Pu Min looked tense, terror in his eyes. "It was the High Person who found me. He said that you, Brother, had thrown in your lot with the late Emperor and agreed to work for the imperial family, but then you... The new Emperor was very dissatisfied, so he had the High Person bring me out and send me back, back..."
Pu Min said softly, "Back to keep an eye on you."
Pu Si froze for a moment, and the chill on his face melted away in an instant. He stepped forward, clasped his hand, and said through tears, "Good brother, it was your elder brother who misunderstood you."
Pu Si pulled Pu Min toward the side courtyard and said warmly, "A father and son make a fine army on the battlefield; brothers join hands to hunt a tiger. The Pu family's affairs must still be settled by those surnamed Pu. The imperial family can sit back and reap the rewards if they want, but if they expect us to earn one share of money and hand over three, then they are making things difficult for us."
"What do those officials know about a merchant's hardships?" Pu Si sighed. "They sent you back to fight me, thinking they could squeeze out even more money? Still, this is not bad either. You were pardoned and returned, and at least the benefits have fallen into our hands. You can also reunite with Auntie and Sister Yue."
Pu Min immediately said, "Of course my heart is with you, Brother. It is only that an imperial command cannot be disobeyed. From now on, we brothers can pretend to be at odds on the surface while remaining united at heart..."
Pu Si gave him an approving look. "That is exactly what I think as well."