Seeking Fortune, Avoiding Calamity

Mountains and rivers were not what mattered; what mattered was finding a kindred spirit! Old Toad looked up at the sky, feeling that today's hot spring was far too hot, soaking his frog skin until it sagged all over.

The River Conservancy Office was brimming with talent, yet aside from saying, "Frog Duke, it has been long since we last met," none could speak to his heart like this!

Alas, how sorrowful! Liang Qu's thoughts stirred.

Strike while the iron was hot.

Splash! Foam surged.

Ta Ta Kai lifted a wooden bucket, poured down warm water, wrung out a towel, folded it into a square, and scrubbed Old Toad's back.

Great Beaver also set down the Wooden Stick in his hands, wagging his tail as he rhythmically patted Frog Duke's back.

Old Toad stretched out all over, spreading himself evenly.

So comfortable~ Seeing that the mood was right, Liang Qu came straight to the point.

"Frog Duke, though we have been apart for two months, this junior has a selfish request—an important matter for which I seek your help."

"Liang Qing is a pillar of my Frog Clan. Speak freely!"

Old Toad raised his right webbed foot, and Ta Ta Kai boldly scrubbed all the way down.

Liang Qu chose his words carefully and recounted how the Flood Dragon had put a bounty on White Ape, how he himself had been attacked, and how the court intended to wait two months before reclaiming its honor.

Upon learning that Da Shun intended to move against the Flood Dragon, Frog Duke's eyes lit up. "Can the court slaughter the Flood Dragon and let my Frog Clan take over the Dragon Palace? It need only casually grant me the title of Jiang Huai King."

"I'm afraid not."

"They cannot grant me a kingship?"