Hu Xiaotian said, "When it comes to loyalty, with Lord Wu here, I would only dare claim second place."
"You flatter me!" Arm in arm, the two walked to the rail facing the other ship. Wu Jingshan lowered his voice. "Is something amiss?"
"Prepare before the rain comes! Prevent trouble before it starts!" Hu Xiaotian looked up and saw Princess Anping standing on the opposite deck. Their eyes met, and in that instant, an indescribable feeling welled up in Long Xiyue's heart. A hundred conflicting emotions flooded her, choking off her words.
Hu Xiaotian's heart tightened. Suddenly, he felt as though they were parting forever, separated by life and death. Then he saw Zhou Mo and Zhan Peng both standing guard behind Princess Anping, and his heart immediately settled. With those two good brothers looking after her, they could keep her safe even if trouble arose. At this juncture of life and death, he had to keep a clear head and could not let romantic feelings ensnare him. Wen Boyuan harbored ill intentions; in all likelihood, he meant to tamper with the ship carrying the princess.
Although Wu Jingshan found it strange, he had never considered that Wen Boyuan might intend to harm Princess Anping. Stroking his goatee, he asked, "Lord Hu, why aren't you staying beside the princess?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "There are two ways to protect someone. One is to guard her closely. The other is to watch the danger and never give it a chance to approach her."
Surprise flashed in Wu Jingshan's eyes. "You suspect..."
"Perhaps I'm being overly suspicious," Hu Xiaotian said. "For the princess's safety, too much caution is better than none."
Hu Xiaotian's words only deepened Wu Jingshan's suspicions. Stroking his goatee, he thought, *Why did Wen Boyuan refuse to share the princess's