That evening, Fan Zehao and Ying Xiong got to know each other anew. They had a very enjoyable conversation over drinks.
Ying Xiong was a man who knew everything from astronomy to geography, mastering both civil and military arts to establish himself.
He was a rare talent, capable of conversing eloquently on everything from business and military strategy to martial arts and poetry, even offering his own insights.
It wasn't just the child who looked up to him; even Fan Zehao was immensely impressed.
As for Zhao Jiaqi, she felt she wasn't just pickled cabbage fish anymore, but rather pickled cabbage with a spicy kick – a spicy, sour, and utterly superfluous dish.
She retired to her room early to wash up and sleep. As for how long the two adults and the child chatted, or how much they drank, Zhao Jiaqi had no idea.
All she knew was that the next day, when Fan Zehao woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. He walked into the inn's hall, shaking his head and rubbing his temples, then plopped down beside Zhao Jiaqi, groaning about a headache.
"Wife, next time I drink with Brother Ying, we must drink our own fruit wine. The sorghum wine we had last night not only burned my throat but also had a strong aftereffect. My head is still pounding!"
Zhao Jiaqi's face was grim. Had this man fallen into a wine vat last night? Even after all this time, the smell of alcohol hadn't left him. Her eyebrows were knitted into a tight knot.
"Did you wash up this morning? Your breath reeks of alcohol. Don't talk to me; I'm afraid I'll get drunk just by being near you!"
Hearing his wife's disgusted words, Fan Zehao grinned mischievously at her. The next moment, he pulled her head close and blew hard into her mouth, then chuckled slyly.
"Since you dislike me so much, next time I'm drunk, I'll just use my mouth to seal yours. Getting you drunk would be just what I want!"
Feeling his triumphant smirk, Zhao Jiaqi couldn't be bothered to say a word. Pinching her nose, she prepared to leave. Before she could even lift her posterior, her peripheral vision caught sight of a figure in a striking shade of blue approaching.
Ying Xiong, also suffering from a night of heavy drinking, had a headache after washing up.
Those who traveled frequently were more accustomed to such discomfort.
Upon entering the hall and seeing the couple there, he grinned and walked over cheerfully.
"Brother Fan, Sister-in-law, good morning!"
Zhao Jiaqi offered an awkward smile and glanced at the sun outside. Was this time still considered morning?
If someone were to say this in the countryside, their mother-in-law would likely scold them harshly. At this hour, they were talking about an early morning.
She smiled, "Good morning. We haven't had lunch yet. Why don't you sit down and eat with us?"
Her double-entendre made Ying Xiong feel embarrassed for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure and smiled as he joined them for the meal.
"Where is Yao Yao?"
Before he even started eating, Ying Xiong noticed the child's absence. He instinctively scanned the hall. Not seeing her, he turned to ask them.
Zhao Jiaqi replied, "The child has already had lunch and is with the guards preparing the horses. We'll be going out shortly!"
"Oh? Going out?" Ying Xiong looked at Zhao Jiaqi, then at Fan Zehao, and asked, "Are you going to Wulipo?"
Fan Zehao nodded. He had come to investigate the Wulipo horse gang. In his excitement last night, he had revealed the purpose of their trip.
He didn't hide anything and said, "Yes, we're going to see what this horse gang is all about!"
Ying Xiong had been in the area for a few days and had heard some things about the horse gang, though he had only heard rumors and not seen them. He was quite interested.
He said, "Why don't I accompany you? As you know, my medicinal herb farm is just outside the city, and I'll be planting precious herbs from now on. If someone were to covet it, no amount of money would be enough to compensate."
Fan Zehao glanced at him, then at the guard behind him. Ying Xiong's intentions were written all over his face. Smiling, Ying Xiong explained, "Don't worry, my brother. While my martial skills might not compare to those of martial arts masters, it's not easy for ordinary people to kill me. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare to venture out alone with just one guard!"
Hearing this, Fan Zehao readily agreed. He took a few bites of congee and said, "Then there's no problem. If you accompany me and something happens, I won't be able to explain to your family. But with your word, I'm reassured!"
Speaking of family, Ying Xiong gave a wry smile, "To be honest, brother, my parents are deceased, and my wife has also passed away. My mansion is now empty. There's no one left in this world for me to care about. I am now a truly solitary man."
Who would care about his life or death?
The only ones who might be interested were the wealth he had accumulated. He no longer saw the need to indulge those distant relatives; their avarice was enough to sicken him.
Once he accepted this, he no longer felt lonely. Instead, he felt a sense of freedom.
Fan Zehao almost choked on his congee when he heard this. He quickly said, "I'm sorry, I truly didn't know your life story was so tragic. But we are sworn brothers now. From now on, my family will be your family. My son is your son. My wife is your... cough, cough, your sister-in-law. My daughter is also your daughter. You don't need to worry about looking after me in my old age. Just set your mind at ease. A great life lies ahead. Perhaps you might even find a confidante, and who knows, maybe even give me a nephew or niece!"
Fan Zehao wiped his mouth and stole a glance at his wife. He had almost blurted out something he shouldn't have, almost giving his wife away. Fortunately, he had a quick wit and managed to steer the conversation back.
A fine sheen of cold sweat had appeared on his forehead. He subtly wiped it away and, feigning ease, gave Ying Xiong a slight smile.
The latter chuckled and shook his head. This "Supreme Emperor" was too afraid of his wife. One wrong word and he was scared into this state. Now he understood why his harem was abolished.
However, such a life seemed quite interesting, far better than living alone.
Ying Xiong smiled and nodded, "Good. Brother Fan, I thank you again. From now on, we will be like true brothers, with no distinction between us."
"Heh heh, there has to be a distinction. Everything else is fine, but at least the wife has to be distinguished, right?"
His remark made Zhao Jiaqi blush. With a mortified expression, she went to the backyard. Seeing his wife upset, Fan Zehao quickly followed her, continuously uttering soothing words.
Ying Xiong felt very pleased. Shaking his head, he continued eating his meal. For the first time in sixteen years, he felt his heart come alive again, filled with warmth.
On the carriage, Su Ya arranged the chilled fruits on the small tea table. Seeing that the mistress and master seemed to have something to discuss, she placed her things down and retreated from the carriage.
She and Shi He began to inspect the carriage's safety, checking if anything else needed to be added.
Outside the carriage, Fan Yao swayed back and forth. Seeing Ying Xiong emerge, he grinned and trotted over excitedly, calling out, "Uncle, I heard Father say you're going to Wulipo with us too? Can I ride in the carriage with you!"