Seeing the clouds

Chapter 13: Twelve lied to him

In the past two years, under Lei Ming's management, Yumenguan has been relatively stable, so since Zheng Biao did not take action against Zhao Chen, Zhao Chen is basically safe, so Wang Xuechang was not in a hurry after leaving Zheng Biao's bun shop. After looking for Zhao Chen, they went shopping together and helped Zhang Yue buy some items that he might need on the road ahead.

When Wang Xuechang was almost ready to go back after buying the goods, he saw Zhao Chen walking cleanly, and he finally felt completely relieved.

Zhao Chen walked with his head down, no expression on his face, and he didn't even notice Wang Xuechang not far away.At this time, Wang Xuechang was in a somewhat happy mood. He silently walked behind Zhao Chen without making any noise, and just followed Zhao Chen.

When the two of them were almost at the door of the inn, Wang Xuechang suddenly patted Zhao Chen's right shoulder, which made Zhao Chen tremble and scream "Ah".

Wang Xue enjoyed singing and said with a smile: "Third brother, what's wrong with you?"

Zhao Chen turned around and saw that it was his sworn elder brother. He breathed a sigh of relief and complained a little: "Why is it you, the elder brother? It scares me to death."

Wang Xuechang laughed loudly: "Your second brother and I were a little worried after seeing you haven't come back for so long. Your second brother hasn't recovered yet and can't get out of bed, so I came out to look for you and help your second brother buy something by the way. Items you will need on your next trip.”

Zhao Chen finally understood. The eldest and second brothers were worried about him when they saw that he didn't come back.Immediately I felt moved and grateful.

Wang Xuechang patted Zhao Chen's back with his right hand, indicating for him to continue walking forward, and then said: "Where did the third brother go just now, and why did it take so long to come back?"

Zhao Chen then thought that he first passed by Zheng Biao's bun shop by mistake, and then was summoned by Zheng Biao to help make buns. Then he left the bun shop to get back the necklace his mother left for him and the person who had taken care of him before. The 'old friends' said goodbye, and everything that happened during this period was told to Wang Xuechang in detail. He also took out the necklace from his arms and handed it to Wang Xuechang.

Wang Xuechang took the necklace, looked closely, and found that there seemed to be something in the necklace, so he asked: "Third brother, there seems to be something in this necklace."

Zhao Chen then smiled happily and said: "Brother has good eyesight. There is an elixir in the necklace. My grandfather asked the old gods of Wudang Mountain to refine it. I heard that it is made from the thousand-year-old Tianshan Snow Lotus. It is the best for healing." The elixir can be said to be priceless."

Wang Xue sang nodded: "It is indeed priceless."

Zhao Chen continued: "Back then, my mother was in poor health. My grandfather and father loved my mother the most, so they spent a lot of time to refine this elixir. I originally hoped that my mother would be healthy after eating it. Unfortunately, my father later died. After taking the throne, my temperament changed drastically. Neither my mother nor me were the same as before. My mother felt that it was better to leave quickly than live in pain, so she saved the elixir and put it in a necklace. The money was left to me.”

At this point, the smile on Zhao Chen's face disappeared and he lowered his head feeling sad.

Wang Xuechang patted Zhao Chen's back with his right hand and said comfortingly: "I'm sorry, it's my brother's fault for mentioning your sad past, third brother."

Zhao Chen raised his head and narrowed his eyes at Wang Xuechang with a smile: "Brother, it's okay. How can I blame you? You also care about me. After so long, I have already figured it out. It was the mother's own choice. If she If she chose to live, maybe she would be even more sad now. As a son, I don’t want to see her, so I’m not sad, I just miss her and miss her.”

Wang Xuechang returned the necklace to Zhao Chen: "Third brother, you have grown up now and are still so sensible. If the queen in heaven knew, she would definitely be proud of you."

Zhao Chen took the necklace with his right hand, held it tightly on his chest, and said nothing.

Then the two of them returned to the inn, and then Wang Xuechang and Zhao Chen pushed open the door and walked into the room where Zhang Yue was staying, which was a way of saying that Zhang Yue was safe.

Although Zhang Chuchu felt a lot more relaxed after being persuaded by Wang Xue's words before, to be honest, it was impossible not to worry at all, so when he saw the two people pushing the door open and returning safely, there was a look on his face. He also smiled, and the stone that was weighing on his heart was finally let go.

