Hu Xiaotian thought, I have no friendship with Xue Daoming. But no hatred in this world lasted forever. Personal grudges were insignificant beside national interests. As Great Yong's ruler, what concerned Xue Daoming most was his realm, and he would do anything for Great Yong.
Dong Tianjiang took out a map and slowly unfolded it before Hu Xiaotian. It showed the borders of Great Kang and Great Yong, with one unusual feature: the boundary between the two countries had been redrawn in red.
A single glance told Hu Xiaotian that Xue Daoming intended to cede territory in exchange for his help. But none of the land he offered was strategically important, except for the Eastern Luo Granary. Xue Daoming had generously gifted him a city he already occupied. All in all, it was one enormous exercise in lip service.
"Your sovereign must have put a great deal of thought into this gift," Hu Xiaotian said with a smile. He slowly moved the map aside, making his disdain for the gift plain.
Dong Tianjiang was rather taken aback. In his eyes, not a single inch of Great Yong's territory was expendable. Xue Daoming had already made an enormous concession and sacrifice, yet Hu Xiaotian seemed entirely unappreciative. He sighed. "Does Your Highness feel this is still not enough?"
Hu Xiaotian shook his head. "It isn't that I'm insatiable. I can see your sovereign's heartfelt sincerity. But I've always lived by my principles: no reward without merit. How could I accept such a lavish gift from him for no reason?"
Only then did Dong Tianjiang understand why Hu Xiaotian had refused. He smiled. "Actually, His Majesty does have a matter he wishes to entrust to Your Highness."
"I'm all ears!"
"His Majesty wishes to join forces with Your Highness to eliminate someone,"