Jiang Zhengyang had previously sent Zu Dacheng to borrow grain, only for Hu Xiaotian to refuse him without mercy. Jiang Zhengyang had hated Hu Xiaotian for it, cursing the bastard behind his back countless times for being coldhearted and refusing to save those at death's door. Only when he heard that Hu Xiaotian had decided to send three hundred thousand shi of grain to the Capital City did he let go of his resentment. Indeed, giving the grain to the emperor was better than giving it to him. At least it would earn Hu Xiaotian a reputation for loyalty to his sovereign and love for his country.
It was already evening when Jiang Zhengyang arrived at Wuxing Commandery. Rather than hurry into the city, he first sent someone ahead to announce his arrival, then went to Wuxing Commandery the following morning to discuss transporting the grain.
After receiving the news, Hu Xiaotian also set out for Wuxing Commandery overnight. At the same time, he gave Yu Tianxing authority to deploy the troops and instructed him to take every precaution.
Hu Xiaotian and his companions had already reached a consensus regarding Jiang Zhengyang: once the bastard got the grain, he would never send it to the Capital City. In all likelihood, he intended to swindle them out of it and keep it for himself. According to their analysis, Yunyang was not easy to defend. If Jiang Zhengyang retreated there, he might find himself attacked from all sides. Not only would he fail to hold on to the grain, but his entire army might also be wiped out. If Jiang Zhengyang had any sense, he would choose a safe line of retreat. Heading south into the heartland of Great Kang would be walking straight into a net. Heading east would bring him