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“Then I shall trouble you to lead the way, brother.” Hearing Zhou Meng’s agreement, Wang Bo was exceptionally delighted yet felt a pang of guilt, for he suspected he was using Zhou Meng. Glancing at the sincere Zhou Meng, Wang Bo clenched his teeth. “If I rise to power someday, I will surely repay Brother Meng handsomely.” With that thought, Wang Bo rose and followed Zhou Meng toward the backyard.

Along the way, Zhou Meng summoned the steward and instructed him to prepare the offerings for the Heaven worship ceremony.

Upon entering the garden through the rear gate of the Zhou residence, Wang Bo’s eyes lit up. Before him lay a sprawling garden, where rockeries and pavilions were arranged in an orderly yet picturesque manner, creating a vast and elegant space. However, it was the dead of winter, and the garden was devoid of plants, otherwise it would have offered an even more enchanting scene.

Seeing Wang Bo momentarily lost in admiration, Zhou Meng smiled silently and led him into the courtyard. Soon, the steward arrived with servants, bustling about and setting up the altar for the Heaven worship. Once completed, the steward came to pay respects to Zhou Meng.

Looking over the long table, Zhou Meng nodded in approval. “Well done. Once everything is set, you may go down and collect the five hundred coins from the account room to distribute as rewards.”

“Thank you, Master,” the steward replied gratefully and hurried off to claim the reward.

“Come here, Xiao Bo,” Zhou Meng called gently, pulling Wang Bo closer.

“Mm,” Wang Bo nodded, and the two knelt side by side. They burned incense and kowtowed, then recited their oath together: “Now, I Wang Bo and Zhou Meng, though of different surnames, are sworn brothers. Henceforth, we shall work together in unity—not necessarily born in the same year, month, or day, but willing to die in the same year, month, and day. Heaven and Earth bear witness to this heart; betrayers of loyalty and ingratitude shall be condemned by both mortal and divine.”

Having spoken the vow, they helped each other rise, exchanging smiles.

Zhou Meng picked up two bowls of fine wine from the table, handing one to Wang Bo. “Come, second brother, a toast from your elder.”

Taking the bowl, Wang Bo replied, “How can I let elder brother toast me? It should be I who toast you.” Saying so, he drained the bowl in one gulp, then tapped the bottom to show it was empty, smiling warmly at Zhou Meng.

“Good, good!” Zhou Meng laughed heartily, repeating “Good” thrice. “This is my true brother—straightforward and spirited. Since you insist, how could I be coy?” He drained his bowl and, still unsatisfied, grabbed a wine jar from the table and drank deeply, reveling in the pleasure.

Seeing this, Wang Bo quickly grabbed Zhou Meng and half-jokingly said, “Brother, how can you drink a whole jar yourself while I’m left here longing?”

“Hahaha, fair enough. Here, let me fill your cup again.” Zhou Meng poured more wine for Wang Bo, and the two burst into laughter, drinking heartily.

They drank for an hour until the sun dipped below the western hills. Of course, they hadn’t remained in the garden all this time. After a few cups, a cold wind swept through, prompting Wang Bo to withdraw. Seeing Wang Bo’s frail frame, Zhou Meng hastily arranged a room, set up a charcoal fire, and prepared a sumptuous feast to entertain him. Wang Bo initially wished to decline but couldn’t resist Zhou Meng’s warm invitation and reluctantly stayed.

Zhou Meng’s capacity for alcohol was beyond ordinary. Throughout the hour, they consumed several jars, with more than half drunk by Zhou Meng alone. By this time, Wang Bo’s head was heavy, his feet light, and his speech slurred. Yet Zhou Meng’s complexion remained only slightly flushed, his demeanor unchanged.

Observing Wang Bo’s near delirium, Zhou Meng shook his head. “Second brother still laughs, but your tolerance and conduct in drinking leave much to be desired.”

Gradually, Wang Bo tired of the revelry and lay back on the couch, soon falling asleep.

