Chapter Seven, The Master of the Tiger Pavilion

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"Haha, your mouth is quite picky, even complaining about such good dishes being cold. It's just the right temperature to bring out the flavor!" Ge Rong said with a hearty laugh.

"Hehe, I still feel a bit out of place," Cai Feng said to himself with a somewhat dazed smile.

"Why do you have such a decision?" Cai Shang seemed to be suppressing his anger as he asked in a low voice.

The middle-aged man listened quietly, his expression calm, clearly understanding every word spoken by Cai Shang. He could not help but express his gratitude, saying: "Thank you for the reminder, Brother Ge Rong has learned from it."

Oh! Yuan Hao exclaimed in surprise, his eyes shining with a strange light, and he immediately sat up straight, saying earnestly

After a moment's pause, Yuanhao asked: "So how can we obtain a fully aggressive and obedient dog?"

The Yuan government was vast. Although Emperor Xiaowen had once implemented the Equal Field System, whereby local officials were allocated public land according to their ranks—15 acres for the Inspector and 6 acres for the County Magistrate—the corruption that began with Emperor Xuanwu had already fostered a prevailing atmosphere from the ruler to the subjects. During the regency of Empress Hu, the trend of extravagance became even more pronounced, where having wealth made everything negotiable. The Equal Field Law enacted by Emperor Xiaowen was completely undermined at this time, as public and open fields, which were originally prohibited from being bought and sold, could now be traded freely. Naturally, with the financial power of the Yuan family, they acquired large tracts of land, and the court had long since become accustomed to this.

Cai Shang looked at Cai Feng in disbelief, and even the middle-aged man and Huang Hai felt an immense surprise.

"Give me a bath, are you mistaken?" Cai Feng's eyes widened larger than apples, and her utterly astonished expression couldn't help but make the pretty maid laugh uncontrollably.

The four-eaved flying eaves take on the form of a tiger, and at the entrance of the pavilion, two large stone tigers stand guard. The bluestone steps reveal a beauty that is both ancient and elegant, reflecting the simplicity of nature.

As for the minor matters, it is about Li Chong's son, Li Zhan, who came to flaunt his power in Wuan City. I tricked this young man into giving me ten taels of silver with a few flattering words, and I knocked out two of the sharpest teeth from his invincible dog. As for the major issues, there are the invading high-carriage bandits from Rouran attacking the six towns. The people of Huaihuang Town killed the military general Yu Jing and revolted. The broken Liu Han Ba Ling from Woye Town also gathered a crowd to rise in rebellion, killing the town general and declaring themselves the Yuan Zhen Wang. The other towns responded one after another, with Liu Han Ba Ling leading troops southward, sending the subordinate commander Wei Ke Gu to besiege the two towns of Wuchuan and Huaishuo. The court is preparing to send the King of Linhuai, Yuan, or a commander to lead a northern expedition against the various military forces.

"The maid, Lanxiang," the charming maid said in a delicate voice.

Very well, you have courage! Sit down! Yuanhao said with a carefree smile

"Wow, you are so well-behaved, I really hate to send you off, but let's talk about it when there's something to do. For now, please lead the way," Cai Feng said with a cheerful laugh.

Very well, at such a young age to possess humility is indeed something that ordinary people cannot compare to. However, I have heard that you are capable of taming the king of dogs, and I have always been somewhat skeptical. At such a young age, how could you possibly have such deep knowledge of dogs

The man smiled calmly and said, "This is what truly constitutes the joy of family, and only you, Senior Brother, can enjoy it." He then turned to Cai Feng and asked, "What about the big ones and what about the small ones?"

Now this situation almost makes it impossible for me to enjoy myself; it is already a stroke of luck that my delicate bones have not been completely softened by sleep said Cai Feng with exaggerated laughter

"The young master also resides inside!" the maid explained

Cai Feng knew that this person must be Yuan Hao, the master of the Yuan family, as only he would possess such a natural aura of a king

The horse continued to walk until it reached the gate of the Yuan residence. Cai Feng and the others dismounted, but they were relieved of the large bow and powerful arrows on their backs by someone. Yuan Quan and Changsun Jingwu were no exception. The requirements at the residence seemed quite strict; however, both the guards and servants showed particular respect to these individuals, bowing to them. Yet, Yuan Quan and Changsun Jingwu did not respond and proceeded directly towards the southern courtyard

"That is truly wonderful. Naturally, I am very happy to have something to enjoy. Perhaps I will also take a walk in the wild and maybe even find a few wolf dens!" Cai Feng said cheerfully and without reservation.

I see that the Cai brothers have been on the road for three days; let him rest this afternoon and we can discuss it again tomorrow said Yuan Quan

"Mating with wolves?" Changsun Jingwu asked in astonishment.

The location and construction style of "Qianhu Pavilion" give it a remarkable presence, at least in Cai Feng's eyes

Cai Feng immediately retracted his joking demeanor and said softly: "I am going to Handan to train dogs for the Yuan family, so there should not be any issues in life. Moreover, I saved four people today, both Changsheng and Uncle Ma are aware of this. Among those four, one is the steward of the Yuan family, and another is the head instructor of the Yuan family's guards, so no one in Handan will dare to cause me trouble."

