Over the past two days in Eastern Liang Commandery, Su Yuchi had encountered no hostility whatsoever. Hu Xiaotian had treated him with the utmost courtesy, not only personally accompanying him on tours of the nearby mountains and rivers, but also holding lavish banquets for him and his entourage every day.
Yet Su Yuchi remained uneasy. He knew his situation was extremely perilous. Beneath the peaceful surface, Hu Xiaotian and the Imperial Court were quietly testing their strength against each other, and his fate depended on the court's final decision.
"Great General Su, let this cup of wine serve as my farewell toast!"
Su Yuchi started slightly and looked up at Hu Xiaotian's beaming face, unsure what he meant. Had something changed? Was Hu Xiaotian about to move against him?
Hu Xiaotian said, "I've just received word that the emperor has pardoned Yan Xuanming and restored him to his former post."
At this news, Su Yuchi actually felt a surge of relief. He understood that Hu Xiaotian had ultimately gained the upper hand in this contest with the Imperial Court. The emperor had actually yielded to him. Though Su Yuchi knew he ought not to be pleased, he still felt as though a heavy burden had been lifted. He knew he had finally made it through this crisis, treading on thin ice all the way.
"Congratulations," Su Yuchi said meaningfully.
"When a man grows old, he's bound to do a few foolish things," Hu Xiaotian said.
Although he named no one, Su Yuchi knew he must mean the emperor. He smiled. Rumors abounded that Hu Xiaotian harbored great ambitions and showed no respect for the Imperial Court; now they appeared to be true. He began to understand why the emperor was so eager to strike against him. Setting aside a subject's