Chapter 1316

Hu Xiaotian bowed deeply to Long Xuan'en and said: "The Prince Consort's residence was rebuilt from the Minister's residence; Your Majesty should remember, my mother died of illness here. Although the matter is past, it hasn't been three years yet. If we make this our residence after marriage to the Princess, I fear ill fortune may occur."

"Er... this..." Long Xuan'en hadn't considered this; in his view, building the Prince Consort's residence was originally a trivial matter, choosing the Hu family's old residence was natural, yet he hadn't expected Hu Xiaotian to oppose, and the reasons sounded quite sufficient.

Qiqi originally wanted to say something but swallowed it when it reached her lips; she simply let Hu Xiaotian finish speaking, to see what scheme this bastard was plotting.

Long Xuan'en said: "Then I will pick another place for you."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but it's really not necessary to go to such trouble; the Princess and I have discussed it, and we have decided on the Yongyang Prince's residence as our new home."

Qiqi felt a buzz in her head, "Hu Xiaotian, Hu Xiaotian, when did you ever consult me?" No wonder this bastard today blocked the soldiers from taking down the plaque outside the prince's residence; it turns out he had this in mind. But I clearly promised to return the prince's residence to its original owner—doesn't this make me go back on my word?

Long Xuan'en glanced at Qiqi; he also felt something was off about this matter. Every move Hu Xiaotian made today was beyond his expectation—what exactly is this brat planning? Did he and Qiqi agree on this, or is it all his own idea?

Qiqi said: "Older brother Tian, I haven't agreed; I had already consented to return the Yongyang Prince's residence to the third prince, and besides, it originally was his manor; now he has returned. I ought to return it."

Long Xuan'en took the opportunity to say: "Yes, Qiqi indeed said so, and I also agreed." Meaning: you brat, don't cause trouble over this with me; it's already settled.

Hu Xiaotian said: "I only know that under heaven all land belongs to the king, and all who dwell on its shores are the king's subjects. I only know that the Yongyang Prince's residence was a gift from Your Majesty to the Princess, but I didn't know it originally belonged to the third prince all along."

Qiqi was about to interject, but Hu Xiaotian gave her a fierce stare; Qiqi was actually stunned by his vicious gaze—indeed, she was confused by him—this brat dared to glare at me, and right in front of the Emperor. Hu Xiaotian rose and cupped his hands, saying: "Although I have just returned to Kangdu, I have already heard that the Princess's title has been revoked; I don't know what wrong she has done. Your Majesty, must you treat her so?"

It turned out that glaring at Qiqi was just the beginning; now he began to direct his anger at the old emperor, boldly questioning him. Qiqi silently cursed Hu Xiaotian's deceit, for he was causing trouble under the banner of speaking up for herself. She whispered: "Older brother Tian..."

Hu Xiaotian glared at her again; he almost made her shut up on the spot.

Glare at me again? Qiqi was so angry she nearly fainted on the spot—who gave him such gall?

Long Xuan'en, old and crafty, was merely slightly taken aback, then he hehe laughed: "Xiaotian. You must be mistaken; I have not revoked Qiqi's title. It was Qiqi who voluntarily resigned, saying after marriage she would set aside her affairs and devote herself to being your wife."

Qiqi felt chilled hearing him say that—when did I ever say such a thing? I suspect you just want me to abandon all state affairs.

Hu Xiaotian said: "The Princess is naturally kind. Forbearing and modest, seeing the third prince return, she voluntarily asked the Emperor to resign; in fact she had unavoidable difficulties, mainly because she did not want to cause conflict with her brother of the same blood, to avoid arousing envy."

Qiqi snapped: "Hu Xiaotian, you're bold!" She felt it necessary to stop this bastard from continuing.

Long Xuan'en, however, displayed unprecedented patience, speaking softly: "Qiqi, let him say what he wants."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I, your servant, dare say I understand Qiqi somewhat; since Your Majesty ascended the throne again, Qiqi has served Dakang diligently, pouring her heart and blood; I have seen her hardship. To ease Your Majesty's worries, this frail woman does not shun labor, managing myriad affairs day and night—how many times has she stayed up late reading by lamplight to handle state affairs? Over the past year and more, how many sleepless nights has she endured?" Saying this, his eye sockets actually turned slightly red, as if moved by emotion.

Seeing him like this, Qiqi clearly knew this bastard was probably putting on an act eight or nine times out of ten, yet her heart also felt some relief—her hardship was at least noticed by someone.

Long Xuan'en sighed and said: "What you say, I can also see."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Your Majesty, when I was initially ordered to go to Dongliang Jun, I resisted from the bottom of my heart; if I could have stayed in the capital, I could at least help the Princess share her worries; even if I were incapable and unable to help, I could at least listen to her thoughts; but the Princess, considering the greater good, had me set aside personal feelings and guard Bei Jiang for Dakang, so I had no choice but to leave Kangdu. Since I left, how much pressure has the Princess endured, how much injustice has she suffered, and to whom could she confide her thoughts? Whenever I think of this, I feel remorse without end; over the past year and more, the person I have failed most is Qiqi."