“Second brother, second brother,” Zhou Meng shook Wang Bo gently.

Seeing him fast asleep, Zhou Meng called for the servants. “Come here!”

Hearing the call, the steward hurriedly entered. “Master, what are your orders?”

“Carry my second brother to the east wing to rest. Add extra bedding—don’t let him catch cold,” Zhou Meng instructed, pointing at Wang Bo.

“Yes, sir.” The steward obeyed, and soon two burly servants carefully lifted Wang Bo and carried him to the east wing.

“Also, send a few more maidservants to attend him.” Watching Wang Bo being carried away, Zhou Meng spoke again to the steward. Suddenly, an idea struck him. “Seems my second brother is already sixteen—an adult, yet unmarried, hardly a man. As his elder brother, shouldn’t I lend him a hand?” This thought would not leave his mind. After considering it, he deemed the moment appropriate and ordered, “Go, have Lier arrange a bed for my second brother.”

“Yes,” the steward replied without question and went to make the arrangements. Zhou Meng smiled contentedly to himself. “I wonder if second brother will be pleased with my plan,” he murmured.

Meanwhile, our dear Wang Bo was utterly unaware of anything, lost in a drunken stupor.

Following the steward’s orders, Lier quietly entered the east wing alone, gently closed the door, and stared at Wang Bo lying on the bed. Biting her lip, she removed her clothes and lay down beside him.

***

Poor Wang Bo had unknowingly fulfilled his first great obligation since arriving in the late Han era. Whether he would feel joy or confusion upon awakening remained to be seen.

“Ow, my head hurts,” Wang Bo groaned, holding his head and slowly sitting up. “I regret it—I shouldn’t have drunk so much. Now my head aches so.”

“Master, how do you feel?” A silvery voice rang softly near Wang Bo’s ear. The sudden closeness startled him. Rubbing his dry eyes, he slowly turned his head.

“Ah!” A plaintive scream pierced the air.

Outside the door, the maidservants assigned by Zhou Meng rushed in. Wang Bo was now a distinguished guest of the household, sworn brother to the master; any mishap would be their grave responsibility.

Seeing the scene inside, the maids blushed and covered their eyes.

Luckily, Lier reacted swiftly, placing a hand over Wang Bo’s mouth and ordering the others, “All out! I’m here—no one else must enter.”

“Yes, miss.” The maids hurried out and closed the door behind them.

Muffled, Wang Bo felt quite uncomfortable and made a pitiful expression.

Lier smiled softly at his look, then said, “I can let go, but you must promise not to call out again. If you attract others, that won’t be good.”

“Ugh…” Wang Bo wanted to agree, but his mouth was still covered.

“If you agree, blink twice,” Lier cleverly instructed.

Following her, Wang Bo blinked twice, and Lier withdrew her hand obediently.

“What on earth is going on?” Wang Bo looked at the young girl before him, secretly lifting the cover to peek at himself. His head felt as if it was about to burst. “I must be dreaming. I must be dreaming,” he kept telling himself. Yet, seeing the girl lying beside him made him helplessly think, “But no dream feels this real.”

Seeing Wang Bo’s odd expression, Lier chuckled quietly. “This young master is quite amusing.” She had already accepted the situation—what happened had happened, and it was now her fate. Her mood darkened slightly as she pondered her predicament.

“What to do? What to do? I only got drunk, how did this happen?” Wang Bo’s mind was still blank. The only memory he retained was drinking heavily with Zhou Meng; beyond that, nothing. “Let me think—went to the market to buy meat, got along well with the butcher, who brought me home. Talked at length with brother, found we were kindred spirits, became sworn brothers, then drank. What happened after drinking?” Wang Bo pulled at his hair, utterly unable to recall.

Seeing Wang Bo’s distress, Lier was alarmed. She quickly asked, “Master, what’s wrong?” and reached out to stop his frantic movements. But as both were seated, the blanket slid down.

“Uh…” Wang Bo was stunned by what he saw and truly frozen.

