Chapter 57

No wonder Hu Xiaotian felt confused; although he and Shi Xuedong had become sworn brothers, it was only because circumstances forced them, and they really had no feelings for each other—even when swearing their oath they didn't forget to curse the other, so they couldn't really be called brothers.

Shi Xuedong walked over, warmly clasping Hu Xiaotian's arm: "Brother, I heard you're taking up a post in Xichuan Qingyun Xian, so I got up especially early to see you off!"

Never mind whether it was genuine or feigned; having said it to this extent, Hu Xiaotian could only pretend to be moved: "Elder brother, you're really good to me!" Inside he wondered, the old master had said to keep it secret, yet there's no wall that doesn't let wind through—look, Shi Xuedong had even investigated clearly where he himself would be posted as an official.

Shi Xuedong silently cursed: "Damn your grandpa's head, I'd love to skin you and pull out your tendons." He sighed and complained: "You didn't tell me about such a big matter; if I hadn't heard my father mention it last night, I'd almost have missed the chance to see you off, brother." No matter what he thought inside, his outward behavior was just like Hu Xiaotian's real elder brother.

Hu Xiaotian thought to himself, whether your feelings are genuine or not, you're the first one who got up this early to wait here and see me off.

Shi Xuedong called to those behind him: "Bring the wine!"

Several servants behind him hurried over, one holding a tray with two exquisite wine cups, another cradling a wine jar; he opened it in front of Hu Xiaotian and poured clear, fine wine into the cups, and as soon as the jar was unsealed, its fragrance filled the air.

Shi Xuedong lifted one cup with both hands and handed it to Hu Xiaotian: "Brother, this cup wishes you smooth travels."

Hu Xiaotian thought, being under the emperor's feet, you wouldn't dare poison the wine; he picked up the cup and drained it in one gulp. After finishing, Shi Xuedong quickly refilled it, raised the cup again and said: "This second cup I wish you a swift rise in Qingyun, a bright future like brocade." The auspicious words were spoken quite nicely.

Hu Xiaotian took the cup and looked at Shi Xuedong: "Elder brother, why am I the only one drinking? Aren't you having any?"

Shi Xuedong said: "You're going on a long journey; as your brother I'll honor you with three cups and drink with you."

Hu Xiaotian thought, "Damn, you're basically trying to get me drunk!" But it's fine—the alcohol content isn't high; even three more cups would be no problem. Besides, he got up especially early to wait outside the long pavilion to see me off; even if it's just for show, I should appreciate it. So Hu Xiaotian drank the second cup as well.

Shi Xuedong poured a third cup; this time he finally agreed to drink with Hu Xiaotian, and he loudly declared: "Green hills remain, clear waters flow forever—may our brotherly friendship endure unchanged even if we are ten thousand miles apart."

And don't get me started—this guy's quite good at flowery words. In truth, both of them know they have no real friendship; what stays unchanged is merely the obligation to repay grudges and seek redress.

The two almost simultaneously finished the cup, and Hu Xiaotian was just about to take his leave.

Shi Xuedong then said: "Brother, I've also prepared a few gifts for you."

Hu Xiaotian replied: "That's too kind."

Shi Xuedong said: "You must accept the gifts." He first handed Hu Xiaotian a scroll: "Brother, your journey to Xichuan will be long and surely boring on the way, so I had someone specially make two charts; this first one is a map."

Hu Xiaotian already had a map, and he thought there'd be nothing special, but when he unfolded it he saw it was covered in colorful markings; he blinked, and with his wits he couldn't make sense of it at first glance.

Shi Xuedong smiled narrowly: "This map is called the Flower‑Picking Chart; I specially had someone compile and draw it, marking all the most fun and interesting spots from the capital to Xichuan Qingyun Xian, and the top courtesans of each place are clearly marked. Since I don't have the chance to travel with you, brother, having this map will keep your journey from being dull and lonely—you'll ** all the way to Xichuan, hehe, there's no greater pleasure in life.

Hu Xiaotian silently sighed, "This guy really has no shame—being able to produce such a map must have taken a lot of effort."

Shi Xuedong said: "I rank them with stars; the more stars, the higher the rank."

Hu Xiaotian could hardly keep from laughing; he really is thoughtful, pointing at the circles and asking: "What do these circles stand for?"

"The circles are of course the top‑tier places—Huan Cai Ge and Xiao Xiang Guan, which you definitely must not miss." He had specifically pointed out these two locations, giving them an exaggerated four‑star rating, almost on par with an Audi.

Hu Xiaotian put the map away, smiling: "Elder brother, why don't you accompany me all the way to Xichuan? You certainly look like an old hand at this."

Shi Xuedong said: "I've never left the capital; I know the city inside out, but I've only heard about the outside, never been there myself. Younger brother, take this chance to do some field research for me. When you return to the capital, I'll give you a proper welcome, and you'll tell me all these ** exploits in detail.

Hu Xiaotian nodded.

Shi Xuedong then took out another picture; Hu Xiaotian took a look and quickly closed it, thinking, "I said, unbelievable—this guy actually gave me a **!" He immediately understood Shi Xuedong's intent: this sworn brother was giving him a popular‑science reader to encourage him to practice diligently, dare to try, and improve his skills along the way; he felt both amused and exasperated—Shi Xuedong really is a piece of work.

Having put away both pictures, Shi Xuedong still had a gift: a full bottle of Three‑Whirl Pills. Hu Xiaotian dared to assert that this was no goodwill; if he actually listened to him, he feared he'd exhaust himself before reaching Xichuan. Using such a method to take revenge on someone is truly devious.

Shi Xuedong mysteriously said: "This bottle was specially made by the divine physician Niu Deman of the Azure Bull Hall; it's very precious. I've always kept it for myself and never wanted to give it away, but since you're my brother, I'm giving you this large bottle.

Hu Xiaotian thanked him repeatedly, having to admit that Shi Xuedong was the most vile and despicable person he had ever seen; although the guy's appearance is tall and handsome with clear features, his innards are no good—his mind is full of filthy, vulgar thoughts, a classic case of beautiful exterior, rotten interior.

Having received all these gifts, Hu Xiaotian, being a person who values reciprocity, couldn't show up empty‑handed; seeing he had nothing on him, an idea struck him—he recalled that the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Xu Zhengying, had promised him a luxurious carriage. He grabbed Shi Xuedong's shoulder and said: "Elder brother, before I leave I've commissioned Sir (official) Xu Zhengying of the Ministry of Revenue to prepare a fine carriage for you; it'll be ready in two days—just go to him and tell him I sent you to pick it up.

Shi Xuedong said: "That's too kind."

Such a trick of borrowing flowers to offer Buddha was child's play for Hu Xiaotian; besides, he wouldn't need it anymore, and it was a perfect way to repay Shi Xuedong's favor. He clasped his hands, bowed deeply, and said: "Elder brother, seeing someone off a thousand miles still ends in farewell—let us part here. When you return to the capital, brother, we'll sit and drink and talk until we're drunk, with no place to go.

Hu Xiaotian approached his mount, intending to leap aboard gracefully in front of everyone, but his foot slipped in the stirrup; fortunately Shao Yijiao timely steadied him, preventing a humiliating fall. Hu Xiaotian gave a sheepish grin; Shao Yijiao went down on one knee, and Hu Xiaotian stepped on his raised leg, thus managing to swing himself onto the horse.

On horseback he cupped his fists: "Elder brother, please return!" Then he spurred the horse forward.

************************************* Again, I'm asking for some Dream Cup votes!

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