Chapter 8, Minister of the Imperial Household

"Young Master, we clearly have not yet had lunch. Why not eat at the Liu family? Do you not like the dishes made by Miss Ying'er?" Gao Shou asked in confusion, holding his empty stomach. He had tasted the dishes made by Miss Ying'er before, and they were quite delicious.

Gao Bufan felt a surge of anger within and asked in a low voice, "What should we do then?"

Without further ado, let us say that Gao Bufan and his two companions rode for about half an hour and finally returned to the Flying Eagle Horse Ranch

Sun Anzu's expression changed unpredictably; others might not notice, but he understood that Gao Bufan had shown him mercy, preserving his dignity in front of everyone. In that moment, he felt both grateful and ashamed, and with a thud, he knelt down and said in a deep voice: "A man of honor must keep his word; losing is losing. Sun Anzu pays his respects to the master"

Gao Bufan laughed and said, "A trifling sum of money cannot defeat a hero. When one is out in the world, who has not encountered difficulties at some point? There is no need to mention this matter any further"

Liu Dapeng is the village head of Liu'an, and although he is not particularly prominent, he can still be considered a semi-public official. On the other hand, the Gao family, while running a horse racing business, is essentially just a group of merchants. Therefore, Liu Dapeng believes that the two families are well-matched and intends to betroth his daughter Liu Ying'er to Gao Bufan. He has hinted at this several times, both intentionally and unintentionally, which has instead frightened Gao Bufan, making him hesitant to visit their home again

Gao Shou stared wide-eyed: "Why? Ying'er is quite beautiful, she is not a dinosaur, and her personality is gentle. Anyone who marries her would be fortunate."

However, Gao Bufan's understanding of the person Yu Wenhua is primarily derived from a later novel titled "The Heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties." In the novel, Yu Wenhua is depicted as cruel and treacherous, engaging in lawless acts and ultimately assassinating the Sui Emperor Yang Guang. Additionally, he has a remarkably formidable son named Yu Wen Chengdu, whose martial prowess ranks second among the heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, only surpassed by the legendary warrior Li Yuanba.

Upon returning to the horse ranch, Gao Bufan had just entered the residence when he encountered the butler, Xia Bangxian. However, the expression on Butler Xia's face did not seem very pleasant. Nevertheless, when he saw Gao Bufan, he still displayed his signature smile and greeted him, saying: "Young Master, you have returned so early today?"

Gao Bufan readily agreed and instructed Gao Shou to bring a horse as a gift for Sun Anzu. However, the latter firmly declined, also refusing the silver. In the end, Gao Bufan had no choice but to ask the villagers for some food to present as a gift. This time, Sun Anzu did not refuse, and after expressing his gratitude, he set off again with E Niang and her children.

The housekeeper Xia nodded and said: "They arrived in the morning and returned to Chengxian City half an hour ago. They are quite imposing, with County Magistrate Zhou and Supervisor Zhao personally accompanying them, and the head of the family also entered the city with them"

Gao Shou and Gao Ren couldn't help but stick out their tongues in disbelief, this guy is really ruthless

Gao Shou and Gao Ren hurriedly swore an oath, vowing not to reveal a single word; otherwise, they would be reborn as a turtle in their next life

The steward Xia smiled wryly and said, "Our governor of Bohai County does not dare to offend others, young master, it would be wise to hold back, lest we be retaliated against."

Of course, a novel is merely a novel, and many aspects cannot be taken literally. Gao Bufan is also unsure whether the historical Yu Wenhua is the same as depicted in the novel. However, one thing Gao Bufan can be certain of is that Yu Wenhua does not have a son named Yu Wen Cheng, a matter he has previously confirmed repeatedly with Steward Xia.

Gao Bufan was deeply moved and said: "Brother Sun, you speak too highly of me. As the saying goes, heroes do not inquire about each other's origins. Brother Sun, you are loyal and keep your promises, skilled in martial arts yet do not bully the weak. You truly deserve to be called a hero. Although I am not talented, I hold great respect for heroes, and I would never speak with disdain."

Gao Bufan raised his sword-like eyebrows and said, "So arrogant, what is your background?"

Gao Bufan nodded and said, "Which blind fool has provoked Butler Xia again? Should I help deal with him?"

Liu Dapeng, upon hearing this, did not insist further and watched as Gao Bufan and his two companions rode their horses out of the village entrance

Gao Bufan's expression changed slightly upon hearing this. Although he was not very familiar with the official system of the Sui Dynasty, he was aware of the Ministry of Imperial Horses due to his family's horse farm. This ministry was the central authority overseeing horse affairs across the country, and the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Imperial Horses was the second-in-command, holding the rank of fourth grade. The current Deputy Minister was named Yu Wenhua Ji.

This individual, Yu Wenji, has a significant background. His father, Yu Wenshu, is a key figure in the Yu Wen faction, currently serving as the Grand General of the Left Guard and holding the title of Duke of Xuguo. He is deeply favored by Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty, making him a person of considerable influence in both the court and the realm

Gao Shou and Gao Ren immediately looked at their young master with eager eyes, almost drooling. Gao Bufan truly wanted to slap these two gluttons to death and said with a smile: "Uncle Liu, we have eaten dry rations on the boat, and we still have matters to attend to at the horse ranch, so let's do it next time. Please send my regards to Ying'er."

The housekeeper Xia lamented: "The master indeed wants to settle the matter with money, but he cannot produce three thousand taels of silver at once. Now we can only see if County Magistrate Zhou and Supervisor Zhao can intervene to plead for leniency and reduce the amount!"

