Xue Shengjing froze for a moment before realizing that the nephew Hu Xiaotian meant was Xue Daoming. The brat certainly knew how to take advantage: even the exalted Seventh Prince of the Great Yong Kingdom had to address him as an elder. Still, Xue Shengjing himself had started this. Had he not sworn brotherhood with Hu Xiaotian, the fellow would never have acquired such seniority. Xue Shengjing hardly knew whether to laugh or cry, but Hu Xiaotian was right. Given their relationship, Xue Daoming really ought to call him Uncle.
"Brother Xiaotian," Xue Shengjing said, "it's been several days since my stitches were removed, and lately the wound seems completely healed. Can I...?"
Hu Xiaotian knew at once what the fellow wanted. "Of course. Go ahead and use it with complete confidence, big brother."
"Big brother," Hu Xiaotian said, "this isn't actually a problem. You've simply returned to normal. It's easy enough to resolve."
Hearing this, the Prince of Yan breathed a heartfelt sigh of relief, his face blooming with a smile. "Then I hope you'll resolve this trouble for me, brother. Once it's done, I'll certainly reward you handsomely."
"Wait a moment!" Hu Xiaotian turned and went into his room.
The Prince of Yan waited in the courtyard, brimming with curiosity about how Hu Xiaotian intended to solve his predicament.
Before long, Hu Xiaotian emerged carrying a small packet. He pulled one item out and waved it before the Prince of Yan.
"Big brother, these are treasures rarely found in this world. I went to considerable trouble to have a few made. I originally intended to give them to His Majesty as a gift and make him happy, so I could secure an official post..." The emperor he meant was the emperor of Great Kang, not Great Yong.
As