Chapter 1451

Hu Xiaotian heard the words and was stunned; in his impression, the King of Tianxiang, Yang Longjing, was merely a young literary aficionado who only knew how to indulge in wind and flowers, month after month, fond of Wuweng nongmo, never concerned himself with state affairs, and court affairs had always been handled behind the scenes by Empress Dowager Long Xuanjiao; yet I never expected him to want to ally with me—he must have some political vision and ability after all! It seems outside rumors are unreliable; how could he know that after this life-and-death catastrophe, Yang Longjing's outlook on life has fundamentally changed, and he has begun to face life positively and started to care about state affairs.

Yang Longjing's proposal was naturally exactly what Hu Xiaotian wanted; having one more ally is always better than having one more enemy, especially since he and the Tianxiang Kingdom are separated by Dakang's vast territory, with no way to reach each other across the border—you couldn't even reach each other with an eight-foot pole; of course, once Red Wood River is entrusted to me, everything changes—we become allies, non-aggressive and mutually supportive, which benefits me only; at least Red Wood River now has backup, and at least on the surface Tianxiang Kingdom remains Red Wood River's backing.

After Hu Xiaotian and Long Xi Yue left hand in hand, Yang Longjing had someone push him to the neighboring mother's room to visit; mother and son, having survived the calamity, clasped hands and both felt that the other was the closest person to them in this world, their most reliable reliance; Empress Dowager Long Xuanjiao also heard of Yang Longjing's alliance with Hu Xiaotian and felt deeply moved, never expecting her son to finally care about state affairs—if this incident could lead him to turn over a new leaf, it could be considered a blessing in disguise.

Yang Longjing said: "Mother Empress, I have done too many things before that have hurt and disappointed you; from now on, I will cultivate my mind and nurture my nature, strive for good governance, properly administer the state, and do my utmost to make Tianxiang Kingdom prosperous and its people peaceful." These words were the Empress Dowager's greatest wish of many years; hearing that her son had finally become sensible, Long Xuanjiao could not help but tear up. She tightly gripped her son's hands and said: "My child, Mother knows your thoughts; Mother has let you down..."

Yang Longjing laughed: "Mother Empress, after this life-and-death catastrophe, I have understood everything, figured everything out. To me, nothing is more important than the Tianxiang Kingdom; moreover, she has no place for me in her heart, so even if I were to obtain her by force, what happiness could there be?"

Empress Dowager Long Xuanjiao nodded repeatedly, tears streaming down; the sense of loss these past days caused by Hu Buwei has been compensated for—no matter what Hu Buwei is like, I still have my son. Possessing all that is before me, what more could I be dissatisfied with?

At this moment, Senior Inspector Zhou Desheng came to report, but it was Hu Buwei who had arrived; Empress Dowager Long Xuanjiao pondered and said: "I really can't recall who this Mr. Lan is; please tell him for me that I do not wish to see strangers."

Yes!

Long Xi Yue had been actively preparing; thinking that she could leave Piaoxiang City together with Hu Xiaotian tomorrow, she was as happy as a little bird, rarely excited, and began to hum a tune.

Hu Xiaotian embraced her from behind, pulling her delicate form into his arms. Long Xi Yue turned her lovely face, lightly kissed his lips, and softly said: "Don't mess around; wait until I finish packing, then I'll keep you company properly."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Xi Yue, there's something I want to discuss with you."

Long Xi Yue said: "Go ahead!"

Hu Xiaotian let go of her, took her hand and walked to the table to sit down: "This time returning to Dongliang Jun, I want to split our forces; let Zhao Wusheng, Zhan Peng, and a few others escort you by water, while I have some matters to attend to and must return by land."

Long Xi Yue heard him finish, and the smile on her face instantly faded, her beautiful eyes clouded with sorrow.

Her reaction was already within Hu Xiaotian's expectations; he said: "You needn't worry about safety—they can certainly guarantee your safety."

Long Xi Yue shook her head and said: "I won't agree; wherever you go, I go—I don't want to be separated from you!"

Hu Xiaotian gave a bitter smile and said: "I won't hide it from you—my grandfather has fallen into the hands of the Beggars' Sect; I must go to rescue him, and if you come with me, I'd have to divide my attention."

Long Xi Yue said: "Is that because you think I'm a burden? I don't need you to divide your attention for me; I can take care of myself—these years without you by my side, I've managed just fine on my own. Hu Xiaotian, I give you a choice: either I stay in Tianxiang Kingdom forever and never leave, or you take me with you."

Hu Xiaotian never expected the usually gentle Long Xi Yue to show such stubbornness in this matter; it seems Long Xi Yue has developed a psychological shadow from their previous separation, and although she says on the surface that she doesn't mind, deep down she still feels panic.

Hu Xiaotian seized her soft hand, gently pulled her to his side, had her sit on his thighs, and whispered softly: "I'm so lascivious—don't you fear what I might do to you along the way?" His big hand had already slipped into her clothing and began to behave improperly.

Long Xi Yue bit her cherry lips, her pretty face flushing red, she grabbed his wicked big hand and said: "Not afraid; precisely because of that, I must watch you closely, not allowing you to misbehave."

Hu Xiaotian chuckled: "A proper princess you won't be, insisting on being a wild monkey running all over the hills with me—you, you, are such a silly girl." He affectionately pinched Long Xi Yue's nose.

