No wonder Hu Xiaotian was puzzled. Although he and Shi Xuedong had sworn brotherhood, circumstances had forced them into it. There was no affection between them; they had even cursed each other while taking their oath. They could hardly be called brothers. →
Shi Xuedong came over and warmly took Hu Xiaotian by the arm. "Brother, I heard you're heading to Azure Cloud County in Western Sichuan to take up your post, so I got up bright and early especially to see you off!"
Whether the man meant it or not, after such a speech, Hu Xiaotian could only pretend to be moved. "Big brother, you really are too good to me!" Inwardly, he grumbled a little. His father had said to keep it secret, but there was no wall in this world that did not let the wind through. Look at this-Shi Xuedong had even found out exactly where he was going to serve as an official.
Shi Xuedong cursed inwardly. Good to you, my ass! I'd love nothing more than to peel off your skin and tear out your sinews. He sighed and complained, "You didn't even tell me about something this important. If I hadn't heard my father mention it last night, I'd almost have missed my chance to see you off." Whatever the fellow was thinking, he certainly acted like Hu Xiaotian's own elder brother.
Hu Xiaotian thought, Whether you mean it or not, you're the first person to crawl out of bed this early and wait here to see me off today.
Shi Xuedong called over his shoulder, "Bring the wine!"
Several household servants behind him hurried forward. One carried a tray holding two exquisite wine bowls, while another cradled a wine jar. He opened it before Hu Xiaotian and poured clear, fine wine into