Chapter 1809

~19 min read 3,736 words

Hu Xiaotian said: "I still have some understanding of Mr. Hong's background."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "I still have some understanding of Mr. Hong's background."

I still have some understanding of Mr. Hong's background.

Hong Beimo fixed his gaze on him and said, "Your Highness, did you come here tonight just to tell me this?"

Hong Beimo fixed his gaze on him: "Your Highness, did you come here tonight just to tell me this?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "I just find it strange that someone as capable as Mr. Hong has struggled for decades on this matter without success."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I just find it strange that someone as capable as Mr. Hong would spend decades trying on a single matter and still not succeed."

Hong Beimo forced a slight smile and said, "It's a matter of time and fate!"

Hong Beimo squeezed out a faint smile at the corner of his mouth and said: "It's a matter of timing and fate!"

Hu Xiaotian shook his head, leaned toward Hong Beimo and said, "That's because you've always chosen the wrong partners." He picked up the wine jug and filled the two cups on the table.

Hu Xiaotian shook his head, leaned toward Hong Beimo and said: "That's because you've always chosen the wrong partner." He picked up the wine jug and filled the two cups on the table.

Hong Beimo glanced at the two cups of wine and whispered, "What do you want?"

Hong Beimo's gaze swept over the two cups, and he whispered: "What do you want?"

Hu Xiaotian said softly: "Dakang's realm still needs a man to preside over it; Mr. Hong, who understands heaven and earth, how could you not know what I want?" He proceeded step by step, luring Hong Beimo into the trap he had meticulously designed, wanting Hong Beimo to believe that what truly interested him was Dakang's realm and its ancestral shrines.

the realm and its ancestral shrines

Hong Beimo tapped his fingers lightly on the table, not rushing to pick up his cup, and whispered, "Do you know where you are? If I give the order, you won't see tomorrow's sun."

Hong Beimo's finger lightly tapped the tabletop, but he did not rush to pick up his cup, and he whispered: "Do you know where you are? As long as I give the word, you won't see tomorrow's sun."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I don't know what Mr. Hong wants, nor am I interested; I only know that what he seeks is certainly not Dakang's realm, and on that point we have no conflict." He paused and added: "Each taking what they need can bring mutual satisfaction."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I don't know what Mr. Hong wants, nor am I interested; I only know that what Mr. Hong seeks is certainly not Dakang's realm, so on this point we have no conflict." He paused and added: "Only by each taking what we need can we both be satisfied."

Hong Beimo's expression returned to its earlier calm, his eyes deep as the sea: "What can you give me?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "I am the only one who can influence the princess; I can get her to continue working with you, or I can sabotage it from within."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Only I can influence the Princess; I can let her continue cooperating with you, or I can sabotage it from within!"

Hong Beimo chuckled, pointing bluntly at Hu Xiaotian: "Scoundrel! Would you really do something that harms others and brings no benefit to yourself?"

Hong Beimo chuckled, his hand gesturing rudely at Hu Xiaotian: "Scoundrel! Would you really do something that harms others and brings no benefit to yourself?"

Hu Xiaotian smiled and said: "Actually, on the night you attended the banquet at Yunyao Terrace, I also went to Dragon Spirit Victory Realm."

Hu Xiaotian smiled narrowly: "Actually, on the night you attended the banquet at Yunyao Terrace, I also went to Long Ling Shengjing."

Hong Beimo's smile faded again; Hu Xiaotian's words easily explained why Qiqi was so nervous. At the time, Hong Beimo had suspected there was something else going on, and now this fellow spoke openly, indicating he had come fully prepared.

Hong Beimo's smile vanished again; Hu Xiaotian's words easily explained why Qiqi had been so nervous. At that time, Hong Beimo had suspected there was something else going on, and now this fellow spoke openly, indicating he had come fully prepared.

Hong Beimo naturally discovered the underwater cave entrance, and he whispered: "It seems you've run into quite a bit of trouble down there."

Hong Beimo naturally noticed the opening beneath the water surface, and he said softly: "It seems you've run into serious trouble down there."

Hu Xiaotian sighed and said: "There is another secret passage in the Dragon Spirit Sacred Realm; when I entered it, Ren Tianqin and Lady Meizhuang were lying in wait."

