Free Web NovelChapter 1066: Chapter 1066: Seeking Allegiance
Geng Zhong looked at You Er with disbelief, "Really?"
You Er said, "Why would I deceive you, Uncle?"
"I heard from my father that within two or three years we will send troops against Da Jin."
Although Geng Zhong was in this remote area, he knew that the only son of the Duke was the Prime Minister of the Great Chu Cabinet.
The words of the Prime Minister are naturally credible.
Geng Zhong stood up excitedly and paced back and forth in the hall, seemingly unable to calm his emotions.
At this moment, the meal was served, and everyone sat down to eat.
Geng Zhong seemed troubled, hastily ate a few bites, stood up, and said, "Feel free to enjoy the meal, young masters. I have urgent matters, but I’ll be back shortly."
"I request the young masters to wait for my return before leaving."
He stepped out of the hall.
Qi Er and You Er finished their meal and had just sipped a cup of tea when Geng Zhong returned.
He held an envelope in his hand and bowed sincerely to You Er, "Geng Zhong has a request for Mr. Jiang."
You Er said, "Uncle, please speak."
Geng Zhong respectfully handed over the envelope, "Please, young master, deliver this letter to the Duke for me."
You Er hesitated for a moment, took the letter, and nodded, "Alright, I will certainly pass it on."
"However, I must head to Luanzhou, the letter might reach Grandfather a bit late."
Geng Zhong waved his hand, "A bit late is alright, as long as the young master hands it over personally to the Duke."
You Er tucked the letter into his coat, "I will not fail you."
Geng Zhong hesitated momentarily, then suddenly lifted his robe and knelt before You Er.
You Er was startled, hurriedly trying to help him up, "What are you doing? Please speak properly; I cannot bear this."
Geng Zhong remained kneeling, refusing to stand, and bowed his hands, "Please, young master, speak favorably of me to the Duke upon your meeting."
"I have written in my heart my willingness to lead the Niu Tou Mountain gang to pledge allegiance to the court."
"I am willing to change my name and serve as a mere soldier under the Duke, not for any other reason, except to contribute to reclaiming the capital."
"Please tell the Duke that I, Geng Zhong, have never forgotten the days of following him, and I have firmly adhered to his teachings. Please, Duke, grant me one more chance."
You Er pondered for a moment, "Uncle Geng, please rise. I do not know if Grandfather will agree, but I will convey your sincere intentions to him."
Geng Zhong stood up from the ground and bowed again to You Er.
Afterwards, Geng Zhong and the Second and Third Masters personally escorted You Er and Qi Er down Niu Tou Mountain.
Along the way, the bandits saw the Big Master being overly respectful to the two young men, exchanging meaningful glances, wanting to speak but dared not.
The Big Master’s gaze swept over them, and they immediately offered respectful salutes.
Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, You Er and Qi Er bid farewell to Geng Zhong and spurred their horses swiftly towards Luanzhou.
The mountain roads were difficult, and the 200-mile journey took four full days.
When they arrived at the government office in Luanzhou, it was already evening, and the office gates were tightly shut.
You Er and Qi Er circled to the backyard to knock.
An old man came to open the door, babbling in South Jiang dialect, which You Er couldn’t understand. He gestured, "We are from Xiang City, I am the nephew of Mr. Gu, please report inside promptly."
The old man blinked, unsure if he understood, and went inside.
After a while, the old man returned with Nanxing.
Nanxing heard the old man say someone outside was looking for Mr. Gu, but the old man couldn’t clarify who it was, so he had to come out himself to see.
It had been several years since he last saw Qi Er and You Er. When he followed Gu Chuan to South Jiang, You Er was not yet ten years old.
Now, both You Er and Qi Er had grown significantly taller, and their faces no longer showed childish innocence.