Early the next morning, Changsun Jingwu came to knock on Cai Feng's door

"Naturally, it is prepared for the young master." The charming maid continued to stir the hot water with her pure white hands, smiling as she spoke

The several charming maidens, upon seeing Cai Feng's impatient demeanor, could not help but burst into laughter.

Cai Shang and Ge Rong couldn't help but laugh, scolding, "If you keep talking nonsense, be careful that Uncle Huang will cut off your tongue with a sword"

Cai Feng cast a sidelong glance at the maid who was lowering her head, then turned to Changsun Jingwu and smiled, "I think it would be better if you called for me tomorrow, as I do not know where to find you all"

Ah—manhood relies on one's own two hands, how can one depend on raising a few livestock to gain a reputation

Oh, I see, no wonder. The middle-aged man said with realization, and Cai Shang and Huang Hai also felt relieved.

"Nephew has been taught well," Cai Feng said respectfully

Cai Feng immersed herself in the bath for nearly half an hour, and all her fatigue dissipated. Every cell in her body seemed to be filled with boundless vitality, truly a delightful experience

Cai Feng confidently stated: "When it comes to training dogs, the most difficult to train are war dogs. The requirements for war dogs are extremely strict and diverse. The most basic conditions for war dogs are physical strength, fighting spirit, and teeth"

The courtyard is indeed very large, and the decorations and arrangements inside are extremely elegant, featuring rockeries, ponds, bamboo groves, and forests, with winding paths that twist eighteen times, all of which leave Cai Feng in awe. He cannot help but worry secretly, "In such a large courtyard, will I be able to get close to Miss Ye Mei?" However, since he is already here, he decides to make the best of it. After all, the treatment and environment here are quite good, so it is not a loss. It would also be nice to have the opportunity to stroll around that bustling city.

Since the establishment of the Northern Wei by Tuoba Gui, the Xianbei people have never abandoned their ancestral habit of living by nomadism. The Tuoba clan is a nomadic ethnic group that primarily engaged in animal husbandry before entering the frontier. After Tuoba Gui, agriculture began to develop significantly. The nomadic people could not do without sheepdogs, which were originally trained to protect and guard the sheep from wolf attacks. In later periods, with the relocation of the capital to Luoyang and the substantial development of agriculture, some Tuoba and Xianbei nobles no longer dared to rely on nomadism for their livelihood, yet the habit of training dogs remained unchanged. This trained dog could be used for hunting, but later, the game of dog fighting emerged, which quickly spread in the Northern Wei capital of Luoyang. Ultimately, whether among the Xianbei nobility or the Han officials, everyone enjoyed dog fighting as a way to pass the time and alleviate the boredom and emptiness of life, adding some amusement to the void of uncertainty in this war-torn era. The development of dog fighting accelerated, with some even considering it a symbol of status. Many would spend large sums of money to hire the best dog trainers to train their dogs to become the finest fighting dogs. However, there were very few who truly understood how to train dogs well. Therefore, those in the position of dog trainers, regardless of which prominent family they belonged to, would be respected. Cai Feng's dog training skills had long been reported to the young master of the Yuan family by Yuan Sheng, so it is not surprising that Cai Feng received such treatment.

Yuan Hao's expression turned serious as he placed a hand on Cai Feng's shoulder and said lightly, "I heard that you saved the lives of Yuan Quan and Chang Sun Jingwu, is that correct?"

Take Young Master Cai to change and bathe said Yuan Quan in a low voice to the maid standing beside him

"Young master will gradually get used to it." The charming maid stood up and said with a smile, her slightly flushed face and eyes that seemed on the verge of tears truly overwhelmed Cai Feng.

Cai Feng couldn't help but smile awkwardly and said, "Brother Yuan Sheng praises me so highly, I fear I might become arrogant and complacent. It would be best if you do not overly commend me, my lord"

"Is that prepared for me?" Cai Feng said in astonishment

Cai Feng had long taken Yuan Quan and others to the town to purchase four fine horses. For Cai Feng, the townspeople treated him with great care, and any guests he brought along would receive very favorable prices on their purchases. Today, however, it was quite unusual; Cai Feng did not bring his dog with him, as he did not wish for the dog to accompany him to Handan

Young master, the servant has prepared hot water for you. The door to the inner chamber creaked open, revealing the maid who had just been summoned by Yuan Quan to tidy up this room.

Cai Feng smiled faintly and said: "I am quite well-connected in Wu'an City. This information was conveyed to me by the son of the governor, who is a good friend of mine, so he naturally would not conceal anything from me, which is why I am so well-informed. Although I am not particularly interested in these matters, they seem to be very interested and insisted on providing such detailed accounts, making it impossible for me not to remember clearly."

I have only you as my junior disciple; in this world, Master has left us two to rely on each other. If I do not care about you, who else can I care for? Even if a knife were held to my throat over a decade ago, I would not have given up on helping you. Cai smiled bitterly as he spoke.

"But if you live in here, where do I live?" Cai Feng said with confusion, somewhat perplexed by the maid's words.

Cai Shang, Ge Rong, and Huang Hai were taken aback, looking at Cai Feng, whose face was filled with anticipation. Cai Shang could not help but gently ask, "Is there something you need to do in Handan?"

