Seeing the clouds

Chapter 11 Ten sworn bonds
About an hour later, Zhang Yue woke up from the inn.

The injury under his ribs was still causing pain to his body. It was like a new injury was added to the old injury before it healed.

He opened his eyes and found that he was lying on the bed. The surrounding style looked like an inn.He patted his head, his memory stuck on the moment when Zheng Biao grabbed his neck with one hand and was about to suffocate to death. He didn't know how he escaped from death.

He stood up slightly, and the pain under his ribs became more painful. He supported the bed board with one hand and looked around. The whole room was quiet. In the corner of the room were Wang Xue's bookcase and his Yugong. In the center of the room There was a table. The little beggar had changed into clean clothes and was sitting there concentrating on reading, not noticing Zhang Yue's awakening at all.

But there was no sign of Wang Xue Chang, so I didn’t know if he was safe.

By chance, the little beggar was sitting there flipping a page in the book. He accidentally glanced at the bedside and found that Zhang Chuo had woken up and stood up. He looked at him quietly. His face was filled with surprise. He quickly put down the book and ran to the bedside. The man beside the bed said: "Brother Li, you finally woke up."

Zhang Chuchu nodded and asked, "Where is Brother Wang?"

The little beggar didn't know that the gentle white-robed scholar's surname was Wang, but he was smart and immediately realized what Zhang Chuo was asking, so he replied: "Brother Wang went out to buy medicine for you. He told me that if you I must not let you get out of bed when you wake up."

Zhang Yue understood clearly and continued to ask: "What happened next and how did we get here?"

The little beggar paused. He had long known that Zhang Chuo would ask this question, but he certainly couldn't tell the truth, so he prepared a set of excuses.

"At the critical moment, a knight-errant brother passing by rescued us. The knight-errant brother was very powerful, so Zheng Biao left."

"Where did the knight knight go? I must repay you for saving your life."

"Brother Xia Ke saved us, but before we had a chance to thank him, he left because of something else."

Zhang Yue nodded on the surface, but thought carefully in his heart: In that situation, he could save himself, and he could also protect three people at the same time. This strength is not simple, and you must know that the other party is Zheng Biao!
But since the little beggar said so, he must have his reasons, and he didn't have to ask too many questions, so that was all.

"It seems we were lucky enough to escape. What book were you reading just now?" Zhang Yue glanced at the books on the table whose covers could not be seen clearly, and asked curiously.

"Ah, I'm reading "Records of Strange Lands", it's really good! It contains many things that I have never heard of, especially outside the customs, the place where people and animals fight. Although I have never seen it, It's very thrilling just by imagining it." At this time, the little beggar was smiling and dancing. It seemed that he really liked the book "History of Foreign Lands".

"Animal pen?" Zhang Yue blurted out after hearing the description of the little beggar, and he frowned without even realizing it.

The little beggar became even more excited when he heard the word animal pen: "Yes, yes, the animal pen is the animal pen. The scene must be very beautiful!"

"It's really good to go and have a look if you have a chance." Zhang Chue didn't tell the little beggar that he had stayed in the animal pen before, because that experience was not as thrilling as he imagined.

While the two were talking, there was some movement outside the room, and they both looked at the door at the same time.I saw a man in white robe pushing open the door with one hand, holding a bowl in the other hand and walking in slowly.

The visitor was of course Wang Xuechang who went out to buy medicine, and what he was holding in his hand should be the medicine he bought.Wang Xuechang was naturally relieved when he saw that Zhang Yue had woken up. He put the medicine bowl flat on the table, walked to the bedside and smiled at Zhang Yue and said, "You're awake. Do your injuries still hurt?"

Zhang Chuchu nodded: "Not bad."

Wang Xuechang felt Zhang Yue's calm breath and joked: "Brother Li's recovery ability is amazing. He was completely fine after being seriously injured for only an hour."

Hearing Wang Xue's teasing, Zhang Yue also laughed: "Brother Wang was joking, it was just a fluke."

Wang Xuechang walked to the table and picked up the medicine bowl, then walked back to the bed, handed the medicine bowl to Zhang Yue, and said with a smile: "I asked the waiter to fry it specially, and it is still hot, so drink it quickly."

Zhang Chuchu took the medicine bowl after listening to it, sniffed it habitually, drank it all in one breath, and then returned the bowl to Wang Xue sang.

