Chapter 1366

Guo Shaoxiong wanted to flare up, but Xie Jian had already taken the initiative to speak: "A gentleman is open and aboveboard, a petty person is full of worries; this gentleman is clearly a person of insight."

Zhuge Guanqi clasped his hands and said, "You must be the gentleman known as the Literary Omen Star, Mr. Xie; I have long heard your great name like thunder in my ears."

Xie Jian thought Zhuge Guanqi also knew his great name, and involuntarily showed a pleased expression, smiling and asking, "May I dare ask your esteemed surname and name, sir?"

An unnamed foot soldier is not worth mentioning! But I was also present at last night's incident. Since you all have misunderstood, let me explain for my lord and General Su: last night, General Su privately entertained my lord at the Viewing Ripple Tower to thank him for the grain grant he gave years ago. When General Su first arrived in Yunyang, grain supplies were short, and my lord sent relief in the snow, allocating 100,000 shi of military grain to General Su. General Su repaid the kindness, and to thank my lord for his past assistance, he specially arranged a private banquet for my lord. Do my words make sense? Lord Guo, Lord Yang, if you truly mind, why not follow my lord's example?

Guo Shaoxiong and Yang Dao yuan were instantly speechless. Zhuge Guanqi's words were indeed true, but back then Hu Xiaotian gave Su Yuchi 100,000 shi of grain only because of court pressure, not out of public-spirited benevolence. Knowing it was merely an excuse, yet they dressed it up nobly; what is the gratitude of 100,000 shi of grain repaid with a single meal?

Su Yuchi secretly felt ashamed, wondering why he hadn't realized that Hu Xiaotian's entourage was indeed full of talent, but this person was clearly reminding him that he owed Hu Xiaotian a favor. Su Yuchi took the opportunity to back down, and the smile on his face turned a bit cold: "Gentlemen, are you still satisfied with this explanation?"

Guo Shaoxiong naturally had nothing to say, and Yang Dao yuan laughed heartily: "I was just saying, the friendship between General Su and Hu Sir (official) is certainly out of the ordinary!"

Upon hearing that, Su Yuchi felt a chill in his heart. Even before convening this meeting, he had already memorialized the court, after all he was collaborating with this gang of traitorous rebels, fearing the court would misunderstand his motives; Yang Dao yuan's view is not uncommon, and if the court truly believed he was colluding with Hu Xiaotian, wouldn't that be trouble? However, the court has already approved this meeting; logically there should be no trouble.

Su Yuchi said, "Everyone, I wish for the four sides to temporarily halt hostilities, cease fighting, let the surrounding region return to peace, and allow the people to welcome the upcoming harvest in peace. What do you all think?"

Yang Dao yuan said, "Ceasing hostilities is certainly good, but if General Su is sincere, why not open the Xiyang Gate to let the people of Xichuan come and go freely?"

Guo Shaoxiong said, "Nobody wants war, but our Xingzhou is currently suffering a famine. Since we are all gathered for negotiations, please also produce some grain to show sincerity. How about contributing 100,000 shi of grain for Xingzhou?"

Upon hearing this fellow openly demand grain, everyone fell silent, no one wanting to deal with him.

Guo Shaoxiong again pointed at Hu Xiaotian and said, "Since you can already support Yunyang with 100,000 shi of grain, having each of the three sides contribute 30,000 shi to help Xingzhou overcome its crisis should be no trouble at all."

Hu Xiaotian sighed and said, "That finger of yours seems rather superfluous!" A cold killing intent flashed in his eyes.

Faced with Hu Xiaotian's icy, merciless gaze, Guo Shaoxiong's heart involuntarily shuddered, and he hesitated a moment. Yet before the crowd he refused to back down, pointing at Hu Xiaotian and saying, "Others fear you, but I do not; what's so special about you? You're merely a pawn discarded by the court!"

Hu Xiaotian said, "A single pawn, if placed in the right position, can take your life."

Guo Shaoxiong was about to flare up when Xie Jian quietly tugged his sleeve and laughed, "Harmony is most precious, harmony is most precious!"

Yang Dao yuan said, "Speaking of harmony, I have something to mention: last night my subordinates were ambushed, and six of them were murdered on the way. I don't know how General Su intends to handle this."

Su Yuchi had no idea that Hu Xiaotian encountered an assassination on his way back, and he exclaimed in astonishment, "I was unaware of this matter."

Behind Yang Dao yuan, a man slowly stepped forward, his expression wooden, his dead-fish eyes fixed on Hu Xiaotian as he said, "Why did you kill my six junior disciples?"

Hu Xiaotian had not noticed this man at first; only when he stepped out from behind Yang Dao yuan did he realize this person was truly a hidden master—his current perception had failed to detect the expert's presence, and only someone who had attained the state of returning to simplicity and truth could deceive his eyes so openly.

Hu Xiaotian smiled at the man and then replied succinctly, "They deserved to die!"

The man did not rush to attack, slowly nodding and saying, "Very good!" Then he actually retreated back again.

