Hu Xiaotian looked around to make certain no one was nearby before respectfully bowing to Yuchi Chong with his hands clasped. His joints crackled as he bowed, and when he raised his head again, his original features had returned. "Honored father-in-law, please accept your son-in-law's bow!"
Yuchi Chong was startled at first. He had no daughter, so where had this son-in-law come from? Only when Hu Xiaotian revealed his true face, like Mount Lu emerging from the mist, did Yuchi Chong realize who stood before him. Huo Shengnan was his adopted daughter. After fleeing Great Yong under an unjust accusation, she had reportedly joined Hu Xiaotian and was now in Eastern Liang Commandery. No wonder Hu Xiaotian called him father-in-law. In truth, the title was well deserved.
Yuchi Chong laughed despite himself. He had intended to say he was unworthy of the honor, but reconsidered and did not refuse it. With a sigh, he said, "To think that the man who saved this old fellow was you, young master!"
"Before I came to Great Yong," Hu Xiaotian said, "Shengnan reminded me a thousand times that if I had the chance to see you, I must kneel before you on her behalf. Why don't we find somewhere quiet so I can fulfill her wish?"
Yuchi Chong smiled wryly. "How could I allow that? You rule a domain of your own now, young master. How could you kneel before me? Besides, you are my benefactor-you just saved my life. Wouldn't you be shaming this old man?"
Hu Xiaotian had never really intended to kowtow to him. A man had gold beneath his knees, after all; such bows were best avoided whenever possible. He had said what needed saying. Seeing that Yuchi Chong showed little wariness or hostility toward him, Hu Xiaotian relaxed