Chapter 968

Hu Xiaotian, Qin Yutong, Meng Zizai, Xizhou. Also maybe "Xizhou" appears as a place.

Qin Yutong.

(none new)

Qin Yutong.

Hu Xiaotian, Xiezhou.

Qin Yutong said: "Originally, Sir Hu has always been concerned about what happened back then, is it because Qin Yutong's departure without saying goodbye back then has been weighing on your mind?"

Hu Xiaotian chuckled and said: "I'm not that petty; I just can't figure it out. Given my understanding of Miss Qin Yutong, she should be the type who sees through worldly affairs, aloof and proud, so why would she have been interested in court matters back then?"

Qin Yutong.

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Hu Xiaotian.

Qin Yutong said: "A person's goodness or badness cannot be judged by appearance; nothing should be judged solely by surface. When the spring wind is favorable and the horse's hooves move swiftly, it is precisely then that one is most likely to stumble."

【15】 Hu Xiaotian, Xiong Tianba, Liang Yinghao.

Qin Yutong said: "Sir Hu, you're overthinking!" After saying that, she spurred her horse forward and galloped away; in an instant she became a tiny black dot on the distant horizon.

Hu Xiaotian, Xiong Tianba, Liang Yinghao

Hu Xiaotian sighed softly and said: "How would I know? A woman's thoughts change faster than the weather in June."

【19】 Qin Yutong, Xizhou, Xichuan, Qingyun, Zhou Wenju, Dakang, Xiezhou.

Hu Xiaotian shook his head and said: "No need, she is very rational in her actions; whether she stays or leaves, she knows it in her heart."

Qin Yutong, Xizhou, Xichuan, Qingyun, Zhou Wenju, Dakang, Xiezhou

Xizhou is the capital of Xichuan and also the largest city in Dakang's southwest; its walls are high and broad. Outside the city, a clear river loops around, its water diverted from the Nusha Jiang. The city's builders skillfully made use of the local terrain, and the elevation difference causes the water to flow rapidly, becoming Xizhou's greatest barrier. Mountains surround Xizhou on all sides; because the peaks resemble seven old men, they are called Qilao Shan, with many troops stationed on the summits. They can detect enemy invasions at the first moment; if Xizhou is in trouble, the troops stationed at Qilao Shan will rush to reinforce the city at the first moment, forming an iron defense line for Xizhou.

Huangcheng Kangdu.

East Gate of Xizhou.

Li Tianheng, Dakang, Li Tianheng, Long Yelin.

If Li Tianheng were the loyal subject he claims to be, he should have immediately led his troops back after Long Xuan'en reascended the throne, but Li Tianheng has delayed giving a clear stance; it is precisely this ambiguous attitude of his that leaves the soldiers and civilians of Xichuan bewildered, even unclear whether they are still subjects of Dakang.

Xichuan, Dakang, Prince Zhou.

Liu Yi.

Imperial Envoy, Emperor.

Imperial Envoy, Emperor.

Li Honghan.

Times have changed; Hu Xiaotian is no longer the ignorant youth he once was. Having returned to Xichuan, he now holds the position of imperial envoy of Dakang. Setting aside the title bestowed by the court, his current martial skill alone would place him among the top experts.

Dakang Envoy Group, Wuyun Cong, Xiao Hui.

Li Honghan glanced around with some dissatisfaction; his subordinates held him in great awe, obviously realizing they should not laugh at this moment, and each lowered their gaze in fear.

Li Honghan's gaze fell on Hu Xiaotian's face, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth; he clasped his fists on horseback and said: "So it is Sir Hu—truly, after three days apart, one should look at him with new eyes." His tone was cold, hinting at some contempt.

Hu Xiaotian.

Upon hearing this, Li Honghan's expression eased considerably; he smiled and nodded, saying: "First go to the posthouse to rest; later I will arrange for you to meet my father."

Neither of them mentioned what had happened years ago in Xiezhou, but they both understood each other tacitly.

Xuan Ning Inn.

After Li Honghan arranged accommodations for Hu Xiaotian and his party, he did not linger; he took his leave after bidding farewell to Hu Xiaotian.

Zhang Ziqian, Qingyun, Long Yelin, Li Tianheng, Xichuan, Dakang.

Hu Xiaotian somewhat understood Zhang Ziqian, knowing that Zhang Ziqian was the chief strategist under Li Tianheng, having devoted much effort over the years to planning and strategizing for Xichuan's governance. Zhang Ziqian's visit now is certainly not merely to catch up old times; his true purpose is to probe Hu Xiaotian's reasons for coming to Xichuan.

Liang Yinghao.

Zhang Ziqian, not in official robes, wore a yellowish-brown scholar's robe, held a feather fan, and entered the room with a smiling expression; even before he stepped inside, his loud voice rang out: "Ah, Brother Hu, I've been missing you terribly!"

Zhang Ziqian, Hu Xiaotian.

Zhang Ziqian laughed heartily, took Hu Xiaotian's hands, and said: "At the southern bridge's second ford, like a shuttle, weaving brocade across the river."

Zhang Ziqian, Hu Xiaotian.

The couplet they faced was precisely the one from their first meeting, when Zhang Ziqian, disguised as an old fisherman, ferried Hu Xiaotian and his party across the river to Qingyun; Zhang Ziqian still remembers it vividly, and it is this couplet that made him deeply admire the young man's talent.

Zhang Ziqian, Hu Xiaotian.

Zhang Ziqian said: "How could I ever forget such a thing? Lately I have often thought of Brother Hu's talent; after the incident at Kangdu, I lost track of Young Master Hu, and though I had people inquire everywhere, there was no news; just then I heard that Brother Hu had been implicated in a crime at Kangdu, which truly worried me greatly!" He spoke with feeling, his expression showing utmost sincerity, but Hu Xiaotian's mind was like a clear mirror—his warmth was only superficial; now that their positions differ, each serves his own master, and Zhang Ziqian certainly would not worry about his own life or death.

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