Chapter 37

August didn't mind his attitude; he just handed him the reins and said calmly, "Get us two bowls of plain noodles, a few cornbread buns, and some hot water, and prepare a room for us."

"Hey! Don't give me the reins, just tie the horse to the door!" The inn boy snorted and pursed his lips, "We have noodles and cornbread, but no rooms left—after eating, you'll have to find another place to sleep. I think it's better to just tie the horse outside!"

He reached out and pushed the reins back into August's hands.

"Any dormitory or large bed will do; we don't mind," August chuckled, "Young inn boy, look at this wind and rain. We have the old and the young, and we really can't walk any further..." He subtly moved his hand and slipped a silver coin into the boy's hand, "...can you help us out? Anywhere will do, as long as it's warm."

The silver coin in hand, even a deity or demon would have to show a good face, and the inn boy was no exception. He pretended to cough and sighed, "Oh! I'm a soft-hearted person and can't bear to see old people and children suffer in the wind. I've helped many people like you... There are no rooms left, but there's an empty woodshed in the back. It's a good place to shelter from the wind and rain. If you don't mind, you can stay there for the night."

"Sure," Wang August laughed without a care, "If we can get some hot water for the child to wash, that would be great... Young inn boy, thank you for your trouble."

"Sure thing!" The inn boy chuckled and didn't delay, "Let's go!"

The woodshed was actually in a good location, right behind the inn and next to the kitchen. Inside, the firewood was neatly stacked, and in the corner, a few rocks supported a wooden board, covered with thick, dry grass. The inn boy threw some old mattresses and blankets on top, "Here you go! People used to live here, but it's been empty since they quit—get some charcoal from the kitchen and light it, and it will be warm in no time."

The two thanked the inn boy and quickly started the fire. They found some slightly dry clothes in their bundle and dried them by the fire, first for Zunzunbao, then for Old August. The dry clothes instantly drove away the cold. Just as August was about to say something, Zunzunbao's stomach growled—reminding them that they needed to find some food.

They took some silver coins from their bundle, covered the charcoal, and went to the dining hall with Zunzunbao. The hall was a spacious, bright room, with a fire pit in the corner burning brightly. The air was filled with a mix of sweat, alcohol, makeup, and the smell of cooking, which was surprisingly pleasant.

The hall was crowded with burly, fierce-looking men, and occasionally some thin, small men with sharp, cold eyes. They sat in groups, speaking in low voices, and no one paid attention to the two of them.

Old August and Zunzunbao found a corner to sit. The inn boy who had led them in brought two bowls of noodle soup and a few cornbread buns, "Eat up. The buns cost five coins each, the soup is free, and there's no pickled vegetables today, but I'll get you some dried radish to chew on..."

"Oh! How can I thank you?" August quickly smiled and said, "The free soup is already a favor, and you're even getting us dried radish—Zunzunbao, come, thank this young man."

"Forget it!" The inn boy waved his hand, "You know the rules here. If you pay, I'll help. Since you gave me the silver, I'll do my part. I can't do big things, but small favors are no problem—enjoy your meal, and I'll check on you later."

He threw a cloth over his shoulder, waved his hand, and hummed a tune as he left.

August knew the temperament of the mountain people and didn't say much more. He and Zunzunbao slurped the soup and gnawed on the buns, finishing them in a few bites. This small meal made them feel much better, and their strength seemed to return.

They left five coins on the table and quickly returned to the woodshed with Zunzunbao.

Just as they were about to turn the corner, several people strolled into the inn. The leader spotted them and called out, "Hey! I see you again! Did you find a place to stay?"

"Second Young Master!" Zunzunbao recognized the man and called out. He bowed slightly and smiled, "We've found a place, in the woodshed behind—thank you for letting us in today... Oh, the raincoat and hat are in the back, I'll bring them to you right away."

He held Zunzunbao's hand and, with the other hand, surreptitiously rolled a mud ball. The men with the Second Young Master frowned, but the Second Young Master ignored it and waved his hand generously, "Forget it, you can keep those. You'll need them for collecting ginseng tomorrow... But in this cold weather, isn't it a bit harsh for you to stay in the woodshed with a child?"

