Chapter 1237: [Muddy Waters] (Part 2)

Xue Lingjun's beautiful eyes flashed, and she whispered, "Who else do you want to kill?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "If Buddha blocks the way, kill Buddha; if god blocks the way, kill god!"

Xue Lingjun giggled, laughing until she shook, and after a while she stopped: "Why don't we kill Yan Dongsheng, huh?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "Yan Dongsheng is just a waste; killing him or not means little to us. The truly clever approach is to make him feel afraid, to make him waver in his cooperation with Xue Daohong."

Xue Lingjun said, "I knew you had many devious plans."

Hu Xiaotian said, "You can fool others, but not you, Elder Sister."

At this moment, Steward Xiao Lizhi walked toward the waterside pavilion, and the two stopped talking.

Xiao Lizhi came before Hu Xiaotian to report, saying, "Sir, Young Master Zou Yong has arrived."

Hu Xiaotian and Xue Lingjun exchanged a smile—truly, speak of Cao Cao and he appears—and Hu Xiaotian said, "Please let him in."

After Xiao Lizhi left, Xue Lingjun said, "Do you need me to investigate him thoroughly?"

Hu Xiaotian smiled and said, "Elder Sister, are you thinking of using seduction?"

Xue Lingjun sighed and said, "I'm already old and my charms have faded; I can't even tempt you, let alone that handsome Young Master Zou Yong."

Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaotian shook his head like a rattle drum and said, "That's wrong; judging a man by appearance alone is foolish—there are plenty of silver-plated spearheads in this world, and usefulness is the true essence."

Xue Lingjun bit her lip, her seductive eyes almost dripping with water, and said, "You speak so well—how do I know you're not just a silver-plated spearhead?"

Zou Yong always displays the bearing of an exceptionally handsome man whenever he appears—his dress and looks are such that even Hu Xiaotian can't help but admire him; this guy is truly good-looking, and even if I appeared in my true form, I might not surpass him. Of course, that's only appearance; when it comes to temperament and charm, I should still have the edge, winning with masculinity.

Since Zou Yong appeared, Xue Lingjun's gaze has fallen on him, her beautiful eyes showing a mix of delight and appreciation. Although Hu Xiaotian knows she is acting, her performance is so lifelike that he feels a twinge of jealousy.

Zou Yong smiled, clasped his fists, and said, "Zou Yong pays his respects to the Grand Princess, Your Highness!"

Xue Lingjun smiled charmingly and said, "Young Master Zou, are you looking for him?" She extended her slender white hand and pointed at Hu Xiaotian.

Zou Yong laughed and said, "I came both to visit Hu Caidong and to see the Grand Princess; I heard she was startled last night at the Fu Qing Pavilion, so I came especially to inquire after her."

Xue Lingjun bit her cherry lips, her pretty face showing a lingering fright. She whispered, "Even now, thinking of this incident makes my heart race!" Her fearful expression evoked pity.

A hint of displeasure appeared on Hu Xiaotian's face: "Young Master Zou, what business do you have with me?"

Zou Yong smiled and said, "Regarding business matters, the affairs you entrusted to me have already shown some clues."

Hu Xiaotian raised his eyebrows and smiled.

Zou Yong glanced at Xue Lingjun, and Hu Xiaotian said, "It's fine. The Grand Princess is no outsider—just speak freely."

Zou Yong secretly sighed, wondering how such a beauty as Xue Lingjun could have taken a liking to this unprepossessing fellow, now having moved from the Fu Qing Pavilion to the Know Spring Garden. Doesn't she fear being laughed at by the world? He sat down on the long bench, and Hu Xiaotian had a servant bring tea.

Zou Yong said, "The Treasure Gathering House is a case personally overseen by the King. I, Zou, am unable to help, but I still have some other reliable sources of goods—I wonder if you, Brother Hu, are interested." Mentioning the Treasure Gathering House in front of Xue Lingjun was deliberate; Zou Yong just wanted to see her reaction.

Upon hearing the three words "Treasure Gathering House," Xue Lingjun's brows furrowed. She coldly looked at Hu Xiaotian and said, "Big Rich Hu, are you scheming about the Treasure Gathering House?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "I was just asking casually, I have no designs on it." Zou Yong's intention went without saying.

Zou Yong laughed and said, "Yes, Brother Hu is just asking about business matters."

Xue Lingjun glared at Hu Xiaotian and said, "Big Rich Hu, what exactly are you doing behind my back?"

Hu Xiaotian embarrassedly looked at Zou Yong, who put on an innocent face and said, "The Grand Princess must be mistaken—about the Treasure Gathering House..."

Xue Lingjun angrily said, "Don't mention the Treasure Gathering House in front of me; the Treasure Gathering House affair has nothing to do with me or with Da Yong. It happened in Bohai State—investigate it yourselves, and if you find problems, just handle them. Big Rich Hu, are you trying to meddle in the Treasure Gathering House affair under my banner? What's your motive? Are you trying to drag me down? Speak!" She pointed at Hu Xiaotian's nose, her eyebrows rising in accusation.

Hu Xiaotian, speechless from the questioning, suddenly stood up, pointed at Zou Yong's nose, and cursed, "Zou Yong, what's your motive? When did I ever tell you about the Treasure Gathering House? You deliberately reversed right and wrong in front of the Grand Princess, creating conflict—you, you, you... you're making me furious!"

Zou Yong gave a bitter smile and said, "Brother Hu, don't misunderstand; Grand Princess, please calm down." Actually, he hoped the two would become enemies.

