Chapter 1315: Confrontation Face‑to‑Face (Part 2)

Qiqi quietly reminded Hu Xiaotian, "You need to be careful when speaking to my elder imperial brother." Since Hu Xiaotian opposed returning the prince's residence to Long Tingzhen, Qiqi felt he might cause trouble; seeing Long Tingzhen approach, she hurriedly greeted, "Third Imperial Elder Brother!"

Long Tingzhen said affectionately, "Imperial younger sister!" His gaze fell on Hu Xiaotian's face; logically and emotionally, Hu Xiaotian should have greeted him first.

Hu Xiaotian merely gave him a slight nod, his expression showing arrogance and indifference; he didn't even put this fallen third prince in his eyes.

Long Tingzhen sneered, "Isn't this my future brother-in-law?"

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, "Who did I think you were? Turns out you're the Third Highness—you're not dead!"

That sentence made Long Tingzhen's face turn ashen; since following Hong Beimo's medicinal body refinement, his temperament had become increasingly irritable, the smile on his face vanished, and he coldly stared at Hu Xiaotian, saying, "You're still alive—how could I bear to go ahead first?"

Although Qiqi had anticipated that their meeting might be unpleasant, she didn't expect them to be at each other's throats the moment they met; this Hu Xiaotian didn't even observe basic etiquette—Long Tingzhen is not only the current imperial grandson but also her third brother, and at least in public they should observe proper hierarchy; Hu Xiaotian's behavior was truly overbearing.

Hu Xiaotian smiled, "Sure enough, the good die young while evil lives a thousand years—some people really have a charmed life!"

Long Tingzhen, hearing Hu Xiaotian insult him to his face, could no longer suppress his anger and roared, "Hu Xiaotian, what are you? Dare to be rude to me!" He stepped forward, and a chilling killing intent radiated outward.

Hu Xiaotian also felt his breath catch, and he couldn't help but find it strange; in his impression, Long Tingzhen's martial arts were quite ordinary, yet the killing aura emanating from him suggested he had reached the level of a top-tier expert.

Qiqi feared they would continue clashing; she hurriedly stepped in front of Hu Xiaotian and exclaimed, "Third Imperial Elder Brother, don't stoop to his level—he's drunk!"

Long Tingzhen suppressed his anger through gritted teeth, saying, "For Qiqi's sake, I won't stoop to your level." He flicked his sleeve and strode away.

Hu Xiaotian watched Long Tingzhen's retreating back with a half-smile, his face full of indifference.

Qiqi sighed, "Why are you provoking the third imperial elder brother?" Seeing Hu Xiaotian's frivolous smile, she immediately understood his intent and snapped, "Are you doing this on purpose? Do you want to stir up trouble between me and my brother?"

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, "Exactly—I just find him displeasing. When the emperor met disaster and was imprisoned in the Misty Peak Heavenly Palace, did he ever lift a finger? He's been comfortably enjoying his princehood, busily vying for the crown prince position, while when Dakang fell into crisis, what has he done? You've painstakingly managed to achieve the current situation—what gives him the right to reap rewards without effort?"

Qiqi hastily reached out to cover Hu Xiaotian's mouth, spitting, "What nonsense are you spouting? Don't you see where we are? You dare to say anything!"

What Hu Xiaotian wanted was to disrupt Qiqi's plans; this young lady is ambitious, and if Long Tingzhen became heir apparent, she would likely be the most unwilling—though she hides it in public. Hu Xiaotian must force her to reveal her true thoughts, thereby finding a common goal and renewing cooperation with his fiancée.

At that moment, seeing Senior Eunuch Wang Qian emerge from the palace, he smiled from afar, "The Princess and Sir Hu indeed haven't left. The emperor just felt a bit better, so he sent this old servant to check; if you haven't gone, please come in to see him."

Qiqi and Hu Xiaotian exchanged a glance; both understood that the old emperor's sudden change of mind must be due to hearing about what just happened—after all, their clash with Long Tingzhen occurred outside the palace, with many eyes around, surely someone reported it to the emperor.

Qiqi smiled at Wang Qian and said, "Master Wang, please lead the way."

Wang Qian walked ahead trembling, Hu Xiaotian followed, but Qiqi grabbed his arm and whispered, "When you see His Majesty, you must not speak recklessly."

Hu Xiaotian smiled faintly, "Don't worry, I know exactly what should and shouldn't be said."

Qiqi now couldn't rest easy; troublemakers never fear big trouble, and she had sensed some clues—Hu Xiaotian's return this time was clearly to stir things up; she truly worried he would ruin her grand plan. Her collaboration with Hong Beimo is unknown to Hu Xiaotian, and she couldn't possibly tell him, but Hu Xiaotian's recent behavior clearly shows that the virtuous do not come.

Hu Xiaotian knew he would eventually have to meet the old emperor; he already understood Long Xuan'en's current situation. The longevity‑seeking old emperor now also faces trouble, and his once‑inseparable partner Hong Beimo is beginning to show a rift; if he could make good use of this, perhaps he could turn the tide.