As soon as Zhao Chen entered the door and saw Zhang Yue's smile, he also smiled and shouted: "Second brother!"

Wang Xuechang also nodded towards Zhang Yue.

Zhang Chuchu replied: "You have been walking all the way, are you tired? Big brother and third brother, please come in and sit down."

Wang Xuechang placed the purchased things on the side of the room, and the two of them sat by the bed. Zhao Chen recounted the previous experience to Zhang Chuchu again. After he finished speaking, he said apologetically: "Two I'm sorry, brother, Xiaochen has made you and eldest brother worried."

Zhang Yue smiled and waved his hand: "It doesn't matter, it'll be good to come back safely."

The three of them discussed their next plan.After Zhang Yue recovered from his injury, he would return to the Central Plains to search for his family and avenge Lu Jishan. Wang Xuechang and Zhao Chen naturally knew this, and wished Zhang Yue immediate success and peace.

Then Wang Xuechang turned to look at Zhao Chen and asked, "Where is the third brother?"

Zhao Chen actually kept thinking on the way back. He knew that Wang Xuechang wanted him to follow him back to Jiangnan. Firstly, he was still the nominal prince, and secondly, he was also his sworn brother. Regardless of Wang Xuechang's status, They all want to keep themselves safe.But after experiencing so much, Zhao Chen no longer wanted to be a bullshit prince, he just wanted to be simple or an ordinary person.

So he replied: "Big brother and second brother, Xiaochen wants to stay at Yumen Pass."

Zhao Chen's answer was completely beyond Wang Xuechang and Zhang Yue's expectations. Wang Xuechang said in surprise: "Did you go to Jiangnan with your elder brother?"

Zhang Chuchu also immediately asked: "Third brother, how are you going to live alone in Yumenguan? Second brother is really worried."

Zhao Chen's next answer made the two of them even more surprised: "I will help Zheng Biao in his shop. He promised me that he would give me a bite to eat and he would not starve me to death."

Zhang Yue's eyes widened: "Third brother, did I hear you correctly? You said you were going to work in Zheng Biao's shop and you were going to risk your life?"

Wang Xuechang also had complicated eyes: "Third brother, tell eldest brother and second brother, are you serious?"

Zhao Chen nodded heavily: "Actually, before the eldest brother and the second brother arrived in the morning, Zheng Biao asked me to help him in his shop. Although what happened later, when I passed by his bun shop, he He never touched me, and even taught me how to make noodles and make steamed buns. His steamed bun shop was clean, with only beef and no human meat. When I asked him if he wanted to go there tomorrow, he simply replied, "It's up to you." ' Two words, I think he simply wanted me to help."

After Zhao Chen finished speaking, Zhang Yue was still a little stunned. Wang Xuechang said: "I came into contact with Zheng Biao today. Zheng Biao is a bit complicated. Regardless of his words or actions, he is one of the few people I can't understand. . But I agree with Third Brother on one point. He is indeed not a purely vicious person, but I still have to advise Third Brother to think twice before you act."

Zhang Yue said: "I think Zheng Biao is just a weasel paying New Year greetings to the rooster - harboring evil intentions! Third brother, think twice!"

Zhao Chen lowered his head and didn't know how to convince his two brothers: "Actually, the root of this matter is that Xiao Chen doesn't want to be a prince anymore. Xiao Chen just wants to live a simple life without relying on anyone's wings. Is he a beggar or an apprentice?"

Wang Xuechang sighed: "Oh, I understand. Since you, third brother, have made up your mind, I won't say any more. Tomorrow I will go with you to see Zheng Biao. I have also fought with Mr. Lei Bantou. Hello, I hope his attitude towards his third brother can be the same as before."

Zhao Chen nodded: "Thank you, brother."

Zhang Chuchu, who was sitting on the bed, clenched his fists and said, "I'll go too!"

Wang Xuechang and Zhao Chen immediately stood up to persuade them.

Wang Xuechang advised: "It's fine for me to do this. Second brother, don't force yourself."

In addition to worrying about Zhang Yue's health, Zhao Chen was also worried about what would happen if Zhang Yue and Zheng Biao met tomorrow and started fighting again?So he agreed: "Yes, second brother, take good care of your injuries, your body and bones are important."

