Chapter 57

No wonder Hu Xiaotian was puzzled. Although he and Shi Xuedong had sworn brotherhood, it was entirely due to the circumstances at the time. They had no real feelings for each other, and even when they swore their oaths, they cursed each other, so they could hardly be considered true brothers.

Shi Xuedong walked over and warmly grabbed Hu Xiaotian's arm: "Brother, I heard you are about to take up your post in Xichuan Qingyun County, so I got up early to see you off!"

Regardless of whether his affection was genuine or not, with such words, Hu Xiaotian could only pretend to be moved: "Big Brother, you are truly too kind to me!" He had some doubts in his heart. The old man had said to keep it a secret, but there was no such thing as a completely airtight wall. Indeed, Shi Xuedong had even investigated where he was going to serve.

Shi Xuedong cursed inwardly: "You damn brat, I wish I could skin you and tear out your tendons." He sighed and complained: "You didn't even tell me about such a big matter. If I hadn't heard about it from my father last night, I would have missed the chance to see you off." No matter what he thought, he acted like Hu Xiaotian's real big brother.

Hu Xiaotian thought to himself, whether you are sincere or not, you are the first one to get up early and wait here to see me off today.

Shi Xuedong called out to the back: "Bring the wine!"

Several servants quickly followed, one carrying a tray with two exquisite wine bowls, another holding a wine jar. They opened the jar in front of Hu Xiaotian and poured clear, fragrant wine into the bowls. As soon as the jar was opened, the aroma spread.

Shi Xuedong picked up one of the bowls and handed it to Hu Xiaotian with both hands: "Brother, this bowl of wine wishes you a smooth journey."

Hu Xiaotian thought, this is under the emperor's nose, you wouldn't dare to poison me. He picked up the bowl and drank it in one go. After finishing, Shi Xuedong quickly refilled it and raised another bowl: "This second bowl of wine, I wish you a rapid rise and a bright future." The auspicious words were truly beautiful.

Hu Xiaotian took the bowl and looked at Shi Xuedong: "Big Brother, why am I the only one drinking? Aren't you drinking?"

Shi Xuedong said: "You are going on a long journey, so your big brother will offer you three bowls of wine and then drink with you."

Hu Xiaotian thought, damn, you are just trying to get me drunk! But since the alcohol content is low, even three more bowls wouldn't be a problem. Besides, he got up early and waited at the pavilion to see him off, even if it was insincere, he had to appreciate it. So Hu Xiaotian drank the second bowl.

Shi Xuedong poured the third bowl and finally drank it with Hu Xiaotian. He said loudly: "The green mountains remain, and the clear waters flow. May our brotherhood remain unchanged even if we are separated by thousands of miles."

To be honest, this guy was quite good with words. Both of them knew they had no real friendship, and "unchanged" meant that they would seek revenge and clear their grievances.

They finished the third bowl almost simultaneously, and Hu Xiaotian was about to take his leave.

Shi Xuedong said: "Brother, I have prepared a few gifts for you."

Hu Xiaotian said: "That's too much trouble."

Shi Xuedong said: "You must accept the gifts." He handed a scroll to Hu Xiaotian: "Brother, your journey to Xichuan is long and lonely. I had someone specially make two maps. The first one is a geographical map."

Hu Xiaotian already had a map, so he didn't think it was special. But when he unfolded it, he saw colorful markings. He blinked, and with his intelligence, he couldn't understand it at first glance.

Shi Xuedong smiled: "This map is called a pleasure map. I had it specially compiled and drawn. It marks all the best and most interesting places from the capital to Xichuan Qingyun County, and even the top courtesans in each place are clearly marked. I don't have the chance to go with you, but with this map, your journey will not be boring or lonely. You will have a smooth and enjoyable journey to Xichuan. Hehe, life's greatest pleasure is this."

Hu Xiaotian sighed inwardly, this guy really has no morals. To create such a map must have taken a lot of effort.

Shi Xuedong said: "I marked the levels with stars. The more stars, the higher the quality."

Hu Xiaotian almost couldn't hold back his laughter. He pointed to the circles on the map: "What do these circles represent?"

"Circles, of course, represent the top places. Huancai Pavilion and Xiaoxiang Hall are places you must not miss." He exaggeratedly marked these two places with four circles, almost like an Audi.

Hu Xiaotian put the map away and smiled: "Big Brother, why don't you accompany me to Xichuan? You seem to know the way well."

Shi Xuedong said: "I have never left the capital. I know the capital very well, but I have only heard about the outside. Younger brother, take this opportunity to explore for me. When you return to the capital, I will welcome you with a feast, and you can tell me all about your adventures."

Hu Xiaotian nodded.

Shi Xuedong then took out another map. Hu Xiaotian took it and quickly closed it. Damn, this guy even made a pornographic map for him. He immediately understood Shi Xuedong's intention. This sworn brother was giving him a guide to improve his skills and try new things on the journey. He was truly speechless. Shi Xuedong was really a top-notch person.

After putting away both maps, Shi Xuedong still had more gifts to give, a full bottle of Sanbian Pills. Hu Xiaotian was sure this was not out of kindness. If he followed his advice, he might die before reaching Xichuan. Using this method to take revenge was truly sinister.

Shi Xuedong said mysteriously: "This bottle is specially made by the divine doctor Niu Deman of the Blue Ox Hall. It is very precious. In the past, I kept it for myself and never gave it to anyone. But since you are my brother, I am giving you a whole bottle."

Hu Xiaotian thanked him repeatedly. He had to admit that Shi Xuedong was the most despicable and low-down person he had ever met. Although he looked tall and handsome, he was not a good person at heart, full of dirty and filthy thoughts, a typical case of a golden exterior and a rotten interior.

Shi Xuedong gave him so many things, and Hu Xiaotian, who valued reciprocity, couldn't just leave without giving him anything. But he didn't have anything with him. Suddenly, he remembered the luxurious carriage that the Minister of Revenue Xu Zhengying had promised to give him. He hooked Shi Xuedong's shoulder and said: "Big Brother, before I leave, I asked Minister of Revenue Xu Zhengying to order a good carriage for you. It will be ready in two days. Go directly to him and tell him I sent you to pick it up."

Shi Xuedong said: "That's too much trouble."

This kind of passing on gifts was easy for Hu Xiaotian. He wouldn't need it anyway, and it was a good way to repay Shi Xuedong. He bowed deeply: "Big Brother, all good things must come to an end. We will part here. When I return to the capital, we will drink and talk until dawn, and we won't stop until we are drunk!"

Hu Xiaotian went to his horse, intending to mount it gracefully in front of everyone. Unfortunately, he missed the stirrup and almost fell. Fortunately, Shao Yijiao caught him in time. Hu Xiaotian smiled awkwardly, and Shao Yijiao knelt on one knee. Hu Xiaotian stepped on his bent knee and smoothly mounted the horse.

He waved from the horse: "Big Brother, please return!" and rode forward.

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