Pan Yu and Pan Yue had been able to slip back from Datong to the Capital City because Qin Zhong had put in tremendous effort. When they left back then, the three of them had nearly sworn brotherhood.
But at the time, their father's fate was unknown, and the brothers had not dared drag Qin Zhong down with them, so they refused him.
Though he had refused aloud, Pan Yu had acknowledged in his heart this elder brother with whom he had nearly sworn brotherhood.
Qin Zhong chatted with them for a while. Once everyone's attention had shifted away from him, he seized the chance to give Pan Yu a meaningful look.
Pan Yu immediately rose and followed Qin Zhong outside.
Tents stood everywhere. Fortunately, the soldiers were exhausted. They had arrived in Datong yesterday and had only had time to pitch camp. It took the soldiers half the day today to settle in, and by now, most were practically lying dead in their tents.
Qin Zhong pulled him into a small grove. No one was stationed there, and patrol soldiers only passed by now and then. As long as they kept their voices down, they could talk.
"Thanks to the letter and Peace Talisman you sent me, my brothers and I survived the last great battle..."
Pan Yu froze, then asked thoughtfully, "When did you receive the letter and Peace Talisman?"
Qin Zhong said, "Five days ago. It was just that much of a coincidence—I had barely received them when I got orders to join the battle."
He said gloomily, "We were short on troops, their cavalry was far too formidable, and the general's command was a disaster. Only two-thirds of those who went out came back, and half of them were wounded. With your warning in advance and