Zhang Yue said calmly: "Actually, my injury has almost recovered, and I can get out of bed and walk now. And if I don't accompany you tomorrow, then if Zheng Biao's temperament is capricious and he takes action against you two, then I will really want to I will regret it for the rest of my life. Furthermore, I also need to meet Zheng Biao and see what his attitude is so that I can feel at ease."

Zhang Chuchu still didn't know Wang Xuechang's strength at this time, and still treated him as an ordinary scholar, so naturally he couldn't rest assured.Wang Xuechang also understood what Zhang Yuechu meant, and nodded in agreement.Zhao Chen turned around and glanced at Wang Xuechang, seeing that Wang Xuechang no longer opposed Zhang Yue and said nothing.

Wang Xuechang turned to Zhao Chen and said, "I am a little tired after running around for a day. Where is my third brother?"

Zhao Chen replied: "I'm also a little tired and want to take a nap."

Wang Xuechang smiled and said: "Then we two can go back to the room and rest, but today I have to wrong my third brother, you have to sleep in the same bed with me."

Zhao Chen waved his hands wildly: "If you don't feel wronged, how can you feel wronged? I'm afraid of squeezing my eldest brother."

Wang Xuechang said goodbye to Zhang Yue: "Then my third brother and I will go back to our room to rest. Second brother, you can take a good rest. If you need anything, just call me loudly. I'm next door and can hear you."

Zhang Chu said: "Brother and third brother, have a good rest. Don't worry about me. Everything will be fine."

Wang Xue smiled and said, "That's great." After saying that, he took Zhao Chen back to his room.

After the two of them left, Zhang Chuchu made the bed and fell asleep peacefully.

In the early morning of the next day, when Wang Xuechang woke up, he found that Zhao Chen was still sleeping soundly next to him, so he cautiously got up from the bed.Then he changed his clothes and went downstairs. He asked the waiter to make a table of breakfast and get some water for washing. After the waiter replied, "Sir, please wait a moment," he went back upstairs. This time he pushed open the door of Zhang Yue's room, and found that Zhang Yue had already gotten up, changed into his own white clothes, and was sitting with his back to the door, reading a book.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, Zhang Yue naturally put down the "Silent Sutra" in his hand and looked back. He found that the person who came was his sworn brother. He was naturally overjoyed and said with a smile: "Brother, are you up?"

Wang Xuechang closed the door and said with a smile: "Yes, I didn't expect my second brother to be so energetic. He got up early to read."

Zhang Chu said: "Thanks to my brother for the bowl of chicken soup he ordered yesterday. I felt very energetic after drinking it."

After saying that, the two of them laughed together.

Zhang Chuchu saw Wang Xuechang alone and asked, "Where is the third brother?"

Wang Xue sang back: "Still sleeping. As a child, sleepiness is very normal."

Zhang Chuchu smiled: "It doesn't matter, it's rare to sleep so peacefully, just let him sleep a little longer."

Wang Xuechang sat down next to Zhang Yue, glanced at the books on the table, and asked, "Are you reading "The Silent Sutra"?"

Zhang Chuchu looked at Wang Xue and replied: "Yes." Wang Xue said: "Have you realized it?"

Zhang Chuchu said modestly: "Just a little bit."

Wang Xue sang and said with a smile: "Do you need big brother to give you some advice?"

Zhang Chuchu: "Thank you for your trouble, brother. To understand this kind of thing, it's better to do it yourself."

Wang Xuechang did not insist: "That's right."

Wang Xuechang looked at the white scarf Zhang Yue was wearing and looked it over: "Does it fit you?"

Zhang Yue stretched out his hands to touch the clothes on his chest and replied: "It fits, it couldn't be more suitable."

Wang Xue sang and said with a smile: "You really look like a scholar from a famous family."

Zhang Chuchu also smiled and said, "Are you a scholar like eldest brother?"

Wang Xuechang shook his head: "I am just a reader, not a scholar."

Zhang Yue thought that Wang Xue was being modest, so he said: "Brother, don't be humble. If you are not a scholar, there will really be no scholars in the world."

