Chapter 543

Chapter 543

When the last plucked note rang out into chill winter air, Luo-Luo stilled her hands and sat up to accept her accolades with a smile. As far as audiences went, her current one was meagre and bizarre by any standards, but in recent times, she realized it wasnt about the size of the crowd or the volume of applause, but rather the genuine appreciation and heartfelt enthusiasm of the individual listener, for their reactions made Luo-Luos efforts all the more worthwhile.

At least, that was the lie she told herself as she gazed out at the herd of curious cattle who made up the bulk of her attentive audience.

Truth be told, she rather enjoyed their company, for the large, shaggy beasts had their own sort of captivating charm once one acclimated to the smell. The large and powerful behemoths were a gentle and docile bunch, happy to gather at the edge of their enclosure and respect the boundaries laid out for them, whether it be the flimsy wooden fence or the personal space between each individual cattle. Whats more, though they were more subdued than normal today, they were usually extremely appreciative of her musical performances, often bobbing their massive heads along to the tune or grunting and bellowing for more when she stopped. Some were even downright adorable, like auburn Wendy with her crown of braids or hulking Big Mac currently tapping his hooves in excitement, and these charming and enchanting reactions were why Luo-Luo made an effort to come out and play for her biggest fans once every day.

Among her bipedal listeners, Sorya and Anrhi were always enthusiastic, and sweet Tali still loved to hear Luo-Luo play, all three clapping away with bright and cheery smiles. Polite Tate applauded as well, but his boredom and sleepiness was evident to all, barely able to keep his eyes open while seated listlessly in the grass. As for the others, they were less polite about their disinterest, not even bothering to applaud as they went about their day. The bears yawned, the wildcats lazed, and the bunnies burrowed wherever they pleased in their efforts to find somewhere comfortable to rest. Even sweet Ping Ping had lain her head down in the grass, her beak nestled as close to Lord Husband as she could without accidentally pushing him aside and eyes slowly blinking in complete and utter indifference to Luo-Luos performance.

All while Lord Husband snuggled his three brides to be, out on the open field where anyone could see.

So shameless, sitting there with Sister Mila in one arm, Sister Yan in the other, and sweet Lin-Lin nestled comfortably in his lap. They looked so snug and comfy in his embrace, with fiery Mila down to a smouldering heat and chipper Yan reclined in sensual leisure. Lin-Lin looked like she always did, bright and cheery as she leaned into Lord Husbands chest, leaving his back as the only unoccupied spot, but while Sister Song hadnt quite taken it for herself, she sat close enough to keep anyone else from claiming it in her stead. There was still some distance between them, but judging from the way the half-cat hugged sweet Sarankho in her arms, that distance might soon disappear in the coming weeks as Song came to realize her own feelings towards Lord Husband. It was almost adorable how no one else noticed, but having spent weeks alongside them on the front lines, Luo-Luo would be a fool not to see how well they got along, able to sit alongside one another in comfortable silence while going about their work or silently coordinate while grooming the animals. His interest was obvious from the way he smiled while watching her from the side, but for some strange reason, he would always look away when he caught himself, and even inwardly scold himself for his attentions.nove(l)bi(n.)com

So he wasnt entirely without a conscience, just mostly, the heartless cad.

Finally noticing Luo-Luos performance had ended, Lord Husband gave her a brief smile before glancing around at his animals. It didnt work, he announced, stating the obvious as if Luo-Luo mightve missed it, and she choked back a strangled scream of frustration. Aside from the cattle, the animals arent interested in your song. Did any of you feel anything? Sisters Mila, Yan, Li-Li, and Lin-Lin all shook their heads, and Lord Husband blew out a long and unhappy sigh. Well... why not? It was a perfectly fine piece.

Luo-Luo wanted to ask him the same question regarding herself, but now was not the time. This one does not know.

Her reply came out tense and stilted, but he took her frustration in stride. Weird. Resting his chin on Lin-Lins shoulder, he sank deep into thought while cuddling with his three beloved brides to be and leaving his unloved concubine to languish in loneliness. ...Were you putting your emotion into the music?

No, she was just an empty-headed little lady whod forgotten to keep his one suggestion in mind, but allowances must be made because her large breasts were monopolizing all the sustenance meant for her brain. Keeping her pithy remarks to herself, she instead pretended to think as if hed raised a valid concern and said, Insofar as this one can tell, Lord Husband, but emotion is not a quantifiable substance one can simply insert into ones music. If it were so easy, this one would not have taken the better part of a decade to complete her Rise to Glory.

