masters interrupted at once, their astonishment evident.
"I don't know what it was, young masters. When I asked the stable master, he said he didn't know either. The family leader searched for something but couldn't find it. Then, just as they were about to leave the Lu family house, the head stable master noticed this wooden carriage in the stables. After that, as you know, they brought it here," Bo An explained, his words leaving the room in silence.
While the two young masters pondered, Bo An quietly waited for them to speak, not wanting to interrupt their train of thought.
Soon after, the silence was finally broken when Han Fei rubbed his chin thoughtfully and said, "Two years ago, I think my father also went to the Lu family house with a group of men in a hurry. When I asked him what had happened after they returned, he said it wasn't anything important, but he did seem a little odd at the time."
"Hmm.. Odd?" Lee Zhong murmured, his face displaying confusion as he spoke in a low voice.
Noticing Lee Zhong's gaze, Han Fei gestured with both hands in a "don't know" manner, letting out a deep sigh before replying with a faint smile. "He seemed a little anxious, as though he had been searching for something but didn't find it."
"That is strange. Why would both of them behave in such a similar manner? What were they looking for?" Lee Zhong said thoughtfully.
As the two young masters fell silent again, Bo An quietly waited, not wanting to disturb their thoughts. The silence was only broken a minute later by the neigh of one of the Earth-Horses tethered to the carriage.
Shaken from their reverie, Lee Zhong said, "Anyway, we've wasted enough time. The past doesn't matter." Turning to Han Fei and Bo An, he continued, "Can this carriage fit through the door we passed earlier?"
Hearing his young master's question, Bo An replied, "Young master, that door isn't large enough for a carriage with two horses side by side. We should use the northern door. It's almost as big as the town's main gates."
Upon hearing his servant's suggestion, Lee Zhong nodded and said, "Alright then. Gather about ten men and have them wait outside the stable's northern door. Stay quiet until we open the door for you. Also, tell brother Han Fei's servant to be ready and join you there."
Receiving his orders, Bo An bowed slightly and said, "yes, young master," before turning to leave.
As Bo An took a few steps away, Han Fei called out to him, "Make sure they wear their armor. This is important."
Hearing Han Fei's words, Bo An paused, turned slightly, and replied, "Of course, young master Han Fei." He then continued toward the door where they had entered.
Once Bo An was out of sight, Lee Zhong turned to Han Fei and asked, "brother Han Fei, why did you tell them to wear armor? You even told your own servant, yet we'll be near the Purple-Stone."
Lee Zhong wasn't entirely wrong. In martial society, the presence of Purple-Stone within towns and cities suppressed martial practitioners' shadows, providing a relatively safe environment. As such, wearing armor within city or town limits was often unnecessary.
Although the duo planned to relocate the Purple-Stone tonight, they would remain close to it during the process, making armor seemingly redundant.
"I know, but what if we need to go elsewhere or send our men somewhere? In that case, we won't have time to wait for them to put on their armor. It's better to be prepared in advance. Isn't that why you're wearing yours?" Han Fei replied seriously, looking at Lee Zhong.
Hearing Han Fei's question, Lee Zhong frowned and replied with a hint of frustration, "brother Han Fei, do you not remember what happened just a few hours ago? I nearly died. I don't want to end up in that situation again, which is why I'm wearing it."
Recalling the events of their earlier encounter with the town lord, Han Fei nodded supportively, understanding Lee Zhong's lingering anger. "You're right. Honestly, as leaders, we should always wear armor during conflicts, whether shadows are involved or not."
After a brief pause, Han Fei grinned and said,"brother Lee Zhong, shall we head toward the northern door of the stable with the carriage now? What do you think?"
"Hahaha! Brother Han Fei, you really know me well. You know exactly what will lift my mood. I can't wait to drive this carriage," Lee Zhong replied with a hearty laugh, his eyes sparkling as he glanced at the horses.
Han Fei chuckled softly and replied, "You're right, brother Lee Zhong. Driving this majestic carriage drawn by these powerful horses will be incredible. But let's not ride it until we're out of the house. Let's pull it to the door first. We've already attracted too much attention, as you know."
Though Han Fei still considered the plan concocted by their families to be reckless, he had no choice but to support it, knowing he couldn't oppose his father or martial uncle.
As the two young masters strolled toward the northern door with the horse carriage in tow, Han Fei, aware they were on the brink of battle, thought to himself, 'If I can't stop this, there's no choice but to hope for the best and try to enjoy it.' With that, he steeled his resolve.