Shi Xuedong said, "Brother, you don't seem happy. Princess Yongyang has blossomed into a peerless beauty. She's no longer that little green girl she once was. Your luck with women knows no bounds-you've made me die of envy!" Only when such topics came up did Shi Xuedong reveal his true, lecherous colors. This convinced Hu Xiaotian that his undescended testicle must still serve some purpose.
Hu Xiaotian said, "Getting married is a good thing, but His Majesty's motives aren't as simple as merely wanting us to wed."
Shi Xuedong lowered his voice. "You mean His Majesty is using the wedding as a pretext to trick you back to the Kang Capital?"
Hu Xiaotian smiled without answering. Even a three-year-old could see through this. He didn't believe Shi Xuedong failed to understand it.
Shi Xuedong said, "Then you aren't going back?"
Hu Xiaotian lifted his teacup and took a sip.
Shi Xuedong said, "Not going back means defying an imperial decree. It amounts to openly tearing up the marriage contract, giving His Majesty grounds to strip you of your military authority and territory."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Did I say I wasn't going back?"
Shi Xuedong said, "But if you go back, what if His Majesty really does move against you?"
Hu Xiaotian said with a smile, "Don't worry, Big Brother. Tell His Majesty that I'll return to the Kang Capital before the wedding on May 16."
Shi Xuedong had never expected Hu Xiaotian to agree so readily. He sighed. "Brother, you must think three times before acting!"
Hu Xiaotian said, "As far as I'm concerned, I've done nothing to wrong the Imperial Court. His Majesty arranging my marriage is a good thing. If I refuse to go, I'll be guilty of discourtesy before the entire world. I trust His Majesty wouldn't