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted using such a curt tone. Her statement bordered on criticism and contempt, and while Lord Husband was not so unkind as to punish her for her insubordination, it was not a good habit for a despised courtesan to fall into. Smiling to show he took no offence, Lord Husband sheepishly nodded and took her statement in stride. Yea, I dont really understand it either. Those old fo " Interrupted by a stiff jab from Sister Yans elbow, Lord Husband quickly corrected his statement. Those wise and venerable warriors didnt exactly come out and agree with me, but they didnt disagree when I said using Chi was about emotion, visualization, intent, and faith. Those middle two I understand, but I have no idea how to consciously put emotion and faith to use. Whats more, Im not allowed to talk about faith with anyone, because doing so might negatively impact their martial path, so the only option left is to study emotion. This is stupid. If you cant discuss your faith for fear of losing it, then Id say theres a problem with your faith, not my views. Plus...

While Lord Husband continued with his sullen tirade, Luo-Luo marvelled at how only he would dare refer to such esteemed warriors as old fogeys. That said, after seeing them interact today at lunch, Luo-Luo was fairly certain those dignified elders wouldnt cut ties with Lord Husband over an off-hand remark, because their relationship was far more complicated than mere acquaintances. Her heart had skipped a beat when, in the middle of their meal, Lord Husband slammed his chopsticks down and clutched his head with a groan. Please shut up, hed shouted, instantly silencing all small talk at the table and even the rest of the restaurant outside their private room. The outburst was hardly called for since no one had been shouting or even paying Lord Husband any mind, but then he continued in a more cordial tone. For the love of all that is holy, if youre all going to Send advice, please coordinate with one another and work out a schedule. I cant listen to so many different lectures at the same time.

Which put everything in a new light and filled Luo-Luos chest with pride. Her Lord Husband Falling Rain was being advised by some of the most powerful warriors in the North and Central, but it should hardly come as a surprise. Take Lieutenant General Du Min Gyu, for example, who was Sister Yans adoptive Grandfather. While gruff in demeanour and sharp of tongue, he had a vested interest in seeing Lord Husband returned to full strength, or failing this, keep his condition from deteriorating back to how he was before this last visit to Sinuji. Anyone with eyes could see the love and affection Du Min Gyu had for Sister Yan, and what doting grand-father would be happy to see his beloved grand-daughter married to a cripple?

Then there was Colonel General Nian Zu, whose roving eye landed on Luo-Luo far more often than shed like, though his glances lacked the predatory intent most men had when looking at her. No, instead he studied her as one would study a puzzle or riddle, as if gazing upon a curiosity he couldnt quite fathom. On the surface, his relationship to Lord Husband was merely that of Father-in-Laws immediate supervisor, but the grizzled soldier behaved more like a stern, silent uncle instead, and Luo-Luo noted he had to hide his laughter more than once while they ate. The good Colonel General approved of Lord Husband, and perhaps even liked him, though only the Mother knew why. Lord Husband barely paid the Colonel General the respect his rank and reputation deserved, and even then it was only when reminded. Perhaps that in and of itself was the reason; separated from Clan and bereft of family, when was the last time Colonel General Situ Nian Zu had been so intimate and familiar with someone from the younger generation?

As for Major General Han BoHai, he was the least enthusiastic of the bunch, but much like he himself had opted to follow Colonel General Nian Zu, his nephew Han BoShui had chosen to attach himself to Lord Husband, and the Major General doted upon young BoShui like a son. The uncle and nephew duo were two men cut from the same cloth, both hulking, gargantuan warriors who walked softly and smiled brightly, yet their every action still radiated the threat of violence. It was simply steeped into their very being, a part of themselves they could never set down, unlike Sister Milas equally imposing yet jovial and reassuring father, who seemed harmless as a fly even while carrying two bears around with ease. Still, so long as the Colonel General commanded it and Han BoShui desired it, Han BoHai would stand firmly with the Bekhai, and in turn, with Lord Husband.

Then again, it wouldnt hurt if her foolish Lord Husband was more gracious about receiving their aid. Perhaps Luo-Luo would have a word with Lord Husband and suggest he find some way to thank those esteemed warriors for the efforts. Wine or art perhaps, or female companionship for those three lonely, aged bachelors...

Hello? Knock knock? Is Luo-Luo in there?

Having gathered her wits about her, she opened her eyes once more to find sweet Aurie directly in front of her. Mwar? he mewled, tilting his head as if to ask if she were alright, and Luo-Luo couldnt help but giggle at his silly, concerned expression. Cupping his cheeks and smoothing his whiskers, she pulled him close for a hug and a kiss on the forehead. Jimjam was there too, seated with his back towards her while giving her a long suffering look, as if it were beneath him to allow her to touch him, but he would permit it just this once. Even Banjo and Baloo seemed mildly concerned as they watched with wide-eyed stares, though not concerned enough to remove themselves from their snuggled embrace and risk crushing the bunnies napping around them.

Well, Lord Husband said, grinning from ear to ear, Care to share what youve discovered?

Flushing at the sight of his smile, Luo-Luo stammered, Its... difficult to explain.

It always is.