Wang Xuechang took the bowl and put it back on the table, then patted the little beggar and motioned for him to help, and together they made Zhang Yue lean on the bed as comfortable as possible.

Wang Xuechang sat beside the bed, while the little beggar stood aside honestly. Both of them stared at Zhang Yue, which made Zhang Yue feel a little embarrassed.

Zhang Yue was looked at for a while, and no one among the three spoke, so he said a little embarrassedly: "What's wrong? Why don't you say anything?"

Wang Xuechang replied: "Is there anything you want to ask?"

Zhang Chue shook his head and replied: "Little beggar has already told me about the general process, but I just don't have the chance to repay my kindness to the knight eldest brother."

Wang Xue sang and said with a smile: "Since the little beggar has already explained it to you, I won't repeat it again." After speaking, he turned to look at the little beggar, his eyes full of admiration.He didn't expect Zhang Yue to wake up so soon, so he didn't tell the little beggar what to say. Zhang Chue was originally a martial artist. If the little beggar told the truth about the situation at that time, it would definitely affect Zhang Yue. The state of mind of practicing martial arts brings troubles.But I didn't expect that the little beggar would actually prepare a temporary argument on his own and convince Zhang Yue, making him think highly of the little beggar.

Wang Xuechang continued, with a serious expression: "By the way, I have some personal wishes and would like to ask your opinion."

Zhang Chuchu saw that Wang Xuechang was so serious, so he naturally did not dare to neglect, so he replied: "Brother Zhang, tell me."

Wang Xuechang then said: "I think you and I are compatible, we are similar in age and have similar temperaments. How about we become sworn brothers?"

Zhang Yue was a little surprised at this time. He really didn't expect that Wang Xuechang, such a humble gentleman, would be so sworn and sworn as Jin Lan when he opened his mouth. This made Wang Xuechang's image in his heart extremely friendly.

"Brother Wang is so kind and loving, and it's too late for me to ask for it. How can I refuse?"

"You still call me Brother Wang?" Wang Xue said with a smile.

"Big brother!"

"Second brother."

Seeing the two eldest brothers in front of them so sympathetic to each other, the little beggar beside him was really full of envy.Of course, Wang Xuechang had a clear view of all this, and he said to Zhang Yue: "But second brother, I have another suggestion."

"Brother, just say it!"

Wang Xuechang stood up and patted the little beggar on the shoulder: "Do you mind having one more third brother?"

Zhang Yue is also a smart person. He immediately understood the meaning of Wang Xue's words and smiled at the little beggar: "Third brother."

The little beggar was a little overwhelmed by the joy that came from heaven. He pointed his right index finger at himself and began to stutter when he spoke: "I...I'm just a beggar...can I do it too?"

Wang Xue sang: "What's wrong with the beggar? In my opinion, there is no distinction between high and low. Princes, generals, and generals should be in love! And I think you, third brother, have a quick mind and can understand the general outline." This is from "Records of Experiences from Foreign Lands" The book, the words are so clever, you can read them with gusto, I am afraid that my life experience is not as simple as just a little beggar."

"It's a good saying that princes and generals should be at peace with each other. Big brother said it well!" Zhang Yue had no sectarian views on anyone, so when he heard Wang Xue's words, he naturally resonated with him.But after he finished speaking, he thought of something deeper and changed his words: "However, brother, when you are away from home, you should say as few words as possible to avoid causing unnecessary disaster."

Wang Xuechang nodded: "Thank you, second brother, for reminding me. I understand. There are only three of us brothers here, so it's okay." After saying that, he patted the little beggar again and reminded: "Hurry up and call me second brother." elder brother?"

The little beggar just woke up from a dream. He quickly shouted to Zhang Yue: "Second brother!" After saying that, he turned around and looked at Wang Xue and sang: "Big brother!"

Wang Xuechang and Zhang Yuechu smiled in unison and said, "Third brother."

Wang Xuechang took the little beggar's hand and walked to the table, sat down herself, and motioned for him to sit down.When the two of them were seated firmly, Wang Xuechang asked: "It's been so long and I still don't know who the third brother is." The little beggar was still immersed in the joy of sworn friendship and quickly replied: "My name is Zhao Chen. , Chen is the Chen of stars.”

