Chapter 1353

Hong Beimo saw off Yang Longyue and returned to the Qinzheng Hall, reporting to Qiqi the conversation he had just had with Yang Longyue on the way. Qiqi listened and said: "Yang Longyue is definitely not just out for a leisurely trip."

Hong Beimo said: "Yang Longyue is the most capable among the princes of Heavenly Fragrance State, but his birth determines that he is not successful in the royal family. I have received news that someone spent a great deal to have him eliminated." Qiqi frowned. Yang Longyue is merely an ordinary prince of Heavenly Fragrance State; who would want to eliminate him? She quickly concluded: "Is it the King of Heavenly Fragrance State?"

Hong Beimo whispered: "The Empress Dowager of Heavenly Fragrance State."

Qiqi, somewhat puzzled, said: "Her son has already ascended the throne; why would she still act against Yang Longyue?" The Empress Dowager Long Xuanjing of Heavenly Fragrance State is the younger sister of the late Dakang Emperor Long Xuan'en; by seniority, Qiqi should address her as grandaunt.

Hong Beimo said: "The King of Heavenly Fragrance State is weak by nature, usually only fond of Wuweng nongmo, flowers, snow, moon, and wind, lazy about state affairs; the Empress Dowager has always held power, and the old officials of Heavenly Fragrance State have long complained about this, but Yang Longyue is a strong figure, skilled in warfare and decisive in action, beloved in the army, thus arousing the Empress Dowager's vigilance; she therefore intended to use the occasion of Your Highness's wedding ceremony to eliminate Yang Longyue."

Qiqi snorted coldly: "Wouldn't that be framing me?"

Hong Beimo nodded: "Judging by the signs, this is indeed possible."

Qiqi felt a surge of anger; Dakang has suffered successive disasters, its strength continually weakened, and now even the former vassal Heavenly Fragrance State dares to scheme against them—truly a case of a fallen tiger bullied by dogs. She gritted her teeth: "I have not yet settled the matter of Hu Buwei with them, and now I add a new grudge. Do they think Dakang has reached the point where everyone can bully it?"

Hong Beimo said: "I have placed agents in Heavenly Fragrance State; I can confirm that Hu Buwei is there, always under the protection of the Empress Dowager of Heavenly Fragrance State."

Qiqi said: "If Long Xuanjing is inhumane, then don't blame me for forgetting our familial ties." Yet she suddenly thought: if Hong Beimo's earlier revelation about her origins was true, she has no imperial blood, and thus shares no blood relation with Long Xuanjing at all; naturally there can be no talk of familial affection.

Hong Beimo said: "This palace upheaval in Dakang will surely attract outside covetousness; they will certainly think the Dakang court is riddled with internal contradictions and unstable power, and perhaps someone will try to take advantage of this to harm Dakang."

Qiqi nodded; it was precisely out of this consideration that she temporarily halted action against Hu Xiaotian's side—repel external threats only after securing internal stability. The foremost problem before her was to consolidate domestic affairs, letting those officials who had become jumpy from frequent palace coups settle down.

Qiqi whispered: "If Yang Longyue dies within Dakang's borders, it will always be a trouble; although Heavenly Fragrance State is not a concern, now is not the time to quarrel with them."

Hong Beimo laughed: "If my deduction is correct, he will be passing through Hu Xiaotian's territory this time. If he encounters trouble there, we can disassociate ourselves from it, and even help Hu Xiaotian gain another enemy in the process."

Qiqi said: "Master Hong, you've thought of everything."

Hong Beimo respectfully said: "Serving Dakang with loyalty and fulfilling my duty to Your Highness is my responsibility."

Qiqi said: "This morning, Scholar Wen came to report that the grain Da Yong transports to us has increased in price by fifty percent over the original."

Hong Beimo frowned upon hearing this; Da Yong proposing a grain price hike at such a time is nothing short of profiteering from the fire.

Qiqi said: "All the neighboring states harbor the thought of striking when we are sick to kill us, each putting on a show to bully us."

Hong Beimo said: "It has always been this way; endure the moment's anger. When Dakang recovers its vigor, we will settle accounts with them one by one."

Hu Xiaotian originally wanted to ask Qin Yutong about Ren Tianqing, but only after finishing his various duties and recalling Qin Yutong did he learn that she was not currently in Dongliang Jun; asking Fang Fang revealed that Qin Yutong had left for Da Yong shortly after his trip to Kangdu, supposedly to go to the Shennong Society.

Liang Da Zhuang and Chang Fanqi returned to Dongliang Jun with the betrothal gifts they had failed to deliver; although they had made the trip in vain, everyone was safe. The retainers previously arrested by the court also returned one after another; Hu Xiaotian had thought Shi Xuedong would come along as well, but after inquiring he learned that Shi Xuedong had returned to his hometown with his father.

Knowing these people were safe, Hu Xiaotian relaxed. He sent out spies to gather information from all sides while intensifying military training. In the blink of an eye, summer arrived, and the weather in the Yongjiang basin began to grow sultry. Since Hu Xiaotian left Kangdu, the court has merely listed his crimes and slapped a label of rebellion on him, taking no further concrete action; it seems Qiqi understands Dakang's situation thoroughly, grasps the principle of securing internal stability before repelling external threats, and is not rushing to suppress rebellion but rather consolidating power and stabilizing the interior.

