Hu Xiaotian said, "Listen, fellow Hu, we may share a surname, but you're a bandit and I'm an official. Officials and bandits have stood on opposite sides since ancient times. Understand?"
Hu Jinniu said, "But officials and bandits can be one family too!" The fellow had made up his mind to shamelessly cozy up to Hu Xiaotian, hoping their shared surname would persuade him to spare his life.
Hu Xiaotian said, "You can't write two different Hu surnames with the same stroke. Since we're of the same clan, I can't be too heartless."
"Exactly! One look tells me you're a man who values loyalty and family, Lord Hu. An honorable man! From the very first moment I saw you, I knew you were especially honorable." Hu Jinniu certainly didn't hold back when it came to flattery.
Hu Xiaotian said, "That's because you don't know me. Most of the time, I don't even acknowledge my own kin."
Hu Jinniu froze for a moment, then laughed again. "Impossible! I'm an excellent judge of character. One look tells me you're not that sort of man. Our Hu Family doesn't produce people like that."
Hu Xiaotian laughed too, patting Hu Jinniu lightly on the shoulder. "Listen, fellow Hu, your judgment may have failed you this time. So let's cooperate. I ask, you answer. Once I have satisfactory answers, I'll naturally let you go. How does that sound?"
Hu Jinniu was doubtful, but his words sounded perfectly sincere. "Sure. We're of the same clan, after all. I'll tell you everything I know and hold nothing back."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Where did you come from?"
Hu Jinniu said, "We're all hunters from the surrounding mountains. Normally we hunt; when there's no game, we rob people." The fellow looked dim-witted, but he had plenty of cunning.
Hu