The angrier Hu Xiaotian got, the more he said: "Someone! See the guest out!"

Zou Yong stood up awkwardly, after all, this is someone else's territory.

Xue Lingjun angrily said, "Big Rich Hu, how dare you be rude to my guest? It's you who should leave!"

Hu Xiaotian fiercely flicked his sleeve, feeling his pride wounded, and walked away!

Behind him, Zou Yong's voice sounded: "Brother Hu, Brother Hu, you must not misunderstand..."

Watching Hu Xiaotian's retreating back, Xue Lingjun felt a sudden urge to laugh, but Zou Yong is so sharp that their little act probably couldn't fool him. She sighed softly and said, "Young Master Zou, you needn't pay him any mind—his vision is short-sighted, he pursues only profit! He never grasps the big picture."

Zou Yong gave a bitter smile and said, "Your Highness, Zou Yong absolutely has no intention of stirring up trouble."

Xue Lingjun stared into his eyes and said, "Tell me the truth—did Big Rich Hu ask you to help investigate the Treasure Gathering House?"

Zou Yong looked somewhat embarrassed, and after a moment he nodded and said, "I see that Hu Caidong also has no other intentions."

Xue Lingjun said, "Young Master Zou, you are a sensible person; you should know what ought to be done and what ought not. I don't want to ask about the Treasure Gathering House affair, and if anyone from my entourage asks you about it, you need not reply. Do you understand?"

Zou Yong said, "Your Highness, I understand."

Xue Lingjun sat down, feeling somewhat forlorn.

Zou Yong, beside her, advised, "Your Highness, do not be angry; today's affair arose solely from my momentary slip of the tongue."

Xue Lingjun let out a faint sigh and said, "You don't understand; actually, I have a very clear grasp of the present situation in my heart."

Zou Yong's heart stirred; he came to sit beside Xue Lingjun and said solicitously, "Your Highness, what worries weigh on your mind? If you wish to tell me, perhaps I can ease your burdens."

Xue Lingjun shook her head and said, "Forget it; you don't understand, and no one will." As she spoke, tears glimmered in her beautiful eyes. Seeing her like this, Zou Yong's heart was moved, but he immediately reminded himself to be wary of Xue Lingjun—her relationship with Big Rich Hu ought to be unbreakable, who knows whether that little act just now wasn't staged for his benefit?

Zou Yong smiled and said, "If the Grand Princess doesn't speak, how would you know I don't understand?"

Xue Lingjun raised her head to gaze at the sky and said, "Last night someone sneaked into the Fu Qing Pavilion and killed three of my personal guards."

Zou Yong nodded and said, "I heard about it, which is why I came to offer condolences."

Xue Lingjun turned to him and said, "They must have been trying to kill me!"

Zou Yong said, "Your Highness, there's no need to worry; the King has already ordered the Feather Forest Army to launch a search throughout Wanghai City, determined to capture the culprits, and has strengthened your protection. I believe your safety will not be compromised."

Xue Lingjun shook her head and said, "If someone wants to kill me, I doubt even your King could stop it."

Zou Yong laughed and said, "You overthink it; in Bohai State, there's nothing the King cannot do." Actually, he had already discerned the hidden meaning in Xue Lingjun's words: she was saying that whoever wants to kill her is not from Bohai State.

Xue Lingjun nodded and said, "Young Master Zou, although we haven't known each other long, I feel you are a man of utmost sincerity, someone trustworthy." Her beautiful eyes locked onto Zou Yong, their penetrating gaze seeming to pierce his eyes and see into his heart: "Can I trust you, Your Highness?"

Zou Yong rose, clasped his fists, and bowed, saying, "I, Zou, will certainly not betray the Grand Princess's trust!"

Xue Lingjun said, "Zou Yong, if I can safely leave Bohai and return to Da Yong, I will certainly not let you down." Her voice suddenly lowered: "In Bohai State I have no one worthy of trust; can you help me investigate something?"

But please give orders!

Help this palace create an opportunity to meet Li ChenZhou.

Zou Yong heard the words and was startled; the first thing that came to mind was: could it be that Xue Lingjun has already noticed his and Li ChenZhou's connection? Upon further thought, it seems there is no possibility; perhaps Xue Lingjun simply wants to meet Li ChenZhou through me.

Zou Yong said: "I will do my utmost for this!"

After Zou Yong left, Xue Lingjun came to the small building where Hu Xiaotian was, seeing this rascal reading a book there, pretending not to notice her approach, Xue Lingjun came up behind him and covered his eyes with one hand: "Guess who I am?"

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help laughing out loud; Xue Lingjun also laughed, released his eyes, went around to face him and said: "How? Are you angry?"

Hu Xiaotian corrected: "Not angry, but jealous!"

Being able to make Sir Hu angry is truly my greatest honor.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Watching my lover flirt and quarrel with another man, I feel like I'm wearing a green hat."

Xue Lingjun chuckled, poked a finger at Hu Xiaotian's forehead, and said: "Do you think Zou Yong will see through our act?"

Hu Xiaotian put down the book in his hands and said: "He definitely will!"

Xue Lingjun said: "I had him help me create an opportunity to meet Li ChenZhou."

Hu Xiaotian said: "What I'm actually most worried about now is the Ministry of Punishments' affairs; Li Changxing is dead, I don't know who will succeed him to continue the case, but soon all the blame will likely be pointed at you."

You're referring to Xue Shengjing and Xue Lingjun. (To be continued~^~)