Hu Xiaotian said, "Open the gates, or I'll gouge out Zhao Dengyun's right eye first!" The dagger in his hand was already pressed against the rim of Zhao Dengyun's right eye socket. Now Zhao Dengyun truly felt a chill in his heart. Hu Xiaotian was ruthless and vicious; no wonder Ji Feihua valued him so highly. He had only his own carelessness to blame. He had thought victory was firmly in his grasp, all but guaranteed, yet Hu Xiaotian had found an opening and taken him hostage.
Zhao Wusheng was frantic. He shouted, "Uncle! As long as the green hills remain, there's no fear of running out of firewood! Please give the order to open the gates!" After nightfall, all four gates of Wuxing Commandery were shut tight. Without Zhao Dengyun's orders, none could be opened at will-not even Zhao Wusheng had that authority.
Though Zhao Dengyun was frightened, he still wore a stern, unyielding expression. As the governor of Great Kang's navy, if he admitted defeat so quickly, how could he command anyone's respect afterward? Closing both eyes, Zhao Dengyun roared, "You gelded scoundrel! Kill me, then! Do you think I'll submit to you?"
Hu Xiaotian sneered. "Who would have thought you really were a stone in a privy-stinking and stubborn!" His dagger slid downward. Instead of gouging out Zhao Dengyun's eye, he drove it viciously into his thigh. Furious that Zhao Dengyun had tried to frame him, he naturally put a measure of vengeance into the blow. Zhao Dengyun gave a muffled grunt, and when the dagger was pulled free, blood streamed down his leg.
"Uncle!" Zhao Wusheng actually dismounted and dropped to his knees. As soon as he knelt, every officer and soldier followed suit. Together they cried, "My lord, please give the order to open the