Upon hearing this, Qiqi's eye sockets turned red; although she clearly knew Hu Xiaotian was mostly lying, her heart was still moved; she quietly turned away, afraid he would see her current state.

Long Xuan'en pursed his lips, seeming also moved by Hu Xiaotian's words: "Qiqi, I have made you suffer injustice."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I, your servant, constantly think of returning, but without Your Majesty's order I dare not act on my own; thus, upon hearing the news that Your Majesty would have me wed the Princess, I was overjoyed and immediately set out on the return journey; when I returned, some advised me, saying Your Majesty summoned me back because he believed slander, intending to punish me; others said that if I returned to Kangdu I would never be able to leave again; yet I still returned without hesitation, for I cannot betray trust and abandon righteousness, nor can I let the Princess endure such hardship, supporting her day after day with tearful eyes, gazing until autumn waters are exhausted."

This bastard's talent for stirring emotions is truly top-notch; Qiqi turned away, her fragrant shoulders trembling slightly.

Long Xuan'en said: "This is utter nonsense; why would I punish you?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Your Majesty is a wise ruler; I, your servant, may lack talent and virtue, but my conscience is clear. I have returned here for two reasons: first, to marry the Princess; second, to help Your Majesty ease his worries and resolve Dakang's difficulties. Yet upon returning, I heard that Your Majesty has revoked the Princess's title..."

Long Xuan'en interrupted him: "It was Qiqi herself who resigned!"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Given my understanding of Qiqi, her resignation was also to avoid making Your Majesty's position difficult; I dare say this: Your Majesty didn't even utter a word of retention—do you know how lost and anguished Qiqi feels in her heart?"

Qiqi suddenly turned her head, her beautiful eyes glistening with tears, yet her gaze was utterly astonished; this bastard Hu Xiaotian, your mouth can simply turn black and white upside down—when have I ever felt lost and anguished? Hu Xiaotian completely failed to notice her expression, he sighed and said: "Although the Princess is merely a woman, who has been easing Your Majesty's worries during this time? Your Majesty should see it clearly."

Long Xuan'en was actually left speechless by those words; after a moment he let out a long sigh: "It is my negligence; I did not consider your feelings." His gaze turned to Qiqi.

Qiqi hastily shook her head and said: "Your Majesty, don't listen to his nonsense; Qiqi does not feel wronged."

Long Xuan'en said: "Qiqi, you need not explain; I understand your feelings."

Hu Xiaotian secretly felt pleased; this impassioned speech seemed to have taken effect, little girl you aren't ambitious, are you? I might as well give you a push, to see which of us two will be the head of the household.

Long Xuan'en said: "Hu Xiaotian, I previously had some reservations about you, worrying that you had wronged Qiqi; but after hearing your words just now, I finally set my mind at ease."

Hu Xiaotian said: "How could I, your servant, have wronged Qiqi? Who would dare to wrong Qiqi? I would even sacrifice my life to help her seek justice."

Long Xuan'en's heart gave a jolt; he secretly thought, brat, are you saying this for my benefit? A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth: "Are you threatening me?"

Hu Xiaotian hastily bowed and said: "How dare I, your servant, offend heavenly majesty? Your Majesty loves Qiqi so dearly—how could you wrong her? In this world, the person who treats Qiqi best is Your Majesty; I, even with all my effort, can only rank second."

Long Xuan'en secretly sighed, this brat's eloquent tongue could make the dead speak; he calmly said: "You are pardoned!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Long Xuan'en said: "Qiqi, do you feel wronged in your heart?"

Qiqi shook her head, but before she could speak, Hu Xiaotian interjected: "Your Majesty asking like this—how is she supposed to answer?"

Long Xuan'en said: "Then you speak!"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Your Majesty, I, your servant, indeed have some words I cannot keep to myself; just now, when we two came to pay our respects to Your Majesty, it happened that the Emperor was resting, so we lingered outside awhile, and we happened to meet the third prince; out of courtesy I greeted him, yet he behaved arrogantly and rudely; I do not know why he is so haughty—over these years has he ever contributed anything to Dakang? Has he ever eased Your Majesty's worries even a bit? As fellow members of the imperial lineage, is there still a hierarchy? Is the Princess's forbearance seen by others as mere weakness?"

Qiqi hearing this brat twist truth and confuse perceptions felt both angry and amused; this brat lies without blinking an eye—just now it was clearly him who provoked Long Tingzhen, yet now it's all turned into Long Tingzhen's fault.

Long Xuan'en said: "Have you and Tingzhen had any personal grudges in the past?"

Hu Xiaotian shook his head: "No."

Long Xuan'en said: "We share the same roots—why rush to feud? You may go first; I will investigate this matter thoroughly, and if it is true, I will certainly not let him off lightly."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Actually, the Princess didn't forbid me from speaking; it is I, your servant, who insisted on speaking—I ought not to have said these things before Your Majesty, given my status and position I originally should not have blamed the third prince."

Long Xuan'en's face darkened as he said: "Hu Xiaotian, are you blaming me for revoking Qiqi's title?"

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