My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 369 Brothers meet

Chapter 369 Brothers meet
Xiangzhou, Yecheng.

Gao Huan also received a letter from Gao Yang and sat silently in the courtyard for a long time.

He didn't know how much time had passed when he suddenly felt a weight on his shoulder. He turned around and saw that Lou Zhaojun had brushed the snow off his shoulder and draped a thick, warm black cloak over his shoulders.

"Husband, is something troubling you?"

Gao Huan simply handed Gao Yang's letter to Lou Zhaojun. He currently had many wives and concubines, but he would not hide anything from Lou Zhaojun except for her.

Lou Zhaojun only glanced at it briefly before understanding the whole story.

She suddenly chuckled and sighed softly, "Time flies so fast. Erlang... has become a ruler of a region, and his actions are becoming more and more composed and experienced."

"Yes."

Gao Huan nodded in agreement.

He did not regret his actions; when he decided to do so, he had long anticipated that this day would come.

It's just a feeling of reminiscing.

Both brothers were already local rulers with followers, so they couldn't act on emotion and had to prioritize their own interests.

He didn't blame Gao Yu for not showing brotherly affection and not giving him face.

"What does my husband intend to do? If we continue to delay, the situation will become unfavorable."

"I intend to go to Qingzhou in person to meet Erlang."

Gao Huan already had a plan in mind. Gao Yu's attitude towards Gao Yang was actually his attitude towards Gao Yu, or rather, it was a way of conveying a message to Gao Huan.

"So eager?"

"Tianbao won't give me much time."

Gao Huan chuckled softly.

Having served under Erzhu Rong for so long, he was well aware of Erzhu Rong's military tactics and his own current predicament.

Yuan Xiu's throne is not secure with just Yuan Ziyou's will and the imperial seal. Only when Gao Yu personally comes to pay homage to the new emperor can Yuan Xiu sit firmly on the throne.

He was no match for Erzhu Rong on his own, so he had to join forces with Gao Yu.

"My husband, please rest assured, I will make sure everything is settled at home."

Gao Huan nodded, then asked again, "How is Ah Hui doing now?"

"Shuzheng's attitude seems to have changed."

Shuzheng is Cui Jishu's courtesy name. He came with a letter from Gao Yu, but ended up staying with Gao Huan.

The reason I'm lingering here is because...

Gao Huan instructed Gao Cheng to treat Cui Jishu with the respect due to a teacher, and wanted Cui Jishu to become Gao Cheng's teacher.

Cui Jishu came from the Cui clan of Boling, which was a powerful local family in Dingzhou. Gao Huan wanted to cultivate good relations with these local aristocratic families.

The first option was marriage, and the second was apprenticeship.

It wasn't about using force, but rather about lowering the profile, making Gao Cheng visit Cui Jishu every day with the respect due to a student. Just like how he would make Gao Cheng treat Gao Qian and Gao Ang with great courtesy, it was the same principle of lowering the profile.

Gao Huan left his residence in a hurry and went to see Cui Jishu first.

When he arrived, Gao Cheng was also there, holding a book and asking Cui Jishu a question. Cui Jishu did not refuse, but her expression showed some hesitation and struggle.

Seeing this, Gao Huan took the initiative to speak.

"Ah Hui, you should go back first. I have something to discuss with Uncle Zheng."

Gao Cheng quickly stood up, bowed respectfully to Cui Jishu, and then turned to leave.

“Uncle Zheng, I will be setting off for Qingzhou tomorrow. You should come with me this time. After all, you are a member of the Tian Ce Mansion. If you are willing to be Ahui’s teacher, Erlang and I will discuss this matter on this trip. You don’t need to worry.”

Cui Jishu did not respond.

Wen Zisheng is known as the foremost of the "Three Talents of the North." This learned man is currently under Gao Huan's command, and Gao Cheng is Gao Huan's most beloved eldest son.

Instead of seeking out Wen Zisheng to become his disciple, he came to me.

How could he not understand Gao Huan's ulterior motives?

"Since the general wishes to travel to Qingzhou, it is because he wants to ease relations with General Tian Ce. I advise the general not to mention this matter..."

Gao Huan laughed loudly, "Uncle Zheng's words only prove that you are a good teacher. How could I let Ah Hui miss the opportunity to study under a good teacher?"

Cui Jishu simply shook her head and said nothing more. Her heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions.

The next day.

Gao Huan had already made many arrangements, and he was indeed on guard against Erzhu Rong's sudden attack. He also knew that he could not delay any longer and had to set off as soon as possible.

Yuan Xiu smiled and said, "Since it is inconvenient for me to go in person, I will have Si Zheng take my handwritten letter and accompany the general to Qingzhou to meet General Tian Ce."

Gao Huan did not refuse, "That's excellent, Your Majesty is indeed wise!"

Braving the wind and snow, the group hurriedly set off, not daring to delay at all along the way.

………………

"Young master... Eldest son is requesting an audience outside the mansion."

Liu Yi came to deliver the message. Gao Yu was not surprised to learn that Gao Huan had come; it was within his expectations.

"Are there any others?"

"It's just Dalang alone."

"I see."

Gao Yu waved his hand, "Bring the prince here. Without my order, no one is allowed to come and disturb him."

Liu Yi was taken aback. Gao Yu wasn't going to come out to greet him personally?
Have the brothers' relationship faded to this point?
But he didn't think much of it or ask any more questions; instead, he turned and left.

Gao Yu stood inside the pavilion with his hands behind his back, looking outside and listening to the approaching footsteps, but he remained unmoved.

Gao Huan looked at Gao Yu standing in the pavilion and understood, so he took the initiative to speak.

"Erlang."

Gao Yu then turned around with a smile, "Brother."

The two exchanged a glance, and Gao Yu then took the initiative to come out of the pavilion and pulled Gao Huan into the pavilion, where the maid had already prepared tea.

"It's freezing cold, brother, you must be tired from your journey. Have some hot tea to warm yourself up."

Gao Huan wasn't in a hurry to speak; the hot tea warmed him up considerably.

"Second Brother, I have come here to apologize."

"Oh?"

Gao Yu retorted, "Apologize? What crime has the prince committed?"

“At the time, I was forced by circumstances to deceive Wan Ren.”

"What's the use of telling me this when the prince should go and explain it to Wanren himself?"

Gao Huan opened his mouth, but in the end he could only sigh, "Erlang, I know you have resentment in your heart, but given the current situation, if you and my brother continue to hold grudges, it will only benefit Tianbao for nothing."

"It's not out of spite."

Gao Yu shook his head.

Of course he knows.

Given the current situation, he has no choice but to join forces with Gao Huan to fight against Erzhu Rong.

With a formidable enemy at hand, how can we afford to waste our resources on internal strife?

If he truly resented Gao Huan, he wouldn't have met Gao Yang then, nor would he meet Gao Huan now.

“I know why you’ve come, my brother.”

"Then what do you mean?"

"Brother, please go back first. I will prepare a banquet for you later, and I will send someone to bring you and the new emperor's envoy."

"I understand, I'll head back now."

Gao Huan didn't say anything more, but got up and left.

The teacups on the table were still steaming.