Chapter 1677

Although Qin Yutong doubted her origins because of Hu Xiaotian's words, her notion of home remained unshaken; anyone who sought to destroy her home was unacceptable to her.

Hu Xiaotian said: "All the world's powers are eyeing the position of hegemon of the Central Plains, all wanting to annex other states and unify the realm, yet they fail to realize what the true danger is. If Hong Beimo repairs that airship, then soon enough, countless extraterrestrial visitors will pour in endlessly. What awaits this world is..." He paused, then added: "Destruction!"

Qin Yutong shuddered. If that day truly came, the world would face destruction. She had personally witnessed the power of the light sword in Hu Xiaotian's hand; if an army were equipped with one such sword each, they would be invincible in this world, how could people relying only on spears, halberds, swords, and axes hope to resist them?

Hu Xiaotian looked at Qin Yutong and said: "Will you help me?"

Qin Yutong slowly nodded, but her soft hand was seized by Hu Xiaotian's big hand taking advantage of the moment; he was clearly taking liberties, yet put on a moved expression: "Thank you!"

Fortunately the carriage had already arrived at the Minister's residence; Qin Yutong gently broke free of his grip and whispered: "Go ahead, I'll wait for you in the carriage."

Hu Xiaotian exclaimed: "You're not going? Aren't you hungry?"

Qin Yutong said: "You've told me so many unbelievable things; I need time to sort my thoughts and figure out whether you're deceiving me."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Being deceived isn't painful; being lied to by the man you love for a lifetime is actually a kind of happiness."

Qin Yutong stared at Hu Xiaotian in astonishment, unable to comprehend how someone could be so shameless; yet she could not deny that his words held a grain of truth.

Dong Tianjiang prepared fine wine and dishes, receiving Hu Xiaotian as an honored guest; today's banquet was certainly no Hongmen feast, but a sincere expression of gratitude to Hu Xiaotian. After they were seated, he bluntly said: "The Emperor has sent me to convey his regards to Lord Hu."

Hu Xiaotian laughed, thinking Dong Tianjiang's words were likely true; the favor he had done for Xue Daoming was indeed great, and now the people of Yongdu basically remembered the Emperor's benevolence. Since Xue Daoming ascended the throne, his prestige had never been higher.

Li Chen Zhou had recently become noticeably low-key; his understanding of popular sentiment surpassed most people's. Although he did not wish to see this scene unfold, once it was a fait accompli he could not change it, and he did not believe Xue Daoming possessed such ability. He quietly began investigating the forces behind Xue Daoming; for Li Chen Zhou, those behind-the-scenes supporters of Xue Daoming were truly what deserved attention.

The Dong household, up and down, had long anticipated that Li Chen Zhou would have a countermove, so they wisely chose to keep distance from the palace. Dong Bingtai fell ill after returning from visiting the Emperor in the palace, and remains bedridden to this day; rumors say he contracted an infection.

Dong Tianjiang said: "Since our last parting, it feels like years have passed; Lord Hu truly is a talent among men, in just a few short years he has come to dominate the lower reaches of the Yong River, holding the strategic advantage of Yunze and controlling many cities. Now Red Wood River also lies in your hands, guarding the throat of Xichuan's southern advance—truly admirable."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Nothing much, just a bit of luck."

Dong Tianjiang said: "With Lord Hu's current strength, you can already match the Central Plains powers." He had ulterior meaning.

Hu Xiaotian raised his cup and clinked it with Dong Tianjiang's, then drained it in one gulp, saying: "If I truly harbored such great ambition, how could I again bow down to Dakang?"

Dong Tianjiang smiled: "A true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm; he does not judge success or failure by temporary gains or losses."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "The world long united must divide, long divided must unite; this is not due to grand trends but to human hearts. Few are content with the status quo, many are insatiably greedy. If everyone cherished peace and accepted the present, where would conflict come from? Human nature is evil; we always first consider our own interests, which breeds resentment, and from resentment springs malice. Those in power indulge in pleasure, extravagance, and lust; those below, resentful, rise in revolt. Throughout history, all strife stems from this."

Dong Tianjiang sighed; what Hu Xiaotian said was indeed quite reasonable.

Hu Xiaotian said: "In imperial families, for the sake of throne, fathers and sons kill each other, brothers clash—when has this ever ceased? If we treat the Central Plains as a family and the states as its children, is it not much the same as the royal house contending for power and profit?"

Dong Tianjiang nodded: "I have also seen and pondered these matters, but my understanding is not as clear as Lord Hu's; hearing your words, I suddenly see the light."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Everyone's choices differ; Elder Brother Dong, you choose loyalty to sovereign and country, and I too wish to be loyal and patriotic, but the state will not have me, the court suspects me in every way; rather than wait passively for destruction, it is better to rise in resistance. Indeed, my present situation is also forced upon me, most awkward, most awkward."

Both laughed; after the laughter subsided, Dong Tianjiang said: "Lord Hu, you have no idea how many people envy you."

