Hu Xiaotian cursed inwardly. He remembered how Xu Zhengying had tried to sell him out when disaster struck the Hu Family. Sooner or later, he would make the man settle that debt.
Hu Buwei smiled. "I heard at the Ministry of Revenue that you treated His Majesty's illness. Is there any truth to it?"
"It's true," Hu Xiaotian said, "though it probably wasn't quite as miraculous as the rumors make it sound. His Majesty's blessings simply reach as high as heaven." Seeing Liang Dazhuang still waiting nearby, he said softly, "Dazhuang, go help my mother in the kitchen."
Liang Dazhuang understood that Hu Xiaotian wanted him out of the way. He acknowledged the request, rose, and left.
"Father, does Dazhuang come here often?" Hu Xiaotian asked.
"Once every few days. At least he still has a little conscience." As Hu Buwei spoke, he winked his right eye at Hu Xiaotian, clearly hinting that there was more to these visits than met the eye.
Hu Xiaotian understood at once. The Hu Family was in a precarious situation, and even Liang Dazhuang could not be trusted lightly. His father was right to remain vigilant. The secrets between father and son must never reach outsiders, or a betrayal might cost them their lives.
"His Majesty has just assigned me to serve Princess Anping at the Purple Orchid Palace," Hu Xiaotian said. "After the fifteenth, I'll probably be making a long journey."
Hu Buwei frowned. "Where?"
"Apparently, they intend to appoint me Marriage Escort Envoy and have me escort Princess Anping to Great Yong for her wedding."
Although he had already heard the news from several sources, the official appointment had yet to arrive, so he still could not be certain.
"Mountains rise high and rivers stretch far along that road," Hu Buwei said.