But he was too flamboyant. Someone who knew him shouted, "Young Master Bao, where did you get that horse? Such a fine horse should be sent to the army for the soldiers to use!"
Horses are military resources, especially precious in the Northwest. Some families, even if they have the qualifications and Silver to buy horses, sometimes have their horses requisitioned by the army.
The Bao Family had only this one horse, and it was a mare meant for breeding, very precious. But Bao Baolu was Old Master Bao's only remaining son, also very precious.
So he pleaded with Old Master Bao to let him ride the horse to welcome the officials from the Capital.
Old Master Bao agreed, but hearing the words from the second brother of the Hu Yazi family on the same street, Old Master Bao was startled and shouted, "Bao Baolu, you unfilial son, get down immediately, or I'll beat you to death!"
The shout was like a clap of thunder, almost frightening Bao Baolu off the horse.
