These words were spoken with utter resolve, carrying quite the air of "the wind whistled, the Yi River ran cold."
Zhang Xiaohua's heart stirred as well. He puffed out his little chest and said, "All right, Second Brother. Only now do I understand what it means to stab both ribs for a friend. I suppose that if Young Master Li Jinfeng were in our position, he too would step forth and sacrifice himself!"
"Him?" Zhang Xiaohu laughed. "He's nothing more than a frail scholar. He has some skill in literary pursuits, but in a matter like this, even if he stepped forward, he'd be the first one taken out. Better for him not to step forward at all."
After saying that, he added, "Besides, if your martial skills weren't so good, and if I didn't feel that even should you gain nothing from going to West Cui Mountain, your life likely wouldn't be in danger, I wouldn't let you go at all."
Zhang Xiaohua laughed. "Second Brother, you sounded so righteous just now. Why are you being so small-minded now? You must know that whether a real man's deeds look good or not doesn't matter. But when speaking, one must make it sound grand and righteous—one must make it sound good. Otherwise, before and behind people, one can only be fated to do the work; one can't even become a steward."
"What kind of reasoning is that? It sounds terribly empty."
Zhang Xiaohua said, "The books Young Master Li gave me explained it all clearly. Second Brother, you should read properly when you get back. Having no knowledge is truly terrifying."
Zhang Xiaohu said, "Stop wagging your tongue. Scholars always bring ruin to the country, don't they? They've already delayed us long enough."
Zhang Xiaohua slapped the horse beneath him