Chapter 6: The Temple of Guan Yu, The Little Heroes Take an Oath

  Ancient people made friends by connecting hearts, and these hearts were as firm as stone and gold. Stone and gold can be melted, but the heart remains unchanged; in a lifetime of a hundred years, they shared this moment. Modern people make friends by connecting mouths, coming and going with joy, meat, and wine. But because of some trivial matter, they lose their mutual appreciation, and from then on, they harbor resentment and part ways.

  Yue Fei called Zhou Tong his godfather, and Zhou Tong was so delighted that he couldn't close his mouth. He bent down to help Yue Fei up, but unexpectedly, blood started gushing out of the wound.

  "Master, you're badly hurt. Quick, sit down and I'll bandage it for you." Yue Fei hastily got up and moved a chair over to let Zhou Tong sit down, then began to bandage his master's wound. Although Yue Fei was young, he did things with great stability and seriousness.

  Yue Anren went to Wang Yuanwai's place and told him about Zhou Tong's injury. Wang Yuanwai was overjoyed when he heard that Zhou Tong had visited his humble abode, and hastily followed Yue Fei's mother to the backyard to see Zhou Tong.

  "Master Zhou has arrived, and it's an honor to have him here. If Master Zhou doesn't mind, please stay at my humble abode and rest your injuries first. I've long heard that Master Zhou is a master of both literature and martial arts, why not stay and open a school to teach them? My son and Yue Fei, as well as the sons of several village scholars, are all good friends, it would be great if they could learn from you together." said Wang.

  "Although I appreciate your kindness, I'm a wanderer who's used to a carefree life and have many unsettled scores in the jianghu. Staying here might put you all in danger. Once my injuries heal, I'll take my leave. As for setting up a school and taking on disciples, let me think about it carefully."

  "Zhou Daxia, you don't have to decline anymore. You are the number one teacher in the world, your great name is well-known everywhere, and my son and Yue Fei's nephew will definitely make a big impact when they grow up if they can receive your guidance. If not for yourself, then for the country, cultivate some pillars of talent." Wang Yuanwai repeatedly begged.

  "Yes! General, even if Fei begs you." Yue Fei said and knelt down to kowtow.

  Zhou Tong saw the expectant eyes of everyone waiting for a response, and after a moment's thought, he said: "Your kindness is hard to refuse, Zhou Tong refuses it would be impolite, accepting it would be shameful. Alright! I agree to stay, open a school and accept students."

  Wang Yuanwai was overjoyed when he heard the news, and immediately ordered the steward to set up a banquet. He also sent his son Wang Gui to personally invite Zhang Da and Tang Wenzhong to come and discuss the matter of Master Zhou Dang opening a school in Qilin Village.

  Wang Guiling left, and before long, Zhang Da and Tang Wenzhong came over with big smiles on their faces. They had heard that the great hero and talented scholar of their time, Zhou Tong, was going to settle down in Qilin Village, open a school and accept disciples, so they were naturally delighted.

  In the evening, three officials accompanied Zhou Tong for a drink, firstly to express gratitude and secondly to offer congratulations. The people from Yue An had dinner in the back hall with several younger men including Yue Fei, Wang Gui, Tang Huai and Zhang Xian accompanying them. Everyone returned home that night after having a great time.

  The next morning, the three officials began to prepare for the establishment of the academy. Although Zhou Tong was still recovering from his injuries, he also gave instructions from the side.

  Three days later was a lucky day on the Yellow Calendar, and Zhou Tong chose an auspicious hour to formally open his school and accept students.

  Wang Gui, Tang Huai and Zhang Xian were all sons of officials, while Yue Fei was a humble guest in someone's home, from a poor family. Zhou Tong had already taken Yue Fei as his godson, so he naturally paid special attention to him.

  Zhou Tong set a rule, odd days learn literature, even days learn martial arts, Sundays study both. A small test every month, a big test every half year. He taught eighteen kinds of martial arts to Yue Fei, Wang Gui, Zhang Xian and Tang Huai, and chose weapons for them according to their respective strengths.