Hu Xiaotian said: "One only sees the thief eating meat, never the thief getting beaten; most people in this world only see others' outward glory, who knows the hardship behind it?"

Dong Tianjiang again offered Hu Xiaotian a cup, solemnly saying: "This time we owe it to Lord Hu's assistance, which spared Yongdu from a great calamity."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I have never regarded any state as my opponent; in fact, my territory and Da Yong are as close as lips and teeth—if the plague is not checked early, once it spreads rampant, regaining control will be extremely difficult."

Dong Tianjiang said: "Lord Hu's vision and breadth of mind truly make me feel inferior."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I too must leave tomorrow."

Dong Tianjiang expressed some surprise: "Leaving so soon?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "When the business is done, naturally I should go; Yongdu may be fine, but after all it is not my home."

Dong Tianjiang smiled: "Lord Hu, surely someone at home misses you." He then deliberately said: "Last time we parted at the Red Mountain Villa, I wonder where General Huo went?" The fact that they had previously sneaked into the Yanque Tower to gather evidence of Wanyan Chixiong's crimes had become a shared secret between them, and it was precisely that affair that had tightly bound them together. In fact, Huo Shengnan had already become common knowledge in Dongliang Jun; Dong Tianjiang was simply asking knowingly.

Hu Xiaotian said: "She is in Dongliang Jun, and has now become my wife."

Dong Tianjiang let out an oh, having not expected Hu Xiaotian to admit so readily; he smiled: "In that case, congratulations are due, Lord Hu—you have not only acquired a worthy helpmate, but also a woman versed in both civil and military affairs."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Thank you."

Dong Tianjiang lamented: "Since the late emperor's passing, Da Yong has been plagued by incessant internal strife, the realm unsettled, treacherous ministers running rampant, harming the loyal and good—truly enough to evoke myriad feelings."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Fortunately, Da Yong has a loyal minister and capable general like you; as we part, I have a word I wish to remind Brother Dong."

Dong Tianjiang nodded: "Lord Hu, please speak."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Actually, your greatest enemy at present is Xue Shengjing; Li Chen Zhou, though ambitious, still has many scruples, whereas Xue Shengjing spares no means, and this epidemic is connected to him."

Dong Tianjiang said: "Thank you for the reminder, Lord Hu; I will certainly memorialize the Emperor to have this investigated thoroughly."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Given the relationship between the Dong family and the imperial house, the Emperor will surely heed your advice—" He trailed off, wanting to say more but stopping.

Dong Tianjiang said: "Lord Hu, speak freely; there is no need for any reservations."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "It's nothing; I still have matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave. Brother Dong, should you ever encounter any difficulties and need my help, just come to Xingzhou to find me."

Dong Tianjiang heard this and was startled; Hu Xiaotian was clearly in Dongliang Jun, so why would he tell him to go to Xingzhou to find him? From his tone it sounded as if he expected something major to happen. He had wanted to ask for details, but Hu Xiaotian had already risen to take his leave.

The weather on the first day of the lunar year was exceptionally clear, yet the streets and alleys felt a chill—not merely due to low temperature, for few pedestrians were seen, only the occasional crackle of firecrackers could be heard; such a New Year left one feeling desolate and sorrowful.

Qin Yutong, wrapped in Hu Xiaotian's fur coat inside the carriage, had actually fallen asleep; she was utterly exhausted, having gone two days and nights without rest, to the point that even an iron-clad man could not endure.

Hu Xiaotian came to the carriage, gazed affectionately at Qin Yutong, signaled the driver to slow, and the carriage departed.

As the carriage just started moving, Qin Yutong awoke sensitively, seeing Hu Xiaotian beside her, and she smiled embarrassedly: "I actually fell asleep!"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Mmm, you slept soundly, your snoring was loud, and you even have a teeth-grinding habit."

Qin Yutong, cheeks flushed, spat: "Nonsense!"

Hu Xiaotian chuckled: "Hungry? I'll treat you to a meal."

Qin Yutong said: "On the first day of the lunar year, which shops are open? Moreover, in such a time of panic, we'd better go back; I'll cook for you."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Rest well, or I'll cook for you."

The two returned to their temporary lodgings; Hu Xiaotian let Qin Yutong rest while he himself went to the kitchen, where ample ingredients had been prepared—leftovers from Jian Rongxin—and he made full use of what was on hand to show off his skill.

When Qin Yutong woke and came to the hall, she saw the table laden with a full spread of dishes, scarcely able to believe her eyes.

Hu Xiaotian entered wearing an apron, holding a freshly pan‑fried steak, and laughed: "I was about to call you, but I didn't expect you to already be awake."

Qin Yutong said: "The aroma of the food is too tempting, it looks good." She was indeed hungry.

Hu Xiaotian gallantly pulled out a chair for Qin Yutong and invited her to sit.

Qin Yutong felt somewhat flustered by the unexpected favor: "Why go out of one's way to be courteous unless there's another motive?" (To be continued~^~)