"No problem, no problem, we're used to being poor. Any place will do," Old August smiled pitifully, sniffed his fingers, and wiped his face, "The woodshed is fine, really fine..."

Zunzunbao looked up and saw his master subtly retract his little finger, which had some clear liquid that he casually wiped on his eyelids.

The Second Young Master thought for a moment and instructed his men, "These two are my guests. Go tell the old innkeeper to find a place for them, like a dormitory or a large bed. Settling them will be a good deed for my mother."

The men nodded and ran off. A moment later, they returned with a fat old man. The old man greeted them warmly, "Oh, Second Young Master, how did you come in this cold weather? Come in, come in, warm up by the fire, don't freeze outside!"

The Second Young Master greeted him but didn't move, smiling, "Father didn't tell you that we would have guests these days? They've arrived today, so I came to check. Is the No. 1 room reserved? If it is, my brother will bring the guests over later—these are our esteemed guests, don't neglect them."

"Of course! Of course!" The old innkeeper agreed, "How could I not follow the master's instructions? The No. 1 room is always reserved and cleaned for the guests." He invited, "Would you like to send someone to check again?"

"That's not necessary," the Second Young Master nodded, "It's good that it's reserved. By the way, in this cold weather, find a place for this old man and the child. Don't let the child freeze, it would be a favor to me."

The old innkeeper's face showed a hint of difficulty, "Oh! Second Young Master, this is really inconvenient! You know, we only have one inn in Kunshan, and the beds are limited. Yesterday, Mr. Wu from the medicine shop's delivery arrived, and today, Mr. Sun from the fur shop's people came. Plus, many ginseng collectors have come down the mountain, and by noon, there were no more rooms—many guests are staying in the mountain villagers' homes. What can I do..."

"Unfortunate," the Second Young Master frowned, "This is indeed a problem." He fell silent, thinking.

Everyone watched the two men without interrupting, all eyes on them. Only Old August was not idle—he pressed his fingers on the tear marks on his face and carefully observed the Second Young Master.

At first, the Second Young Master seemed normal, with a strong soul and spirit. But after a moment, the three flames of his spirit suddenly flickered and merged, becoming even stronger!

Old August's heart skipped a beat, and he silently cursed, "Trouble!"

Zunzunbao noticed his master's unease and quickly asked. August was still undecided about whether to get involved, but then the innkeeper said:

"Second Young Master, I have an idea. The No. 1 room is quite large, with two big beds. If your guest doesn't mind, and these two are indeed important, why not..."

Share a room? This was common in the mountains, especially during the annual harvest, when people would sleep on the floor. But for Old August and Zunzunbao, it was a big no.

Zunzunbao's fate was unique, and how could ordinary people withstand living with him?

Old August was about to refuse, but suddenly—

"That's a good idea!" The Second Young Master's face lit up, but then darkened, "But I don't know what kind of person the Onmyoji from the Five Rings Sect is, or if they would be willing to share a room. Let me think..."

Onmyoji? Five Rings Sect? August immediately thought of the man who had entered the village with them, the guest welcomed by many in the rain—could he be a disciple of the Five Rings Sect? A junior from his own sect?

In other words, was he the one brought in to solve this problem?

August didn't want to meddle, but since it involved his sect and a junior, the situation was different. Not only did he have to stand by his sect, but he also had to keep an eye on the junior.

He quickly had an idea.

August took advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention, leaned close to Zunzunbao's ear, and whispered a few words. The child, being exceptionally clever, immediately understood and slowly walked to the eaves... then suddenly fell over!

"Zunzunbao! Zunzunbao! What's wrong with you?" August immediately cried out, rushing over and hugging Zunzunbao, "My poor child, what's wrong with you? Don't scare me!"

Tears and snot streamed down his face, and he cried like a broken man!

The Second Young Master was at a loss, about to go back and ask his father and brother, when he heard August wailing. He turned to see the child lying in the old man's arms, eyes tightly closed, teeth clenched. The old man was in deep sorrow, trembling uncontrollably!

In a panic, the Second Young Master rushed over and touched the child, only to find that the child was ice cold, with no warmth at all!

PS: Recommended work "The Supreme True God" <http:///Book/3052320.aspx>

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