Chapter 1310

Hu Xiaotian had Li Yuncong bring Liang Yinghao into the palace; although the secret passage connecting the Siyuan Bureau, Jade Pool, Zilan Palace, and Cangshuge was already known to many, it still had uses, and in the hands of Liang Yinghao, the tunneling expert, it could be turned from waste to treasure, forming a new hidden underground passage. Most importantly, they had been planning to dig a passage from outside the palace into the imperial palace, letting Liang Yinghao go deep inside, which was also to re‑plan it.

After Hu Xiaotian entrusted Liang Yinghao to Li Yuncong, he also gave him the mask belonging to Xiao Dezhi. Liang Yinghao is vigilant and skilled at tunneling, and with Li Yuncong's care, he should encounter no danger.

During the days Hu Xiaotian had infiltrated the imperial palace, Zhan Peng and his associates had already bought several civilian houses outside the palace, and Liang Yinghao, leading the Muddy Water Gang's men, had already dug through the basements of those houses. This was the method they had learned from the horse bandits of Tianlang Mountain when they went to Xichuan, except that Liang Yinghao improved upon their foundation, buying the houses not adjacent but spaced apart; according to his precise calculations, they dug from inside the rooms and connected them underground.

The drainage outlet they planned to use to enter the inner imperial palace had already been selected, but the moat's surroundings were tightly guarded, making entry not so easy; they had considered several plans, all rejected due to excessive risk, and Hu Xiaotian's return gave Liang Yinghao an opportunity for on‑site inspection.

Hu Xiaotian and Zhan Peng entered the room, where Zhan Peng briefly reported their recent progress: they had already made contact with Yang Lingqi, but following Hu Xiaotian's instructions they had not yet revealed his arrival in Kangdu.

Hu Xiaotian also shared some of what he had seen and heard in the palace, asking Zhan Peng to immediately arrange people to go to Tianlong Temple and spread the news that the monk Bu Wu was hiding in the imperial palace. He also had Zhan Peng invite Yang Lingqi to lunch at Swallow Cloud Tower at noon, so he could tell this old friend of his return.

At noon, Yang Lingqi and Zhan Peng went together to Swallow Cloud Tower. Not far from Easy Origin Hall, Hu Xiaotian and Zhan Peng had once stood up for justice there, rescuing Father and Daughter Fang Zhi Tang, and had also formed a grudge with Shi Bu Chui, the son of the Minister of Rites. Upon arriving, Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but recall the past. The world changes unpredictably; though Swallow Cloud Tower remains the same, the fates of those involved have undergone earth‑shaking transformations. He himself, once a idle good‑for‑nothing in the government office, has become a dominant force downstream of the Yong River, while Zhan Peng has become his loyal subordinate. As for the blind woman Fang Fang from back then, she is now engaged to Zhan Peng as his fiancée. The worst off is Shi Xuedong. Although he has achieved some modest success within the imperial palace, he inevitably ends up as a eunuch—a fate that, for a lecher, is the ultimate retribution.

While Hu Xiaotian sat in the private room lost in thought, he heard the door knocked lightly. After receiving permission, Zhan Peng and Yang Lingqi entered.

Although Yang Lingqi knew Zhan Peng had come for something important, seeing this unfamiliar face he could not recall where he had seen it before.

Hu Xiaotian laughed, "Brother Lingqi, please have a seat!" He did not disguise his voice. Hearing it, Yang Lingqi's face filled with astonishment; he stared blankly for a moment before reacting. His gaze remained fixed on Hu Xiaotian's face—though he recognized the voice as Hu Xiaotian's, the appearance and build differed too much, so Yang Lingqi dared not conclude.

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, "Brother Lingqi, you don't even recognize me now. When we met in Tianbo City, you weren't this surprised."

Upon hearing that, Yang Lingqi finally dared to affirm that the person before him was Hu Xiaotian, and he hastily bowed deeply, saying, "Lord Lingqi has eyes but no pearls, disappointing the young master!"

Hu Xiaotian smiled, "If you had recognized me at first glance, I would be the disappointed one." He then gestured for both to sit.

Yang Lingqi stared at Hu Xiaotian's face again, marveling inwardly; Hu Xiaotian is truly formidable—though he had heard before that people could disguise their faces, he had never imagined they could alter their physique.

After the three shared a drink, Yang Lingqi asked, "Young master, when did you return?"

Hu Xiaotian replied, "Just arrived, but for now I don't wish to show myself openly."

Yang Lingqi nodded, understanding Hu Xiaotian's intention to come discreetly, and sighed, "Actually, young master, you shouldn't have come back."

Hu Xiaotian slowly set down his cup and asked, "Brother Lingqi, what do you mean by that?"

Yang Lingqi said, "Haven't you heard the news about the Third Imperial Grandson, Long Tingzhen?"

Hu Xiaotian smiled, "This matter has already spread far and wide; soon everyone under heaven will know, so how could I be unaware?"

Yang Lingqi said, "Princess Yongyang has voluntarily resigned her title to the Emperor, not only returning her princely residence to Long Tingzhen but also handing over the Shen Ce Fu; in three days she will move her belongings out of the mansion and take up residence in the imperial palace."

Hu Xiaotian asked, "Did she consult you about this?"

Upon hearing Hu Xiaotian's question, Yang Lingqi couldn't help but give a wry smile and shake his head, saying, "Your Highness the Princess has been distancing herself from us lately, and I haven't seen her in a while."

