Chapter 1226

Yan Tianlu raised his wine cup and said: "It seems our fate is not shallow; we just parted at Python Island, and now we meet again in Hope Sea City. Come, come, come! Let's first drink this cup."

Hu Xiaotian clinked his cup with his and drank it all in one go.

Yan Tianlu said: "Hu Junior Brother, what brings you to Bohai Kingdom this time?"

Hu Xiaotian secretly laughed at him for feigning ignorance despite understanding; the reason he proactively sought a meeting wasn't just because he got news from Feng Lao Dao, surely he already knew that Hu Xiaotian had met Ling San Niang; now meeting, he actually beat around the bush—this old fox is truly crafty and treacherous. Hu Xiaotian slowly set down his wine cup and said: "It's nothing major, just taking a casual stroll."

Yan Tianlu laughed: "Hu Junior Brother, you're not being frank enough!"

Hu Xiaotian smiled: "That depends on who; putting ourselves in each other's shoes, Island Master, you should first say why you came here."

Yan Tianlu knew this kid wasn't easy to deal with; although this time Hu Xiaotian proactively sought him out, it seemed he should have already grasped a lot of information, and wanting to smoothly rescue the person and retreat safely in Bohai Kingdom probably impossible without joining forces with him; since joining forces requires some sincerity, thinking this, Yan Tianlu said: "Frankly, Ling San Niang is the second-in-command of Python Island; I came this time for two things: one is to rescue Ling San Niang, two is to find Bo Guang and rescue him."

Hu Xiaotian placed Ling San Niang's earring on the table and pushed it toward Yan Tianlu with a finger; Yan Tianlu picked up that earring, a flicker of worry crossing his tiger eyes; Hu Xiaotian became even more certain that there must be a private relationship between him and Ling San Niang.

Hu Xiaotian softly said: "Ling San Niang asked me to tell you, no need to rescue her; this case involves a great deal, Yan Dongsheng has already invited the Old Monster Beize of the Variegated Gate to be the national preceptor of Bohai Kingdom, and Tang Jiu Cheng of the Falling Cherry Palace has also been invited by him to deal with you; do you think you can handle any one of them?"

Yan Tianlu's expression turned grave. He did not feel angry because of Hu Xiaotian's words, sighing: "In terms of martial prowess alone, I cannot match any of them, but this is in Bohai Kingdom." A strong dragon does not overwhelm the local snake; this has always been the principle. Although he holds sway over Python Island, his underground operations in Bohai Kingdom have never ceased; over the years, the connections and power he has accumulated are not to be underestimated. If Yan Dongsheng is the king of Bohai, then he is the underground emperor of Bohai Kingdom.

Hu Xiaotian said: "The case of Yuan Tianzhao appears simple on the surface, but behind it lie many mysteries; Yan Dongsheng is determined to exterminate Python Island, sparing no effort to enlist external help. Yet he has unknowingly become a tool used by others."

Yan Tianlu gazed silently at Hu Xiaotian; Hu Xiaotian's understanding of this matter exceeded his imagination; he suddenly burst into loud laughter, only after a long while stopping his laughter: "I just don't understand why you would get involved in this."

Hu Xiaotian said: "The matter of Yuan Tianzhao not only involves Python Island, but also drags in the Treasure Gathering Pavilion; the Treasure Gathering Pavilion is the property of Prince Yan Xue Shengjing. To put it bluntly, the Island Master is merely a big tiger in the eyes of the Bohai king. The true purpose of the person scheming behind the scenes is still aimed at others."

Yan Tianlu's eyes lit up: "Xue Shengjing! You came to Bohai Kingdom to help Xue Shengjing!"

Hu Xiaotian smiled noncommittally: "A united Da Yong brings me no benefit whatsoever; if Xue Daohong eliminates Xue Shengjing through this affair, then after consolidating his rule his next move will be against me; to be frank, a mere Python Island is no problem, and even Bohai Kingdom would be in peril."

Yan Tianlu sighed: "It's a pity that Yan Dongsheng, that fool, can't see the situation; he's still stupidly helping others."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Looks like we share a common goal again."

Yan Tianlu smiled: "Are you willing to help me rescue people?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "As we've said, things aren't that simple; anyone can charge in to rescue people, but even if you rescue them and retreat safely, returning to your Python Island won't eliminate the danger."

Yan Tianlu narrowed his eyes: "Do you have any good ideas?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "If you want to be a carefree island master, you must return to the former balance; the best way to keep others from attacking you is to let them be preoccupied with themselves; if Xue Daohong can't even manage internal affairs of Da Yong, how would he have the energy to bother with Bohai Kingdom's trivial matters?"

Yan Tianlu nodded, unable to deny that Hu Xiaotian thought further ahead.

Hu Xiaotian said: "This matter in Bohai Kingdom has likely been plotted by Xue Daohong for a long time; coincidentally, the Eldest Princess of Da Yong, Xue Lingjun, has also happened to come here."

Yan Tianlu was not familiar with Xue Lingjun, furrowed his brows: "What waves could a woman possibly stir up?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "This woman is no simpleton; she was the person most trusted by the late Prince Yan Xue Shengkang."

"You mean Xue Lingjun and Xue Daohong colluded to plan this?"

