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“It’s like this, teacher,” Wang Bo recounted how he met Zhou Meng and their oath brotherhood.

“Oh,” the village chief nodded thoughtfully after hearing the story, then said to Wang Bo, “From what you say, this Zhou Meng seems like someone worth befriending. But be cautious; although he appears rough and unrefined, he supports such a large family, so his mind is surely more complex than it seems on the surface. Think carefully before you act.”

After the village chief finished, Wang Bo’s expression grew serious. “Yes, how did I not realize that?” he hurriedly asked, “Then—”

The village chief smiled without answering directly and stopped Wang Bo. “Since he is your sworn elder brother and there’s nothing of value for him to covet from you, it shows he has a good heart and will be less guarded around you. If he doesn’t guard against you, then be sincere in your friendship. From what you say, I believe he will be a great help to you in the future.”

Hearing this from his teacher, Wang Bo relaxed. They chatted a while longer, and Wang Bo invited the village chief to lunch at his home. After bidding farewell, Wang Bo headed straight to Wang Feng’s house. Upon arrival, the courtyard gate was tightly shut. He knocked and waited, but no one opened. “Could it be that Feng ge (Brother Feng) went out?” Wang Bo muttered to himself. Just as he was about to turn away, a rich, magnetic voice called out, “Bo, it’s me.”

“Brother Yun!” Wang Bo turned around and sure enough, Zhao Yun was standing straight behind him.

Confirming it was Wang Bo, Zhao Yun hurried forward. No wonder he was uncertain before—Wang Bo had grown stronger and more robust these days, and his temperament had changed greatly after his time in the city. Zhao Yun lightly punched Wang Bo’s chest and said loudly, “Not bad, you’re much sturdier now.”

“You’re still way ahead of me, Brother Yun,” Wang Bo laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. Then he asked, “Brother Yun, why have you come down the mountain?”

“What’s this? Did I promise you a break during the New Year, and you won't let me come down to celebrate?” Zhao Yun teased.

“No, no, Brother Yun, you’re just joking,” Wang Bo replied, feeling joy in the brotherly teasing.

The two brothers, Wang Bo and Zhao Yun, hadn’t seen each other for months and were naturally delighted. They hadn’t even entered the house before they were talking animatedly outside the gate. At that moment, Wang Feng returned, dusty and tired. Seeing the two chatting happily, he asked, “Why aren’t you two going inside? Why are you so cheerful outside the door?”

Hearing this, Wang Bo looked up. “Brother Feng, where did you just go?”

“I came looking for you. Yesterday I heard you returned, even came by carriage—it made me jealous. But it was too late then, so I went to find you early this morning. Who would’ve thought you left early yourself,” Wang Feng said helplessly.

Hearing this, Zhao Yun looked at Wang Bo in surprise, and Wang Feng grinned mischievously, making Wang Bo’s heart tingle nervously.

“Why are you both staring at me like this?” Wang Bo asked quietly.

“What do you think?” they said in unison.

Under their pressure, Wang Bo reluctantly recounted the whole story for the third time.

After hearing it, Wang Feng and Zhao Yun nodded in amazement. “This kid’s fate is quite good.” That was their first thought, followed by happiness for Wang Bo’s experiences.

A cold wind blew as the three realized they were still standing outside the door. Wang Feng was about to open it when Wang Bo said, “Why bother? I came to invite you to lunch at my place.”

“Good idea,” Wang Feng nodded, and the three laughed as they walked toward Wang Bo’s home.

Just outside the courtyard, a tempting aroma of meat wafted through the air. Pushing open the door, they saw a large pot bubbling in the courtyard. The savory smell came from the stew, thanks to Zhou Meng’s gift of meat and seasonings to Wang Bo. Though Wang Feng and Zhao Yun were no strangers to meat, seeing this scene made their mouths water. Meanwhile, Duo’er spun around the pot in circles, oblivious to the arrival of the three men.

Seeing Duo’er’s adorable antics, the three shook their heads with a smile.

Mrs. Li, noticing the three, hurriedly invited Wang Feng and Zhao Yun inside. Duo’er spotted Zhao Yun and immediately ran over, grabbing his sleeve.

