Hu Xiaotian said, "Brother Dong, let's step aside to talk."
Dong Tianjiang knew that with people coming and going, this was no place for a conversation. He said quietly, "Let's find a tavern and sit down."
Hu Xiaotian said, "You don't seem very well informed, Brother Dong. Most of the taverns in the Yong Capital have already closed."
Dong Tianjiang frowned.
Hu Xiaotian said, "Could we talk at your residence?"
Meeting Dong Tianjiang was by no means Hu Xiaotian's ultimate aim. He wanted to reach Great Yong's emperor, Xue Shengjing, through him. He followed Dong Tianjiang to the residence of the Minister of Personnel and entered the courtyard where Dong Tianjiang lived alone. Hu Xiaotian removed the black cloth from his face. By now, his original appearance had returned. Smiling, he cupped his hands and said, "Forgive me for calling on you so abruptly, Brother Dong. I hope you'll overlook my discourtesy."
Dong Tianjiang said, "I take it you haven't come all this way simply to reminisce?" He liked to handle things directly, and his words went straight to the point as well.
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Of course not. I've come because of the Yong Capital Rat Plague."
Dong Tianjiang said, "Did I hear you correctly? Since when have you taken an interest in Great Yong's affairs?" Inwardly, however, he thought Hu Xiaotian should be delighted when trouble struck Great Yong. Could his real purpose be to pry some inside information out of him?
Hu Xiaotian said, "Don't you find this Rat Plague rather unusual, Brother Dong?"
Dong Tianjiang said, "The matter has already been investigated. Black Hu spies were responsible. Beast Tamers drove rats to attack the people, deliberately spreading panic throughout the Yong Capital. Does that answer satisfy you, Young Master Hu?"
Hu Xiaotian shook his head. "Surely