Hu Xiaotian said, "Don't worry. Even when we reach Wuxing Commandery, there will still be a place for you." Hu Zhongyang had rendered meritorious service, so naturally Hu Xiaotian had to give him a pill to settle his nerves.
Hu Zhongyang said, "Thank you, City Lord!"
Hu Xiaotian asked, "How exactly did you make your fortune?"
Hu Zhongyang could not help laughing. Then he lowered his voice and told Hu Xiaotian, "To tell you the truth, these two hands were my capital. Reaching out was the investment; pulling back was the profit."
Hu Xiaotian began to understand. In all likelihood, Hu Zhongyang was a bandit who robbed homes and plundered estates. No wonder he had amassed such wealth. Just as he was about to speak, his gaze fixed on the distance. Two travel-worn riders were approaching, and they spotted Hu Xiaotian at the same moment. Their faces filled with excitement. Both swung out of their saddles and dropped to their knees, saying in unison, "Young Master, we've finally found you!" They were none other than Zhan Peng and Gao Yuan.
Unable to contain his excitement, Hu Xiaotian immediately dismounted, strode over, and opened his arms to embrace them both. His eyes and Zhan Peng's reddened, while Gao Yuan was so overcome that tears streamed down his face.
Zhan Peng said, "Young Master, I'm sorry..."
Hu Xiaotian patted their shoulders. "All that matters is that you're back! All that matters is that you're back!"
They returned to the residence, where Zhan Peng and Gao Yuan finally recounted what had happened after their departure. After boarding the ships with Hu Buwei, they had set out for Luosong to establish a maritime grain route. But after resupplying at South Ferry Island, the fleet had changed course. Zhan Peng, Gao Yuan, Murong Feiyan, and