Wang Bo pointed at Duo’er with a helpless smile and said, “Why is she closer to Brother Yun than to her own brother?”

Duo’er made a funny face at Wang Bo, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

“What’s all the laughing about?” Suddenly, a strong voice came from outside. Everyone turned quickly.

“Greetings, Village Chief Teacher.”

“No worries,” the village chief said as he slowly stepped into the courtyard.

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“Since everyone’s here, let’s start the feast,” Wang Bo said. They invited the village chief to the main seat and gathered around the table.

After a bowl of wine, the three let loose and began drinking round after round. Of course, Wang Bo had the weakest tolerance and soon became a bit tipsy, thanks to Wang Feng and Zhao Yun’s encouragement. Mrs. Li, feeling concerned, hurried over to intervene, but Wang Bo was carefree, making everyone laugh heartily.

While everyone at Wang Bo’s home enjoyed the joyful meal, Wang Cai’s home was gloomy. Putting down his chopsticks, he found the food increasingly tasteless. Thinking of the premium pork at Wang Bo’s place, Wang Cai could almost smell the aroma of stew.

“Husband, why have you stopped eating?” Mrs. Meng asked.

“Nothing,” Wang Cai replied irritably. Seeing his mood, Mrs. Meng glanced at him and resumed eating.

Restless at home, Wang Cai grew more and more upset. He left the house and wandered aimlessly, eventually arriving unknowingly at Wang Bo’s doorstep. Hearing the cheerful laughter inside, it grated on him harshly. “Hmph,” Wang Cai snorted coldly and strode away.

Little did Wang Bo know, he and his family had deeply incurred Wang Cai’s resentment.

Time passes swiftly during rest. Several days after the New Year, Wang Bo had been spending time at home with his parents, Duo’er, and his sworn brothers Wang Feng and Zhao Yun. Just yesterday, Zhao Yun bid farewell and returned to the mountains. Wang Bo felt staying at home was dull, and since the village had no blacksmith, his plans were stalled. He decided to return to the city early.

After telling his parents, who reluctantly agreed, he stayed another day at home. The next morning, Wang Bo packed his things and entered the city once more.

This time, without carriage escort, Wang Bo had to walk. Gazing at the city walls of Zhen Ding City, he rubbed his sore thighs, secretly longing for wealth and vehicles. Laziness, it seemed, was cultivated.

Following the crowd, Wang Bo slowly entered the city. Once inside, he hesitated, unsure whether to return to his shop, seek out Zhou Meng, or find a blacksmith first. After pondering, he decided to visit Zhou Meng first, as he had promised. Besides, Zhou Meng’s connections could help find a skilled blacksmith more efficiently. With his mind made up, Wang Bo headed toward Zhou Meng’s mansion.

Once again before Zhou Meng’s grand estate, Wang Bo marveled, wondering when he might own such luxury. Thinking of his distillation skills, he felt confident. Shaking off his thoughts, he stepped forward. Sharp-eyed servants saw him and hurried over to welcome him, sending another to inform the master.

Before Wang Bo could proceed, Zhou Meng’s hearty laughter echoed. Seeing Wang Bo, Zhou Meng embraced him fiercely, nearly squeezing the breath out of him.

“My good brother, I’ve missed you to death,” Zhou Meng greeted.

Wang Bo rolled his eyes inwardly at the awkwardness but replied, “Little brother misses you too.”

“Heh, my good brother, come drink with me! Today, I want to drink three hundred bowls with you,” Zhou Meng declared.

At the mention of drinking, Wang Bo’s face fell. “Brother, please, let’s not talk about drinking first. I have a favor to ask.”

“Favor? Don’t be so formal with me. Just tell your brother,” Zhou Meng said casually.

“I want you to help me find a highly skilled blacksmith,” Wang Bo said.

“For what?” Zhou Meng asked, puzzled.

“I want to make some small items. Once finished, I’ll give you a big surprise,” Wang Bo said with a sly grin.

“A big surprise?” Zhou Meng was baffled, not knowing what Wang Bo was up to.

