Chapter 1775

How could things that have happened be regarded as if they never happened? Everything in this world leaves traces; cause brings effect, love brings hate. Qiqi believes she sees things more clearly than most people, yet even someone as sharp as she can feel confused at times. People change; after Hu Xiaotian's grand wedding, she suddenly matured greatly—a maturity outsiders cannot fathom. Her ingrained notions about many things have even begun to waver, and that is the reason she has recently felt bewildered and chaotic.

Deep in her heart she desperately wishes Hu Xiaotian and Mu Rongzhan would return together to report back. It's lonely at the top; although she has achieved the supreme position of the Dakang dynasty as she wished, the ensuing loneliness grows stronger with time. Though many ministers surround her, none can speak freely with her. Hong Beimo, Ren Tianqing, Mu Rongzhan and their ilk harbor ulterior motives; ministers led by Zhou Ruiyuan revere her in awe; and Eunuch Quan, this loyal subordinate, has devoted half his life to her, even willing to sacrifice his life, yet Qiqi still feels an invisible barrier between them—who can she confide her pain and confusion to?

In fact, Qiqi had long known the answer; on the day of Hu Xiaotian's wedding, seeing the blissful Long Xi Yue, she suddenly realized something: women who are unworldly often find happiness more easily.

The ancient camphor tree before the Great State Temple is over a thousand years old; its trunk requires five people to encircle, its canopy is lush and dense, its shade covers more than three mu of land, and its branches are hung with countless red prayer plaques. From afar it looks like fiery blossoms blooming among green trees; when a breeze blows, the plaques sway, resembling countless flames burning among the leaves.

At the southeast corner of the camphor tree stands an ancient well beside a stone pavilion; Hu Xiaotian sits inside the pavilion, quietly enjoying this rare leisure. A gentle breeze blows, the air mixed with the incense of the Great State Temple. Though many devout men and women are before him, each remains silent, not daring to speak loudly in this pure Buddhist ground.

In the distance, a young noble accompanied by an old man walks slowly toward the pavilion; Hu Xiaotian sees clearly that it is Qiqi dressed as a man. Naturally tall, her male attire makes her look even more heroic and spirited. Eunuch Quan follows closely, his eyes vigilant, constantly watching for any abnormality.

Qiqi's and Hu Xiaotian's gazes met in the air; after all they've been through, the killing intent in both their eyes has subsided, becoming much calmer. Hu Xiaotian laughed first, as bright and sunny as ever. Qiqi neither likes nor dislikes his smile; she walks slowly into the pavilion, stands opposite him, looking down at him. For some reason, whenever she sees him, she unconsciously wants to overwhelm him in presence.

But this time Hu Xiaotian completely changed his former roguish demeanor, showing the gentle, jade-like poise of a modest gentleman. Even though Qiqi possesses a mighty aura, he has already prepared fully to move a thousand pounds with four ounces. From the first glance, Qiqi realized that these years have seen not only her change.

"Hu Xiaotian, you've got guts, showing up so boldly in Kangdu!" Qiqi couldn't help but admire his courage.

Hu Xiaotian said: "I didn't come this time on official business; publicly, we may have differences, but privately we harbor no irreconcilable enmity—after all we once had a marriage pact, and even if a deal fails, righteousness remains; that old affection must still exist."

Qiqi's pretty face showed not a trace of a smile: "Do you deserve it?"

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, looking toward the vigilant Eunuch Quan outside the pavilion: "Eunuch Quan, how have you been?"

Eunuch Quan forced a stiff smile: "Thanks to the Prince's blessing, I'm getting by."

Hu Xiaotian added: "Eunuch Quan is no outsider; come in and speak together."

Eunuch Quan could not miss the meaning in his words—Hu Xiaotian was trying to get rid of him, and he couldn't feel at ease with this youngster. He glanced at Qiqi, who waved her hand, signaling him to leave. Eunuch Quan always obeyed Qiqi, so without objection he shuffled toward the camphor tree.

Hu Xiaotian watched Eunuch Quan's retreating back and softly said: "Eunuch Quan and that camphor tree are a perfect match."

Qiqi was slightly startled by his sudden remark, but immediately understood his meaning, and calmly replied: "These years, without his care I would not be where I am today; in my heart he is that camphor tree that shelters me from wind and rain."

Hu Xiaotian smiled: "In a lifetime, people and plants alike have one spring and one autumn; life always ends. Sheltering from wind and rain is good, but blocking wind and rain also blocks sunshine, and living in shadow and darkness is unpleasant."

