From a slave to the Great Qian Martial Saint

"That's more like it! Cooperation benefits both sides, while conflict harms both!"

Upon hearing that Zhang Xiaotian and Du Yueming had shaken hands and made peace, both coming under Xiao Fengxiao's command, Zhao Qiancheng smiled and patted the two on the shoulder.

Although he failed to raid the Wolf Poison Gang's property, he still obtained 20,000 taels of silver. Moreover, the Wolf Poison Gang and Flying Eagle Gang would continue to pay tribute to him every year. What more could he ask for?

"This happy ending was entirely due to Chen Shi's mediation."

Zhao Qiancheng glanced at Chen Shi, then looked at Zhang Xiaotian and Du Yueming.

"You two should know how to repay kindness."

"Yes, yes, we will remember this!"

"Just memorizing isn't enough. If you ask me, the three of you are destined to be together. Why don't you become sworn brothers?"

"Sworn brotherhood?"

Not only Zhang Xiaotian and Du Yueming, but Chen Shi was also taken aback.

"yes!"

Du Yueming was the first to react and quickly bowed deeply to Chen Shi.

"If Brother Chen doesn't despise our lowly status, I request to become sworn brothers with you!"

"Yes, yes! Let's become sworn brothers!"

Zhang Xiaotian also realized what was happening and quickly echoed his sentiment.

As the saying goes, "A hero needs three helpers." When you're out in the world, braving dangers and dangers, brothers are very important.

There are generally two types of brothers: one is a younger brother who is below one's rank, and the other is a sworn brother who is of equal rank.

But regardless of the type, once the relationship is established, it is like a public covenant!

What's most important when you're out in the world? Loyalty!

Betraying one's elder brother and abandoning one's brothers will earn one's contempt from everyone, leaving one with no place in the martial arts world.

Once sworn brothers are formed, it is equivalent to binding the relationship between the three of them to a certain extent.

Although Zhang Xiaotian and Du Yueming have already pledged allegiance to Xiao Fengxiao, let alone the fact that Xiao Fengxiao is a member of the Marquis's household, her noble status alone would make it impossible for her to directly deal with the two of them.

This still requires the help of Chen Shi.

In other words, only by holding onto Chen Shi can they be firmly tied to the Jing'an Marquis's mansion.

Moreover, this incident demonstrates Chen Shi's capabilities; although he is currently just a servant, his future is limitless!

Becoming sworn brothers with him would be a win-win situation for both of them.

"I am but a lowly servant, and I am honored by your high regard. How could I possibly express any disdain?"

Chen Shi realized what was happening and said with a smile.

Zhang Xiaotian and Du Yueming wanted to use him to curry favor with the Jing'an Marquis's family, and he, in turn, longed to firmly grasp the Wolf Poison Gang and the Flying Eagle Gang.

After all, if he wants to get ahead, he needs helpers.

Although he was the one who subdued the two men for Xiao Fengxiao, he was, after all, just a servant and could be easily replaced.

Only by becoming sworn brothers can his uniqueness towards Zhang Xiaotian and Du Mingyue be confirmed.

"Hehe, that's great."

Seeing that all three were willing, Zhao Qiancheng smiled and immediately ordered someone to set the table.

Even a handful of soil can be used to make incense; the form is not important, what matters is the act itself.

The three knelt before the table, and with Heaven and Earth as their witness, they immediately swore brotherhood.

"Based on the order of birth, Brother Du should be the eldest."

After kowtowing, Chen Shi spoke.

"That won't do!"

Du Yueming quickly declined, saying with a smile, "How could I dare to be the elder brother?"

"As the saying goes, those who are accomplished come first. Regardless of talent, knowledge, morality, or character, Brother Chen is the best choice. Naturally, we should regard Brother Chen as the leader."

"That's right! It doesn't matter who the second brother is, the eldest brother must be you, Brother Chen!"

Zhang Xiaotian nodded, his face also showing determination.

"I'm the youngest, how can I be the eldest brother?"

Chen Shi quickly declined, secretly laughing to himself. What talent or knowledge did he have? And what morals and ethics did he talk about?

