Chapter 0004: Dragon Brother and Tiger Brother

Tao Ying was completely baffled and did not understand what his elder brother meant. He walked to the bedside in response to Tao Shang's gesture and asked, "Elder brother, what do you mean?"

I see, big brother, you are truly good to me

The next morning, just as dawn broke, the pottery merchant was still dreaming in bed of a world with flush toilets and paper towels, when he was abruptly awakened by a series of urgent knocks on the door

Everything has its first time, so what is so unusual about that

This second brother, Tao Ying, also seemed to be like Tao Shang. After the death of Tao Qian, he left no trace in the long river of history; whether he lived or died, whether he was fortunate or unfortunate, remains unknown

Could it be that just now, my elder brother kicked me in the ear and made me deaf...

... ...

The back of the potter's head couldn't help but throb with anger; what kind of habits and style do these two brothers from the Tao family have in their daily lives? The way this was said is simply infuriating!

Even without any serious matters, they can reach such a high spiritual level. Tao Qian's two sons are truly extraordinary oddities. Moreover, the two brothers have taken things out of context and completely misinterpreted Yang Zhu's philosophical ideas. If their ancestors were to have spirits in the afterlife, they would surely jump out of their graves to reprimand them.

Elder brother! Elder brother! Wake up quickly!

Tao lay on the ground, groaning and mumbling for a long time without getting up

Or should one move like-minded individuals with a sincere heart and lofty aspirations

Tao Shang looked at Tao Ying with a strange expression, as if he were gazing at a monster

The potter's eyes were bloodshot as he stared blankly at Tao Ying for a while, then he extended his index finger and beckoned towards Tao Ying.

Brother, what is it that you wish to protect

Tao urgently said: "But elder brother, our father has summoned you and me to participate in the court discussion this time, likely intending to bestow official positions upon us. It seems that we will have no leisure in the days to come..."

This morning, upon waking up, Young Master Tao Er encountered the old steward, Tao Hong, who informed him that the Lord Inspector had just issued an order stating that both young masters of the Zhuo Tao family must attend and listen to the court discussion this morning

Since arriving in Pengcheng, the two young masters of Xuzhou's administration have never participated in any affairs. Today, Old Master Tao suddenly issued an order, which truly startled Tao Ying... To attend the court meeting, is the old master intending to assign his two sons to official positions? If so, will their leisurely days come to an end? Will the good life not be fleeting?

The potter is not such a shameless person, at least not particularly shameless... It is just that having just arrived in this era, being a well-known yet ineffective governor's son, and seeing the impending chaos of the times, it is indeed difficult to accomplish anything without some money in hand

Tao Ying's expression was quite unpleasant: "Elder brother, are you really this grumpy after just waking up? And your memory is quite poor as well!"

The potter, shrouded in confusion, leaned back, raised one thigh, contracted with all his strength, and then kicked forward with great force

"Adults with psychological development arrested at the infant level, commonly referred to as 'giant infants,'" Tao Shang explained with a smile

... ...

Upon thinking of this, Tao Ying lay on the ground, sobbing in grievance

Bang ! ! ''

In regard to this point, the feelings of the pottery merchants towards Tao Ying have unconsciously deepened, perhaps this is what is referred to as mutual appreciation, or perhaps it is empathy from putting oneself in another's shoes

The pottery merchant looked at him strangely and said, "It's early in the morning, with a frown on your face. Did your father die?"

He patted Tao Ying's shoulder, and Tao Shang smiled as if basking in the spring breeze: "Don't worry, second brother, if that day really comes, I promise I will kill you at the first opportunity, definitely not leaving it until the next day"

The suddenness of the potter's borrowing of money left the Mi brothers unable to accept this reality for the moment

Tao was momentarily taken aback, raised his hand to tap his own ear, and thought it was truly startling; why could he still not hear the words clearly

... ...

The potter smiled and said, "One must always grow up. In this world, to protect what one wishes to protect, one must first resolutely make changes.

"Second Brother?" The merchant Tao called out uncertainly, vaguely remembering that this was his biological brother.

The potter was stunned for a moment, then suddenly raised his hand and slapped his thigh: "That's right, I remember now, I have a strong urge to kill in my dreams. Whenever I fall asleep, you must not come near me!"

Elder brother, do not pretend to be confused with me on purpose! Could it be that I kicked myself!

Must we really go everywhere to shake the tiger's body and scatter the king's dominance

Elder brother, are you mocking me for being like a giant baby

Tao suddenly exclaimed "Oh," as if he had come to an understanding, and unknowingly, a slight stir seemed to arise within his heart.

As Tao Qian grows older, after the elder's passing in a hundred years, Tao Ying's only reliance may be himself. Although he has assumed the identity of Tao Shang, in this era that once did not belong to him, how can Tao Ying not also be his own support?

Tao fell silent for a moment and said softly, "Elder brother, I feel that you seem a bit different now"

The potter furrowed his brow, thought seriously for a moment, and then shook his head firmly

Or perhaps pretending to be righteous and demonstrating one's charismatic personality

The pottery merchant stared at Tao Ying's chest for a while and asked, "Did I kick you?"

Your own elder brother, do you not understand him? Let alone killing someone, you can't even hold a knife to kill a chicken

The door of the lodge "Bang" opened, and a boy who appeared to be around fourteen or fifteen years old rushed in.

