Zhang Ziqian was seasoned, steady, and full of stratagems. He asked Zhu Jingyao, "Jingyao, who's inside?"
Zhu Jingyao reported respectfully, "My lord Zhang, the man just now was one of Hu Xiaotian's subordinates." Zhan Peng had recognized Zhu Jingyao as one of Li Honghan's men, and Zhu Jingyao had likewise recognized Zhan Peng at first sight. He had merely pretended they had never met.
Zhang Ziqian frowned at this. He had not expected to run into Hu Xiaotian here. Hu Xiaotian had already become the Fragrant Kingdom Prince Consort, yet instead of returning directly to Eastern Liang Commandery, he had doubled back west. Could he be planning to inspect Redwood River first?
The same possibility occurred to Li Honghan. He said quietly, "I heard the Fragrant Kingdom has already given Redwood River to Princess Yingyue as her dowry. Hu Xiaotian really got a bargain."
Zhang Ziqian nodded. "Redwood River belongs to the Fragrant Kingdom in name only. They've never exercised any real control over it all these years. Giving it to Hu Xiaotian is nothing but a show. How can they give away something that doesn't belong to them? Hu Xiaotian's power is concentrated in Eastern Liang Commandery. Even if they give him Redwood River, vast stretches of other countries' territory lie between them. How is he supposed to govern it?"
Li Honghan snorted coldly. "The man's greed knows no bounds! Having gained Long, he covets Shu. Nothing ever satisfies him." He had no affection for Hu Xiaotian, who had once been betrothed to his younger sister. When Long Yelin had usurped the throne in Great Kang, Li Honghan had obeyed his father's orders to keep Hu Xiaotian in Western Sichuan, only for Hu Xiaotian to escape right under his nose. To this day, Li Honghan regarded that incident as