He seemed to recall something and continued: "The master requests your presence to test your dog-training skills. He specifically asked me to invite Brother Cai to finish his breakfast and then go to 'Qianhu Pavilion' for a visit. I wonder if Brother Cai is prepared for this"

In Handan City, Changsun Jingwu seems to be more well-connected than Yuan Quan. In this era of turmoil, people respect heroes and warriors, and Changsun Jingwu serves as the martial arts instructor for the Yuan family. He frequently appears in the city, and everyone is aware of his martial prowess. Therefore, he enjoys greater popularity than Yuan Quan, the chief steward.

"It cannot be considered as saving them, as driving away wolves is the hunter's duty," Cai Feng humbly stated

Wow!" Cai Feng couldn't help but exclaim. He had never experienced such enjoyment from childhood to adulthood, so he was naturally astonished. At the same time, he turned to the charming maid who was drawing water and gently said, "Go fetch my luggage; my clothes are inside.

Cai Feng smiled and said, "Why don't we go to the dog-raising area in the mansion to take a look and have a stroll? Let me see what breed your dogs are, and then we can discuss in detail, shall we?"

Cai Feng had gotten up early, as he was so excited that he could hardly sleep. What kind of scene would it be when Yuan Ye Mei suddenly saw Cai Feng appear in her residence in Handan? It was this thought that kept him awake all night.

The distinction among individuals does not lie in their age, but in their hearts. A mature heart cannot be concealed from its inherent brilliance. Cai Feng expressed this profound philosophy. Over the years, having followed his father, he has learned much about Zen philosophy, which naturally allows him to articulate his thoughts eloquently. It is not surprising, yet it greatly astonished Yuanhao, who could not fathom how deeply Cai Feng's words resonated.

This world belongs to the Xianbei people, and even more so to the Yuan family. Therefore, the wealth of the Yuan family is undeniable and can be affirmed

Cai Feng, feeling overwhelmed, blushed and said: "No need, no need, I can manage on my own with my own hands and feet. It's better if I wash it myself. You go out first, go out first."

Cai Feng came to his senses from his daze, smiled foolishly, and said: "It would be best to reheat the few dishes on the table that have already cooled down; otherwise, eating cold food could upset the stomach"

The charming maid laughed sweetly and said, "Young master, do you still need to wear those clothes? We have already prepared garments for you." As she spoke, she pointed to the resplendent brocade garments on the platform

What is your opinion on the art of dog training

Oh, so that's how it is. Then I really need to go pick out a few dog kings!" Cai Feng said, realizing.

Cai Shangwei revealed a hint of joy as he said: "Junior brother has finally understood my meaning, that is truly the best outcome."

Cai Feng glanced around at the several warriors and servants standing nearby, and confidently took a seat on a chair not far from Yuan Hao

If Yuan Quan and Chang Sun Jingwu had not seen those four dogs of Cai Feng, they really would not believe that Cai Feng possessed such abilities

"Young lady, please do not misunderstand, absolutely not! You know that habits take time to develop; I truly am not accustomed to it, nor am I adapting. Please do not let your imagination run wild," Cai Feng hurriedly explained.

Cai Feng was momentarily taken aback, unsure of what to say.

The Southern Courtyard is the residence of Yuan Quan and Changsun Jingwu, while Yuan Hao and the inner family reside in the Eastern Courtyard

Hmm! The maid's pretty face turned even redder, and she lowered her head, not daring to look at Cai Feng

Your words are misguided, esteemed one. While it is indeed not something that an ordinary person can achieve to breed a dog with a wolf, it is not an extraordinary feat either. This process is significantly influenced by the wolf's selection, the timing of the breeding, and the condition of the wolf itself. Many believe that being able to breed a dog with a wolf is a high standard, yet they fail to recognize the crucial role that the wolf's choice plays in this matter. It is akin to the difference between a middle-aged man and an elderly or youthful individual, with physiological distinctions as well. A wolf mating at its peak excitement will yield different results compared to one mating when exhausted. Although this difference may not be immediately apparent, it becomes clear when the puppies grow up and can be compared. Therefore, breeding requires not only the inherent qualities of the breeding dog but also the qualities of the wolf, as well as the right timing and weather conditions. Breeding during continuous rain versus under clear skies will yield subtle differences. Truly training a dog to become a king among dogs is no easy task. A careless person, even if they know the method, will find it difficult to achieve their goal throughout their life. I wonder what questions you may have, esteemed one? Cai Feng said proudly.

"Is dog training really that serious?" Cai Feng said, still somewhat in disbelief.

"What are you looking for the wild wolf's den for?" Yuan Quan asked in confusion

Cai Feng smiled, a brilliant smile that was somewhat innocent and cheerful, much like the sincere, content, and peaceful smile of the middle-aged man, which left Changsun Jingwu even more perplexed

Oh! Cai Feng was taken aback, looking up at Changsun Jingwu with surprise, and asked curiously, "Is there a mistake? I am merely a dog keeper, is it really that important? Must the esteemed lord personally assess me?"

Cai Feng glanced at him and took the handkerchief, asking, "What is your name? I forgot to ask."

