Xue Lingjun said, "So we have never intended to drive a wedge between Great Kang and Western Sichuan. We came simply to offer birthday congratulations. We would never waste our efforts on something futile." She paused. "But just because Great Yong won't do it doesn't necessarily mean your wishes will come true. I hear that even Great Kang's Prince of Zhou, Long Yefang, has been kept under house arrest in the Western Prefecture all this time. Perhaps Li Tianheng wouldn't mind keeping one more person." Her beautiful eyes gave Hu Xiaotian a meaningful look. "You nearly became Li Tianheng's son-in-law once, didn't you?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "Now that you put it that way, Sister Jun, I'm beginning to feel that danger really does lurk on every side here in the Western Prefecture."
Xue Lingjun said, "Only now do you realize that I truly care about you?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "I've always known." He looked up and saw the sun sinking in the west. Only then did he realize that, absorbed in talking with Xue Lingjun, he had let the hour grow late. He hurriedly rose to take his leave.
Xue Lingjun said softly, "If you don't want to go, you can stay and keep me company."
Hu Xiaotian already understood Xue Lingjun's temperament very well. She was constantly wielding her seductive arts; if he took her seriously, he would probably fall into her trap. He said, "I still have important matters to attend to. When I have time another day, I'll come visit you and Big Brother again."
Xue Lingjun seemed reluctant to part with him and escorted him all the way outside the gate. After saying goodbye to her, Hu Xiaotian swung into the saddle. Liang Yinghao and Tang Tiexin guarded him on either side. Tang Tiexin could not