Chapter 982

Huo Ge actually felt a bit guilty now; although he had come at the invitation of Prince Yan Xue Shengjing, after all he was in a pleasure quarter, and if this matter blew up and reached his father-in-law Li Tianheng's ears, it would certainly not be good. Hu Xiaotian's meaning was clearly to have him take the lead, but Huo Ge did not want to do that.

Xue Shengjing said calmly: "You all don't need to show yourselves; I will handle it myself." Tonight he was the host; if anything happened, he would naturally be the first to bear the responsibility. Xue Shengjing was just about to step forward when, for some reason, that group of people suddenly retreated again.

Watching the group of warriors leave in disarray, Xue Shengjing also felt a bit confused; it seemed someone had already learned their identity and reported it to Yang Yuanjie, that kid knowing he could not afford to provoke them chose to leave. Although the matter did not blow up, after this commotion everyone's interest was naturally affected; first, Huo Ge proposed to leave, because he was worried that if the matter blew up and spread it would be unfavorable to him, after all strolling in a pleasure quarter under his father-in-law's nose was not something honorable; upon his departure, Wanyan Tianyue and Hong Yingtai also made excuses to leave.

Hu Xiaotian originally wanted to leave with them, but Xue Shengjing instead offered to send him off; Hu Xiaotian guessed that Xue Shengjing certainly had something he wanted to say to him alone. Although Xue Shengjing had once had people try to harm him, times have changed, and now he is in Xizhou; surely he would not have such audacity. Moreover, Hu Xiaotian had just demonstrated formidable strength in his contest with Yijian Chuanxin Feng Hanlin, which would undoubtedly have some deterrent effect on Xue Shengjing as well.

Boarding Xue Shengjing's luxurious carriage, Xue Shengjing gazed at the lights of Zhong Xiang Lou and let out a long sigh, saying: "What was supposed to be a fine banquet has been messed up by someone."

Hu Xiaotian said: "It's all the brothers' fault; I'm the one who got big brother into trouble."

Xue Shengjing chuckled: "Brother, I don't mean to blame you. Speaking of which, your martial arts tonight really opened my eyes; you actually managed to defeat Yijian Chuanxin Feng Hanlin. No wonder the Sword Palace's Qiu Mubai lost to you back then."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Big brother, it was that fat girl who defeated Feng Hanlin; it has nothing to do with me."

Xue Shengjing smiled: "I saw the scene clearly back then; even if she hadn't made a move, Feng Hanlin would still have lost to you, you know? Feng Hanlin is the junior disciple of Sword Palace's master Qiu Han'guang, and his swordsmanship is far from ordinary."

Hu Xiaotian secretly lamented that enemies meet on a narrow road; unintentionally he had offended another Sword Palace member, and it seemed his grudge with the Sword Palace was deepening further, with little chance of resolution. Actually, tracing back to the source, he could barely be considered a Sword Palace heir. He had unintentionally discovered the black iron sword left by Yin Baotao, and by chance learned the Seven Slaying Heaven Swords; although this sword style had not been mastered to the point of effortless wielding, it had elevated his perception and understanding of swords to an entirely new level.

Xue Shengjing said: "Brother, have you ever seen that young lady before?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Which one?" He clearly knew Xue Shengjing was asking about Xiang Qin, but he pretended not to understand.

Xue Shengjing gave a slight smile: "It's the one who defeated Feng Hanlin."

Hu Xiaotian shook his head: "First time seeing her."

Xue Shengjing did not pursue the question. He suddenly sighed: "Younger brother, why did you come to Xizhou!"

Hu Xiaotian said: "If big brother can come, why can't I? Xizhou seems still within Dakang's territory, right?"

Xue Shengjing shook his head: "We brothers have sworn friendship; as your elder brother I naturally cannot bear to see you in danger. Younger brother, can't you see Li Tianheng's wolfish ambitions? It's utterly impossible for him to return to Dakang, is it?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "How does big brother know about this?"

Xue Shengjing lowered his voice: "Don't hide it from you, brother; I have already met Li Tianheng, and he has also agreed to ally with Da Yong."

Hu Xiaotian's heart gave a start, then he felt this was unlikely. How could such a major matter proceed without any rumor leaking out? If Li Tianheng sincerely allied with Da Yong, he would be a fool; doesn't he see that Da Yong merely wants to use him, with the real goal of launching a southern invasion to swallow the entire Central Plains? Xue Shengjing has always been cunning; he might be deliberately lying to deceive himself. Hu Xiaotian said: "Forming an alliance is one thing; whether they actually contribute forces is another matter."

Xue Shengjing laughed: "Brother, what do you mean by that?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Dakang and Xichuan are originally one entity; even if Li Tianheng truly declared independence, he would not do something as self-destructive as digging his own grave."

Xue Shengjing said: "What do you mean by digging one's own grave?"

"Dakang and Xichuan are in a relationship of interdependence; if Dakang falls, what barrier would Xichuan have left? This simple principle—how could Li Tianheng fail to understand it?"

Xue Shengjing chuckled, his deep eyes fixed on Hu Xiaotian, and said meaningfully: "Given Dakang's current state, defeat and ruin are merely a matter of time."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Not necessarily!"

