Chapter 80: Brocade City, Oath of Brotherhood in the Peach Garden

In a secluded residence tucked away along a winding path in Jin City, youthful voices echoed through the corridor. Within the grand hall, a child, with an air of grave seriousness, flattered his elders, provoking a hearty, unrestrained laugh from the young man seated in the place of honor.

Zhang Meng held a fragment of paper in his hands, unable to suppress his joy, pride written all over his face: It seems I made the right choice in coming myself—luckily, I didn’t let any of the other princes take advantage.

Chu Junhan, seated below, clasped his hands respectfully to the young man, seizing the moment: “This page was brought here by your virtuous brother especially as a gift. With it in hand, congratulations, elder brother, on moving one step closer to your grand ambitions.”

Zhang Meng waved a hand modestly, flashing a humble smile. “It’s all thanks to you, Junhan. What I promised you, I will see through—I shall send troops to flood Liao.”

The child stepped forward, hands still clasped. “Not at all, not at all. I merely presented the flower borrowed from the Buddha’s garden.”

Afuqian Tamon, the Dog Emperor of Tianwu, Xiao Shengjie, Liu Shuming… Line up, every one of you. Don’t think any of you can escape my grasp.

The child’s flattery delighted the young man. Rising to his feet, his face beamed with happiness as he said, “Junhan, your character truly pleases me. If you do not object, what say you and I become sworn brothers?”

Chu Junhan took a few steps forward, approaching Zhang Meng’s side, feigning surprise and delight, and whispered into his ear, “I was just thinking the same, brother. Perhaps we should find a Peach Blossom Spring and, like the ancients, become brothers there—what do you think?”

“You’re absolutely right. I have another brother here as well; perfect for the three of us to become sworn brothers in the Peach Garden.”

“Then, brother, why not invite him out?”

“Just a moment, if you please.”

The two quickly reached an agreement. Standing to the side, Tang Chen hadn’t quite processed what had just happened, his mouth agape in shock.

What… Had his young master just become sworn brothers with the Crown Prince of Ren Da?

If he could form such a bond, what threat could the meager Tianqing Kingdom pose? Conquering Tianqing would be a matter of days! As for whoever the third brother was, it hardly mattered…

Chu Junhan lowered her gaze, attention fixed on her teacup, a faint smile on her lips as she took a leisurely sip, looking entirely at ease.

But when she saw the person appear behind Zhang Meng, she almost spat out her tea, barely avoiding choking.

Wiping the corners of her mouth, the child leapt down from her seat and strolled over. “I know this man.”

“Ah?” Zhang Meng looked on, puzzled, clearly surprised.

Canghai offered a calm, slight smile, bowing respectfully with clasped hands to Chu Junhan.

She forced a smile back, giving Canghai’s shoulder a hearty slap. “Long time no see! Brother Canghai, I heard you were deathly ill—I worried for quite a while.”

Zhang Meng was utterly confused. “What is going on here?”

“Brother, we’ve met before and are on very good terms, aren’t we, Brother Canghai?” the child said through gritted teeth, giving the young man’s chest a firm pat.

Canghai bit his lip lightly, suppressing a groan. “Yes.”

Zhang Meng let out a long sigh of relief. “That’s good. I was afraid there was some grudge between you two. What exactly happened?”

Canghai raised his head slightly, gazing out at the sky beyond the room, letting out a soft sigh. “The past is best left unspoken.”

“Yes, yes, brother, let’s not mention it again. Now we are brothers under the same oath,” Chu Junhan echoed, though inwardly she seethed with frustration.

Zhang Meng threw an arm around them both and laughed heartily. “Good! No more talk of the past. To have you two as brothers is Mengqin’s good fortune. Come, let’s go seal our bond.”

“Brother, before we do, shouldn’t we decide on our ranks?” Chu Junhan blinked her large eyes innocently, continuing, “Of course, since you’re the oldest, you’ll be the eldest brother. Brother Canghai used to be my second brother, so by this reckoning, I’ll be the second brother, right?”

Canghai’s lips twitched, and he gave a wan smile. “You are absolutely right, second brother.”