Qiqi sat opposite him, calmly gazing into his eyes: "People often have no choice, just like our origins."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Wealth and status are decreed by heaven; you were born a princess, whereas I was not born a eunuch."

Qiqi sighed: "I underestimated you."

Hu Xiaotian shook his head: "It's not that you underestimated me; you simply don't understand yourself. Though you hold Dakang's power, you are still just a young girl, and you don't even know what you want."

Qiqi felt the urge to slam the table in anger, but she ultimately restrained the impulse, biting her cherry lips; her long black lashes flickered as she gazed at the icy, hard stone tabletop. If the heart were like stone, how good it would be—unaffected by anyone—but she soon realized even stone bears the marks of time; nothing in this world remains eternally unchanged.

Hu Xiaotian smiled: "Your temper has improved a lot."

A hint of bitter smile appeared on Qiqi's lips: "Maybe I'm getting old."

Hu Xiaotian shook his head: "A girl not yet twenty saying such things—yet there is no falseness in her tone. Although he doesn't know all that has happened to Qiqi these years, he knows her heart must be utterly exhausted. Looking at her pale pretty face, he sighed softly: "One can't be on the road forever; one should rest at times. You're wearing yourself out alone."

That simple, plain sentence struck Qiqi's heart like an arrowhead; she felt a sharp pain deep in her chest, which quickly spread throughout her body, making her almost tremble. Her nostrils felt an inexplicable sourness; she hadn't felt the urge to cry in a long time. She clenched her fists, nails digging into her tender palms, using pain to divert her attention. She absolutely could not cry in front of Hu Xiaotian—he knows her too well—yet he said nothing, so why does she feel heartache and grievance?

Hu Xiaotian's gaze at this moment was not on Qiqi; though he wasn't looking at her, he could precisely sense her mood.

Silence, prolonged silence—only the sound of breathing could be heard, yet no one spoke first. Qiqi needed time to calm her inner turmoil, while Hu Xiaotian, whether intentionally or not, gave her ample space; she even believed he did it on purpose. Whether that earlier sentence that caused her hidden pain or this present pause, it's all his careful scheming, his mind growing deeper. Though she knows he means to do it, and she has taken full precautions, she still cannot avoid being hurt by him—could he always be her destined nemesis?

Every meeting is a battle of wits and courage; each time she sees Hu Xiaotian, Qiqi involuntarily ignites a fierce fighting spirit. She could never bow her head to him—she can rule a dynasty, and likewise control a man.

Compared to Qiqi's vast emotional turbulence, Hu Xiaotian's mindset now appears light and carefree. Qiqi could come to the Great State Temple to see him with simple ease, already showing considerable sincerity; with her wisdom she should realize the situation has changed, and they are no longer primarily hostile. Even if he doesn't say it, Qiqi should understand the purpose of their meeting. Each time he sees Qiqi, Hu Xiaotian instantly detects the loneliness deep in her eyes. He bears no grudge for what Qiqi once did to him; his tolerance is only one reason. More importantly, in his view, though Qiqi is extraordinarily clever, she cannot escape the fate of being used; the reverence of Hong Beimo and others stems solely from their intent to use her.

Perhaps Qiqi likewise thinks of using her abilities to manipulate Hong Beimo, Ren Tianqing and the like. Her intention is good, but she fights alone; if one day she loses her utility, her fate will be utterly miserable. Since Hu Xiaotian called off the engagement with Qiqi, he has found himself understanding her better than before.

Qiqi asked: "How is my aunt?"

Hu Xiaotian nodded: "Very well!"

Qiqi sneered: "That's because she's been deceived by your honeyed words!"

Hu Xiaotian replied: "If one can obtain happiness, what's wrong with being deceived for a lifetime?"

Qiqi gave a cold snort.

Hu Xiaotian added: "You're not young either; if you could meet a man willing to deceive you for life, you might as well marry him, saving yourself from lonely old age."

"You!" Qiqi's phoenix eyes widened; she was finally provoked again by Hu Xiaotian.

Hu Xiaotian sighed: "I know you don't want to hear this, but as your uncle I cannot stay silent, after all you have few relatives left in this world."

Qiqi clenched her teeth, then after a while she stopped being angry and smiled instead; her icy expression melted into a charming smile as she said softly: "Hu Xiaotian, you've gone to great lengths to provoke me, merely to prove I still care about the past. In fact, you are far less important to me than you imagine; besides that foolish girl Long Xi Yue, who would treat you as a treasure?"

It's rare to write six thousand characters; not asking for monthly tickets is a pity. Zhangyu's effort can be considered a breakthrough in the slump—brothers and sisters with monthly tickets, please cast a few votes! (To be continued~^~)