Cai Feng helplessly said: "Today, I saw a very beautiful girl at the governor's residence. She is the niece of the governor's wife and also the daughter of the Yuan family from Handan. I foolishly fell in love with this girl, and it just so happens that the person I saved here is the steward of the Yuan family, which led to such absurd thoughts. However, I really just intended to visit Handan for a bit; if it turns out to be uninteresting, I would simply return." Cai Feng shrugged his shoulders to indicate his innocence

"With no great ambitions, there is no remedy." Cai sighed and shook his head with a bitter smile

"What is your name again?" Cai Feng stopped in his tracks and asked the charming maid, whose eyes were filled with a hint of sorrow. Remembering that the maid had said she would accompany him to bed the previous day, he couldn't help but feel a surge of compassion in his heart

Handan City was once a famous city during the Warring States period and the capital of the Zhao State. It is located at the confluence of the Fuyang River and the Zhu River, with the two rivers flowing through Handan, forming the main water system of Handan City

The questions posed by the esteemed individual are indeed quite broad. The art of dog training encompasses a wide range of practices. Different requirements for dogs necessitate different training methods, and various breeds of dogs also require distinct approaches to training. In summary, the essence of dog training lies in uncovering the corresponding potential of each dog, enabling it to achieve optimal results in a specific area. For instance, when training a dog for tracking enemies, one must focus on enhancing its sense of smell, while training its ears and eyes for reconnaissance purposes. Conversely, training for dog fighting involves an entirely different methodology. May I inquire which specific aspect the esteemed individual wishes for me to discuss?

Cai Fenggan chuckled and said, "It's nothing serious, but I really want to go out and have some fun"

Ge Rong laughed heartily and, holding Cai Shang's hand, said enviously: "This is the true joy of father and son, this is the genuine happiness of family. Senior brother, I am truly happy for you. In this world, it seems that only you can achieve such a harmonious father-son relationship, and perhaps you are the happiest and most joyful father in the world."

Cai's facial muscles twitched slightly as he said: "Yuan Huo is destined to be defeated by Wei Kegu. Yuan Huo, timid as a mouse, would not dare to advance lightly. As long as Wei Kegu captures Wuchuan and Huaishuo before Yuan Huo arrives, Yuan Huo will only have the path of defeat and death. The military and civilians in Wuchuan and Huaishuo have long been disheartened; relocating the capital to Luoyang is inherently unfair to Yuan Zhen. Therefore, these two towns can be taken with relatively few troops. The best strategy is to attack with cunning; if possible, as long as someone raises a call from within the city, they can launch a pincer attack, and the two cities will fall without a fight. However, what Ba Ling fears the most is not the Northern Wei court, but the Northern Rouran, a group of elusive attacking forces that are his greatest enemies. Ba Ling is caught between two sides, both of which possess the strongest military strength, and his fate seems destined for failure, especially since the Northern Wei court still has considerable combat capability. Nevertheless, this incident involving Ba Ling will trigger countless uprisings, and at that time, the court will be overwhelmed, with a significant decline in financial and human resources. By then, you will have spent enough time and effort preparing, and in comparison, it will be self-evident. I hope you, junior brother, will consider this carefully."

The Cai brothers have greatly underestimated this group of dogs. The master is very fond of dog fighting; not only the master, but everyone in our household enjoys this pastime. Given our proximity to Ye City, the master often takes the dogs there to compete, yet he has consistently faced more defeats than victories, resulting in significant monetary losses. This is a minor issue; his reputation has also suffered greatly. The matter of dog fighting is not as simple as the Cai brothers believe.

Cai took a deep breath and said, "The world will once again become a place of corpses strewn everywhere and blood flowing like a tide."

The Yuan family is of imperial lineage and naturally holds a very important position in Handan City. Branches of the Yuan family are found everywhere, and there are certainly more than one location where members of the Yuan family exist. The Yuan family in Handan descends from Yuan Hao, a descendant of Wang Cheng, the King of Rencheng. Although Yuan Hao did not hold any significant position in Handan City, he had the power to influence the entire city.

Oh! Cai Feng no longer paid attention to the pretty maid standing dumbfounded beside her and walked towards the room

How about the Cai brothers rest and play here for a few days before attending to their business? Yuan Quan said to Cai Feng in a gentle manner, pulling him closer.

Indeed, no matter how excellent a breeding dog may be, it ultimately has its limitations. Therefore, if we truly wish to find and train a king of dogs, we must eliminate all its shortcomings that are detrimental to combat and replace them with all the advantages of aggression and obedience. This is the very purpose of our selection of breeding dogs. Cai Feng boldly expressed insights that Yuan Hao had never heard before, leaving even Captain Long Sun Jingwu deeply captivated by Cai Feng's words.

Hearing your words truly makes me feel that you are not merely a youth in your twenties

Upon seeing the Yellow Sea, he imitated Cai Feng by sticking out his tongue while simultaneously placing his hand at the corner of his mouth

"Well said, how can we coexist with the minions of these corrupt officials? Feng, you have done well, so I shall gift you something," he said, taking out a three-foot-long sword from his bag and placing it into Cai Feng's hands with a smile. "Although this sword is not a treasure, it is forged from high-quality steel and is undoubtedly a fine weapon. Today, I present it to you for your future self-defense."

I have arranged for them to stay in the Turtle Cave. They do not have horses and will have to wait for me to take them to buy horses tomorrow

In my method of dog training, there are eight words: "Dance with wolves, sleep with dogs." These eight words are easy to say but difficult to practice. Only those with exceptionally strong determination and courage can accomplish this. I have successfully trained several dogs that can at least be considered first-class war dogs, and I believe you can trust that I can achieve these eight words. As for the process involved, I cannot speak of it directly, and I ask for your understanding.