  But one day, Zhou Dang went out to visit a friend and before leaving, he entrusted several students to do their homework well and check it when they returned. Wang Gui, Zhang Xian, and Tang Huai nodded in agreement.

  Zhou Cong walked out of the school building not long after, Wang Gui walked to Yue Fei's side and said mysteriously: "Brother Yue, there is a Guan Di Temple on the east side of Qilin Village, the annual temple fair is very lively. Today, our teacher is not in the school, why don't we go out and have some fun, and then come back to do our homework?"

  "Yes! Brother Yue, let's go and take a look at the excitement." Zhang Xian and Tang Huai echoed in agreement.

  Yue Fei listened to their conversation and also wanted to take a look at the temple fair, but his master had given him instructions before leaving, so he didn't dare leave the academy easily.

  "Brother Yue, we promised you, we're just going to take a look at the excitement, and definitely won't cause you any trouble. We'll be back soon after taking a look, and won't delay for long." Tang Huai said.

  "Come on! Don't dawdle. We promised you, just take a look and then come back to do your homework." Wang Gui and Zhang Xian dragged Yue Fei to the Guandi Temple.

  The temple fair was indeed lively and extraordinary. The four of them walked around the temple fair, then came to the Guandi Temple to worship Guan Yu.

  Yue Fei was taught by his parents from a young age, and later received guidance from Mr. Wang. He admired the three sworn brothers of Peach Garden - Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, especially Guan Yun-chang's loyalty and righteousness, as well as the deep brotherly love among them, which Yue Fei particularly revered.

  "Gentlemen, since we four have come to the Temple of Guan Yu today to pay our respects to Lord Guan, why don't we follow the example of the ancients and swear brotherhood like the Oath of the Peach Garden?" Yue Fei proposed.

  "Good! Since General Yue thinks highly of us, we can't ask for more." Wang Gui, Zhang Xian and Tang Huai all agreed in unison. They had always admired Yue Fei's scholarship, martial arts and character, and had long wanted to be sworn brothers with him. Now that the opportunity had arisen, how could they not be delighted to take the oath of brotherhood in front of Lord Guan?

  Then the four of them, each with incense in both hands, knelt down and paid homage to Lord Guan. They each reported their names and ages, then took an oath together with Yue Fei: "Lord Guan above, I, Yue Fei, today here with Wang Gui, Zhang Xian, and Tang Huai, have become sworn brothers of different surnames. We will share good fortune and bad, not seeking to be born on the same year, month, or day, but wishing to die on the same year, month, and day. If anyone betrays this oath, heaven and earth will not tolerate it."

  Four people simultaneously lit incense and made a vow in front of Guan Gong.

  "Big Brother." Wang Gui, Zhang Xian and Tang Huai, three younger brothers almost simultaneously called out.

  Yue Fei was overjoyed.

  "Three younger brothers, let's go back to the school and do our homework!" Yue Fei said.

  "We will strictly follow Big Brother's instructions." The three of them said in unison.

  The four brothers returned to the school in high spirits, and Yue Fei, being quick-witted, followed the teacher's instructions and quickly finished his homework.

  Wang Gui saw that Yue Fei had finished his homework and walked up to him, saying: "Big brother, you are naturally talented, why not let me help you with it too!"

  Tang Huai and Zhang Xian also came over to plead with him. Yue Fei had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

  "Three younger brothers, I'm afraid that what I've done is not good enough and won't meet the master's expectations, which would bring shame to your names." Yue Fei said.

  "Big brother, don't be humble, we know your talent, please," the three said, and then hastily left the school to go home and take care of their parents.

  Wang Gui went out and closed the door behind him, saying: "Brother Yue, if you're hungry, there's some snacks in the drawer, help yourself."

  After the three people left, Yue Fei carefully reviewed the drafts of the three people's daily work and made three new drafts according to each person's tone. After finishing, Yue Fei carefully checked again, then came to Mr.'s desk and read Zhou Tong's article carefully, and couldn't help but slap the table in praise.

  "Big brother, it's not good, hurry and leave, the master is back." Just as Yue Fei was concentrating, Wang Gui, Zhang Xian, and Tang Huai hastily pushed open the door and came in, all saying in a fluster.