Chapter Ten: The Callousness of the World, the Cruelty of Human Nature

Fu Bo’s expression was instantly one of astonishment; Hu Mo’s words were so wildly out of bounds that he could hardly believe his ears. Over there, Hu Mo was crossing his arms over his chest, like a young maiden suffering indignity, while he himself had been cast as a villain intent on violating him. What on earth was going on here?

After a moment, his slightly parted lips closed and a flush crept across his wrinkled face. He cast Hu Mo a few disgruntled glances, coughed lightly, and said, “Young master, what are you thinking? I am merely observing your complexion. Last time, when I lost control and nearly harmed you, I felt terribly guilty. That’s why I’ve come to check on you.”

The redness gradually faded from Fu Bo’s face, and his gaze unconsciously settled on the sheepskin scrolls scattered about the room; a faint, inadvertent smile appeared on his lips.

“So that’s it—he just wants to know how far I’ve progressed, but pretends to be mysterious. Hah, I’ll play along with this old man,” Hu Mo mused to himself, though outwardly he continued to look as lifeless as ever.

“Well, that’s good, that’s good. I thought you might have… Well, it was my mistake, misunderstanding you. Fu Bo, what happened last time wasn’t your intention; how could I blame you? Is there something else you wish to discuss?” Hu Mo’s eyes crinkled into crescent moons as he looked over at Fu Bo, only to find the old man still surveying the mess of his room.

Hu Mo said nothing, simply watching Fu Bo as he let his eyes roam freely through the chaotic space. After a while, Fu Bo returned to himself, just in time to meet Hu Mo’s deeply meaningful gaze.

Fu Bo was momentarily stunned, his expression so comical that Hu Mo nearly laughed aloud.

“Fu Bo, why don’t you come in and sit? I doubt you’re here simply to apologize for last time. If there’s something on your mind, just tell me. I happen to have some questions myself and was hoping to consult you,” Hu Mo stepped aside and gestured invitingly.

Fu Bo paused, reflexively nodded, and stepped inside.

Hu Mo’s room was truly in disarray—the musty smell of sheepskin scrolls mingled with the odors of food and wine, making one almost gag. Fu Bo could scarcely imagine how Hu Mo managed to endure such conditions.

He’d heard from the maids that Hu Mo made them leave his meals at the door, forbidding them entry, and prevented them from tidying up. The mess had persisted for over half a month. Fu Bo couldn’t help but marvel at the boy’s strangeness—was it simply to avoid seeing the maids?

Hu Mo was deeply resentful about this; it was his silent protest. It wasn’t that he despised the girls’ looks, but rather his own psychological issue. If he had to see those maids again, he feared he’d waste away like the servants, and if luck ran out, perhaps even lose his virility from fright.

“Fu Bo, please make do and sit for now. I haven’t had time to clean up lately; forgive the mess,” Hu Mo gathered up some sheepskin scrolls from the floor, only to have dust rise in a cloud, making Fu Bo wrinkle his brow involuntarily.

“Young master, why not let the maids tidy up? They’re quite efficient, though… Well, young master, perhaps you hold some resentment toward me because of this—”

“But you don’t know the whole story. Years ago, your careless actions gave the Marshal this idea. Originally, it was just a momentary decision out of anger, but later the Marshal discovered something and the order to hire only ugly maids in the mansion continued,” Fu Bo’s tone grew heavy, as if revealing a true secret.

“What happened? Fu Bo, is there some deeper reason?” Hu Mo’s curiosity was piqued.

Fu Bo nodded. “Yes, when the Marshal recruited so many unattractive maids, it caused quite a stir in Flame City. Later he regretted it; after all, seeing those girls every day was unpleasant for anyone. But he inadvertently discovered that most of these maids came from extremely poor families.”

Fu Bo sighed softly and continued, “Young master, you may not know, but ordinary people’s lives are far from comfortable. They labor day and night just to eat and drink. If a family had a pretty daughter, she was often sent to wealthy households as a concubine or maid—a stroke of luck for the family. Some, more desperate still, would sell their own daughters to brothels for money to feed the family.”

“Oh, I see,” Hu Mo nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. “You mean, the pretty ones have somewhere to go; at least their sacrifice brings money home to support their families. The unattractive girls aren’t so lucky. So these maids really are unfortunate souls!”

Fu Bo stared at Hu Mo in surprise, as if seeing a stranger. In his mind, Hu Mo was nothing but a wastrel, waiting for death, how could he possibly understand the hardships of the world, let alone feel sympathy for common folk?

Over the years, Hu Mo’s deeds were countless—though he hadn’t killed anyone, he’d ruined many households. If it weren’t for being the Marshal’s grandson, ten lives wouldn’t have been enough to spare him.

Yet now Hu Mo radiated a compassionate aura; Fu Bo could tell his words were heartfelt, without a trace of affectation.

Fu Bo couldn’t fathom what Hu Mo was thinking. Though his body belonged to this world, Hu Mo’s heart seemed to linger in the life before. In his past life, he’d suffered much and witnessed the coldness and cruelty of humanity. So when Fu Bo spoke of the maids’ backgrounds, Hu Mo felt a deep empathy and sorrow.

After some time, Fu Bo recovered, smiling as he said, “If the Marshal heard you say such things, he’d be so happy he wouldn’t sleep tonight. I won’t hide it, young master: the Marshal sent me to check on you. His pride wouldn’t let him come himself after your argument last time. Young master, may I speak frankly, if you’d care to listen?”

“Fu Bo, how could I not listen?” Hu Mo smiled, though inwardly he thought, “One must be cautious when speaking with this old man—better to go along, lest he lose his mind again and things turn truly foul!”

Fu Bo spoke gently: “The Marshal cares deeply for you, young master. Over the years, he’s endured tremendous pressure. I hope you can show him some understanding; he’s had a hard life.”

“Fu Bo, I know all this without you telling me. Why would I quarrel with Grandfather? I just worry he’ll be angry if he sees me, so I’ve kept out of his sight,” Hu Mo replied with a faint smile.

But in his heart, he thought, “I’m not foolish enough to seek out that old man—why ask for trouble?”

“Haha, that’s good, very good! Young master, hearing you say this makes me truly relieved!” Fu Bo laughed heartily, the sound filled with genuine comfort.

“Fu Bo, rest assured. Haha, I do have another question for you, though I’m afraid—”

“Haha, you’re worried I might lose control again?” Fu Bo interrupted with a booming laugh.

“Well, you’re not wrong; I really am a bit nervous,” Hu Mo replied, awkwardly rubbing his nose.

“Young master, don’t worry. After last time, my state of mind has advanced—I won’t lose control again,” Fu Bo forced a laugh, which only made Hu Mo feel less assured. He hardly believed this old madman would suddenly reform.

Though he wore a look of confidence, Hu Mo was actually on high alert, smiling as he asked, “Fu Bo, you’ve been in our household for so many years. Do you know if our family possesses any powerful martial arts techniques?”