Xue Shengjing said: "Younger brother, a fine bird chooses its tree to roost; your Hu clan, loyal and righteous, what end will you ultimately meet? The Xu clan of Jinling is your mother's natal family, and now the Dakang emperor is still pressing them step by step. With such a foolish ruler and a court in decline, why would you waste your prime years on them, even sacrifice your life?"

Hu Xiaotian blinked his eyes; he hadn't misheard—this guy Xue Shengjing was trying to subvert him.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Big brother, the reason our Hu family fell into misfortune is entirely due to the foolish emperor Long Yelin; now the sovereign has shown us Hu family En ru shan—not only clearing my father's name and restoring my innocence, but also clearing my name, and having favored me, the sovereign has betrothed the Yongyang Princess to me as my wife. Such great grace, I, Xiao Tian, will never forget it in my lifetime; how could I dare speak lightly of betrayal?"

Xue Shengjing chuckled coldly: "My foolish brother, do you really think he sincerely wants you to become his son-in-law? As far as I know, this matter is actually his plot."

Hu Xiaotian had in fact long understood that the old emperor's selection of him as son-in-law must involve some hidden agenda; but now that Xue Shengjing said it, from his tone it was not hard to tell that he likely had learned some inside information.

Hu Xiaotian said: "What plot?"

Xue Shengjing said: "Everyone under heaven can see clearly that he intends to use this matter to kidnap your Hu family, and then the Xu family of Jinling, to make both families exhaust their last drop of blood and sweat for Dakang. If he truly wanted you to marry the Yongyang Princess, he should cherish your life; how could he allow you to come to Xichuan to celebrate a birthday?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "The sovereign's letting me come to Xichuan to celebrate a birthday stems from his trust in me; there is no other motive."

Xue Shengjing said: "Everyone knows Li Tianheng harbors grand ambitions, only lacking a public declaration of independence. Do you think our emperor wouldn't notice, that he would enfeoff Li Tianheng as a king? That's a ridiculous notion—a ruler on the verge of losing his kingdom enfeoffing a southwestern hegemon as king; do you think Li Tianheng would submit willingly? And how could he be certain Li Tianheng won't harm you?"

Although Hu Xiaotian had thought of almost everything Xue Shengjing said, he could not show any reaction in front of him; Long Xuan'en certainly harbored ulterior motives, but Xue Shengjing was no good bird either.

Xue Shengjing spoke earnestly: "Younger brother, those who discern the times are outstanding; why sacrifice your future for a foolish ruler? As long as you heed my words, I guarantee you endless glory and inexhaustible wealth; do not cling to the title of son-in-law, as long as you turn from darkness to light, any princess of Da Yong is yours to choose!" Xue Shengjing's words were indeed awe-inspiring. In fact, he was not speaking empty words; he himself had a precious daughter, and since Hu Xiaotian was not a eunuch, that meant there was a possibility between him and that daughter; if Hu Xiaotian were to serve Da Yong, with his abilities he would undoubtedly achieve remarkable feats, and marrying his daughter would not be a disgrace, especially since she had always been deeply devoted to him.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Thank you for your kindness, big brother; I take this to heart, but loyalty and righteousness cannot both be fulfilled, so please do not bring this up again in the future."

Given Xue Shengjing's understanding of Hu Xiaotian, knowing this lad was no blindly loyal fool, his straightforward refusal now could only stem from two possibilities: either he does not trust Xue Shengjing, or he has his own ideas; Xue Shengjing knows such matters cannot be settled overnight, and since there is still some time before leaving Xizhou, he will wait to probe Hu Xiaotian's true intentions later.

Xue Shengjing sent Hu Xiaotian back to the Xuan Ning inn, and the two clasped hands in farewell.

Hu Xiaotian did not return to the inn to rest; he merely gave a word to Liang Yinghao and the others, changed clothes, and went out again. At Zhong Xiang Lou, Xiang Qin quietly arranged a meeting place with him. At the maple-lined bridge over the Wanhua Creek, Hu Xiaotian had a premonition that whoever awaited him there tonight would surely be Xi Yan.

Recalling his various experiences in Da Yong, many puzzles awaited this girl's explanation; had she not left a message, he would not have known that the Dingzhu Pearl was hidden in the Hongyan Tower of the Red Mountain Guild Hall. Now it seems the so-called Dingzhu Pearl was merely bait to lure him step by step into the Hongyan Tower; he and Huo Shengnan, Dong Tianjiang, Zong Yuan and others therefore sneaked into the Hongyan Tower, where they encountered the black-and-white double corpses, but everything was actually part of someone else's scheme, and the true purpose was to eliminate Wanyan Chixiong.

Standing on the maple-lined bridge, Hu Xiaotian saw before him Xi Yan's face that could topple kingdoms and cities; her words still echoed in his ears: "In this world, I am the one who treats you best." Hu Xiaotian's lips curled into a bitter smile; for some reason he thought of Long Xi Yue, whom he had always considered the most innocent and pure-hearted, yet she too had deceived him. Which of the girls he knew did not have her own agenda? Murong Feiyan should qualify, but she also had her own secrets; ever since he and Qiqi became engaged, Murong Feiyan and he had clearly grown distant.

A lotus lantern drifted downstream along the creek, swaying gently past the maple-lined bridge below; the candlelight caught Hu Xiaotian's attention, and his gaze followed the light upstream, where he saw lotus lantern after lotus lantern drifting down the upper reaches of the Wanhua Creek in succession……

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