Seeking Support

Seeking Support

"It's Luo Ning."

Inside the room, Rulans leaned against the headboard. Hearing Luo Ning's voice, he found it strange that this grandson was being so attentive today. "What did you come to see me about?"

"Hehehe~"

Luo Ning chuckled as he walked to the bedside, putting on an embarrassed look.

"Grandfather, I just learned about the situation in Mountain Forest Town. It's still quite poor and dangerous there. Going alone would be very unsafe."

"Cough, cough!" Rulans coughed twice.

He had thought the boy had matured, but he had not expected him to still fear hardship. Rulans was somewhat displeased. "So you don't plan to go anymore?"

"No!"

Luo Ning was extremely resolute. "Since I want to atone and do something for the family, I won't back down just because of a little danger!"

"Oh?" Rulans's expression eased slightly.

Luo Ning grinned. "But Grandfather, it'll be difficult for me to handle many things if I go alone."

He even affected a coquettish manner and shook Rulans's withered hand. "So I hope the family can arrange some guards or elite soldiers for me, and give me a little funding in gold coins so I can buy some food and weapons."

"Grandfather, you don't want your eldest grandson to die before he even reaches Mountain Forest Town, do you? I still want to come back for your birthday banquet this year!"

"Hahaha..."

Rulans laughed, partly because Luo Ning was already thinking about his birthday, and partly because of Luo Ning's growth. He had never expected this good-for-nothing fellow to take the initiative to consider the future, much less know to ask for resources.

He was now certain that this child had truly matured.

"You know that I handed the family's affairs over to your father more than ten years ago. The deployment and assignment of guards are now arranged by him and his knights. You can only go to your father about this matter. I'm afraid I can't be of much help."

Anyone could tell that was an excuse.

Wiggins feared Rulans so much. Whether Luo Ning received resources or not was still only a matter of one word from Rulans.

Luo Ning could only put on a pitiful expression. "Ever since my mother died, Father has always hated me. If I go ask him for resources now, not only will he scold me, he might even beat me up."

Since things had reached this point, it was time to play the emotional card. He cried, "Grandfather taught me to read, taught me to ride, and taught me to hunt. Now you're unwilling to even support your grandson who is about to travel far away?"

"If it really comes down to it, just treat it as a loan from the family. I'll repay it bit by bit later!"

Was pride important?

Of course it was!

But it depended on the situation.

As the saying went, the squeaky wheel got the grease. Luo Ning now had to play the part of a child who knew how to cry.

As for the conflict between the Wushan Family and the Border Count's family that he had caused, he simply chose not to think about it. He would just pretend he had not done it.

That was right, those things had been done by his Previous Self. What did they have to do with him, Luo Ning?

Whether the old Marquis was angry or displeased, he was determined to shamelessly squeeze out whatever he could today.

Fortunately, Rulans, this old man who did not have long left to live, was still nostalgic. Especially when Luo Ning mentioned teaching him to read, ride, and hunt, his heart was deeply moved.

He had to admit that he had once invested a great deal of affection in Luo Ning.

Now, faced with the request of the grandson in whom he had once placed endless hopes, his heart softened once more.

"Fine, fine. I agree."

Rulans spoke helplessly, then turned to the old butler waiting nearby.

"Most, tell Wiggins that, in my name, he is to provide Luo Ning with one hundred gold coins. As for other supplies, such as food, guards, and horses, he should show some support as a father. No matter what, Luo Ning is his son and a child of our Wushan Family."

"Yes, my lord!" The old butler bowed, then left the room to deliver the message.

Luo Ning broke into a wide smile. "Thank you for your support, Grandfather. I'll definitely develop Mountain Forest Town well!"

"Then give it your all!"

Rulans smiled and slowly lay back down. "When you have time, remember to come back to the castle often."

"I will."

Luo Ning knew that this was a dismissal. He stood and helped Rulans pull a corner of the blanket over his chest before leaving the room.

"This child really has grown up."