Long Xi Yue said: "Being by your side, even if I'm a monkey, is far happier than being a princess."

Hu Xiaotian's heart involuntarily stirred; he embraced Long Xi Yue and wanted to kiss her, but she covered his mouth and said: "I still have something to discuss with you."

Hu Xiaotian said: "What is it?"

"What are you planning to do about Feiyan?"

Bringing up Murong Feiyan, Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but sigh: "What else can I do? She insists on not leaving, and there's nothing I can do about it."

Long Xi Yue said: "I'll go persuade her again and see what she really thinks."

Hu Xiaotian nodded: "That's good too!"

Yet Hu Xiaotian knew that the present calm was only a temporary phenomenon; after leaving Piaoxiang City, danger might come one after another; going to the Sword-Washing Mountain Villa to rescue his grandfather is imperative, and the current chief of the Beggars' Sect, Shangguan Tianhuo, will certainly not swallow this insult; he will try every means to avenge his son with a single arrow.

As for the Sword-Washing Mountain Villa, it's hard to say whether Hu Buwei deliberately set up a trap, but no matter if it's a dragon's pool or tiger's den, I must go there in person; as long as I find my grandfather, perhaps I can expose Hu Buwei's motives, or perhaps uncover the Xu family's secret.

Originally Hu Xiaotian only intended to break into the Sword-Washing Mountain Villa with Ji Feihua alone, but Long Xi Yue's insistence forced him to change his original plan; bringing her along is no big deal, just need to be extra careful along the way—given their current strength, they shouldn't have to worry about any danger; since the plan changed, he might as well announce outwardly that they will first take over Red Wood River, because the Tianxiang side has already sent it as a dowry to him, making this trip entirely natural.

While Hu Xiaotian and Zhao Wusheng, etc., were secretly plotting their plans and preparing to leave Piaoxiang City, Hu Buwei had also made preparations to depart, and the old gardener in the courtyard continued to skillfully trim the flower branches.

Hu Buwei gazed at the blooming golden chrysanthemums at his feet and said softly: "When autumn arrives on the ninth day of the ninth month, my flowers will bloom and all other flowers will fade! This year's chrysanthemums are blooming especially beautifully."

The old gardener said: "The chrysanthemums of the southern kingdom can never compare to those of Dakang, and the fertilizer here cannot match that of the palace."

Hu Buwei asked: "What's the difference?"

The old gardener gathered the flower shears, tucked them into his waist leather pouch, then drew out a dry tobacco pipe, lit the bowl, drew hard on the jade mouthpiece twice, exhaled a cloud of smoke upward, his eyes narrowed to a slit from enjoyment, and said: "There are many deaths in the palace!"

Hu Buwei couldn't help but chuckle at that answer: "It seems you still very much miss the days in the Dakang palace."

The old gardener said: "Although life outside is comfortable, after all it cannot compare to the richness of palace life; now that I think about it, I really do feel some nostalgia."

Hu Buwei said: "Really, I have you to thank for that—just now that kid cultivated himself into such a monstrous figure."

The old gardener let out a grating laugh: "You had me capture Murong Feiyan, then let her go—was it because Hu Xiaotian saw through your motives? Or did someone grab a hold on you to blackmail you? That's why you complied."

Hu Buwei's expression showed some embarrassment; he smiled lightly and said: "Blackmail me? He's not qualified enough!"

The old gardener remarked with feeling: "This kid truly is a rare talent; when he first entered the palace, we already knew he was no ordinary pond creature, and it seems we were not mistaken."

Hu Buwei said: "It's a pity you left too early; there were too many things we didn't get a chance to do."

The old gardener said: "If I hadn't left, I would have been exposed before Ji Feihua's eyes."

Hu Buwei said: "Speaking of which, Ji Feihua is also a formidable talent; it's just a shame she's not a match for Hong Beimo."

The old gardener said: "Ji Feihua's martial arts are certainly not inferior to the Zajia; how could Hong Beimo alone subdue him? Without the combined strength of Li Yuncong and Mu Rongzhan, the one who would have died should have been Hong Beimo."

A gust of autumn wind blew over, and the chrysanthemums before Hu Buwei scattered, leaving a ground of gold at his feet; Hu Buwei lamented the brevity of the blooming season—just moments ago they were proudly blooming before his eyes, and in an instant they had withered; he said softly: "If nothing unexpected happens, Hu Xiaotian will go to the Sword-Washing Mountain Villa to rescue someone; you ought to know what to do."

The old gardener said: "The snipe and clam grapple, the fisherman profits." A flash of cold killing intent passed through his deep eyes.

Hu Buwei said: "Since this incident, the Empress Dowager has grown wary of me; I intend to leave for a while to let her calm down."

The old gardener gave a cold snort: "The Zajia already told you—women are the most untrustworthy creatures in this world; you wouldn't listen, and now you understand, right?"

Hu Buwei said: "Just do your own duty; the rest is none of your concern."

The old gardener said: "Most things in this world don't need scheming to be resolved; simple and brute force is what feels satisfying, so you've always lived more tiredly than I."

Hu Buwei replied calmly: "At least I'm still alive, while in others' eyes you've long been a dead man!" (To be continued~^~)