Cai sighed and said, "For more than a decade, my heart has died; I have long grown weary of a life filled with corpses everywhere. I do not wish to be entangled in this endless bloody world any longer. I do not oppose your uprising; in this world of chaos, only the strong can survive, and only the strong have the right to speak. I understand my junior brother's thoughts."

Yuan Quan and Changsun Jingwu could not help but smile slightly, while Cai Feng no longer paid them any attention and walked away directly with the maid

"Father, Master Uncle, do you also wish to rebel?" Cai Feng asked in confusion, yet there was no sign of astonishment in his expression

Zhangsun Jingwu could not help but laugh heartily and said, "I have never seen anyone as interesting in conversation as the Cai brothers. However, I believe the Cai brothers have already become the most outstanding persuaders; in the future, there is no need for them to become hunters, they can simply be persuaders instead"

The person sat in the center of the grand hall, and one could see him standing at the entrance; the aura of authority that emanated naturally from him revealed his extraordinary identity

This is the knowledge within breeding. Do not be misled by the simplicity of the breeding issue; it encompasses numerous variations that not every dog trainer can understand and master. The breeding of dogs will never awaken the latent fighting spirit and wildness in them. Wildness is crucial; only when filled with wildness can one truly possess the momentum to forge ahead and become incredibly fierce. The best way to stimulate this wildness is through wolves, as they are the closest relatives to dogs. The innate ferocity and wildness of wolves, when bred with dogs, will undoubtedly impart a trace of wolf-like wildness to the offspring. Of course, we cannot whimsically consider breeding dogs with tigers, can we?" Cai Feng smiled as he asked the two.

Cai Feng shrugged and smiled, saying: "A graceful and virtuous lady is indeed a gentleman's ideal partner! One must enjoy life to the fullest, doing what one desires; as long as it brings joy, why should one care whether it is right or wrong?"

After a pause, he continued: "Teeth can be cultivated later in life, and physical strength is also partly influenced by external factors, as is fighting spirit. However, physical strength and fighting spirit are more significantly affected by innate factors. Take wolves and domestic dogs for example; no matter how thin a wolf may be, its physical strength is undoubtedly greater than that of an ordinary dog, and its fighting spirit is also stronger. This is an innate factor. The ancestors of dogs were derived from wolves, but after countless generations, they have lost their original wildness. Therefore, before training dogs, one must first select the best breeding dogs to unlock more potential abilities. What do you think, esteemed adult?"

Cai Feng, who was washing his face, paused for a moment and replied with a smile: "This idea is quite good. I will become the lobbyist beside the Dog King. That way, it will not only be safe but also quite prestigious"

"What a nice name," Cai Feng said with a smile, "Isn't this clean handkerchief soiled because of my mouth? What a pity!" He then wiped the crumbs of pastry from the corner of his mouth with the handkerchief before returning it to her, and together with Changsun Jingwu, they walked towards the main gate.

That person seemed to have noticed Cai Feng's presence, even expressing a certain surprise at it, a surprise that was entirely unpretentious. It appeared that they both recognized each other's uniqueness, though they could not articulate exactly what made them different. However, that formidable middle-aged man stood up.

Changsun Jingwu smiled and replied: "If there is something to be done, you can just send them; there is no need for you to take action personally"

Three days after Cai Feng arrived in Handan, he felt a sense of novelty in this unfamiliar place, yet there was also a considerable amount of unusual joy

Cai Feng grabbed two large pieces of cake, stuffed them into his mouth, and then gulped down a few sips of tea, mumbling, "No need, I eat very quickly."

Indeed, you have come from afar as a guest, so there is no need for us to be overly polite. Your task of training the dogs for us is a matter for the future. For now, you should familiarize yourself with the environment of the city. This is not contradictory, as it will greatly assist in choosing the right dogs for competition and breeding in the future, correct? However, rest assured that all these expenses will be covered by us. You only need to enjoy yourself, and Yuan Sheng will accompany you, so there should be no issues.

Cai's expression became serious as he said: "The world is so chaotic, and the outside world is even more tumultuous. If you go and do something that we are unaware of, do you not fear that we will worry?"

The wind and moon on the building resemble a piece of ice that can never melt, cold enough to be somewhat unbearable. However, Yuan Sheng and Chang Sun Jingwu share a strong affinity with Cai Feng, making the journey not lonely. Cai Feng is a very lively person, at least on the road to Handan, which ensures that this group is not lonely.

Yuan Quan said in a low voice to the young maid following behind, "Go prepare a suite for Young Master Cai, it must be quite comfortable." He then led Cai Feng and Changsun Jingwu into his own room, while Yuan Sheng and Lou Fengyue each returned to their own quarters.

Cai Feng disdainfully said: "How could they possibly deserve to live in our village? Why would we share a room with these black-hearted corrupt officials and their minions? Not breaking their legs is already showing them a great deal of respect. Otherwise, not only would we not take them to the turtle cave, but we would also have to send them to the wolf's den."

Cai Feng confidently smiled and said: "With my might shaking Handan, I need not rely on swords or blades; with just the dogs I have trained, I can sweep across the world without rivals, making the people of Handan bow their heads in submission"

This is a rather small room, enveloped in warm air, where the dense humidity permeates the entire space, and every inch seems to be filled with boundless vitality

Cai Feng looked at Changsun Jingwu and said with a bitter smile: "I have lived for so long, and it seems I have lived in vain. However, I am truly worried about whether I can still maintain the standards of a qualified hunter in the future"

"Hmm, both names are quite poetic, not bad at all," Cai Feng praised, and then he and Changsun Jingwu walked towards the eastern courtyard.

