The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 241 - Becoming Sworn Brothers

Hearing the approaching footsteps, Fang Yun quickly opened the door and saw Liu Jin, Liu Qin's father, and his wife standing there, each carrying two bowls.

The woman held a bowl of fish and a bowl of chicken, while Liu Jin carried two bowls of millet porridge.

"Thank you so much. Just place them by the bed," Fang Yun said politely.

Their humility made the couple uneasy, but they quickly brought the food inside.

"Eat slowly. There's more if needed. We'll be in the main room," Liu Jin said.

After thanking them again, the couple left.

Beside the simple bed was a small, unvarnished wooden table, likely handmade by the family. It was just the right height for Pei Yao to eat while sitting on the bed, and Fang Yun pulled up a stool to sit across from him.

"Their home seems modest. The fish makes sense because they live near the river, but where did they get the chicken?" Pei Yao asked, holding a heavy porcelain bowl.

"When you were unconscious, Brother Liu killed one of their four chickens. They only had four in the yard, and now one is gone for us," Fang Yun explained, looking at the choice cuts of meat in their bowls.

"This family is very kind-hearted. We must repay them once we are safe," Pei Yao said seriously.

Fang Yun nodded in agreement.

Although the meal was simple, it was made with care. Without much seasoning, it tasted plain, and the millet porridge, lacking sugar, was quite bland. Yet, having narrowly escaped death and being served the best the family had, both Pei Yao and Fang Yun ate heartily, grateful for the nourishment.

After eating, Pei Yao felt stronger and decided to walk around. Noticing his clothes, he realized they were likely Liu Qin's, a bit short and of coarse fabric but new and well-stitched, likely made by Liu Qin's mother.

When they stepped outside, they saw Liu Jin chopping wood in the yard while his wife, Chen Shi, tied the cut logs with woven grass ropes, preparing them for sale.

Seeing Fang Yun and Pei Yao emerge, Chen Shi quickly stood, wiping her hands nervously on her clothes and smiling shyly.

"Oh, why are you out here? Is Master Wen's injury alright?" she asked.

"Don't worry, Sister-in-law. They're just superficial wounds. After applying medicine, they stopped bleeding. Staying inside felt stifling, so we came out to chat," Pei Yao replied warmly.

Liu Jin, accustomed to handling knives, often injured himself, so they kept basic medicine at home, which was adequate for emergencies.

Pei Yao's gentle tone and handsome features made him appear scholarly, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust.

"Alright then, feel free to look around. It's not much, but don't mind that," Chen Shi said, returning to her work.

People living such hard lives rarely had time to idle.

With Fang Yun's help, Pei Yao walked around the small yard and then sat on a small bench by the door.

Seeing a boy, about eight or nine years old, reading inside, Pei Yao asked, "Sister-in-law, you have two children?"

"Yes, the older one is Liu Qin, and the younger is Liu Bo. One is eighteen, and the other is nine," Chen Shi replied warmly, her face lighting up with pride.

Fang Yun asked softly, "Is there a local school? It seems both your sons are studying."

"Oh, don't call them young gentlemen. They're just like your children, call them by their names," Chen Shi said, waving her hand modestly.

"There used to be a private school. Our eldest started attending at five, but the teacher passed away a few years ago, so there's no place to study now. Still, our eldest is diligent. After ten years of studying, he passed the preliminary exams and is preparing for the provincial exams next year," she explained.

Liu Jin added, "You can tell he's a scholar. Don't laugh, but having a scholar in our family is a great honor. Studying costs money. Without Liu Qin's efforts, reading and teaching his brother, we couldn't afford two literate children."

Learning about Liu Qin's self-study, Pei Yao gained more respect for the young man.

After some more polite conversation, Pei Yao returned to the house to rest.

Fang Yun helped him lie down and then spoke softly, "Your Highness, I have something to discuss."

"What is it?" Pei Yao asked, looking at her.

Sitting beside him, Fang Yun took his hand and placed it on her belly, saying, "I want to recognize Liu Qin as my sworn brother. When you were unconscious, I carried you, and without Brother Liu's rescue, our family might not have survived. While I call them brother and sister-in-law, they're old enough to be my parents, and recognizing them as such would be complicated. Recognizing Liu Qin as a sworn brother is simpler and maintains a connection."

Her eyes were filled with genuine gratitude.

Considering their shared ordeal, Pei Yao found it hard to refuse. Fang Yun had also saved him.

"Alright. Liu Qin is intelligent and brave, with a good heart. Recognizing him makes it easier to promote him later," Pei Yao agreed.

Fang Yun's smile deepened. Recognizing Liu Qin wasn't just gratitude but also strategic. Building a relationship with him would be beneficial.

Meanwhile, in the capital, Liu Qin faced difficulties. He managed to meet King Dun at a secluded teahouse but received troubling news.

The city's entrances and exits were heavily guarded. Alongside Commander Hu Daixu, another commander, Liang Ji, loyal to King Ming, enforced strict surveillance, making movement difficult.

Even if King Dun sent someone to rescue Pei Yao, bringing him back to the capital was challenging. King Ming's men could ambush them in the wild, leaving no recourse.

A new plan was needed to ensure Pei Yao's safe return to the capital.