Hu Xiaotian said, "I originally intended to offer courtesy before resorting to force, but now that seems unnecessary." The only option left was military action. Naturally, he would not hand over grain and gold to these pirates for nothing. He smiled. "We never bowed to Great Yong, nor did we fear Great Kang. Are we supposed to shrink back now in the face of extortion by a band of pirates?" He recalled his earlier conversation with Zhuge Guanqi and the future they had mapped out together. When the old man lost his horse, who could say it was not a blessing? This pirate attack had brought his plans onto the agenda ahead of schedule. Originally, he had intended to postpone his expansion at sea until after he controlled Cloud Marsh. Now he would have to reverse that order.
Zhao Wusheng nodded emphatically and volunteered. "My lord, though my abilities are modest, I am willing to lead our forces to Python Jiao Island, wipe out the pirates, and rescue our men!"
Hu Xiaotian said, "Wusheng, I intend to go personally this time. Someone still needs to hold the fort here. When it comes to influence within the navy, no one surpasses you, so you must stay."
Zhao Wusheng understood. Li Yongfu was currently escorting a hundred thousand shi of grain to the Kang Capital. If he left as well, the Yong River Navy would have no senior commander capable of keeping things under control. He nodded. "I will follow your orders, my lord."
After learning of the matter, Zhuge Guanqi analyzed it calmly. "There seems to be more to this than meets the eye."
Hu Xiaotian asked, "Brother Guanqi, do you suspect Hu Zhongyang?"
Zhuge Guanqi said, "Since you ask, my lord, you must have begun to doubt him as well."