"Brother Taibai... why did Qiao Niang suddenly bring him up?" Hu Ze's Avatar still knew nothing and looked surprised.
Qiao Niang said, "Her Highness happened to discover that there is something questionable about his identity. You had better stop associating with him."
Hu Ze's Avatar said, "Brother Taibai actually caught Her Highness's discerning eye? But why would she say that? I met him on the Other Continent. Had he not taught me the meanings of the classics, I fear I would still be an ignorant great monster, knowing neither ritual law nor reverence. In that sense, Brother Taibai did show me the kindness of recognizing my worth..."
"Have you never considered that he might have had ulterior motives in teaching you the classics?" Qiao Niang's lips moved as though she wanted to reveal some inside information to Hu Ze, but she held back in the end.
She also knew that an outsider should not drive a wedge between those who were close. Clearly, Tang Taibai held a far higher place in Hu Ze's heart than she did as Zhang Mountain's envoy, and some things were difficult to state outright.
Hu Ze's Avatar watched her reaction and wisely refrained from asking further questions. He merely murmured to himself, "I will handle matters concerning the Confucian Sect properly. Her Highness can rest assured as well. I always remember my origins. My study of Confucian arts is only meant to draw upon the true intent of their cultivation realms."
"Besides, with this upheaval in the Sacred Capital, the Confucian Sect has weakened. They need someone of my standing to mediate and preserve harmony, properly managing relations with Lord Yue, Lord Lu, and the others. Her Highness plans far ahead. Surely she would also wish to see me cultivate broad connections and find favor