Hu Xiaotian nodded; hearing this, it seemed Qiqi had indeed developed a strong wariness toward him, and she was on high alert regarding the people he had placed around her—first she found an excuse to send Huo Shengnan away, and she also began to cold‑shoulder Yang Lingqi, this strategist of outstanding wisdom. In fact, Hu Xiaotian had originally kept those people by her side out of goodwill, but now it seemed his kindness might not be appreciated. Recalling what Baobao had told him the previous night about the secret alliance between Hong Beimo and Qiqi, his mood grew ever heavier. Before coming to Kangdu, he had calmly considered his relationship with Qiqi; the best positioning for them would be as collaborators, then as husband and wife. Yet after returning to Kangdu he discovered that nothing was as smooth as he had imagined—Qiqi's guard against him was even tighter than he had anticipated. Whether as spouses or collaborators, their foundation must be mutual trust; without trust, the relationship cannot be stable. Perhaps it is time to meet Qiqi face to face and clarify her true thoughts.

Yang Lingqi said, "Young master, you should seek an audience with Princess Yongyang as soon as possible."

Hu Xiaotian lifted his head and glanced at Yang Lingqi; they had come to the same conclusion—plans cannot withstand change. Originally they had intended to conceal their identities while investigating the situation in Kangdu, but now it seemed they would have to reveal themselves earlier than planned.

Zhan Peng, who had been silent until now, said, "I fear Princess Yongyang may be detrimental to our lord."

Hu Xiaotian let out a hollow laugh; it seemed everyone around him harbored hostility toward Qiqi. Of course, this hostility partly stems from their differing standings, but a more important reason is their concern for him. To most people, his coming to Kangdu to marry looks like a gamble—a gamble with extremely slim odds. Hu Xiaotian realized that deep down he has a gambler's obstinacy; even if there is only a sliver of hope for victory, he still dares to go all in.

Yang Lingqi said, "In my view, before the wedding there shouldn't be too many changes; the court still harbors some apprehension toward the young master, and their most likely course is to try every means to keep him in Kangdu."

Hu Xiaotian replied, "When the cart reaches the mountain, a path will appear; when the boat reaches the bridge, it will go straight. My luck has always been decent; the court has never been able to stop me before, and this time will be no different."

Seeing Hu Xiaotian's confident gaze, Yang Lingqi and Zhan Peng simultaneously thought, "Indeed, Hu Xiaotian is no ordinary man—his martial prowess is superior and his wisdom outstanding. Moreover, with so many of us assisting him this time, the court would find it far from easy to trap him." Yang Lingqi whispered, "Young master, if you wish to command the overall situation, you must never overlook the role of the officials."

Hu Xiaotian smiled, "How so?"

Yang Lingqi said, "Although Dakang appears to be governed on the surface by Princess Yongyang, the true controllers of the bureaucracy and state affairs are the Chancellor Zhou Ruiyuan and the Grand Tutor Wen Chenghuan. Zhou Ruiyuan indeed excels in domestic affairs; Dakang's ability to survive storms, though it often seems on the verge of collapse, repeatedly turning peril into safety, is not merely due to its own luck but also to Zhou Ruiyuan's painstaking governance. As for Wen Chenghuan, he is also a skilled hand in diplomacy; although purchasing grain at high prices from Da Yong sacrificed some of Dakang's interests, he ultimately helped alleviate Dakang's famine. These two are the most powerful figures in Dakang's court."

Zhan Peng said, "Isn't the most powerful figure in Dakang's court Hong Beimo?"

Yang Lingqi laughed, "Although Hong Beimo enjoys the Emperor's deep trust, he rarely involves himself in state affairs; Dakang's governance is headed by Princess Yongyang, with the actual responsibility falling to these two men. Both are veteran officials who have weathered many storms, knowing how to keep their place. Since the Emperor's restoration, they have performed steadily and diligently in politics."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said, "That's right; we should pay them a visit."

Hu Xiaotian's intended visit was certainly not to Wen Chenghuan; years ago he and Wen Boyuan had escorted Princess Anping to Yongdu for her wedding, and Ji Feihua had devised a plan for him to assassinate Wen Boyuan en route. Although Wen Boyuan did not die directly by his hand, he was still closely connected to him. From various signs, it appears Wen Chenghuan has charged this debt to Hu Xiaotian's account, repeatedly scheming against him. Any chance of resolving their enmity and turning foes into friends is now gone.

As for Zhou Ruiyuan, Hu Xiaotian has no deep grudge with him; if anything, it stems from a childhood betrothal arranged by their parents, which Zhou Ruiyuan rejected because he considered Hu Xiaotian a fool, thus unilaterally tearing up the engagement. One wonders what Zhou Ruiyuan would feel upon seeing Hu Xiaotian's present accomplishments. After due consideration, Hu Xiaotian decided to first visit Zhou Ruiyuan's residence, hoping he might be of some help.

As Zhan Peng said, Zhou Ruiyuan's ability in domestic affairs is unsurpassed; after years of political life and many ups and downs, he sees the situation with great clarity. Although the court of Dakang has recently been bombarded with shocking news one after another, Zhou Ruiyuan remains unperturbed, and unless the Emperor summons him himself, he will never take the initiative to meddle in these matters, especially those concerning the ultimate fate of imperial authority.

It's Saturday; there's an event tonight—First Update delivered. (To be continued~^~)