I am very fond of dog fighting, but I have limited knowledge about raising and training dogs. Today, after hearing what Brother Cai said, I am truly eager to learn more. I kindly ask Brother Cai to explain in detail." Changsun Jingwu raised a cup of tea that had just been filled by a servant and drank it in one gulp, eagerly asking.

But if one enjoys the pleasures of nature and human relationships, what reason is there to complain about the fickleness of heaven? Father, what do you think?

"Why didn't you bring them back?" Cai asked with concern

Cai was greatly astonished, and Ge Rong also found it exceptionally amusing that there could actually be a form of extortion like Cai Feng in the world

"Of course, it is to bathe the young master. Is the young master not happy?" the charming maid said in a sultry voice

Upon pushing open the door, the two charming maids had already prepared all the water needed for washing up, and even the breakfast was fully arranged

Changsun Jingwu smiled gently and said, "I have been waiting for you outside the door"

Yuan Hao elegantly lifted his teacup and took a small sip, inhaling deeply before smiling and saying: "You have not disappointed me. Even if you are not a very good dog trainer, you will still be a great talent. Now, what I want to ask is about the training methods for war dogs. What are your thoughts on this?"

As long as the Cai brothers can truly tame the Dog King, then the master will certainly not treat you poorly at that time

The charming maid was taken aback, looking at Cai Feng as if he were a monster, and softly said: "Is it that I do not meet your expectations, young master?"

Indeed, if the young master has any matters to attend to, please feel free to send for this servant." The maid obediently bowed and said

Cai let out a long breath, smiled bitterly and said, "This world is already dark enough; it should change. Long ago, I knew that this day would come."

Cai, stunned and laughing, said: "You disrespectful thing, you dare to lecture even your father. It seems you need to be properly disciplined."

The middle-aged man could not help but feel somewhat disheartened as he said: "Senior brother, your martial arts are unparalleled, and your military strategies are divine. With your assistance, the world would truly be within our grasp. Why must you insist on this?"

Cai Feng was sleeping for the first time in such a wonderful and comfortable environment, truly fragrant and sweet. When Changsun Jingwu came to call him, he had not yet awakened. However, due to the alertness of a hunter, he quickly turned over in bed and skillfully put on the clothes that the two charming maidservants had prepared for him.

Wonderful, wonderful. I have certainly heard many grand discussions about dogs, but your words are the most vivid and persuasive, grounded in fundamental truths that leave no room for rebuttal. However, how can such wolves be selected, and how can one appropriately arrange for the mating of wolves with breeding dogs?

Cai's expression involuntarily revealed a hint of emotion and relief as he turned to Cai Feng and asked, "Where are those four individuals now?"

Yuan Hao and Changsun Jingwu could not help but nod slightly

"It is the duty of a servant to bathe the young master; how could I possibly go out?" the pretty maid exclaimed in surprise

Yuan Hao formally opened the topic and asked淡淡地问道 :

Cai Feng happily took the sword from Ge Rong's hand, giving the scabbard a heavy kiss, and joyfully said: "Uncle Master is still the most fond of me; I have never dared to use Uncle Huang's sword." As she spoke, she stuck out her tongue at Huang Hai and made a funny face.

"This is not called rebellion; this is called reclaiming my homeland, this is called clarifying the world," retorted the middle-aged man.

"How do you know this so clearly?" the middle-aged man asked in surprise, while Cai Shang's gaze was also filled with suspicion

Seeing Cai Feng in such a predicament, the delicate maid could not help but burst into laughter and obediently walked out.

What is that senior brother still hesitating about? With your martial arts, your reputation, and my arrangements, as long as you call out from a high place, it will immediately astonish the world. At that time, the world will be engulfed in chaos, and the realm of the Tuoba family will eventually be reduced to nothing.

Yuan Hao finally came to his senses and couldn't help but clap his hands in praise

"I heard from Old Ma Si that you indulged in greasy food at 'Four Seasons Fa', is that right?" Cai Shang asked with a smile

The main gate was not closed. As Cai Feng and Changsun Jingwu stepped onto the highest staircase, someone immediately opened the gate wide, and the attendants standing on either side respectfully saluted the two.

"Of course, I won't miss out on free food," Cai Feng said without any concealment. "Father, I want to go to Handan to have some fun tomorrow." Cai Feng suddenly changed the subject.

Yuan Hao and Chang Sun Jing Wu were taken aback, yet Yuan Hao murmured: "Dancing with wolves, sleeping with dogs..." This unexpectedly erupted into a burst of laughter, and he exclaimed: "Good, good, indeed a master of dog training. I believe you can certainly train a king of dogs or even a pack of them. I have never heard of anyone so young possessing such profound dog training skills. I never even imagined it before, yet today I have encountered such a talented individual, it is truly wonderful!" He continued to exclaim: "Good, good, indeed a master of dog training. I believe you can certainly train a king of dogs or even a pack of them. I have never heard of anyone so young possessing such profound dog training skills. I never even imagined it before, yet today I have encountered such a talented individual, it is truly wonderful!" He called out: "Bring wine and dishes, invite the steward, Yuan Sheng, and Feng Yue. If it were not for them, how could I have gained such a talented individual? We must celebrate this occasion."

