Yin Zheng smiled. "Never harbor the intent to harm others, but never go without defenses against them. Eunuch Hu, you must not sell yourself short. You have rendered a great service this time, and His Majesty is bound to favor you all the more. The tree that towers above the forest is the first to be battered by the wind. A man of your talents could hardly avoid attracting envy."
Hu Xiaotian looked at Yin Zheng. This little eunuch was no ordinary fellow. If he sincerely wished to throw in his lot with him, that would not be a bad thing. Since he had come knocking, Hu Xiaotian might as well secure his loyalty first. Whether he could actually put him to use would depend on his future performance. At this thought, Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Little Yin, I'm truly touched that you would speak to me so openly, from the heart. If you don't mind my humble company and consider me a man worth befriending, let's call each other brothers from now on."
Yin Zheng cupped his fists. "Brother Hu, please accept your little brother's kowtow." With a thump, he dropped to his knees.
You bastard, you look older than me no matter how I look at you, Hu Xiaotian thought. Your face is full of worldly wear and cunning, yet you have the nerve to call me your elder brother. And those knees of yours are far too cheap-you kneel at the drop of a hat. He reached out and helped Yin Zheng up. "Brother Yin, get up, quickly. There's no need for these empty formalities between us." Since the man had already kowtowed, refusing him would only be discourteous.
Calling each other brothers did not mean they had sworn brotherhood. Hu Xiaotian had no reason to become sworn