Fan Zongxi naturally had no idea that he was merely the backup choice. Seeing the lavish banquet Hu Xiaotian had prepared for him, he could not help feeling touched. Hu Xiaotian certainly knew how to treat a friend.
After three rounds of wine and a sampling of the dishes, Fan Zongxi brought up the hundred thousand shi of grain again. Bestowing rewards was only a pretext; obtaining grain was the emperor's main reason for sending him. Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Brother Zongxi, you're too impatient. I've already sent people to take stock. Naturally, I wouldn't dare neglect His Majesty's decree. Rest assured, Brother Zongxi-I certainly won't put you in a difficult position this time."
His face wreathed in smiles, Fan Zongxi raised the wine cup before him. "Lord Hu, with that assurance, I can rest easy. Let me offer you my thanks in advance with this fine wine of yours."
Hu Xiaotian drained his cup with him, then said quietly, "Come to think of it, I've been away from the Capital City for some time now. How have things been there lately?"
"Quite well. Nothing much has happened," Fan Zongxi replied. He understood that disaster sprang from the mouth and knew that, as an imperial envoy, he had come to represent the emperor's interests. He could not say too much in front of Hu Xiaotian.
Hu Xiaotian asked, "Brother Zongxi, who's looking after the Directorate of Imperial Stables while you're here?"
At the mention of the Directorate of Imperial Stables, Fan Zongxi could not help sighing. "Lately, even fodder at the Royal Racecourse has been running short. The racecourse has been reduced to half its former size. I have very little to do most days."
Hu Xiaotian nodded. Fan Zongxi's words alone told him that Great Kang's current situation was far