Hu Zhongyang said, "If you insist on having your own way, my lord, I fear you will chill the hearts of the people of Eastern Liang Commandery. We would have no reason to remain here, either."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Unless I misheard you, Master Hu, you seem to be threatening me?"
Hu Zhongyang's expression grew grave. "This humble commoner would not dare!"
Hu Xiaotian asked casually, "How many years have you been in Eastern Liang Commandery, Master Hu?"
Hu Zhongyang said, "I was born and raised here. Our Hu Family has conducted business here for seven generations-more than a hundred years, all told."
Hu Xiaotian nodded. "Then you must have a special attachment to this place, Master Hu?"
Hu Zhongyang nodded. "It is hard to leave one's native soil. To be frank with you, Lord Hu, in my heart, Eastern Liang Commandery has become part of my very life."
Hu Xiaotian said, "I understand that attachment. Without such sincere feelings for your hometown, you would not have stayed until now. I hear more than half the merchants in Eastern Liang Commandery have already moved to Great Yong. If protecting your own interests were your only concern, Master Hu, you would surely have moved north like the other merchants long ago."
Hu Zhongyang said, "Thank you for your understanding, Lord Hu. That is indeed why I am unwilling to leave."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Do you know the greatest difference between us?"
Hu Zhongyang said nothing, but thought, You are an official, and I am a commoner. That is the greatest difference between us.
Hu Xiaotian said, "To you, Eastern Liang Commandery is your homeland, and your attachment runs deep. My homeland, however, is not here. In other words, I do not feel as strongly about Eastern Liang Commandery as you do.