Tao was caught off guard, as he was kicked out by the merchant Tao lying on the bed, crashing heavily against the wall and sliding down like a lump of mud

The potter looked at Tao Ying with a complex expression. Although he had only returned to this era for a few days, nonetheless, this Tao Ying was his only brother in this world, the only one besides Tao Qian who could be completely open with him.

Mi Zhu truly lives up to his reputation as a wealthy magnate of Xuzhou, his generosity is indeed remarkable, and the sum of 10,000 coins was quickly transferred, directly delivered into the hands of the servant sent by the Tao merchant.

Tao Ying sniffed and said, "Elder brother, what is a giant baby?"

What is different?

The sweet dream was interrupted, and Tao Shang's head buzzed incessantly. He felt like crying, like causing a scene... like hitting someone

Tao Ying pouted in grievance and raised her hand to point at the faint footprints visible on her chest.

After the commotion, the potter's drowsiness had dissipated. He got up to wash and comb his hair, only to see Tao Ying standing beside him, wearing a worried expression with furrowed brows.

Tao Ying stood up with great effort while wiping away her tears, choked with emotion as she said: "Elder brother, have you forgotten what you just did?"

The pottery merchant smiled and said: "What I wish to protect now is the only family and loved ones I have left in this world, which are myself, my father, and you."

"Early in the morning, looking troubled, have you suffered a setback?" The merchant quickly changed his tone

Although Tao Ying is somewhat lazy, somewhat pedantic, and somewhat idle on ordinary days, fortunately, he is not foolish... Tao Shang's words are clearly just pure perfunctory, treating himself as a fool.

Father is the governor of Xuzhou, and you and I are his sons. It is our duty to share his burdens, and enduring some hardship is only to be expected. We should have a sense of moderation and not overexert ourselves to the point of exhaustion

Second brother, why are you not sleeping early in the morning and running into my room to practice your voice

... ...

Oh dear

Tao must be feeling even more wronged, and the sound of crying has grown louder.

Or is it to win people's hearts through passionate and stirring speeches

Tao Ying thought for a moment and shook his head, saying: "I cannot articulate it either. In any case, if it were my elder brother from before, he certainly would not have said such things; at the very least, he would not know what a giant infant is..."

This is a matter of great importance, and Tao did not dare to be negligent. He hurriedly went to find Tao Shang to discuss... Little did he know that Tao Shang was in such a foul mood upon waking up that before he could even say a word, he was kicked against the wall... Who did he offend to deserve this?

Tao Ying fell silent, merely gazing at Tao Shang with a hint of resentment. It was evident that Tao Ying was quite dissatisfied with Tao Shang's words, which were markedly different from his usual demeanor.

Pah! The potter turned his head and spat, realizing that he had misjudged his role and forgotten that they shared the same father... Considering this was a first offense, I will refrain from slapping myself on the ear, but let this be a lesson for the future

Second brother, I truly cannot remember... what exactly happened?

The sound of soft weeping pulled Tao Shang out of his slumber; this brief return to sleep was indeed comfortable... Hmm? What is happening? Why does it seem like there is a cat in the room that has gotten its tail caught?

The potter, with bloodshot eyes barely open, struggled to rise, his face contorted in a grimace.

He patted Tao Ying on the shoulder, and Tao Shang revealed a comforting smile: "Second brother, although leisurely days are pleasant, they are not practical. There are no truly diligent people in this world; if one could be lazy, who would want to worry so much? It's just that sometimes, we must grow up; we cannot always act like a giant baby"

As the second son of the Tao family, Tao Ying not only bears a striking resemblance to his elder brother in appearance, but their personalities are also identical. The two brothers are usually submissive and lack ambition, spending their days indulging in romantic pursuits, composing poetry, and engaging in literary activities, while neglecting any serious matters, yet they do not commit any heinous acts.

Tao Ying seemed very anxious: "However, you and I have never participated in court discussions."

Please, I can't even afford to eat, who has time to talk nonsense with you

The visitor is none other than Tao Qian's second son, Tao Shang's younger brother, Tao Ying

The potter turned over and fell down, continuing to sleep soundly.

Tao Ying's eyes were slightly red: "Brother, if one day I, your younger brother, were to separate from you and divide the family assets, would you still protect me?"

In fact, it is quite normal. For a wealthy family like the Mi family, it is not uncommon to lavishly spend a thousand or eight hundred gold pieces borrowed from the eldest son of the governor's family. If one wishes to bring honor to the family, one must invest something; in this world, where can one find such a bargain?

What is the fuss about? Just participate if you want to

It is certain that we have suffered a setback, being kicked by you does not count, and we still have to attend the court meeting... Brother, our father... our father wants you and me to attend today's court meeting, what do you think we should do about this

Tao Shang straightened up and looked towards the sound of crying, only to see Tao Ying lying on the ground, sobbing with a runny nose and tears, resembling a pear blossom in the rain, pitiful and delicate

Tao Ying: "... ..."

Elder brother! Wake up quickly! Something big has happened! Father just said for you and me to go to the front hall to attend the court meeting

The potter smiled kindly and gave Tao Ying a punch, saying, "Silly boy, you are my brother. If I don't treat you well, who will treat you well?"

The potter shook his head: "Of course not, I was merely using an analogy for you, my younger brother."

What?! Tao Ying was greatly shocked upon hearing this

His brother often lamented, saying: "If it benefits the world to lose a single penny, I will not do it; if the whole world offers everything for our benefit, we will not accept it". This means that he would not engage in actions that would benefit the country even at the cost of a penny, and that even if the country were to give all its wealth to them, they would refuse it.