Hu Xiaotian smiled. "The Imperial Court of Great Kang would certainly be interested in everything Your Highness has just told me."
Yang Longyue heard the doubt about his motives in Hu Xiaotian's words. He smiled. "I have little faith in Great Kang's current Imperial Court. They cannot even look after themselves, so what help could they offer me? If you would join forces with me, Lord Hu, we could thwart the Fragrant Kingdom's plan to form an alliance through this marriage contest."
Hu Xiaotian said, "But I still haven't heard how this would benefit me."
Yang Longyue said, "You are an astute man, Lord Hu. Surely Princess Yingyue's appearance is familiar to you."
Of course Hu Xiaotian knew her. Princess Yingyue was Long Xiyue, whom Xiao Tianmu and Zhou Mo had schemed to send to the Fragrant Kingdom years ago. As far as he knew, the Fragrant Kingdom's Empress Dowager Long Xuanjiao had always treated her well. Why, then, had she suddenly decided to stage this marriage contest and forge a marital alliance? Why did she have to use Long Xiyue? Once again, this proved how thin the bonds of affection were in the imperial family. Long Xuanjiao truly lived up to being the Old Emperor's sister: just as ruthless, just as cold and heartless.
Yang Longyue said, "I recall that you personally escorted Princess Anping to Great Yong for a marriage alliance, Lord Hu. Later, Princess Anping met with misfortune in the Yong Capital. To make amends, Great Yong specifically ceded Eastern Liang Commandery to Great Kang. That same commandery is now the foundation on which you are building your power."
Hu Xiaotian smiled at Yang Longyue. This Prince Fu of the Fragrant Kingdom was no ordinary man. He already knew Long Xiyue's true identity, and from that, it