Hu Xiaotian said, "What makes you say that, Sister Jun? Without the Imperial Court's trust and support, I would never have won those two victories. Just today, His Majesty even sent an Imperial Envoy here especially to reward me." Although everything Xue Lingjun said was true, Hu Xiaotian could not admit it. In front of her, he still slapped his own face swollen to look fat, putting on a show of prosperity and peace.
Xue Lingjun chuckled. "Why were you sent to Eastern Liang Commandery? We both know perfectly well. To be frank, I came here to persuade you to see the bigger picture. Don't let those two recent victories go to your head. His Majesty has promised that, so long as you consider the greater good and lead your soldiers out of darkness into the light, everything that happened before can be forgiven. You will also be entrusted with important duties, promoted, and granted a noble title. What do you think?"
Hu Xiaotian narrowed his eyes, pretending to consider her offer carefully.
Thinking her words had moved him, Xue Lingjun said softly, "A wise bird chooses the tree on which it roosts; a worthy minister chooses the lord he serves. With your intelligence, you should know which choice to make."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Are you urging me to become a traitor who sells out his lord for glory, Sister Jun? Don't you know that a loyal minister never serves two masters?"
Xue Lingjun could not help laughing. "Whether you're a loyal minister isn't for you to decide!" No matter how she looked at him, Hu Xiaotian hardly seemed a loyal minister. In her eyes, he was an opportunist, a fellow who eagerly profited from both sides while Great Kang was weak and Great Yong's internal affairs were unstable. Judging