"Why?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "To be frank, Your Majesty, I was once betrothed to Li Wuyou, the daughter of the Li Family, and was implicated when the Western Sichuan Li Clan declared independence. I do not believe I am a suitable choice for an envoy to Western Sichuan."
Long Xuan'en said, "I know about that. The Western Sichuan Li Clan declared independence to raise troops in defense of the throne. Li Tianheng has always been unwaveringly loyal. How could he willingly become a rebel cursed by all?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "If that is so, why is he still unwilling to return to Great Kang?"
Long Xuan'en smiled. "Only because he has misgivings and fears I will hold him accountable for carving out his own domain in Western Sichuan." He took a letter from his sleeve and waved it before Hu Xiaotian. "I decided to send you as my envoy because I received this secret letter from him. In it, Li Tianheng explicitly expresses his willingness to submit to Great Kang."
Hu Xiaotian was taken aback. He had heard nothing of this. Li Tianheng had actually written of his own accord to express his willingness to submit.
Long Xuan'en said, "Among all the officials at court, there are few I can truly trust. This mission to Western Sichuan carries a heavy responsibility. To confer the title of king upon Li Tianheng, I need someone of suitable rank and standing. After much consideration, you alone seem fit to go."
Hu Xiaotian cursed inwardly. Like hell I believe you. Who knows whether that letter in your hand is even genuine?
Long Xuan'en said, "Western Sichuan is not merely Great Kang's southwestern gateway, but also an important granary. Securing Western Sichuan would ease Great Kang's famine. Hu Xiaotian, are you willing to serve Great