Zhang Yueyi, who was sitting on the bed, seemed to have thought of something when he heard the name, and said with a smile: "I didn't expect that the third brother has the same name as the current prince."

On the contrary, Wang Xuechang, who was sitting aside, looked at the two people laughing and joking. Thinking of the previous turmoil in the temple, his face changed drastically, and he trembled towards Zhao Chen: "Are you His Highness the Crown Prince?!"

What Wang Xue sang shocked Zhang Yue, and he asked in confusion: "Brother?"

Zhao Chen looked calm, touched his head sheepishly, and laughed at himself: "Zhao Chen is no longer the prince, Zhao Chen is just a little beggar who lives all over the world."

Zhao Chen's very calm words made the other two people present extremely unstable. Wang Xuechang suddenly grabbed Zhao Chen's arm and was speechless with excitement.Zhang Yue was even more excited and almost rolled over from the bed. His eyes widened: "Third brother, you are really... His Highness the Crown Prince."

Before Zhao Chen could answer, Wang Xuechang waved his hand to signal Zhao Chen not to speak. At the same time, he let out a breath, and after confirming that there was no one around the inn room, he said seriously: "This matter is of great importance at this time. The second and third brothers must not make any noise. "

Zhang Chuchu stopped talking and nodded immediately.On the contrary, Zhao Chen said calmly: "It's okay, brother. I'm no longer a prince, I'm just a little beggar now. This is good, and I like it very much."

Wang Xuechang shook his head and objected for the first time: "This matter is not only about you and me, but also about the people of the world until the dawn of time. As a brother, I also hope that you can be a carefree little beggar. But some things, really I can't help myself."

Zhao Chen said: "This world should not belong to my father, but to my uncle."

When Wang Xuechang heard Zhao Chen mention the uncle he was talking about, he asked, "Prince Lian?"

Zhao Chen nodded.

"Where is His Highness Prince Lian now?" Wang Xuechang asked curiously.

Zhao Chen shook his head: "I don't know either."

Wang Xuechang sighed, Prince Lian was truly a wise candidate, but it was a pity that a traitor took over and fate played tricks on people.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly turned cold. Zhang Chuo was listening. He also knew some inside stories. The reason why the Zhang family suffered such inhumane treatment was mainly related to this matter.But seeing the two people in front of him suddenly become silent, he felt a little uncomfortable, so he said, "I think there should be a ceremony for the three of us brothers to become sworn brothers."

Zhao Chen's eyes lit up: "Are they those three people kneeling together to drink, and then shouting things like 'Huang Tian is above', 'I don't want to be born in the same year, the same month and the same day' or something like that?"

Zhang Chuchu smiled and nodded.

After all, Zhao Chen is still a child and has no idea about such things. He just finds it novel and immediately looks forward to it: "Okay, okay, I want to sworn sworn vows with my eldest brother and my second brother!"

Seeing Zhao Chen's appearance, Wang Xuechang couldn't help but laugh. He reached out and touched Zhao Chen's head and said with a smile: "Of course this will happen, but we have to wait until your second brother can get out of bed."

When Zhang Chuchu heard what Wang Xuechang and Zhao Chen said, he was naturally very happy, but he said unconvinced: "Brother, are you really okay with this? Do you believe it or not, I can get out of bed right now!" After saying that, he pretended to want to Get out of bed.

Wang Xuechang naturally stepped forward to stop him and said with a smile: "Brother Wei said the wrong thing. Second brother, think twice!"

Zhang Chuchu couldn't help laughing when he saw Wang Xue's words and deeds, and then the three brothers laughed together.

The three brothers in the inn were chatting happily until they all felt a little hungry and realized that it was already midnight. Wang Xuechang ordered the waiter to make some side dishes.

Wang Xuechang and Zhang Yuechu also confessed their identities to Zhao Chen, which actually caused Zhao Chen to exclaim.After all, these two people, to be honest, are still considered celebrities in the court: one is the "Tea Sage" who came second in the imperial examination in the [-]th year of Jianyuan and is now famous all over the world, and the other is the former prince of Qi and is now a wanted rebel. Minister.Even though Zhao Chen was still young and lived in seclusion in the palace, he still heard about the two of them.