However, he did want to be the eldest brother.

Only by becoming the eldest brother could Du Yueming and Zhang Xiaotian rightfully listen to him.

"Hehe, since they both said so, Chen Shi, I think you shouldn't refuse."

Zhao Qiancheng stood to the side and said with a smile.

"How can even you, Prefect, say that? This..."

Chen Shi opened his mouth, then made a helpless expression.

"Alright then! Oh, you're really flattering me!"

"Big brother!"

Du Yueming and Zhang Xiaotian looked delighted and immediately clasped their hands in a salute to Chen Shi.

"Second brother, third brother."

Chen Shi smiled and returned the greeting with clasped hands.

Thus, the three officially became sworn brothers.

Zhao Qiancheng stood to the side, looking at eighteen-year-old Chen Shi, who now had two younger brothers in their forties, and couldn't help but smile.

His suggestion that the three of them become sworn brothers was actually to do Chen Shi a favor.

Although Chen Shi was just a servant, his actions this time were far beyond what ordinary people could do.

With Zhao Qiancheng's keen eye honed over years of navigating officialdom, he knew Chen Shi was no ordinary man; sooner or later, he would rise to prominence.

If you make a good connection today, you may receive unexpected rewards in the future.

Of course, even if he was wrong, it wouldn't matter if Chen Shi remained a servant his whole life or suddenly died one day.

He was just saying something; there was no real loss to him.

"I still have official business to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

After the sworn brotherhood ceremony was completed, Zhao Qiancheng spoke first.

The matter was settled; he could simply go back and wait for the 20,000 taels of silver to be delivered to his door. There was no need for him to get involved with these江湖草莽 (jianghu caomang, meaning rough and tumble people) anymore.

"Respectfully seeing off the Prefect."

Chen Shi understood this and did not try to stop Zhao Qiancheng, but instead escorted him to the door.

"Eldest brother, second brother, today is our big day of sworn brotherhood, how can we go without wine? I'm treating, let's drink until we're drunk!"

After seeing Zhao Qiancheng off, Zhang Xiaotian said with a smile.

"Alright, let's drink until we drop!"

Chen Shi and Du Yueming nodded and laughed heartily.

It was still Wanxing Restaurant, still the second-floor private room, but unlike last time, not only was Du Yueming there, but the atmosphere was also lively with everyone drinking and chatting.

The shopkeeper, hiding under the stairs, watched this scene and couldn't help but gasp in astonishment. The Wolf Poison Gang and the Flying Eagle Gang, these two mortal enemies, were actually sitting together—it was truly unbelievable!

Looking at Chen Shi, who was sitting between the two men and being toasted and flattered by them, the shopkeeper was secretly amazed. This young man was really good at things. Last time he was scolded and ridiculed by Zhang Xiaotian, but now he has the two gang leaders as obedient as dogs.

"Big brother is right. We can't fight anymore. Yongqiu City is big enough to accommodate both of our gangs."

"That's right! As long as our two families join forces, and with Granny Ze backing us up, who in Yongqiu City will have any rivals! Once we've wiped out the other gangs, we can divide the city into two sections, you in the south and me in the north. Wouldn't that be much better than it is now?"

The two became increasingly happy and excited as they talked, and their admiration and trust in Chen Shi grew even stronger.

Chen Shi smiled and slowly sipped his wine.

If the Wolf Poison Gang and the Flying Eagle Gang could truly become the largest gangs on the streets of Yongqiu City, it would be of great benefit to him.

"Brother, if there's anything that happens on the streets in the future, just ask us, and we brothers will do our best without hesitation."

"Speaking of which, there is something right now."

"Brother, please give your orders!"

"A new restaurant has opened in the south of the city, and a group of beggars are causing trouble. Go and deal with them."

"Just this little thing? We've got it covered!"

Zhang Xiaotian patted his chest with a smile and filled their glasses again.

Chen Shi picked up his wine glass, a slight smile playing on his lips.

After completing the task assigned by Xiao Fengxiao, he could go and report back.