Chapter 1774

Love turned to hate; Hu Xiaotian's extreme hatred for Meizhuang stems from his love for Xi Yan.

Qin Yutong said: "Meizhuang's methods are vicious enough; she actually used poisonous means on her own disciple. However, according to what I know, those who master the lost-heart gu technique are not limited to Meizhuang alone; there is also the master of Xuantian Guan." She said this to remind Hu Xiaotian that the one who gave Xi Yan the gu may not be Meizhuang; Ren Tianqing could also be responsible.

Long Xi Yue said: "Are we just going to seal her acupoints like that?"

Qin Yutong said: "Her mind is already confused; if we release her, we don't know what she might do."

Hu Xiaotian said: "But if we keep her acupoints sealed for a long time, I fear it may harm her body."

Qin Yutong said: "I have a Turtle Breath Pill here; after taking it, the body will enter a deep slumber state, and even without eating for half a year there will be no effect."

Hu Xiaotian was reluctant but had no better option; Qin Yutong handed the Turtle Breath Pill to Hu Xiaotian, then she and Long Xi Yue and Wei Sa went out together, leaving Hu Xiaotian a quiet space.

Long Xi Yue and Qin Yutong came to the Back Garden, they gazed at each other, eyes met, and crystal tears welled up in their beautiful eyes; Long Xi Yue walked over and clasped Qin Yutong's hands, softly saying: "Qin Yutong, I never thought we sisters would meet again." In front of close sisters, there was naturally no need to hide their true identities.

Qin Yutong gently shook her hands: "Now should I address you as Princess or as Princess Consort?"

Long Xi Yue blushed, whispering: "Qin Yutong, even you are teasing me."

Seeing Long Xi Yue's expression full of happiness, Qin Yutong understood that her good sister had finally found her ideal home, and she felt genuine relief for her.

The two walked hand in hand to the pavilion, sat down, and recounted their experiences since parting; Long Xi Yue felt somewhat resentful that her good sister had not been able to attend her grand wedding, and could not help but complain.

Qin Yutong smiled: "Although I could not be there in person, I have already sent my blessings in my heart; however, I must remind you that your husband is quite flirtatious, and if you do not keep him strictly under control, he will soon attract three thousand beauties to the harem."

Long Xi Yue couldn't help laughing at her words, her beautiful eyes gazing at Qin Yutong: "Qin Yutong, do you like Xiaotian?"

Qin Yutong never expected Long Xi Yue to ask such a question; her heart fluttered in panic, she whispered: "How could that be? I don't like fickle men."

Long Xi Yue gripped Qin Yutong's hand: "He treats me truly well; in this world, no one treats me better than he does."

Seeing Long Xi Yue's face full of deep affection, Qin Yutong could only sigh; her good sister had been deeply poisoned, and she feared reminding her would be useless, and speaking ill of Hu Xiaotian in front of her might even provoke her resentment. Since Long Xi Yue herself doesn't mind sharing her feelings with others, as an outsider there's no need to say more. Everyone's views on love differ; why impose my own on her? With this thought, Qin Yutong naturally would not say more.

Hu Xiaotian did not linger long in Yunyang; both publicly and privately he needed to go to Kangdu. Before heading to Kangdu, Hu Xiaotian arranged for Yan Xuanming to go to Bohai State on an envoy mission to negotiate grain purchases, had Zhangming Xia accompany Yan Nujiao to the Heavenly Wolf Mountain in Xichuan to explain the situation to Yan Kui, join forces with the Beggars' Gang, and strengthen the defense of Heavenly Wolf Mountain. He also personally visited the Sandy Island horse farm to check on Tang Qingxuan and Jian Rongxin there.

After arranging all matters, Hu Xiaotian came to the agreed place and met Qin Yutong, accompanying her to Kangdu as previously promised.

At this moment, Mu Rongzhan had already returned to Kangdu to report; the situation in Xichuan also made QiqI feel heavy-hearted. After hearing Mu Rongzhan's report, she frowned slightly and asked: "Any news of my Imperial Uncle's whereabouts?"

Mu Rongzhan said: "No, Li Honghan of Xichuan has completely defected to Tianxiang State, refusing Your Highness's investiture; I have inquired everywhere but found no news of the Prince of Zhou, so it seems likely to be more misfortune than fortune."

QiqI sighed: "Li Tianheng's death is too suspicious; did you hear any rumors in Xizhou?"

Mu Rongzhan nodded: "I have heard some; some say he was killed by his own son, but of course most accusations still point to our court."

QiqI said: "It seems we are taking the blame for someone else; Li Honghan, that fool, thinks defecting to Tianxiang State will secure Xichuan and keep his position? He's merely a pawn being used. Once his usefulness is gone, he will die without a burial place."

Mu Rongzhan said: "Tianxiang State has recently grown much stronger; not only has it allied with Xichuan, but it has also seized Redwood River, and now even Nanyue State bows to them."