Seeing Wang Bo’s despair then dazed stillness frightened Lier. She waved her hand anxiously, asking, “Master, what’s wrong? Don’t scare me.” Yet Wang Bo was completely absorbed, not hearing her words.

Lier grew worried but then noticed something odd in Wang Bo’s gaze. Following his eyes, she gasped and hurriedly uncovered herself with the blanket.

With the alluring sight gone, Wang Bo felt a pang of loss, silently thinking, “If only I could see a bit more… if only I could see a bit more.”

“Master,” Lier called shyly, noticing Wang Bo’s still vacant eyes.

“Ah!” Realizing he had been daydreaming, Wang Bo snapped back, scratching his head awkwardly.

“Well, miss, could you please tell me what exactly happened?” Wang Bo braved the question.

“Master, have you forgotten?” Lier’s eyes reddened, mist gathering in her large, expressive eyes.

“No, no,” Wang Bo hurried to shake his head, “I just want to ask, I didn’t do anything wrong, did I?” He felt his question was unnecessary—he was naked, and so was the girl, so surely something must have happened. Yet he was confused, uncertain whether he hoped something had or hadn’t occurred.

Hearing this, Lier was at a loss for words, also somewhat confused.

Taking advantage of Lier’s hesitation, Wang Bo examined her closely. The young girl’s features were delicate and charming, her cheeks a rosy flush, her neck fairer than snow. “It must feel so smooth to the touch,” Wang Bo thought, recalling the enchanting image that flashed in his mind.

“Word has it my brother has awakened. Clear the way for me!” A rough voice called outside the door. Hearing Zhou Meng’s voice, Wang Bo glanced at the beauty beside him and hastily called, “Brother, please wait a moment—I haven’t dressed yet.”

“Oh, haha, very well. I will wait,” Zhou Meng agreed, suddenly recalling something.

Looking at Lier, motionless on the bed, Wang Bo felt awkward. How could he dress naked before such a beauty? He just couldn’t.

“What to do…” Wang Bo muttered inwardly.

Being considerate, Lier lay down and covered her head with the blanket.

Seeing this, Wang Bo felt less embarrassed. Biting his lip, he thought, “Forget it, come what may. I’ve already seen her; if she wants to look at me, so be it.” With that, he climbed over Lier to get dressed. Little did Wang Bo know, Lier had helped undress him; if there had been any looking, he had already been seen enough.

Dressed and ready to leave, Wang Bo turned to Lier and asked, “I’m dressed now; you can come out. By the way, I don’t even know your name.”

Lier peeked out, saw Wang Bo fully clothed, and said, “My name is Lier.”

“Lier,” Wang Bo murmured, nodding. “I’ll remember it. Since you are my woman, I won’t let you suffer anymore.” He said this abruptly, then turned and left.

Outside the door, Lier was stunned. “He said I’m his woman… he said I’m his woman,” she murmured, overwhelmed with happiness. She had expected Wang Bo to vanish, but he stayed and spoke so. Actually, nothing had happened between them, at most an embrace. Given Wang Bo’s condition the night before, even if Lier had wanted more, it would have been impossible. Yet this was how it turned out. As Wang Bo left, Lier shed tears of joy.

Stepping outside, Wang Bo saw Zhou Meng grinning mischievously. No doubt, the architect of today’s events was this very Zhou Meng. Wang Bo found himself at a loss against this newly sworn brother.

“Brother, you really have caused me trouble,” Wang Bo said upon meeting Zhou Meng.

“How could your brother harm you? If that woman inside displeased you or mistreated you, I’d deal with her. You wouldn’t stand for a shrew,” Zhou Meng said with a fierce look that sent chills down Wang Bo’s spine.

Grabbing Zhou Meng to stop him from rushing in—worried the beautiful girl might suffer—Wang Bo felt a headache coming on. Though Zhou Meng cared, this was too much. “Brother, you misunderstand. I’m quite satisfiedI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.