Long Xiyue's beautiful eyes widened in astonishment. "What?"
Mu Shusheng said, "Actually, Elder Xu told us everything. We even know that you're Princess Yingyue."
Now Long Xiyue was the confused one. Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Elders, if you don't mind, I'd like a few words alone with Xiyue."
Mu Shusheng cupped his hands toward Hu Xiaotian. "Please, go ahead!"
Hu Xiaotian drew Long Xiyue aside and quietly explained how his maternal grandfather had been directing things behind the scenes. Only then did she understand why these Beggar Gang elders had suddenly changed their attitude and begun supporting her: Hu Xiaotian's grandfather had been pulling the strings. They had even taken her for Elder Xu's disciple. It was hardly convenient to explain that misunderstanding, so she could only let the mistake stand.
Long Xiyue still looked troubled. "But how could a woman like me manage so many beggars?"
Hu Xiaotian glanced around. Mu Shusheng and the others had all left the tent to avoid any appearance of impropriety. He said quietly, "My grandfather is your grandfather too. He chose you as Gang Leader because he wants you to help the Beggar Gang through this crisis."
Long Xiyue said, "Wouldn't you be more suitable as Gang Leader?"
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "I've cheated the Beggar Gang before. If I became Gang Leader, plenty of people would refuse to accept me. That's why the Old Master, with his far-reaching foresight, chose you instead. Really, you taking the position is the same as me taking it. We're already one family. What difference does it make which of us holds it?" He saw the whole affair clearly.
Long Xiyue bit her cherry-red lip. She knew Hu Xiaotian's words made perfect sense. When he had competed with Shangguan Yunchong to become Imperial Son-in-Law, he had injured Tong Tiejin,