When they returned to the tents, Liang Qing and the others had already prepared dinner and invited them both to sit down. Qin Yutong excused herself, saying she had eaten, and quietly walked away. Although the guards had not known her long, they could tell she was aloof and unsociable. Still, none of them would pay much real attention to an unfamiliar guard.
Hu Xiaotian was well liked. Cheerful and optimistic by nature, he liked to joke and put on no official airs, so he got along easily with the guards. Although their main assignment was to escort the Shajia Delegation, they had little contact with its members. Besides, the Shajia people had repeatedly harassed Great Kang's borders in the past, leaving most people in Great Kang with little affection for them. In their eyes, the Shajia people were still barbaric and uncivilized. Without orders from above, none of the guards would have come to protect them. As for the Prince of Zhou, his exalted status made everyone afraid to approach him casually. By comparison, Hu Xiaotian, the Azure Cloud County Deputy and future son-in-law of the Duke of Xichuan, was much more popular.
Drinking was inevitable, but everyone knew they had important responsibilities. They drank in moderation, just enough to enliven the gathering. No one dared drink to their heart's content.
Liang Qing and Xu Heng took turns toasting Hu Xiaotian, who only sipped each time. Caution was essential throughout this journey, and keeping a clear head was extremely important.
After a couple of extra cups, Liang Qing grew noticeably more talkative. Somewhat puzzled, he asked, "Lord Hu, why did you come to this remote little county of Azure Cloud to serve as an official? How could it compare to the bustle of the Capital City?" In fact, many