"Cough, cough."
After an awkward silence, Xiang Liang sighed. "I hope that one day, we'll be able to learn the truth behind Big Brother's death. But for now, the priority is you two brothers."
The two brothers sat properly, looking at Xiang Liang.
"Since Big Brother entrusted you to me, you are no different from my own sons." Xiang Liang looked directly at the brothers, his hands resting on his knees. "Since I've resolved to take responsibility for you, I must make sure you grow into capable men."
"So, I'll be teaching you."
"Teaching? You mean learning things?" Xiang An looked interested.
"That's right." Xiang Liang nodded and took a book from Xiang Bo. "First, let me ask you this. Can you two brothers write?"
The brothers exchanged a glance.
"What's that?"
The air fell silent once more.
"Big Brother never taught you how to write?" Xiang Bo asked from behind them, looking distressed.
"If nothing unexpected happened... then no, he didn't." Xiang Yu looked innocent.
"From what I remember, Father didn't seem to write either, probably." Xiang An said the same. "I can't really remember, but us brothers were probably always practicing with blades and spears before. We never learned any writing."
Xiang Liang felt utterly exhausted. Turning to Xiang Lu, he said, "Fourth Brother, later, have Liu Jin'an find Zishu, who's traveling the world. At the very least, Xiang Yu and Xiang An need to learn how to read and write."
"Alright, though it'll probably take some time to find him. What do we do before then?" Xiang Lu rubbed the corner of the stone table, his gaze toward the brothers filled with helplessness as well.
"Have Wu Ju teach them for now. Among my retainers, he's considered a man of learning and experience." Xiang Liang stood up.