Reassured by his good humour, she briefly went over her thoughts and said, This one set out to focus on one emotion and try to share it with everyone involved, but somewhere along the way... this one lost track of her emotions. Instead of merely thinking about the emotion, in this case my resentment, I submersed myself within it, and I experienced it all again as if reliving through those moments. It wasnt just on my mind, but rather it became a part of my being and who I was, if only for a few short moments. Flushing, she shook her head and raised her hands in a muted gesture of surrender. This one lacks the words to explain it. It just... happened, as naturally as breathing.

A quick query and glance around showed that only the animals had been affected. Not all of them were affected either, for not only were the bunnies and Guardian Turtle completely unmoved, even the sweet cattle were untouched by Luo-Luos dark mood. Auburn Wendy was still swaying her braids, Big Mac was still tip tapping away, and the rest of the cattle were similarly pleased by the bright and lively tune. Why only the wildcats and bears were affected, no one could say, but Lord Husband didnt seem put off by the limited effect. This is good, he said, already deep in thought and she allowed herself to take satisfaction in the meagre compliment. So now we know Luo-Luo can use her music like an Aura, which is something to explore. More to the point, the process sounds a lot like how I use my emotional Aura, which means Oration is probably related to Aura. Even the results are similar, able to tailor the projected emotion and even affect animals. Dont worry about it not working on some, not all animals understand all emotions, so maybe the cows and bunnies are just too... I dont want to say simple-minded, but perhaps theyre too direct and forthright to understand resentment.

Considering shed seen Mama Bun attack her children over having her food stolen away, Luo-Luo wasnt entirely sure Lord Husband was right, but she didnt want to bring it up for fear of spoiling his mood. Besides, he loved that vicious bunny something fierce and believed she could do no wrong, always coddling her in his arms and going on about her adorable actions. To be fair, he also loved his other rabbits almost as much, unlike how Luo-Luo was neglected and unloved while her sister-wives were spoiled for attention.

Hmm... perhaps letting her resentment out hadnt been the best idea, because now she was finding it difficult to bottle back up...

Though a compassionate and caring woman, Mila was practical to a fault, as evidenced by her asking, So how does this help?

Honestly? Lord Husband replied, shrugging while absently staring off into the distance. No idea. But its something. Aura has always been the piece that stood out on the Martial Path, and its always the exceptions that proves the rule. Hearing Milas scoff, he snapped back to the moment and said, Its true though. In nature, the mere presence of an exception means a general rule exists. Then, by studying that exception and how it gets around the rule, you can better understand why that rule is in place.

A... curious outlook, but not without its logic, twisted and peculiar as it might be.

Aura is the key, Lord Husband said, nodding sagely even as Mila and Yan traded doubting looks. Its the piece that doesnt fit, so once I figure out why it doesnt fit, Ill be closer to an answer. Maybe. Emotion, visualization, intent, and faith. Hmm... respectively, Id pair each one with Aura, Natal Palace, Domain, and Core, but thats a weird order. If its Core, Aura, Natal Palace, and Domain, then it should be faith, emotion, visualization, and intent, but that doesnt make sense either. And now Im just looking for patterns where there are none, which isnt all too helpful. Shaking his head to clear his mind, he smiled warmly at Luo-Luo and said, Thank you for your efforts. Its given me plenty to think about. Youve come a long way on the Martial Path and I look forward to your future achievements.

As delighted as she was to accept his high evaluation, her stomach flopped about in terror at the thought of fighting the Defiled. Thank you, Lord Husband, she began, wondering how to best extricate herself from this mess, but then Kuang Biao interrupted and saved her from the attempt.

Legate Shen Zhen Wu summons Falling Rain, the former Royal Guardian declared. There was no need to add immediately, for any summons must be obeyed with all haste, but only Lord Husband had been called, so Luo-Luo could do naught but bid him farewell and twist her hands in apprehension as he left with Kuang Biao and the Guardian Turtle in tow. Hopefully, he would remember his manners, and maybe even behave with proper decorum, because he would need every advantage he could get.

Falling Rain was meant to be a sacrificial pawn, so despite all the good that had come from his survival, his continued existence meant Shen Zhen Wu was forced to make efforts to protect him. Luo-Luo was certain the future Azure Emperor was not someone who liked to be forced into anything, despite what her teacher said about how some powerful men enjoyed being submissive in the bedroom.

Wait... Was Lord Husband one such man? Someone who wanted to be dominated in private? Sister Mila and Sister Yan were both powerful, overbearing personalities, so perhaps Luo-Luo was onto something. Forget laying naked in his bed and waiting for him to throw himself into the net, perhaps she should be more assertive and barge into his room to take him, even if Sister Yan was already there...

No, Luo-Luo would never have the courage to do such a thing, not in a thousand years...

Then again, desperate times called for desperate measures, and she was nothing if not desperate...

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