Rulans watched Luo Ning's departing back and sighed. "It's just a pity it came a little too late. A pity he never mastered Battle Qi or magic."

As the founder of the Marquis's territory, Rulans naturally hoped his family would grow stronger rather than place its hopes in outsiders.

Unfortunately, while he was still alive, those former followers would not dare entertain any thoughts. Even if they did, they would not act on them.

But after he died, that would be another matter.

Having Brayden inherit, binding the Hyde Family and the Wushan Family together, was the best choice.

As for Luo Ning, whether he was granted the title of Baron or given one hundred gold coins in support now, neither meant much to Rulans.

If Luo Ning developed well, Rulans would be glad to see it. If Luo Ning still achieved nothing, he would not be angered by it either.

Meanwhile, Luo Ning walked out of the old Marquis's residence. Looking at the tranquil garden before him, he immediately felt refreshed.

One hundred gold coins, plus his own remaining funds, made a total of one hundred and twenty-eight gold coins. That was enough to purchase plenty of resources. At the very least, he would not have to worry about starving upon reaching the remote Mountain Forest Town.

"Since Grandfather has already given the order, even if my cheap father is unwilling, he'll have to provide at least some support, right?"

After thinking it over, Luo Ning gave up on going out to browse the market.

For one thing, it was getting dark. For another, he wanted to see what Wiggins would give him.

If the initial supplies were sufficient, there would be no need for him to go shopping.

Before long, Wiggins's furious questioning in the luxurious Living Room made the Crystal Chandelier on the ceiling sway uneasily.

"What? You want me to provide that guy with resources?"

"Has Father gone senile? Luo Ning caused tremendous losses for the family. It's already generous enough that we didn't expel him from the family, and now I'm supposed to support him?"

The burly man took a huge gulp of beer and roared angrily, "Impossible! I will not waste another grain of food or a single soldier on him!"

"But Count, the Marquis said that Young Master Luo Ning is, after all, of Wushan Family blood. How about you provide him with just a little support?"

Old butler Most stood to the side, looking troubled. On one side was the Marquis's order, and on the other was the Count, whose temper had always been violent. He did not dare say too much.

"Just do as Father says."

At that moment, the Beautiful Young Woman seated on the sofa nearby spoke.

Diane Hyde, though already over forty, remained breathtakingly beautiful. Her long, wavy golden hair draped casually over the sofa, making her reclining figure even more alluring.

"Father is right. No matter where Luo Ning goes, he is still blood of our Wushan Family and the Legitimate Grandson. If something happens to him before he reaches Mountain Forest Town, it would not be good for either the Wushan Family or the Hyde Family if word got out."

"He caused your niece's death!"

Wiggins cast an unhappy glance at his wife. "And you're still speaking up for him."

Holwart, standing nearby, wiped away his sweat. He had been waiting for the master and mistress to separate before telling Wiggins what Luo Ning had said, since it involved the former mistress.

But now, it seemed he could not wait any longer.

Holwart considered his words, then bowed and said cautiously, "Master, when I went to Young Master Luo Ning's place earlier, he also asked me to pass something on to you."

"Pass on what?"

Wiggins's voice was cold. Why had he never noticed before that this son of his had so much to say?

"He said he hoped that, for the sake of his mother, Fatima Sally, you would give him a little support."

Holwart had automatically omitted some words. They truly would not have been appropriate to repeat.

But that single sentence made Wiggins freeze. An exquisitely beautiful face involuntarily appeared in his mind. She had been his moonlight, his first lover in the truest sense.

"Hmph, all he knows is how to use his mother!"

Diane appeared completely unconcerned by the mention of her husband's former wife. She smiled gently. "That's right. I heard that you once swore an oath to do everything you could to Care For Luo Ning."

"That depends on what kind of person Luo Ning is!"

Wiggins took another swig of beer and said to Holwart, "Do as Father said and give Luo Ning some support."

He paused, then added, "Don't give him too much. Make preparations first, and I'll confirm it afterward."

"Yes, Master." Holwart replied with a smile.