The term "dinosaur" was also invented by the extraordinary young master, meaning an ugly woman. For example, in the story of Dong Shi imitating Xizi, Dong Shi is referred to as a dinosaur, clearly resembling a porcupine, yet she insists on imitating Xizi's graceful demeanor, which frightens everyone away

Liu Ying'er is indeed too young, and the key point is that Gao Bufan feels no attraction towards her at all. Although in ancient times, it was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines, Gao Bufan is a principled modern man. If he were to take a wife or a concubine, it would certainly be due to mutual affection, and he firmly rejects arranged marriages.

Gao Bufan felt both anger and frustration upon hearing this, secretly clenching his fists. Now he finally understood that no matter how much money one makes in business, without strength and a solid backing, one ultimately remains just a piece of fat on the chopping block of the powerful, unable to escape the fate of being at their mercy

Has Yu Wenhua arrived at our horse ranch? Gao Bufan inquired

Gao Bufan's eyes revealed a hint of admiration as he quickly stepped forward to help Sun Anzu up, smiling and saying: "The wager just now was merely a jest, Brother Sun need not take it seriously"

Gao Bufan raised his sword-like eyebrows and said, "It seems the old man has once again become a big spender, covering everything from food and drink to entertainment. What does Yu Wenhua want at our ranch?"

Raising horses is not an easy task. First, you need a vast pasture for the horses to gallop. Secondly, sufficient fodder is required. If you are raising warhorses, they must also be fed fine grains; otherwise, the horses will lack endurance and explosive power, making them unfit for the battlefield.

Is Dad ready to settle this with money? Gao Bufan's face was dark, but then again, his face was originally dark.

Xia Guanjia sighed: "I can only spend money to avert disaster, but the other party's appetite is a bit large, asking for three thousand taels of silver"

Xia Guanjia pointed to the west and whispered: "The imperial envoy from the Eastern Capital Luoyang, Tai Pu Shao Qing Yu Wenhua Ji!"

Sun Anzu felt increasingly grateful and clasped his hands, saying: "I still do not know the esteemed young master’s surname and given name, nor where your home is located"

By the way, you two keep your mouths shut for me. Today, do not tell the master and madam about what happened in the dock

Damn it, why is it again three thousand taels of silver? Today, I encountered a group of kidnappers demanding a ransom of three thousand taels of silver. Now, here comes a parasitic official, the Deputy Minister of the Imperial Household, also demanding three thousand taels of silver. Damn it, no wonder they say officials and bandits are like family; the ancients truly did not deceive me!

The steward sighed in pain and tugged at the corner of his mouth: "What else can we do? We can only endure it. This bird-like person, waving the flag of inspecting horse farms nationwide, comes to our farm to eat and take advantage, while deliberately making things difficult for us. He claims this horse is not good, that horse is not suitable. What infuriates us the most is that he actually demands our farm to submit one thousand warhorses this year. The official document issued at the beginning of the year clearly stated seven hundred horses, and suddenly it has increased by three hundred. Where are we supposed to get them? Even with money, we can't buy them!"

Gao Ren chuckled and said, "It is not that the young master does not like the dishes made by Miss Ying'er, but rather that he does not like the person who cooks."

Gao Bufan laughed and scolded, "You two, if you keep chattering, I will have you both get off your horses and walk back."

It is said that Liu Ying'er is the third daughter of the village head, Liu Dapeng. She is indeed quite attractive and possesses excellent culinary skills. However, she is only twelve years old, and naturally, Gao Bufan is not interested in such a young girl. Yet, Liu Dapeng clearly does not share this view. At that time, it was quite normal for girls to marry at the age of twelve or thirteen, while those who remained unmarried past the age of twenty were ridiculed as old maids.

The Flying Eagle Horse Farm is required to provide the court with five hundred qualified high-quality warhorses each year. Failure to meet this standard will result in punishment, with severe cases potentially leading to beheading. At the beginning of this year, Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty ordered the mobilization of horses nationwide in preparation for the eastern expedition against Goguryeo. Consequently, the task for the Flying Eagle Horse Farm has also been increased this year, as they must submit seven hundred high-quality warhorses. In order to fulfill this task, the farm owner, Gao Kaishan, has been overwhelmed with work since the beginning of the year and has had no time to attend to Gao Bufan.

Sun Anzu felt somewhat embarrassed and said: "What kind of hero am I? You flatter me, Sir Gao. In fact, you possess a heart of a bodhisattva, not using your power to bully others, which is in stark contrast to the wealthy young masters I have encountered before. Had I known this, I would not have stolen your horse."

I am Gao Bufan, but you can just call me Xiaofan. There is a Flying Eagle Horse Ranch located more than 30 miles from here, which is owned by my family

Sun Anzu shook his head and said in a deep voice: "Although I come from humble beginnings, I have never lost my trustworthiness towards others. If Young Master Gao looks down upon a rough person like me as a servant, then I will cut off a finger, and that will settle our wager between us."

Sun Anzu cupped his hands and said in a rough voice: "Alright, after I have settled E Niang and her child at her relatives' home, I will hurry to Feiying Horse Ranch to attend to Young Master Gao. I wonder if that is acceptable"

After Sun Anzu left, Gao Bufan chatted casually with the village head, Liu Dapeng, before taking his leave. However, the latter warmly invited him, saying: "It is already past noon, Xiao Fan, you must not have eaten yet. Why not come to Uncle Liu's house? I will have Ying'er prepare a delicious meal for you."

The Flying Eagle Horse Ranch is the largest military horse ranch in Bohai County, situated on a plain by the banks of the Zhang River. To the northwest, there is a Flying Eagle Mountain with an elevation not exceeding 100 meters, which is how the ranch got its name