It's just that he really didn't expect that Wang Xuechang and Zhang Chue, who can be said to be the dragons among masters, would become his sworn elder and second brothers. How could he not be overjoyed?

But Wang Xuechang still concealed the fact that he had reached the first-level realm. Firstly, he was afraid that it would have a big impact on Zhang Chuechu. Secondly, this was not a big deal and there would always be a chance to explain it clearly to him in the future.

Wang Xuechang started to practice his profession as a storyteller again, telling his two foster brothers some interesting things about the world that they had never heard of and what he had seen and heard along the way.Fortunately for Zhang Yue, Zhao Chen has a young mind after all, and he was quite depressed in the palace before. He rarely had the opportunity to come into contact with the affairs of the world. It was rare for him to hear so many weird and interesting things about the world this time. Naturally, he was very curious.

And Zhao Chen's emotions also change with the plot of the story: when Wang Xuecheng talks about a certain hero who justly defeated the villain, Zhao Chen will become passionate; when Wang Xuechang talks about who was raped by the traitor. When the tragedy ended tragically, Zhao Chen was extremely sad; when Wang Xue sang about a certain pretentious villain who made a fool of himself in public, Zhao Chen also burst into laughter.

While Wang Xuechang was talking, the waiter was also preparing all the meals. Even at the risk of being scolded by the shopkeeper, he listened to Wang Xuechang tell two stories before reluctantly leaving. I believe he also found these stories very interesting. .

Zhao Chen's emotions naturally infected the two people on the side. Wang Xuechang and Zhang Chue also felt very relaxed at this moment. After the three of them finished eating, Zhao Chen remembered that he had not taken some of his things, and promised them that he would come back as soon as possible. He quickly left the inn and ran towards his original "doghouse".

Zheng Biao was sitting in the shop with his head down, and the internal injuries caused by the previous fight had long been suppressed.

Originally, the shop was not open today, but the previous matter was ruined, so I came back early and steamed a few more steamed buns since I had nothing to do.There is no one in the neighborhood who comes to buy buns, not to mention that it is already Xiangwu, how can anyone come to buy buns?

Just when Zheng Biao yawned and was about to think about whether to close the stall, he didn't see a middle-aged man walking over.

"Bring me two beef buns." The middle-aged man walked to the front of the store and said, looking at Zheng Biao who had his head lowered in a daze.

Hearing the sound, Zheng Biao looked up and found that the person who came was Lei Ming.Probably guessing Lei Ming's purpose of coming, and thinking about the lack of food in the morning, Zheng Biao was naturally angry and said angrily: "I only have human meat buns, nothing else."

Lei Ming was not angry after hearing this, and said with a smile: "You can fool others, but it's useless to fool me. I know that most of your buns are actually made of beef, but I have always been curious. You are so murderous. Where does the butcher get all this beef?”

Zheng Biao raised his eyebrows and teased: "I didn't expect that our busy man, Team Leader Lei, would even care about such a trivial matter? You don't care where I get my beef."

Although Zheng Biao's words were full of thorns, Lei Ming still didn't get angry and said calmly: "You don't have to treat me so badly. I didn't offend you. I just came to tell you that recently, another group of horse thieves have come outside the customs. Look, It depends on when you leave. Also, when will you give me my beef buns?"

Lei Ming's words finally made Zheng Biao's attitude soften a little. He took two beef stuffed buns from the steamer and handed them to Lei Ming, but his words were still stinging: "Our upright leader Lei also started to kill people like me. Are these evil people working together?"

"The word collusion is not a good word, and I haven't done anything bad. What we do should be called mutual help." Lei Ming took the bun, "And after I came to the northwest, I figured out that being upright is useless. "

Zheng Biao shook his head and made a sound, without asking Lei Ming for the money for the two buns, and started to pack them away.Prepare to close the stall.

"Also." Lei Ming took a bite of the bun and chewed it for a while, "Don't go looking for trouble with those three young men. The background of that white-robed scholar is not simple."

"This is probably the main purpose of your visit today." Zheng Biao said while looking at Lei Ming's back.

"This is just a friendly reminder from me as a court official." After saying that, Lei Ming walked away.

Zheng Biao did not look at Lei Ming's leaving figure. He lowered his head and started to clean up, muttering in his mouth: "You don't have to say this."

"Do I look like a fool..."

(End of this chapter)