At this point Su Yuchi realized that today's four-sided talks could not reach consensus; Yang Dao yuan and Guo Shaoxiong had immediately begun to challenge Hu Xiaotian, perhaps merely as an excuse, for they never truly intended to cease hostilities. The Xichuan side was secondary, after all their connection to this region is minor, but Xingzhou is a major trouble; if Xingzhou refuses to cease hostilities, then at harvest time they will first loot us.

Guo Shaoxiong said, "If you all refuse my terms, then treat it as if I never came!" He rose, clasped his fists, and said, "Farewell!"

Hu Xiaotian's heart gave a slight start—why was this fellow in such a hurry to leave? From his behavior, it seemed he had no sincerity from the start; perhaps he had another scheme, wanting to escape promptly?

Zhuge Guanqi had the same thought and said softly, "100,000 shi of grain is neither much nor little; if the three parties share it equally, it wouldn't be difficult. However, there's no free lunch in this world; Lord Guo, why not sit down and discuss terms?" His intention, however, was to detain Guo Shaoxiong.

Guo Shaoxiong sneered, "Our terms are not excessive—just 100,000 shi of grain. If you won't even accept this, what's there to discuss?"

Hu Xiaotian burst out laughing, "Lord Guo, you're truly impatient. General Su's purpose in inviting us wasn't it to seek common ground while reserving differences? As long as we can guarantee this autumn's abundant harvest and the safety of the local populace, any matter can be discussed. Lord Guo, please stay; let us negotiate."

Guo Shaoxiong did not expect Hu Xiaotian's attitude to suddenly reverse; for a moment he was unsure of his intentions, and he glanced at Xie Jian.

Xie Jian smiled and said, "Does Lord Hu Sir (official) mean you have agreed?"

Before Hu Xiaotian could reply, Yang Dao yuan loudly said, "He cannot represent our position."

Hu Xiaotian said, "No wonder Xichuan hasn't developed these past years; I used to wonder why, but seeing Yang Sir (official) today I understand."

Yang Dao yuan knew he was being mocked, and the corner of his mouth twitched into a cold smile: "We would never slap our own face to look fat, nor would we shamelessly beg for alms!" His remark effectively offended both parties.

Guo Shaoxiong angrily shouted, "Who are you talking about?" and pointed his finger again.

Hu Xiaotian realized that this fellow was habitually behaving badly; this bad habit must be corrected, and if he doesn't change, it seems I will have to help him change.

Although Su Yuchi was unwilling to give Xingzhou grain for free, the current chaos was even less to his liking; it was merely a stopgap measure to first stabilize Xingzhou. With that in mind, he nodded and said, "Very well, since Hu Sir (official) is so forthcoming, let's split the 100,000 shi of grain between him and me, though payment will be after the autumn harvest." To him this amounted to the greatest concession; were it not to secure this autumn's bounty, he would hardly bow to these bandits.

Xie Jian chuckled, "General Su is just placating us. If so, let's drop the talk, my lord; let's leave!" He again urged Guo Shaoxiong to depart.

Zhuge Guanqi, from their behavior, already sensed something fishy; he exchanged a glance with Hu Xiaotian, who asked, "As for Xingzhou, is it Lord Li who calls the shots, or is it you, Mr. Xie?"

Guo Shaoxiong said, "Mr. Xie's opinion is mine; you utterly lack sincerity, saying 'after the harvest' is just placating us! Let's go!"

Hu Xiaotian, however, said, "Wait, since you doubt our sincerity, fine—I'll give the 100,000 shi of grain now, and let us sign the agreement before everyone."

Guo Shaoxiong was genuinely somewhat confused; seeing Hu Xiaotian's earlier demeanor, it was clear he was not merely a meek weakling, yet why would he keep yielding? Could he have sensed something?

Xie Jian chuckled, "My lord, we came with sincerity, yet others treat us as beggars reaching out for alms; though poor, our ambition is not. We can do without this grain; let them sign the contract themselves!"

Now even Su Yuchi saw that something was wrong—Hu Xiaotian had conceded to this extent, yet Xingzhou still wanted to leave; why the rush? Could they be afraid I'll deal with them?

Hu Xiaotian had already concluded Guo Shaoxiong was deceitful, and he said coldly, "Hold on! Before today's contract is finished, no one may leave the tent even half a step!"

Xie Jian gave Hu Xiaotian a sly grin and said, "Lord Hu Sir (official), why force the issue? Besides, the host of this side doesn't seem to be you, does it?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "Give face or lose face, which is it?"

Guo Shaoxiong could no longer contain his anger; he strode up to Hu Xiaotian, extended his index finger and pointed it at Hu Xiaotian's nose. Before he could speak, Hu Xiaotian lightning-fast grabbed his finger and twisted it clockwise, producing a crack—Guo Shaoxiong's index finger bone was broken, and he fell to his knees with a thump from the pain.

Hu Xiaotian raised his right hand and slapped Guo Shaoxiong's face with a loud pa! —the blow sent his head whipping sideways like a whip, spraying blood and teeth.

First Update delivered, please support with Monthly Ticket! (To be continued~^~)