Hu Buwei said, "Xiaotian, you must seize this chance to escape Great Kang. Whatever you do, never come back." His heart was filled with anxiety and concern. At the thought of his precious son venturing deep into the tiger's den again, his mind fell into turmoil.
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Father, I'm no longer the frail scholar who couldn't even truss a chicken. It won't be so easy for His Majesty to harm me. If he wants to kill me, he'll have to wait until I've reached Western Prefecture safe and sound. This time, I'll make sure every one of his treacherous schemes comes to nothing."
"What do you intend to do?" Hu Buwei asked.
"Since the Imperial Court has shown us no benevolence, it can hardly blame us for showing no loyalty," Hu Xiaotian said. "Since he's made me the imperial son-in-law, I'll play that role properly. I'll help Qiqi ascend the throne and drag that old bastard off it."
Hu Buwei exclaimed in surprise, "You intend to rebel?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "Are kings, nobles, generals, and ministers born to their stations? Who decreed that this realm must belong to the Long Family?"
A knowing smile appeared at the corners of Hu Buwei's mouth. He patted his son lightly on the shoulder, realizing that his boy truly had grown up. "Exactly! Since he means to drive our Hu Family into a dead end, we father and son needn't speak of loyalty, trust, filial duty, or righteousness with him. Marry the princess, seize the Long dynasty's realm, and give this land a change of colors."
Hu Xiaotian said, "As long as I crush his plan to retake Western Sichuan, he'll have no choice but to rely on you, Father."
Hu Buwei nodded. Once they opened the sea route for transporting grain,