Hu Xiaotian shook his head: "Based on the current signs, Xue Lingjun likely has nothing to do with this; her appearance in Bohai Kingdom is probably because Xue Daohong factored her into his calculations as well."

Yan Tianlu said softly: "The enemy's enemy is our friend; are you thinking of joining forces with her to thwart Xue Daohong's plot?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Xue Lingjun is shrewd; trying to use her probably won't be easy."

Yan Tianlu said: "If others can't, can you still not manage?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Although I have a preliminary plan, I have no connections here in Hope Sea City."

Yan Tianlu caught his implied meaning, smiling: "What do you want? As long as I can do it, I'll try my best to satisfy you."

Hu Xiaotian said: "First, I want to meet Xue Lingjun openly and aboveboard; I also need an identity that can withstand scrutiny."

Yan Tianlu laughed without hesitation: "That's no problem; leave it to me."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I will handle Xue Lingjun's side; as for Bohai State's internal affairs, Island Master Yan, you should still devote more effort—I believe you know better than I what to do."

Yan Tianlu said: "It seems this time we not only have to thwart Yan Dongsheng's plot, but also crush Xue Daohong's scheme along the way; speaking of which, that Xue Shengjing is no good bird either—over the years I don't know how much he's extorted from me."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Choose the lesser of two evils."

Yan Tianlu nodded heavily and said: "Not bad! Choose the lesser of two evils! Now it seems that Xue Shengjing gaining the upper hand is more advantageous for us."

Hu Xiaotian also said: "By the way, Island Master, have you heard any news of Li Chen Zhou coming to Bohai State?"

Yan Tianlu was not uninformed; he simply hadn't paid attention to these matters. Upon hearing Hu Xiaotian's words, he took notice. Hu Xiaotian then entrusted him to send people to closely monitor Li Chen Zhou's every move. The two talked for nearly two hours, speaking openly with each other, and on this merchant ship they formulated a grand plan and formed an alliance.

Hu Xiaotian returned to the Xianke Lai inn already near midnight; the next morning he was awakened by a knock at the door. Opening it, he saw the attendant standing outside, somewhat flustered, saying: "Master Hu Cai Dong… you… your wife has come looking for you!"

Hu Xiaotian was bewildered. Wife? Where did I get a wife? Qiqi? Impossible, how could Laohuangdi let her leave Kangdu? He looked up and saw a graceful beauty walking from the end of the corridor—it was Yan Nujiao. Seeing him, Yan Nujiao smiled like a flower. Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but feel a bit foolish—what tricks is this girl playing early in the morning? Last night I asked her to come and open a room together, but she refused; now early this morning she comes to disturb my sweet dream. He grinned and said: "Madam, how did you find your way here?"

Yan Nujiao said in a coquettish voice: "This lowly concubine doesn't know where I've offended my husband; you left without a word, yet it turns out you're staying here—did you hide a vixen in the room?" Her acting was not bad, seeming full of jealousy. Without waiting for Hu Xiaotian's invitation, she burst into the room; the attendant stood outside, eyes wide, and Yan Nujiao glared at him, saying: "What are you looking at? Haven't you seen a married couple quarrel?" With a bang, she shut the door.

Hu Xiaotian grabbed her slender waist and pulled her into his arms, planting a hard kiss on her flawless face, and whispered: "Last night I asked you to come with me, but you refused; this early morning disturbance of my sweet dream is your own doing—coming to my door—so I won't hold back." He then lowered himself, scooped Yan Nujiao up in a horizontal hold, and walked toward the bed.

Yan Nujiao let out a soft cry and said in a coquettish voice: "Stop fooling around, there's business to attend to!"

Hu Xiaotian said: "I'm doing just that."

Yan Nujiao, blushing, twisted his ear and said: "Let me down, the carriage and horses are waiting outside."

Hu Xiaotian blinked slightly: "How many people did you bring?"

Yan Nujiao jumped from his embrace, smiling: "Uncle has picked out a residence for us in the city; everything is already arranged, all that's missing is you as the master of the house."

Hu Xiaotian said: "You are the wife arranged for me?"

Yan Nujiao nodded.

Hu Xiaotian said: "How many concubines are there?"

"Wow! You're so greedy!"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "I'm not a merchant? Which merchant doesn't have three wives and four concubines? Just one wife—hey hey, that business would surely not do well."

Yan Nujiao lightly twisted his ear and said: "Your wife is a jealous vinegar pot—you wouldn't dare."

Hu Xiaotian said: "My identity is……"

"A jewelry merchant! Wanting to use connections to buy the already sealed Ju Bao Zhai."

Hu Xiaotian blinked his eyes—originally, that old fox Lao hulí already had a full plan; it seems last night he still hadn't laid all his cards on the table with me.

Yan Nujiao said: "Let's go! Let's see if you're satisfied with our residence!"

Hu Xiaotian chuckled and nodded: "Please, madam, go first!"

Yan Nujiao returned the salute, saying: "Sir, please go first!"

The two smiled at each other.

Hu Xiaotian arrived at Immortal Guest Hall, where someone had already settled the room fees for the past few days. Outside the door stood three luxurious carriages, and together with their three coachmen, more than ten servants stood respectfully beside them—a display clearly out of the ordinary at a glance.

Hu Xiaotian whispered to Yan Nujiao: "Madam, today's display seems rather grand." (To be continued~^~)