Heaven favored them; after years of famine, Dakang finally enjoyed a season of favorable winds and rains, the fields lush with green wheat—even Hu Xiaotian, an outsider, could see the prospect of a bountiful autumn harvest. It appears that after the change of rulership in Dakang, the nation's fortune has indeed shifted silently.

Hu Xiaotian stood on the northern dike of the Yongjiang River, gazing north over the endless wheat fields, seeing the people laboring in the fields and hearing their simple laughter; since food is heaven to the people, ordinary folk ask for little more than to be fed and clothed, and after enduring famine, finally seeing hope of a harvest, how could these people not beam with joy?

Liang Da Zhuang cheerfully came up behind Hu Xiaotian: "Young Master, a distinguished guest has arrived."

Hu Xiaotian asked: "A distinguished guest? What kind of distinguished guest?"

Liang Da Zhuang said: "Prince Fu of Heavenly Fragrance State, Yang Longyue."

Hu Xiaotian frowned; he had never met Yang Longyue, nor had he any official dealings with Heavenly Fragrance State, yet the situation there constantly tugged at his heart, for besides the father who abandoned him, there were also his sworn brothers who betrayed him, and the Princess Anping Long Xi Yue who haunted his dreams.

Hu Xiaotian did not know Yang Longyue's purpose—whether public or private. Upon hearing of his visit, he immediately returned to Dongliang Jun, where the prefect Li Mingcheng was accompanying Yang Longyue in conversation. Upon hearing Hu Xiaotian's arrival, both rose to greet him.

Yang Longyue had long heard of Hu Xiaotian's reputation, knowing he was a newly emerged youthful talent of Dakang; seeing Hu Xiaotian so young still came as a slight surprise.

Hu Xiaotian clasped his fists and bowed with a smile: "I did not expect Prince Fu's illustrious arrival; my failure to welcome you properly is my fault—please do not take offense."

Seeing Hu Xiaotian's courtesy, Yang Longyue felt even more favorably toward him, clasping his fists in return: "I and Lord Hu are strangers; my bold visit to Dongliang Jun is an intrusion—I hope Lord Hu will not hold it against me."

They both laughed, then reseated themselves; Hu Xiaotian had the tea changed and ordered Liang Da Zhuang to prepare a wine feast to welcome Yang Longyue and wash away his travel dust.

Hu Xiaotian asked: "I do not know where Prince Fu intends to go after passing through Dongliang Jun."

Yang Longyue said: "I am going to Shaoyuan to see my master." His master is Xie Tianyan, known as the Southwest Blade Saint; Xie Tianyan went to Da Yong three years ago and has not returned, still residing in Shaoyuan. Yang Longyue came to Dakang for the wedding ceremony, but an unexpected mishap occurred en route, and his mission was canceled with the annulment of Hu Xiaotian's marriage to the Yongyang Princess; he thus decided to take this opportunity to tour Da Yong at leisure, and incidentally visit his long‑unseen master in Shaoyuan.

Hu Xiaotian smiled: "Prince Fu, you should certainly stay a few more days; I happen to be free lately and can accompany you around."

Yang Longyue smiled: "To be frank, getting to know Lord Hu is one reason for my visit this time; I am also acting on someone else's commission."

"Oh?"

Yang Longyue said: "Lord Hu and I were actually supposed to meet in Kangdu; I had been ordered by the king to go there specially for the wedding ceremony, but upon arriving in Kangdu I learned that Lord Hu's marriage contract with the Yongyang Princess had already been canceled."

Hu Xiaotian chuckled: "Indeed, that makes our meeting a case of long‑awaited reunion."

Yang Longyue said: "I have also brought quite a few gifts for this wedding ceremony."

Hu Xiaotian thought to himself: "With the marriage called off, how could I possibly accept your gifts?"

Yang Longyue said: "One of the gifts must be handed to Lord Hu in person."

Hu Xiaotian smiled: "I do not know who has commissioned Prince Fu."

"Lord Hu will know upon reading it." Yang Longyue handed Hu Xiaotian a letter.

Hu Xiaotian took the letter and opened it; it was actually written by Hu Buwei. A quick glance showed its general content was an expression of remorse, emphasizing throughout that he had made this choice only under duress; it ended with congratulations on his and Qiqi's wedding, specially noting that Murong Feiyan was safe, and it also enclosed a map. Hu Xiaotian recognized at once that the map was of the Secretary's Residence, with a mark indicating what Hu Buwei intended to send as a wedding gift; moreover, the special mention of Murong Feiyan was not merely to reassure him but rather a threat.

Hu Xiaotian put the letter away, his expression unchanged, and asked: "Who commissioned Prince Fu to deliver this letter to me?"

Yang Longyue said: "Master Lan!"

Hu Xiaotian took a sip of tea: "I have never met this Master Lan."

In the morning I rise, first posting the First Update; there are activities from afternoon to evening, so I may not have time to type, but tomorrow I can return home, and I will try to make up the missing chapters; during the Double Period, please cast more Monthly Tickets! (To be continued~^~)