QiqI smiled faintly, understanding that the current situation is no coincidence but the result of long preparation and planning; regardless of who the mastermind behind the scenes is, she cannot help but admire them, for their grasp of timing is impeccable; henceforth, shifts in the world situation have become fact, and the Tianxiang side now possesses the strength to oppose the two great powers of Da Yong and Dakang, even surpassing them; they not only hold vast fertile lands in Xichuan, but also control broad seas, and almost all of southern Central Plains is under their control.

In this shift, Da Yong is not a participant, so its impact should be minor; although Hu Xiaotian lost Redwood River, that scoundrel took the opportunity to seize Yunyang and occupy the northwestern part of Xichuan, which is mostly mountainous and unsuitable for farming; even counting the refugees flowing into Hu Xiaotian's territory, he hasn't gained much advantage. In this upheaval, the greatest loss belongs to Dakang: Xichuan is completely lost, and they have gained a powerful neighbor, forming a semi-encirclement from the south and west, leaving open the possibility they will continue to seize Dakang's territory.

QiqI said: "Any news of Hu Xiaotian?"

Mu Rongzhan shook his head: "We parted ways in Xizhou; I think he may have already returned."

QiqI nodded: "You've worked hard; go rest."

As night fell, QiqI sat quietly in Zilan Palace gazing at the flickering candlelight; although the documents before her were opened, she couldn't absorb a single word, and myriad chaotic thoughts rose and fell in her mind; since she took charge of Dakang's authority, her state of mind has never been as troubled as now.

A soft knock sounded at the door, and Quan De'an's respectful voice came: "Princess!"

QiqI furrowed her brows, her expression somewhat displeased; at such times she dislikes being disturbed in her tranquility, and Quan De'an is no exception.

Quan De'an had served this young master for years; from the indoor silence alone he already guessed his visit was untimely, and he cleared his throat: "Princess, Scholar Gonggong has an urgent matter to see you."

Scholar Gonggong is Shi Xuedong, Hu Xiaotian's sworn brother, now responsible for the Imperial Kitchen Directorate and the Imperial Gardens Bureau; originally Shi Xuedong had returned to his hometown together with his father Shi Bu-chui, intending to stay away from politics and live leisurely per his father's wishes, but not long after he was summoned back by QiqI's edict, which gave Shi Bu-chui a minor post as a prison warden; as for Shi Xuedong, he still holds his old post in the palace, and superficially seems unaffected. However, Shi Xuedong knows QiqI employs him and his father solely because of Hu Xiaotian, her sworn brother; he never knows when she might turn against them if displeased, so he has always been cautious in the palace. If it weren't something especially important, Shi Xuedong would not voluntarily come to see QiqI.

QiqI obviously knew this as well; after a brief consideration she let Shi Xuedong enter, and Quan De'an, hearing her meaning, understood she wanted to meet Shi Xuedong alone, so he stayed outside, making a gesture to indicate Shi Xuedong should go in by himself.

Shi Xuedong entered the study, his head drooping, his gaze lowered to the floor; although QiqI's title remains Yongyang Princess, within the Dakang imperial palace she holds supreme authority, and these palace servants hold her in great awe; Shi Xuedong fell to his knees with a thud, performing the kowtow and saying: "Your servant Shi Xuedong greets Your Highness, may you live a thousand years, ten thousand years!"

QiqI did not have him rise; she lifted the teacup on the table, took a sip, and softly said: "Shi Xuedong, what urgent matter brings you here so late?"

Shi Xuedong said: "I humbly report, Princess, I have come specially to deliver a letter to you."

QiqI's phoenix eyes slightly opened, her lovely face imposing anger without anger: "Present it!"

Only then did Shi Xuedong rise, respectfully handing over a letter, his gaze continually lowered, not daring to meet QiqI's eyes.

QiqI took the letter from his hand; before opening it, a ripple appeared in her beautiful eyes, she had already guessed who wrote it; after a moment's hesitation, she quickly opened the letter, read its contents from beginning to end, and then held it over the candle flame to burn it.

Shi Xuedong furtively observed her movements with the corner of his eye, his heart pounding; this little princess is prone to sudden joy and anger, and he wondered whether she would take out her anger on him because of this letter.

Fortunately, Shi Xuedong's worry did not come to pass; QiqI calmly said: "You two are indeed good brothers; have you already met?"

Shi Xuedong said: "No, when I went out of the palace to buy supplies, someone just slipped this letter into my carriage; when I chased after the person, there was no trace."

QiqI naturally would not believe his words; if Shi Xuedong had never met Hu Xiaotian, how would he know this letter was meant for her? The letter was sealed with wax, showing no signs of having been opened, and she couldn't be bothered to argue with Shi Xuedong: "Shi Xuedong, you should know what to do in your heart."

Shi Xuedong knelt on the ground: "Princess, rest assured, I will act as if nothing happened."

(To be continued~^~)