Wu Jingshan was overjoyed. How could he know that Hu Xiaotian had plans of his own? Hu Xiaotian had already resolved to eliminate Wen Boyuan. This was no small matter. If Wen Chenghuan lost his son, he would never let it rest and might well vent his anger on others. The Tang Family Brothers had courage but little strategy, yet neither was bad at heart. With their wealth and background, they could hardly contend with the Wen family. Hu Xiaotian did not want to drag them into this. Taking this opportunity to leave them behind was tantamount to helping them avoid a calamity.
Wu Jingshan said feelingly, "You truly know how to consider the greater good, Lord Hu."
Hu Xiaotian said, "It isn't that I'm afraid of trouble. I simply think our chief purpose on this journey is to keep the princess safe. With that as our priority, any personal grudges can be set aside. You're a discerning man, Lord Wu. Wen Boyuan wants these men left behind simply because he sees how close they are to me and thinks it undermines his authority. He's using this opportunity to weaken my strength and take back control."
Wu Jingshan chuckled. "You see things clearly, Lord Hu. As the saying goes, yield a little and the wind and waves will calm; take a step back and the sea and sky open wide."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "You ought to say that to Wen Boyuan, Lord Wu. If I kept retreating, I'd be back in the Kang Capital by now."
Wu Jingshan smiled. "Look at it another way. A hundred years of cultivation earns a shared boat crossing; a thousand earns a shared pillow. Being able to travel together is a kind of destined connection."
Hu Xiaotian said, "To tell you the truth, Lord