"The only reason he taught me martial arts was to make it easier for him to escape," Hu Xiaotian said. Looking at Li Yuncong, he sighed inwardly. These two brothers were equally vicious at heart. Li Yuncong had betrayed his elder brother back then, and Unenlightened had used the same methods to victimize Hu Xiaotian. One had disregarded brotherly affection, the other the bond between master and disciple. They were six of one and half a dozen of the other-both coldhearted and faithless.
Li Yuncong did not pursue the matter of Unenlightened. He coughed again and said, "Wasn't your wedding supposed to be on the sixteenth day of the fifth month? Why have you slipped into the Kang Capital so early?"
"Eunuch Li, you must know why His Majesty is so eager to have the princess and me married," Hu Xiaotian said.
Li Yuncong nodded. "His Majesty must bitterly regret sending you to Eastern Liang Commandery. He never imagined you would establish a foothold in the Yong River region so quickly. You certainly have some ability. Anyone else would probably have lost Eastern Liang Commandery long ago, let alone seized Great Yong's Eastern Luo Granary." His single eye suddenly brightened, and he made no attempt to conceal his admiration for Hu Xiaotian.
"His Majesty intends to keep me in the Kang Capital for good!" Hu Xiaotian said.
Li Yuncong gave a harsh, cackling laugh. "Since you see everything so clearly, why risk coming back? Wouldn't it be delightful to remain in Eastern Liang Commandery, free and unfettered, your own master? Why put yourself through the trouble of returning to the Kang Capital for one little woman?"
"If I didn't come, it would be the same as tearing up my marriage contract with the princess," Hu Xiaotian said. "His Majesty could