Dad, don't be greedy! My brother climbed into the emperor's bed, and I became famous overn

Chapter 279 Making a Vow

"Green grass, lush flowers in full bloom—"

"Colorful butterflies—in pairs—lingering long—"

When that tender and melodious tune echoed in his mind, Gu Mingli's mind suddenly went into overdrive.

Damn you, system!

What the hell is this "Liangshan"?!

This is not the Liangshan Marsh where the heroes of Water Margin swore brotherhood!

This is Liang Shanbo, the one from the story of the pavilion that transforms into a butterfly!

Is the mosaic on the system panel a genuine attempt to block things, or is it a deliberate attempt to mislead users?

Who would want two grown men singing such a melancholic love song on a dark and stormy night, during a blood oath ceremony?!

Gu Mingli was covered in cold sweat.

But Xiao Ye, who was beside him, was unaware of the inside story.

The young emperor was holding a wine bowl, his deep eyes fixed on him, waiting intently for him to speak.

The arrow is on the string, and it must be released.

If he dares to back down now, not only will all his previous efforts be in vain, but the get-out-of-jail-free card that could save his father's life will also be completely lost.

Gu Mingli squeezed his eyes shut tightly.

In his mind, he cursed the system developer's ancestors for eighteen generations over and over again.

The song still has to be sung, but the lyrics must be changed!

He paused for a moment, preparing to forcefully put on a show.

"It's about to begin, Your Majesty."

Xiao Ye nodded slightly, his expression unusually showing a hint of curiosity and inquiry.

Gu Mingli took a deep breath and focused his energy in his dantian.

He held the wine bowl boldly with one hand, and with the other hand, he pointed two fingers upwards.

Then, he spoke.

The melody is still the famous "Butterfly Lovers," but he has drastically altered it.

The originally melodious and poignant part was roared out by him in a voice three times rougher.

Those tender and poignant emotions, however, were transformed by his stiff neck into a soaring and heroic melody.

"Loyal hearts and unwavering resolve! Heroes meet—a cup of wine awaits!!"

As he sang, he flicked his right hand behind his wide sleeve, striking a magnificent pose.

"Traveling together across a thousand miles—to support the nation! Sharing weal and woe—to break through the barriers!!"

Xiao Ye stared intently at Gu Mingli's performance.

The cool moonlight poured down, shining unreservedly on Gu Mingli's handsome face, which was flushed with a thin layer of red.

His eyes shone like stars in the night sky.

Gu Mingli had completely gone all out; he sang and twirled in the wind.

The movements were somewhere between the dashing style of a Peking Opera martial arts performer and the unrestrained energy of a square-dancing grandpa, carrying a kind of raw and infectious energy that disregarded human life and death.

To be fair, the singing was quite pleasant.

The alcohol made his voice even more unrestrained than usual.

"A lifelong vow—the golden seal!! Unwavering loyalty—don't ask about spring!!"

"Let us drink from this cup together—until heaven and earth bear witness!! May this life not fail—youth!!"

As the last impassioned word fell heavily, Gu Mingli didn't hesitate to shove the wine bowl in his hand to his lips.

He tilted his head back, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down, and downed the fiery liquor in one gulp.

The bowl was turned upside down, not a drop was left.

The singing is over, and the drinks are finished.

He stood there straight in the night wind, the moonlight shining from behind him, outlining a circle of faint light.

His chest heaved violently, and a fine layer of glistening sweat had already seeped from his forehead as he gasped for breath to calm himself.

The semi-transparent system panel flickered, and finally a line of text appeared:

[Background music finished. Awaiting target's response, contract in progress...]

Do we still need to wait for Xiao Ye's confirmation?

Gu Mingli was slightly taken aback and turned to look at Xiao Ye.

Xiao Ye maintained the same posture as before, holding the wine bowl in his hand.

A smile of interest played on her lips as she stared intently at him.

Then, he suddenly spoke.

"Party B".

"Um?"

"The way you sing... is indeed quite unique."

Gu Mingli lowered his head and coughed lightly, feeling embarrassed.

But that didn't matter anymore, because the crisp notification sound in my mind finally rang.

[Ding! Quest 3: Companionship in the Mortal World is complete! The Contract of Life and Death has been successfully formed!]

[Reward issued: Immunity Permission to Demand Permission x1. Host, please use your wits to find a way to demand this from Xiao Ye.]

Gu Mingli: "..."

Aren't they sworn brothers, "Party A and Party B"?

Why is it a "life-and-death pact"?!

Anyone who tries to kill Xiao Ye from now on will lose both their child and their life!

Gu Mingli felt a lump in his throat and shed a tear.

This poor working man has to go through thick and thin with his clients. How much dedication does he have to put in?

What does "rewards can be claimed independently" mean?

Gu Mingli couldn't help but roar: "System, are you kidding me?! The promised reward was a get-out-of-jail-free card, and now I have to find a way to get it myself?! What's the point of doing this mission?!"

"Mingli, what's wrong?"

Xiao Ye tilted his head and looked at him with a carefree, youthful air.

Gu Mingli swallowed hard.

However, he really didn't want Xiao Ye to be killed.

But I don't have much skill, so how can I protect Xiao Ye?

Sigh, if all else fails, I'll just have to make a musket for Xiao Ye to use for self-defense.

Let's get the reward first.

Gu Mingli covered his mouth and coughed lightly, quite deliberately.

"Now that we're on opposing sides, we've become like brothers who've been through thick and thin together."

"Then Party B dares to ask Party A for something, taking advantage of tonight's night breeze."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ye turned his face and looked at him quietly.

"Tell me, what do you want?"

He will give it to anyone who has it.

Gu Mingli took a deep breath and bowed.

"I want to get a get-out-of-jail-free card for my father."

The moment those words were spoken, the previously harmonious atmosphere on the rooftop instantly cooled down.

The night wind blew by, leaving only silence.

Xiao Ye's previously relaxed expression vanished slightly, and his unfathomable gaze scrutinized Gu Mingli.

"Gu Debai?"

"Yes."

Despite the intensely oppressive gaze, Gu Mingli nodded without flinching.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ye raised an eyebrow with interest, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He took two steps closer, his hands behind his back.

"People seek favors only for themselves."

"You went through all this trouble just for a get-out-of-jail-free card? Why not use this opportunity to secure a way out for yourself?"

Gu Mingli blinked, his tense nerves relaxing slightly at that moment.

He grinned, revealing a hint of innocence and naivety.

One piece is enough.

He said frankly, "My father is a very stubborn person. If he ever does something foolish and offends the emperor, I can use this gold medal to save his life."

"As for me..."

Gu Mingli suppressed his smile, making no attempt to evade Xiao Ye's scrutiny.

He stared intently into Xiao Ye's unfathomable eyes.

"I don't need a get-out-of-jail-free card."

"I have promised to stay by your side."

A night breeze suddenly rose, stirring the hems of their clothes.

Xiao Ye looked at him without saying a word for a long time.

He knew the weight of those words; they were more than just a guarantee.

It was also a son delivering the most sincere message to the reigning emperor on behalf of his father and family.

After a long while, Xiao Ye suddenly let out a very soft "sneer".

His expression relaxed.

He raised his hand, his slender fingers lightly touching the air in front of Gu Mingli's nose, with a hint of intoxication.