Long Xuan'en did not get the answer he wanted from Zhou Ruiyuan; Zhou Ruiyuan was overly cautious, and Long Xuan'en noticed his close attendants dwindling. Long Tingzhen's appearance is no coincidence—perhaps, as Zhou Ruiyuan analyzed, what happened during his disappearance? Had Hong Beimo discovered him earlier but waited for the right moment to reveal it? Now, letting Long Tingzhen step into the spotlight, what is Hong Beimo's motive? Does he intend to replace Long Xuan'en? Long Xuan'en's wariness of Hong Beimo grows. Recall that Hong Beimo previously had no interest in court affairs, yet lately he has taken an active concern for the heir apparent—a most unusual shift.

Hu Xiaotian and Qiqi approached Long Xuan'en side by side; Hu Xiaotian hurried forward, knelt before Long Xuan'en, and said, "Your servant Hu Xiaotian pays homage to Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand, ten thousand years!" In his heart, however, he cursed that old immortal wretch.

Long Xuan'en looked at Hu Xiaotian before him, his expression unexpectedly amiable, and softly said, "Rise, let me have a look."

Hu Xiaotian rose and stepped back to stand beside Qiqi.

Long Xuan'en gazed at the handsome couple before him, inwardly sighing; outwardly, Hu Xiaotian and Qiqi made a fine match, a talented man and beautiful woman. He smiled, "Hu Xiaotian, I didn't expect you to return so soon."

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, "How could I dare delay when Your Majesty summons me? Besides, having been away from Kangdu for so long, I'm indeed homesick, my heart yearning to return like an arrow."

Long Xuan'en actually teased, "You're not homesick—you're missing Qiqi, right?"

That remark made Qiqi's cheeks flush crimson; she pouted, "Your Majesty! How can you also start teasing us?"

Hu Xiaotian openly nodded, "Your Majesty, I heard you intend to help me and the princess marry; I'm overjoyed, wishing I could grow wings on my ribs and fly back immediately." Though he exaggerated, the fact is he really did fly back.

Qiqi, hearing this, though somewhat doubtful, still felt delighted, thinking to herself, "It seems he still cares about me."

Long Xuan'en said, "Seeing you so devoted, I can relax. You've finally returned after great effort; this time I grant you an extended leave, allowing you to stay in Kangdu to keep Qiqi company for a while." His meaning was clear: kid, since you've come, just stay put obediently.

Qiqi's heart sank; Hu Xiaotian might not agree.

Hu Xiaotian, however, still wore an overjoyed expression: "Thank you, Your Majesty; I share that view. Actually, the situation in Dongliang Jun has basically stabilized, and my reason for returning this time is also that I can temporarily let go—this early return is to properly prepare my wedding with the princess. I was about to ask Your Majesty to let me stay longer in Kangdu, never expecting Your Majesty to be so considerate; I, a humble servant, am moved to tears."

Long Xuan'en silently cursed this hypocrite—clearly unwilling yet putting on such a happy front; this brat is indeed a deceitful villain.

Qiqi also knew Hu Xiaotian's words were surely not sincere, merely meant to placate the old emperor; but whatever, first get past this hurdle—if he refused outright, the emperor might punish him.

Long Xuan'en said, "Hu Xiaotian, Qiqi, feel free to share any thoughts you have on the wedding; I dote on Qiqi the most, and I will certainly help you hold a splendid ceremony."

Qiqi replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I don't want it too extravagant—after all, Dakang hasn't overcome its crisis, the state needs funds, and there's no need to spend lavishly on our wedding."

Long Xuan'en deliberately put on a stern face, "How can I marry off my granddaughter casually? Are you trying to make the world laugh at me for being unfeeling?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "Your Majesty is right; although I also don't favor extravagance, if it's too simple I fear it would wrong the princess."

Qiqi glared at him; this fellow's motives surely aren't that simple.

Long Xuan'en laughed, "It seems you and I are thinking alike, Hu Xiaotian—what do you request?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "I really shouldn't be making requests, but if I don't speak up, I fear it would wrong the princess."

Qiqi frowned, unsure what he wanted to say, and Long Xuan'en was also curious—what exactly is this fellow going to ask for?

Hu Xiaotian said, "Just now I and the princess visited the Prince Consort's Residence you specially built for us; your imperial grace is vast, and I am grateful to tears, but this residence isn't suitable for the princess to live in after marriage."

Qiqi blinked, wondering why she hadn't heard him say that while they were at the Prince Consort's Residence.

Long Xuan'en sounded puzzled, "How so? Do you think the renovations to the Prince Consort's Residence don't suit your taste? I specially had Mr. Hong oversee this; it's no problem, and since your wedding is still a month away, changes can still be made."

Qiqi said, "I don't think there's anything wrong with it." (To be continued~^~)