Inside the residence, beneath the lamps before the hall, Lan Tian and Hu Ke exchanged greetings and pleasantries before taking their seats.
From entering Jianye City in the morning until night had fully fallen, Lan Tian had had no chance to properly speak with Hu Ke. It was not that he had been unwilling, but that there were simply too many concerns—and Hu Ke understood that perfectly well.
Hu Ke was the Zhang Clan's son-in-law and a key contributor in assisting Zhang Zhao's surrender. If his true identity were exposed, the Zhang Clan would very likely be ostracized. That was something Lan Tian did not wish to see.
"Many years have passed. Have you been well?" Lan Tian asked with gentle warmth.
Hu Ke answered with a smile, "Thanks to your blessings, sir, I married and had children here, and have lived a peaceful life. I simply could not often receive your instruction—but now things are better."
"You have suffered greatly these past years. In recovering Yang Province for His Majesty, the foremost merit belongs to none but you. Please accept a bow from me." Having said this, Lan Tian solemnly rose and cupped his fists in a formal bow to Hu Ke.
Hu Ke was greatly startled. He hurriedly caught Lan Tian's hands and said with agitation, "How can you do this, sir? If Hu Ke accepted such a grand courtesy from you, how could I ever face the brothers of the Trap-Breaking Army again? This was merely my duty. Please, sir, do not do this."
Supported by Hu Ke, Lan Tian sat back down and shook his head with a chuckle. "People say Yu Zecheng is exceptionally quick-witted. Who would have thought he would prove so capable as an official? I had buried your talent all these years."