Zhao Chongwu spoke first. "Lord Hu, what kind of men do you take us for? Our station may be humble, but we still know the meaning of righteousness. Every one of us bears responsibility for the task His Majesty entrusted to us. I cannot speak for anyone else, but I, Zhao Chongwu, will never retreat in the face of battle!"
Another warrior cried out excitedly, "Lord Hu, I, Yan Fei, am staying. Not for any mission or any duty, but for you! You have treated us with such honesty, Lord Hu. From this day onward, I swear to follow you to the death."
The others all began declaring their loyalty.
Wu Jingshan recognized Yan Fei as one of Wen Boyuan's trusted men. Seeing his expression, Wu Jingshan understood that not a single man would leave. Hu Xiaotian was truly formidable.
Everyone drank freely and heartily. By the time Yan Fei came over to offer Hu Xiaotian a toast, he was swaying so badly he could barely stand. Zhao Chongwu steadied him from the side, and Yan Fei raised his cup. "Lord Hu, I... I have wronged you..."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Yan Fei, you've had too much!"
"My lord, I haven't had too much. There are things I've been keeping from you all this time... Wen... Wen Boyuan wanted to get rid of you back in Black Pine Forest. Zhao Zhihe was the mole he planted... And that wasn't all. He also plotted to kill Princess Anping... He even bribed a palace maid serving the princess to poison her along the way..."
Wu Jingshan's expression changed. "Yan Fei, what are you saying?" he demanded sharply.
Hu Xiaotian merely burst out laughing. "He's drunk and talking nonsense. Don't take him seriously, Lord Wu. Zhao Chongwu, hurry and take him back to rest."