"I've already agreed with Wang Yang to rise together in righteousness and crush the rebellion. We'll work from within, while the Imperial Court works from-"
"Wait, Father!!! When?????!!!"
Yu Qianlou nearly jumped out of his skin! Even his voice cracked!
"Just now."
"Just-what?????"
Yu Qianlou seemed frozen in place, his eyes round as saucers and his mouth hanging wide open. He felt he understood less and less!
Yu Yi turned the teacup in his hand, his expression wholly unruffled by his son's panic, and spoke at an unhurried pace:
"What Wang Yang said carried two meanings. One was overt, which needs no explanation from me. That was what you and Tao Rui heard. The other was hidden-"
"A hidden meaning?"
"Yes. A meaning concealed beneath the words. For instance, when Tao Rui came before and said, 'If the Prince draws his sword, who in Jingzhou would dare oppose him?' I answered with a line from the Han music-bureau poem Approach the High Terrace-"
Yu Yi looked at his son and stopped speaking, a testing gleam in his eyes.
Yu Qianlou had long since memorized that poem. The question had also lain buried in his mind for ages! (See Chapter 328, "Urging the Horse On.") Now that his father had finally offered an opening, he immediately continued:
"I approach the high terrace and its lofty pavilion. Below lie waters clear and cold; along the river grow fragrant herbs called orchids."
Yu Yi nodded in satisfaction:
"Exactly. That is the line. On the surface, it describes ascending a terrace to gaze upon tranquil scenery. It means that while he threatened me with force, I remained composed and unhurried. But its hidden meaning answered Tao Rui's words.
"Didn't Tao Rui say that if the Prince of Badong drew his sword, no one in