Chapter 1878

Hu Xiaotian said: "I will leave Kangdu soon."

"Are you returning to Dongliang Jun?" both asked at the same time.

Hu Xiaotian smiled and said: "I should probably go back for a trip, but there are other things to do." His gaze fell on Liang Yinghao: "Yinghao, I want you and Brother Zong to stay in Kangdu and protect Xiyue."

Liang Yinghao nodded solemnly: "My lord, rest assured; I will give my all and will not let the princess consort face any danger."

Hu Xiaotian said: "It's not exactly dangerous; it's just that she is kind-hearted, and I worry her kindness will be exploited." He looked at Xia Zhangming: "Zhangming, get ready; we may have to travel far this time."

Xia Zhangming nodded; for things Hu Xiaotian decided, he never asks why. He recalled something and said: "By the way, my lord, the matter you had me look into has some leads."

Hu Xiaotian's brow twitched: "Liang Da Zhuang's affair?"

Xia Zhangming nodded and said: "He has been frequently visiting a place called Qinghong Ge lately."

Just hearing that name tells you it's a pleasure quarter; I never expected Liang Da Zhuang to have such a hobby.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Have you investigated the origins of Qinghong Ge?"

Xia Zhangming said: "I didn't dare follow too closely, but after Liang Da Zhuang left, I brought a painter inside to sketch the boss's appearance." He handed a portrait to Hu Xiaotian.

Hu Xiaotian unfolded it, his brows involuntarily furrowed, and he said in a low voice: "Xiang Qin?"

Xia Zhangming's expression showed surprise; he hadn't expected Hu Xiaotian to know the person in the picture, his first thought naturally being that the lord had also been to that kiln.

Hu Xiaotian smiled and explained: "I first met this Xiang Qin at the Huan Cai Ge in Xiezhou, Xichuan; she should be from the Wuxian Sect. I remember the first time she even gave Liang Da Zhuang a sound beating..." As he said this, the smile on Hu Xiaotian's face suddenly vanished; he suddenly realized that back then at Xiezhou's Huan Cai Ge, Liang Da Zhuang and Xiang Qin must have known each other, and the beating was merely a staged act they performed together. Xi Yan should know about this, but Qin Yutong has been away in the north for some time to treat Xi Yan, and still no good news has arrived.

Hu Xiaotian could almost conclude that Liang Da Zhuang and Xiang Qin, who appear ordinary, are actually experts hiding their true strength; where do they come from? Why hide so deeply, and what is their ultimate goal?

Hu Xiaotian had told Long Xi Yue that before leaving he needed to settle one matter, which was Liang Da Zhuang; he had long noticed something off about Liang Da Zhuang, but since Liang Da Zhuang had never done anything harmful to him, Hu Xiaotian wasn't in a rush to expose him and force him to reveal himself. However, Long Xi Yue chose to stay in Kangdu, so Hu Xiaotian couldn't leave this hidden danger behind; he must eliminate it before departure. Moreover, after the black-hu experts besieged him, Hu Xiaotian harbors deep doubts about his mother's missing corpse and the appearance of the Xuan Guang Lei; he suspects internal trouble at Fengyi Shan Zhuang, with Liang Da Zhuang being the biggest suspicion. Hu Xiaotian thinks this fellow is very likely a spy placed by Hu Buwei beside him, though he doesn't rule out the possibility that he belongs to the Jinling Xu family faction.

Returning to his residence, he saw Long Xi Yue talking with Liang Da Zhuang, seeming quite pleased, both occasionally laughing; upon seeing Hu Xiaotian return, Liang Da Zhuang hurriedly stopped speaking, came to Hu Xiaotian's side and said with a smiling face: "Young master, you're back."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said: "What are you happily discussing?"

Long Xi Yue smiled: "Da Zhuang was telling me about your past."

Hu Xiaotian thought, "Wasn't I just an idiot when I was at the Shangshu Fu?" He glared at Liang Da Zhuang, who knew what he was thinking and hastily explained: "Young master, I was only talking about when I followed you to take up your post in Qingyun."

Hu Xiaotian said: "What's there to say? At every critical moment you never care about my life or death, only looking out for your own escape; there's hardly anyone like you as a lackey in the world."

Liang Da Zhuang chuckled along: "It's just that you're broad-minded; anyone else would have beaten me and driven me out long ago—only you could tolerate me to this day."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "After all, you've followed me for so long, no merit but hardship; to speak frankly, I've long wanted to get rid of you, but if I really did, I'd miss having someone to scold, and after thinking it over I still kept you around."

Liang Da Zhuang seized the moment to express loyalty: "As long as you don't despise me, I'm willing to stay by your side forever and endure your scolding."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Being able to say that makes our master-servant bond not in vain."

Liang Da Zhuang said: "Young master, although I have no talent, am clumsy and timid, I have always been wholeheartedly loyal to you, and I would even be willing to die for you… though, of course, it's better not to die if possible."

Long Xi Yue laughed softly: "Xiaotian, don't push him; Da Zhuang can't even speak."

Hu Xiaotian said: "If you can't speak, then don't; what are you still doing here?"

Liang Da Zhuang seemed to finally realize, bid the two farewell and started to leave; after taking a step, Hu Xiaotian called him back and instructed: "Da Zhuang, we won't be going back today; go back once and deliver this to Brother Zong."

Liang Da Zhuang took the cloth bundle Hu Xiaotian handed over, nodded and agreed: "I'll go right away."

Long Xi Yue said: "What urgent matter requires him to rush over?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Nothing urgent, really; I'll be returning to Dongliang Jun these two days and have Brother Zong prepare some things in advance." He added: "By the way, you'll go to Qingniu Tang to get Miss Baobao's medicine, which is almost used up; buy it according to the previous prescription."

Liang Da Zhuang nodded repeatedly and said: "Young master, you're leaving again?"

Hu Xiaotian glared at him: "Don't ask about things that aren't your concern."

After Liang Da Zhuang left, Hu Xiaotian embraced Long Xi Yue's fragrant shoulders, returned to the room with her, and whispered: "What did you two talk about?"

Long Xi Yue whispered: "As you meant, I deliberately leaked some of our itinerary to him."

Hu Xiaotian nodded: "With his wit, he might not open that letter; eight or nine times out of ten he'll just stay put."

Long Xi Yue said: "Judging by his appearance, there shouldn't be any problem."

Hu Xiaotian said: "One cannot judge only by appearances; you are simply too kind-hearted."

Long Xi Yue pouted: "Are you indirectly calling me stupid?"

Hu Xiaotian smiled: "A woman is lovable when she's a bit foolish; overly clever women often end up alone."

Long Xi Yue said: "Then I'll honestly be your foolish maid; but if Liang Da Zhuang shows no abnormal behavior this time, wouldn't that dispel your suspicions about him?"

Hu Xiaotian shook his head: "This time I will definitely make him show his tail." (To be continued~^~)