In a private room of a teahouse in the capital, the windows on the second floor were open, and on the bustling street below, many students were hurrying back and forth.
Everyone's face was filled with eagerness and anticipation that was difficult to conceal.
Xiao Yunyu, dressed in a black brocade robe, leaned back in a pear wood chair with a relaxed attitude, his expression peaceful and indifferent.
Qi Heng, who sat opposite him, also dressed in a dark brocade robe, cast his gaze upon the students below him and said with emotion, "There's still the imperial examination this year. These children of ordinary people can still fight for a chance to make a name for themselves through the imperial examinations. But next year... I don't know what will happen."
Xiao Yunyu picked up the teacup with his fingers and took a sip. He raised his eyelids to look at him and said slowly, "I heard that Xiao Yunchen is also one of the examiners this time?"
Qi Heng became excited when he heard him talk about this. He sat up straight and said, "Yes, Brother Yu, your brother is completely different from you."
He spoke with a rare touch of admiration for Xiao Yunchen, whom he had always disliked. "Ever since his wife passed away, he's become a completely different person, devoting all his energy to the court. My brother told me he's been promoted several times this year, and now both major factions in the court are trying to recruit him!"
Qi Heng remembered what his brother said: The two brothers of the Xiao family, one is a scholar and the other is a warrior, are both extraordinary and can be made friends.
"Brother Yu, let me show you something good."
Qi Heng mysteriously took out a pitch-black token from his arms. The ancient patterns carved on it showed that it was not an ordinary item.
He placed the token on the table and pushed it towards Xiao Yunyu: "This is the Qi Family Army token my brother gave me. I'm handing it over to you."
Xiao Yunyu frowned and stared at the token, then raised his eyes to look at Qi Heng, as if he was looking at a fool: "You just gave this thing to me like that? If your brother knew, he would definitely skin you alive."
Qi Heng looked at him sincerely and firmly: "I've already said it, as long as you are willing to accompany me to the northwest, I will be your vanguard, and I will follow your lead. Our Qi family army will also be at your disposal."
Xiao Yunyu tutted softly, pushed the token back, and said in a casual teasing, "You silly boy, people are treacherous. Don't trust others so easily."
"You are not someone else!" Qi Heng's eyes were sincere. He stood up and held the token, as if swearing: "In my heart, Brother Yu, you are brave, resourceful, loyal and righteous. I believe in you, and only you!"
Xiao Yunyu looked at him with a moved look in his eyes: "I don't need this. Since I promised you to go to the northwest, I will not break my promise."
"Then accept this. This is my sincerity, and also the sincerity of our Cavalry General's Mansion!"
Qi Heng pushed the token into Xiao Yunyu's hand without giving in.
Xiao Yunyu frowned when he heard him say this: "Is this what Qi He meant?"
"That's not it, my brother doesn't know." Qi Heng scratched his head and said in a lower tone: "Don't tell my brother!"
"Okay, I'll keep it for you first." Xiao Yunyu put the token away and stood up. "It's getting late. I should go back."
————
Xiao Mansion, a waterside residence.
Everything was still as it was, as if he had returned home from a long journey, but he no longer saw the figure waiting for him, nor was there anyone to annoy him so much that he would go to his brother and sister-in-law's yard to look for someone.
There was a knock on the door, followed by Xiao Yunchen's gentle voice: "Brother."
Xiao Yunyu sat leisurely on the wooden couch in the study. Outside the window, not even a withered lotus leaf could be seen in the lotus pond.
"Come in."
Xiao Yunchen pushed the door open and saw Xiao Yunyu half leaning on the wooden couch, with his long legs casually draped over the edge, with no intention of making room for him.
Xiao Yunchen stood straight.
Xiao Yunyu looked at the noble young man who used to be as gentle as jade. His face now looked a bit old, but he was clearly only nineteen years old.
Xiao Yunyu jokingly said in a casual tone, "It seems that being an official in the imperial court is really not easy. I haven't seen you for half a year, and you've become an old man."
Xiao Yunchen: ...
Even though he's a year older, his elder brother still speaks so casually and really deserves a beating.
Xiao Yunchen didn't want to argue with him, so he asked bluntly, "Brother, are you really going to the northwest?"
Xiao Yunyu raised his eyebrows: "What's wrong? Is it bothering you?"
Xiao Yunchen showed a rare look of worry as he slowly said, "The Sima family of Xiyuan State are very proficient in military tactics. I heard they inherited the long-lost art of war. And you have no experience in leading troops in battle. It would be too dangerous to rashly go there."
"Chen'er is right!"
Lord Xiao walked in with a gloomy face and spoke in a stern voice, "Your position as general came too easily, and it's hard for the soldiers under you to be convinced. Normally, you can do whatever you want in the capital by relying on your family's influence, and we can still protect you. But we won't tolerate your nonsense on the northwestern border!"
When Xiao Yunchen saw Lord Xiao come in, he quickly turned around and saluted.
Lord Xiao looked at Xiao Yunyu, who still had a rebellious look in his eyes. He even occupied the entire wooden bed, but let his younger brother stand alone. Even when he, as their father, came in, he did not see Xiao Yunyu stand up to greet him. He felt even more annoyed than when he came.
Xiao Yunyu then stood up and bowed to greet Lord Xiao.
Lord Xiao snorted coldly, as an elder brother, he couldn't even match the courtesy of his younger brother!
He suppressed his anger and snorted coldly, "With your current abilities, you're already thinking of going to the northwest to show off. If you make the slightest mistake, not only will you lose your life, but our entire Marquisate will be implicated by you."
Xiao Yunchen also continued to persuade, patiently explaining the interests involved.
"The situation in the court is unstable right now, with various forces surging undercurrents. It's inappropriate for our Marquisate to declare our position prematurely. If you understand the position of general, it would be equivalent to siding with the General of the Cavalry Mansion and becoming a member of the Third Prince's faction. The higher the rank, the more attention you will receive, and the more danger you will face. Don't be tempted by the mere act of brotherhood."
Xiao Yunyu was most annoyed by the intrigues and schemes in the court. His brows furrowed tightly together, "Alright, Xiao Yunchen, don't tell me about these conspiracies and schemes in the court."
"Didn't you say that the war situation in the northwest is tense? I may not be able to come back alive if I go there." He didn't care whether the father and son opposite him were angry or not, and sat down first.
Seeing his stubborn defiance, Lord Xiao raised his voice in anger, "I've heard the Sima family are known for their fierce military prowess. Do you have a plan to counter this? You can't risk your own life, let alone the fate of your entire family!"
Xiao Yunyu listened impatiently and turned his head away: "Don't worry! I am only responsible for leading the troops to fight. Your internal plots have nothing to do with me. I will not get in your way. I will not return to the capital until those Xiyuan bandits are driven back to their hometown."
Lord Xiao was shaking with anger: "Rebellious son! This matter is of great importance. I cannot let you make the decision casually!"
Xiao Yunyu sneered and took out the token from his bosom: "Did you see it? This is a token bestowed by the emperor himself. Once the arrow is shot, there is no turning back. It's too late for you to speak."
"You, you rebellious son! Cough cough cough" Lord Xiao coughed angrily.
Xiao Yunchen hurried forward to support him, and the two of them looked like a loving father and a filial son.
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