As soon as Cai Feng and the others entered the city, someone came to greet them, as if he were a person of great importance. Although Cai Feng was a stranger to them, it was evident that Yuan Quan, Changsun Jingwu, and Yuan Sheng treated him with such courtesy that they naturally did not dare to be negligent. No one wanted to offend both Yuan Quan and Changsun Jingwu at the same time, for otherwise, he would find it difficult to survive in the Yuan family. Cai Feng felt a sense of pride, yet he also became more at ease.

"Nonsense! But it does suit the taste of my master uncle." Ge Rong patted Cai Feng heavily on the shoulder, laughing, while Huang Hai also placed his strong hand on Cai Feng's shoulder, grinning widely

Cai Feng chuckled lightly, nonchalantly drawing out the sword, its bluish metallic sheen sending a chill of coldness through the air

Cai Feng took a calm breath and said in a gentle and rhythmic manner: "The selection of breeding dogs depends on their robustness. The breeding dogs we choose do not need to meet any specific standards, as our selection and training are entirely different matters. The breeding dogs we select are only for the purpose of producing offspring and mating, while it is their descendants that we truly aim to cultivate."

Cai Shang indeed did not prepare anything for Cai Feng, but merely some clothes, boots, and pastries hastily made by a few skilled women called by Huang Hai. For an excellent hunter, wherever there are mountains and forests, he will not starve and can survive; the vitality of an excellent hunter is even stronger than that of a wolf. Therefore, he truly did not wish to prepare anything for Cai Feng

Hmm, that seems reasonable. So how do you choose a breed of dog?

This is a room elegantly decorated, with a well-equipped desk, everything exuding a strong atmosphere of affluence.

Cai, with a heavy heart, said: "For the past few years, I have been deeply studying the Buddhist path and have no desire to become embroiled in bloodshed. However, I understand that in this world, only evil can counteract evil. I must warn you, junior brother, that once you take action, you will face not only the officials and soldiers but also various rebel forces. No one will easily relinquish the power they have gained. You must understand that if you do not kill, others will kill you. I believe that only when one person truly unifies the world will there be genuine peace. In this war, one can be ruthless, but one must not be cruel to the common people or the soldiers. Po Liuhan is a formidable figure; I once crossed swords with him over a decade ago and narrowly defeated him with a single move. He was exiled to Woye Town due to his crimes, and he is a person of great ambition and capability. I advise you to be extremely cautious when you encounter him. It is best to act only after making the most thorough preparations; otherwise, you will surely become a target and be easily attacked."

As Cai Feng stepped onto the stone steps with long strides, he saw the three ancient seal characters "Qianhu Pavilion" hanging high above the entrance, along with the black lacquered door. Two enormous beast rings were suspended above it, naturally imparting a strong sense of oppression.

"Please follow me, young master!" the maid said respectfully and submissively

The maid could not help but blush, and shyly said: "If it is the young master’s command, I can stay inside."

As Cai Feng stepped into the room, he felt a wave of freshness and couldn't help but stretch lazily, asking in wonder, "Am I the only one living in such a large room?"

This opportunity is rather difficult to grasp; in any case, there are many details involved, and it is hard to say definitively at the moment said Cai Feng, speaking ambiguously

Cai Feng seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, exhaling deeply before hurriedly closing the door to the room

He was unaware that Yuan Quan held a very high position in the Yuan residence. Apart from the head of the household, Yuan Hao, and the lady of the house, even the young masters of the Yuan family had to show him respect, as he belonged to a generation much higher than theirs, being considered a figure of the same generation as Yuan Hao's uncle. Moreover, Changsun Jingwu held an extremely important position within the Yuan residence; they could be regarded as among the masters of the Yuan household. Cai Feng, being a friend and benefactor of both Yuan Shu and Changsun Jingwu, naturally received such hospitality. Yuan Hao was not very involved in the affairs of the household; many arrangements within the residence were solely managed by Yuan Quan. Dog fighting was not merely a game; it was also a matter of stakes and reputation.

There is nothing much to prepare, as we already have the bows and arrows. We just need to take them to buy four horses. I made it clear to them that for each horse, there must be a referral fee of fifteen taels of silver, which totals sixty taels for four horses, not a single coin less. Therefore, they will prepare the money themselves

How can this be acceptable? How can a man casually live with a woman? Since there are no other companions living in this room, I might as well live alone.

"Senior brother's analysis is indeed reasonable; I almost acted rashly," Ge Rong said, breaking out in a cold sweat.

"Only the Cai brothers could come up with such a thing for the Dog King," said Changsun Jingwu with great interest, laughing.

Cai Feng further stated: "If we choose exceptionally excellent breeding dogs, the offspring produced with wolves will be even more perfect. If we can properly train these puppies, which combine the obedience of dogs and the innate aggressiveness of wolves, they will become truly formidable war dogs"

Ge Rong patted Cai Feng's shoulder heavily and said with a smile, "What are you dazed for? Hurry up and bring a bowl over to enjoy the fine wine!"

"How many days of play?" Cai Feng was taken aback and asked in response

"The Rouran attacked the Six Towns, and the uprising of the Six Han at Balin was quelled?" Cai Shang exclaimed in surprise and asked.

