When Hu Xiaotian led his men to Qichen Palace, Cao Xi stood alone outside the gates. He calmly surveyed the approaching party and called out, "Lord Hu, why have you gathered so many men and brought them here?"
Hu Xiaotian inwardly admired him. Cao Xi had some courage, daring to come out alone to meet so many men. He cupped his hands from horseback and said, "Greetings, Captain Cao. We have come specifically to pay our respects to the princess. Please let us through."
Cao Xi said, "With such a show of force and so many men, Lord Hu, surely you have come for more than merely paying your respects!"
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "You saw right through me. That's right. Every time we enter Qichen Palace, you people make trouble, so I brought a few more brothers along. If you still refuse to show me any consideration this time, Lord Cao, we may have to fight again. But don't worry. None of us brought weapons. At worst, we'll settle things with our fists and feet."
Cao Xi cursed inwardly. You really have no respect for anyone. How dare you act so arrogantly on our Great Yong's territory? Do you think cozying up to the Prince of Yan means you've found someone to back you? Still, his attitude was clearly much better than last time. He said evenly, "Did you not come here for the marriage alliance, Lord Hu? Great Yong and Great Kang are about to become kin through marriage. Aren't you afraid such behavior will damage our friendly relations?"
Hu Xiaotian sneered inwardly. Damage relations, my ass. You obviously saw how many men I brought this time and lost your nerve. He smiled. "We weren't the ones who damaged relations first."
Cao Xi said, "You two lords are welcome