Unexpectedly, Wang Xuechang still shook his head: "What scholars pay attention to is cultivating oneself, managing one's family, governing the country, and bringing peace to the world. If I don't cultivate one's character, I can't bring peace to the country, and I can't bring peace to the country, and I can't bring peace to the world. What kind of scholar am I? People say that I am a talented king and a unicorn in the sky. But in the end, I can’t even guess the emperor’s thoughts, and I can’t do well as an official, so who am I to be considered as a talented person serving as a king’s assistant? The ancients said: Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the world, let alone me?”

Zhang Yue stretched out his right hand to grab Wang Xuechang's left wrist and said in a deep voice: "Brother!"

Wang Xuechang knew that he had made a mistake. He looked at Zhang Yue, stretched out his right hand and patted Zhang Yue's right hand twice to reassure him: "I'm sorry, it was the eldest brother who made a mistake."

Zhang Yue stretched out his left hand and placed it on Wang Xuechang's right hand, and said comfortingly: "I can understand the big brother's thoughts, but it's only a matter of time before the real dragon comes out of the water. I hope you don't worry too much."

Wang Xuechang felt the warmth of Zhang Yue's hands. He understood that money is easy to come by, but a close friend is hard to find. What's more, this close friend is his sworn brother. He was very moved in his heart: "Thank you, second brother. I understand."

Zhang Chuchu nodded, took back his hands, and said nothing more.

After a while, the waiter shouted from outside the room: "Sir, the water you asked for is here." Wang Xuechang stood up and said to Zhang Yue: "Second brother, please continue watching, I will go and wash up first. Fan, I have already asked the waiter to make breakfast, and after the third brother gets up, we will go downstairs to have breakfast together."

Zhang Chuchu said "Okay" with a smile, and Wang Xuechang went back to the room to wash up.

About two-quarters of an hour later, Zhao Chen also got up, and after Zhao Chen finished washing, the three of them went downstairs together.

There were not many people downstairs at this time, and the waiter had already finished preparing breakfast. After eating for about half an hour, the three of them left the inn and walked towards Zheng Biao's bun shop.

Zheng Biao's bun shop opened at midnight. Although not many people usually buy it, there are still a few who don't believe in evil. After all, other buns are expensive and taste average. Although there is a legend that Zheng Biao sells human flesh. Baozi, but no one has actually confirmed it, so why bother with money.What's more, Zheng Biao has a rule: if the buns sold on the same day cannot be sold out, even if they are thrown away to feed the dogs, they will never be kept for sale the next day, so Zheng Biao's buns are definitely fresh.

Since steamed buns are cheap, fresh and delicious, why not eat them? Is it just because of the legend of human flesh steamed buns that has never been confirmed?

It is true to live in this world. If you can't live any longer, why do you still care about human flesh?

Therefore, many people are wondering how this "Guanxi town" can survive until now by doing this loss-making business every day.

In fact, besides Zheng Biao himself, Lei Ming also knew that the gold and silver treasures Zheng Biao had captured by killing horse thieves over the years were more than an ordinary person could spend in his lifetime. He could really be said to be rich.

But since Zheng Heng's death, nothing has aroused Zheng Biao's interest. But his life was bought by his younger brother. He can't die for a hundred years, so he has to live for his younger brother at least.

Zheng Biao has been through hardships since he was a child, and he has never had any need for material things. Anyway, as long as he has enough money, he can spend it.So even later, Zheng Biao didn't bother to take back the property he captured from killing the horse thief.

At this time, Zheng Biao was sitting at the stall, holding a bun with a missing bite in his hand. He kept chewing in his mouth, wondering if today's filling was salty. It was probably because of the little beggar when he was making the meat filling yesterday. Being distracted, too much salt has been added.

Zheng Biao became a little angry when he thought of the three boys yesterday. As a result, three figures walked in the distance. Zheng Biao didn't pay attention to the appearance of the three people and continued to eat steamed buns.When the three of them came forward, Zheng Biao took a closer look, weren't these the three boys from yesterday?

If you really say Cao Cao, Cao Cao will arrive.

Wang Xuechang spoke first: "Brother Zheng..."

Thinking of these three boys, Zheng Biao couldn't kill them or beat them.I really want to die: "What the hell, who the hell is your eldest brother? What evil did I do in my last life to meet you three living kings of hell?"

