204 Conques (1/2)

The air was cool that morning in the north. In a far area within the fields, the An Clan set camp, the entire area surrounded with their men and flags – none daring to pass.

For three months, the An Clan spread throughout the Northern Empire, rampaging provinces, seizing the land for themselves and expanding their territory.

Today was the day of the An Clan's spring hunt. Members of the clan as well as the Tuhan troops would compete to catch the most prey.

Like every year, An Ruo won.

”Great catch Master Ruo!

”As expected of our strongest member!”

The camps strongly built pens were black silhouettes outlined against the setting sun. They could hear the other's return from the loud boasting of men and the subtle sound of horses' hooves. Over their heads, a dozen golden banners whipped back and forth in the northern wind, the sign of the An Clan's falcon branded.

By then, the others were dismounting, and An Ruo bore a subtle smile on his face as men patted him on the back proudly. He didn't look smug or modest, just as easygoing as ever. Having won the hunt, An Ruo walked toward the main pen to where his father would grant him a reward.

Three months ago, when Manchu brought back the head of Governor Duyi, An Ruo and his father's relationship faltered - his father's trust in him cracked. As his goal required favoritism from his father, An Ruo couldn't allow this to happen.

He was the true heir, the eldest, born to rule.

For the next month, he was obedient to his father's every word and trained hard to spread the clan's territory through the north.

As An Ruo approached the pen's entrance, his eyes made contact with a figure speaking to a Tuhan man. His rare blue eyes entrapped many but only brought disgust to An Ruo. He was nothing but a rare blooded slave who was taken in by his bastard brother.

Now that An Sun was dead, his position was no more of what it once was.

And yet, his father still held some favor toward him as he was loyal and obedient to the clan.

Just like a mutt.

When those blue eyes met his dark ones, scorn flashed in An Ruo's gaze. But as quickly as it came, it disappeared. Turning away, he entered the pen. The air was heavy with the scent of spices, burning coal, and sweet lemon and cinnamon.

When he entered, he saw his father, who sat with quiet dignity, thick fingers on the sides of his chair with wine and meat beside him. An Ruo nodded silently, knelt, and bowed his head.

”You've done well once again, son.” An Hongyu sounded very pleased.

”Thank you, father. I hope I captured enough for the feast tonight.” An Ruo responded humbly.

After the spring hunt, a feast was held with the men's catches. It was always more than enough.

An Ruo was still on one knee, his eyes upraised. ”Truth be told father, I would like to make a request. A suggestion, if you will.”

”Hmm?” An Hongyu leaned in his seat with a raised brow. ”And what would that be?”

An Ruo was silent for a moment before he finally spoke up.

”For the past three months, our power has spread throughout the north. Provinces fear us more than ever before and our men have only grown stronger.” An Ruo replied quietly. When his father did not answer, he continued, ”I think it's time that we expand our influence even further into the Western Empire.”