Hu Xiaotian nodded. "Everyone fears risks, and no one can guarantee that Su Yuchi's talks at Black Sand City won't be a Hongmen banquet-a feast concealing a deadly trap. Whether there's a bumper harvest this autumn has little bearing on Li Tianheng's interests. He really has no reason to come in person."
Zhuge Guanqi said, "I've investigated the planting situation in the surrounding areas. Our own territory goes without saying. In Yunyang, Su Yuchi mobilized every officer and soldier during the spring sowing. He fully understands the importance of this autumn's harvest, so he'll do everything he can to safeguard it. The hundred thousand shi of grain you supplied them with, my lord, should be nearly exhausted by now. Su Yuchi is a renowned general of Great Kang. Naturally, he understands the simple principle that provisions must precede the armies into battle. Without a secure food supply, he probably won't take the initiative to start this war. By contrast, the spring sowing under Guo Guangbi in Xingzhou was far from promising. For one thing, he was a bandit to begin with, burning, killing, and plundering throughout Xingzhou, driving the common people from their homes. Without farmers, the land naturally fell into neglect. And Li Guangbi lacked Su Yuchi's foresight. He didn't have his men put down their weapons and enter the fields to sow in time, letting the most precious spring planting season slip away."
Hu Xiaotian said gravely, "In other words, the autumn harvest means nothing to him."
Zhuge Guanqi said, "Guo Guangbi truly can't shake his bandit's heart. He's never stopped plundering all this time. Everywhere along the Yong River, you can find traces of his raids. Su Yuchi has stepped forward to organize these peace talks now precisely to stabilize the situation and ensure a bumper harvest