Hu Xiaotian said, "The Great Yong merchant caravan was passing through my territory when trouble struck, so naturally I must bear some responsibility. But before the truth has even been established, you come here demanding answers and throwing your weight around. You have no sincerity whatsoever. Go back and tell your General Tang that I know exactly what he has in mind. If he truly wants to resolve this, we can discuss it. But if he is merely looking for an excuse to seize Great Kang's land, then let him come and try."
Liu Yuncai said, "Since you refuse to recognize the situation, Lord Hu, do not blame us for disregarding our old ties." He cupped his hands toward Hu Xiaotian. "Farewell!"
Hu Xiaotian gave a cold snort and flicked his sleeve. "I won't see you out!"
After Liu Yuncai left, Xiong Tianba said excitedly, "Third Uncle, are we going to war? Good! Let me lead the vanguard. I'll slaughter those Great Yong dogs and bring you Tang Boxi's head."
Hu Xiaotian glared at him. "All you know is fighting and killing. They have fifty thousand elite troops and more than two hundred warships. What do we have? Are we supposed to go head-to-head with them using three thousand newly recruited soldiers?"
Xiong Tianba said, "We can't just sit around waiting to die, can we?"
Hu Xiaotian summoned Liang Yinghao and ordered him to leave immediately for Wuxing Commandery to seek assistance from Zhao Wusheng. After all, Wuxing Commandery had thirty thousand naval troops and over three hundred warships of various sizes. Although it could not compare with the Nanyang Water Fortress, if it was willing to lend a hand, it could at least give Tang Boxi pause. He also ordered Xiong Tianba to strengthen security at Xiasha Port to