A good sword deserves a good swordsmanship. I am not a swordsman, and carrying it does not serve much purpose. However, the swordsmanship that Feng has learned is from the Huang brothers, and this sword is just right for him, allowing Feng to make a name for himself in Handan as he steps into the world of martial arts.

What made Cai Feng even more uncomfortable was the sheer, gauzy robe that revealed her skin, accentuating her alluring figure, which rose and fell rhythmically with her delicate laughter. Cai Feng bit his tongue, feeling somewhat embarrassed, and said: "Miss, please step outside, I need to take a bath"

"Of course, we need to see if there are suitable wolves to mate with the dogs, as only then will the dogs possess innate bravery and fierceness," Cai Feng replied, his eyes filled with enthusiasm and confidence

This is very good, very good!" Changsun Jingwu said joyfully

"Tomorrow, is there anything you would like me to prepare for you?" Cai asked with concern

I know that my senior is good to me, and I do not impose any demands on him. I also understand his feelings. Regardless of the circumstances, I will always be grateful for his care for me. You will always be my master, " Ge Rong said with deep emotion and sentiment.

Only you, as an adult, possess such discernment. Cai Feng surprisingly did not show any modesty; instead, he used the compliment to affirm himself, a tactic that even Yuan Hao seemed unprepared for

Zhangsun Jingwu looked at Cai Feng's spirited yet dusty face and his own dirty clothes, and couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, saying: "Look at me, I'm all muddled. Right, first take a hot bath, then have a good sleep for the whole afternoon, and we'll talk about it tomorrow"

Indeed, this is one of the reasons why I have managed to train the best dogs. It is a rare experience, but knowing this alone is not sufficient. There are many techniques and timing involved in breeding, therefore, an invincible war dog is not something that can be easily found.

The charming maid trembled slightly, not expecting that Cai Feng would still pay attention to her, and could not help but reveal a hint of joy as she softly replied: "I am the one who brings the news of spring."

The Cai brothers may not be aware that my household has very strict requirements for the position of dog trainer, and the master himself understands this field, though he cannot be considered an expert. Therefore, every aspiring dog trainer wishing to serve in my household must pass the master's scrutiny

Handan held significant strategic importance during the Northern Wei period, resonating with Ye City (located north of Anyang in Henan). Emperor Xiaowen had selected two potential capitals for relocation, one of which was Ye City. Ye City was the most prosperous region in the Central Plains, concentrating the wealth of the North, and served as a major grain and silk production area in Hebei. Economically speaking, Ye City surpassed Luoyang, making Handan a naturally important strategic location, while also bearing the mission of guarding Ye City. Ye City was the most prosperous region in the Central Plains, concentrating the wealth of the North, and served as a major grain and silk production area in Hebei. Economically speaking, Ye City surpassed Luoyang, making Handan a naturally important strategic location, while also bearing the mission of guarding Ye City

What a fine sword!" Cai could not help but exclaim.

Yuan Hao was taken aback and couldn't help but burst into laughter, saying: "I heard from Yuan Sheng that you are eloquent, rare in the world, with an extraordinary character and remarkable courage. Indeed, there is no exaggeration in his words."

Training the puppy? Yuan Haoqi asked

Yuan Quan was also somewhat enchanted and remarked: "What must be done to breed a wolf and a dog to produce an invincible war dog?"

"Not bad, I believe this will not be wrong," Cai Feng said with certainty, while also feeling somewhat puzzled as to why his father, who was never easily startled, would be so agitated.

"All of this is merely a matter of time. The court is unkind, the corrupt officials are unjust, and the common people are suffering in dire straits!" exclaimed the middle-aged man passionately

Even Changsun Jingwu found it strange that Cai Feng had yet to step into the main hall, and his master stood up. This seemed quite unlike his usual demeanor. However, a master is a master; no one dared to question him, and Changsun Jingwu did not dare either

Cai Feng paid no attention to the people around him; he saw a person, and in that instant, his eyes were solely focused on this individual, to the extent that even Changsun Jingwu beside him seemed to no longer exist

Ge Rong and Cai Shang were taken aback at first, then immediately laughed and scolded, "You are truly getting worse with your studies; you can actually resort to such shameless behavior."

Cai Feng felt utterly bewildered, yet he did not dare to speak, merely gazing at Cai Shang as if he were a monster

When he crawled out of the bathtub, two charming maids had already prepared the meal for him, as if everything had been arranged by others, requiring no effort on his part, leaving him unable to distinguish whether he was a servant or a master

"Do you live inside?" Cai Fengdaqi asked, with a look of confusion on his face

"What you say is incorrect. If we were to discuss experience based solely on age, then would it not follow that all dog trainers are elderly men of eighty?" Cai Feng retorted.

I have also heard of this breeding with wolves, and many people have had dog fights involving breeding with wolves. Doesn't that mean everyone has their own dog king? How could one family dominate?

When he entered the city, the guards showed him the utmost respect. At the city gate, it was strictly prohibited to walk with a large bow and long arrows, yet the guards did not require him to remove his bow and arrows. This was because they regarded him as one of the Yuan family

The charming maid who was to bathe Cai Feng last night obediently presented him with a handkerchief

Indeed, it is truly exceptional. Yuanhao spoke up cheerfully