Hu Xiaotian smiled. "There really isn't anything I want. Why not promise to owe me a reward, Your Majesty? Once I think of something, I'll come ask you for it."
Xue Shengkang laughed. "You certainly have nerve. You're the first person who has dared make such a demand of me."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Your Majesty is a wise ruler. Naturally, you wouldn't take offense at a nobody like me."
Xue Shengkang said, "I'm immensely gratified to hear you call me a wise ruler. You once served in the Great Kang Imperial Palace as well. In your eyes, which of us is wiser-me or your Great Kang sovereign?"
Hu Xiaotian gave a bitter smile. "Your Majesty has posed an impossibly difficult question. I can only choose not to answer."
Xue Shengkang said, "Then don't answer. I hear you're the son of Lord Hu, Great Kang's minister of revenue. Your father rendered countless meritorious services to Great Kang, only to meet such an end. How do you truly feel about that?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "Your Majesty's questions grow sharper by the moment. I can only keep playing dumb."
Xue Shengkang smiled. "You needn't be afraid. I admire you greatly. If you're willing, I'll keep you here to serve Great Yong. How would you like to head the Imperial Medical Academy?"
Hu Xiaotian replied with trepidation, "Your Majesty thinks far too highly of me. What virtue or ability do I possess? How could I dare shoulder such an important responsibility?"
Xue Shengkang said, "When appointing people, I never look at their background or seniority. What I value is ability. So long as you have it, I'll give you the chance to display your talents and fulfill your ambitions. Great Yong's achievements today owe something to my ability to recognize talent and put it