While Hu Xiaotian actively planned his September journey to the Fragrant Kingdom, he did not neglect the lurking threats behind him. On the very day Yang Longyue left Eastern Liang Commandery, Su Yuchi, the general stationed in Yunyang, sent him an invitation to Black Sand, a small town east of Yunyang on the western bank of the Springview River, to discuss how to safeguard the autumn harvest.
The invitation came rather abruptly. Inviting Hu Xiaotian to the vicinity of Yunyang at such a time inevitably raised suspicions about Su Yuchi's motives.
Most of the generals opposed the idea when they heard about it, with Yu Tianxing foremost among them. "My lord, you absolutely must not go," Yu Tianxing said. "Although Black Sand lies midway between our western border and Yunyang, it is west of the Springview River and effectively within Su Yuchi's control. Su Yuchi is a general of Great Kang, while Great Kang brands you a rebel general. In my view, this business of suppressing bandits is nothing but an excuse. His real aim is to harm you."
"I'm not the only person he invited," Hu Xiaotian said. "There's also Guo Guangbi of Xingzhou and the Western Sichuan Li Clan. The crops have been growing beautifully this spring. Unless something unexpected happens, we can look forward to a bumper harvest such as we haven't seen in years. This harvest is vital to the people along the lower Yong River and both banks of the Springview River. It's perfectly reasonable for Su Yuchi to propose that we sit down together, lay down our weapons for a time, and secure a good harvest for everyone."
"But the land west of the Springview River is outside our control," Yu Tianxing said. "Su Yuchi has stipulated that each party may bring only a