Zheng Biao's reaction really shocked the three of them.Zhao Chen whispered: "Uncle, you promised me yesterday that I would help you make steamed buns and you would give me a share of the meal."

Zheng Biao finally understood: "So are you three here to force me to have a baby today?"

Zhang Yue said apologetically: "Brother Zheng, you misunderstood. I'm here to apologize. Although the situation was urgent yesterday, in the final analysis, it was me who made the sneak attack first, and it was against the moral principles of the world." After saying that, he bent to Zheng Biao bowed, "Secondly, my third brother is unwilling to leave Yumen Pass. I heard that you are willing to let him help you to feed him. If this is true, I hope that Brother Zheng will take care of him regardless of the previous grudges."

As a result, Zheng Biao raised his left eyebrow and said, "I never said that."

Now Zhao Chen was anxious: "Uncle, didn't you promise me yesterday? A man can't keep his word."

Now Zheng Biao's right eyebrow also raised: "I like to keep my words, what can you three do to me?"

Wang Xuechang sighed and said, "In that case, it's the three of us who have disturbed us. Let's take our leave."

Zhao Chen's face was drooped with disappointment. Zheng Biao looked at the simple boy's sad face and felt a little sad for some reason.

The three of them turned around to leave when Zheng Biao suddenly shouted: "Wait!"

The three of them turned around in unison, and Wang Xue sang: "I wonder what else Brother Zheng has to do?"

For the first time, Zheng Biao felt a little embarrassed and coughed: "It's not impossible to stay, but there will definitely be no wages."

The sadness on Zhao Chen's face was instantly wiped away, and he smiled and shouted: "Thank you, uncle!"

Wang Xuechang and Zhang Chuejue looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief, it was finally done.Now that things have happened, the two of them can confirm that Zheng Biao has no ill intentions towards Zhao Chen, otherwise there would be no need to engage in such a drama back and forth.If Zheng Biao had agreed with a smile from the beginning today, the two brothers would not have left Zhao Chen.

The three of them walked back to the bun shop, and Wang Xuechang said: "Then I will leave the safety of my third brother to Brother Zheng. I hope that next time I travel around the world and come to Yumen Pass, Brother Zheng's bun shop will be in business. "

Wang Xue sang these words, which could be regarded as threatening Zheng Biao. Zheng Biao naturally understood and replied impatiently with an inexplicable saying: "I know, I know, who is not a brother?"

Zhang Chuchu and Zhao Chen didn't understand, but Wang Xue understood, smiled and bowed with fists in hand.

Zheng Biao shook his finger and pointed at Zhao Chen and said: "This guy is here to help. If the other two have nothing else to do, get out of here. Don't bother me selling buns. Look, the customers are all scared away by you."

Zhao Chen pouted and whispered, "There aren't many guests to begin with."

Zheng Biao turned his head and looked at Zhao Chen with a fierce expression: "Huh?"

Zhao Chen was so frightened that he quickly waved his hands, turned around and pushed Wang Xuechang and Zhang Chuedue: "Big brother and second brother, please leave quickly. All the guests here have been scared away by you."

Zheng Biao, Wang Xue sang, and Zhang Chue all laughed when they heard it.

Zhang Yue stopped smiling, cupped his fists and bowed: "Brother Zheng, please." After saying that, he turned around and left with Wang Xuechang.

Zheng Biao shouted again towards the backs of Zhang Chuchu and Wang Xuechang: "That boy with the sword."

Zhang Chuchu and Wang Xuechang turned around again after hearing this.

Zheng Biao continued to shout: "Swordsmen are good, but swordsmen who are afraid of death will not die. Swordsmen who are not afraid of death will die faster than anyone else. The word "show off" is the most taboo in the world, remember it!"

Zhang Chuchu shouted: "Remember!"

Zheng Biao nodded, and the two turned and left.

Zhao Chen raised his head, looked at Zheng Biao seriously and asked: "Uncle, why do you say that swordsmen who are afraid of death will not die, but swordsmen who are not afraid of death will die faster than anyone else?"

Zheng Biao did not lower his head to look at Zhao Chen, but still looked at the backs of Zhang Yue and Wang Xuechang as they left and said softly.

"Uncle lied to him."

(End of this chapter)