“Don’t worry, brother. You’ll be overjoyed,” Wang Bo assured him with a confident look.

“Alright, we’ll see how you surprise me,” Zhou Meng nodded and called his steward to find the best blacksmith in the city. Then he led Wang Bo into the study.

Soon, the steward returned with a burly, dark-skinned man. Entering the study, the steward introduced, “This is one of the best blacksmiths in all Zhen Ding City, surnamed Qian.” Then, he addressed the blacksmith, “This is my master and second young master.”

After introductions, the blacksmith respectfully greeted, “Greetings, master and second young master.”

“No need for formalities, Master Qian. We’ll be relying on your skill soon,” Wang Bo said while appraising the blacksmith. The man looked young but strong, with bright eyes. When Wang Bo praised his skill, a slight smile appeared, showing confidence. Wang Bo nodded approvingly.

“Rest assured, second young master. I will do my utmost,” Master Qian said respectfully.

“Good. Come here, I’ll explain what I want made,” Wang Bo called over the blacksmith and began to detail his carefully conceived distillation apparatus.

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“Do you understand?” Wang Bo asked after patiently explaining for a long time.

Master Qian thought for a moment, then nodded, “More or less.”

Hearing this, Wang Bo’s heart leapt. “When can it be made?”

“It shouldn’t be too difficult. If we rush, it can be finished within three days,” Master Qian replied after some thought, giving a confident answer.

“Good,” Wang Bo said happily.

“If it’s done in three days, you can name your price,” Zhou Meng said from the side, seeing Wang Bo’s delight. Though he hadn’t grasped exactly what Wang Bo wanted to make, since it made his brother so happy, he was eager to help.

“Thank you, master. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave for now,” the blacksmith said, pleased to have such a generous client.

After seeing the blacksmith off, Zhou Meng eagerly asked, “Brother, what exactly is this thing you’re making?”

Wang Bo smiled mysteriously, “That’s a secret.”

Hearing this, Zhou Meng scratched his head in frustration. The more he pressed, the more mysterious Wang Bo became. Wang Bo’s lips were firmly sealed, leaving Zhou Meng helpless. But later, at the drinking table, Zhou Meng fully reclaimed his elder brother’s dignity, getting Wang Bo so drunk he was vacant-eyed and limp-limbed, ultimately carried away by servants.

Late at night, Li’er looked at the sleeping youth on the bed with complex feelings. The kindness she had received at Zhou’s mansion was all from him. Yet she didn’t know how the youth truly regarded her—as wife, servant, or something else. “Why is it always after getting this drunk that he’s carried back?” Li’er muttered with a hint of grievance. She yawned and quietly lay down beside him, gently removing his clothes.

Wang Bo slept deeply until late morning. Rubbing his heavy head, he slowly sat up.

“You’re awake,” Li’er asked softly.

“Then I’ll help you get dressed,” she said hesitantly.

Looking at the beautiful woman before him, Wang Bo secretly blamed Zhou Meng. “Brother is so unfair. He set me up with such a beauty but always gets me so drunk I can hardly stand.”

“Second young master,” Li’er shyly called out as Wang Bo stared at her.

“Ah!” Feeling a bit flustered, Wang Bo quickly regained composure.

Li’er smiled softly, and Wang Bo was left dumbfounded once more.

While one was dazed and the other shy, Zhou Meng’s coarse voice came from outside the door. Regretting his roughness, Wang Bo hurriedly got dressed and went out.

As Wang Bo stepped outside, Zhou Meng greeted him with a knowing smile—one every man understands. But the smile made Wang Bo feel embarrassed. He forced a bitter smile, silently cursing, “How can he still be smiling?”

“How did you rest, second brother?” Zhou Meng asked with even greater cheer.

“What can I say? Drank all day and just woke up. My head still aches,” Wang Bo said, clutching his head with a pained expression.

“Ah,” Zhou Meng was stunned, then laughed and slapped his head, “How could I forget that?”

Wang Bo looked at his remorseful brother, speechless. “What can I say?” he sighed helplessly.