Hu Xiaotian sighed: "Long Ling Shengjing has another secret passage; when I entered it, Ren Tianqing and Lady Meizhuang were lying in wait."

Hong Beimo nodded: "The excavation is still ongoing; are they already dead inside?"

Hong Beimo nodded: "The excavation is still ongoing; have they already died inside?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Bad guys don't die that easily, but Quan De'an is already dead." He paused and added: "He was killed by Ren Tianqin."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Villains aren't usually that easy to kill, but Quan De'an is already dead." He paused and added: "Killed by Ren Tianqing."

Hong Beimo said: "That night I noticed something off about Ren Tianqin, so I had someone follow him and apprehend him."

Hong Beimo said: "That night I noticed something off about Ren Tianqing, so I had someone follow him and apprehend him."

Have you found out who the impostor is?

"Have they found out who the impostor is?"

Hong Beimo slowly shook his head and said: "He's very tight-lipped." After saying that, he picked up the cup on the table and proactively clinked it with Hu Xiaotian's: "If Your Lordship is sincere, I will be interested."

Hong Beimo slowly shook his head and said: "He's tight-lipped." Then he picked up the cup on the table and clinked it with Hu Xiaotian's: "If Your Highness is sincere, I will take an interest."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I am naturally sincere." The two then drank the cup together.

Hu Xiaotian said: "I am naturally full of sincerity." The two drank the cup together.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Originally there were two skulls in the Dakang palace; one is now in Hu Buwei's hands, and the skull that the princess placed inside the Seven Jeweled Linglong Pagoda was originally obtained by me from the headquarters of the Five Immortals Sect, later seized jointly by Ren Tianqin and Lady Meizhuang."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Originally there were two skulls in the Dakang imperial palace; one is now in Hu Buwei's hands, and as for the skull the Princess placed in the Seven Treasures Linglong Pagoda, I originally obtained it from the headquarters of the Wuxian Sect, after which Ren Tianqing and Lady Meizhuang jointly seized it."

Hong Beimo sighed and said: "Hu Buwei's strength is no longer what it used to be; the states of Tianxiang, Xichuan, and Hongmu are all under his control." In the past, if Hu Xiaotian had known so many secrets, Hong Beimo's first thought might have been to eliminate him to silence him, but the situation is different now; Hu Buwei's powerful rise forces him to consider allying with Hu Xiaotian, and Hu Xiaotian's own strength is also formidable; if they continued to oppose each other, they would only end up hurting both sides, ultimately benefiting Hu Buwei.

Hong Beimo sighed: "Hu Buwei's strength is now incomparable to what it once was; the states of Tianxiang, Xichuan, and Hongmu have all fallen under his control." In the past, had Hu Xiaotian known so many secrets, Hong Beimo's first thought might have been to eliminate him to keep him quiet; but circumstances have changed, Hu Buwei's powerful rise forces him to consider allying with Hu Xiaotian, and since Hu Xiaotian's strength is also extraordinary, if they continued as enemies they would only end up both losers, ultimately benefiting Hu Buwei.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Although his strength is extraordinary, as long as we join forces, we will not be at a disadvantage."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Although his strength is extraordinary, as long as we join forces we will not be at a disadvantage."

Hong Beimo slowly shook his head, a faint bitter smile appearing on his lips, and said: "You don't understand the Xu family; Hu Buwei dares to do these things only because he has received the Xu family's full support."

Hong Beimo slowly shook his head, a bitter smile touching his lips: "You don't understand the Xu family; Hu Buwei dares to do these things only because he has the Xu family's full backing."

Hu Xiaotian thought to himself: Even if the Xu family were extremely powerful, they would at most be a wealthy household, rich enough to rival a state; could the Xu family possibly match a nation militarily?

Hu Xiaotian thought to himself: "Even if the Xu family were formidable, they are at most a wealthy household, perhaps rich enough to rival a country; could they possibly match a nation militarily?"

Hong Beimo said: "You should have seen what the old lady looks like; what does she look like?" He did not ask what the old lady said to Hu Xiaotian, but rather asked about her appearance.

Hong Beimo said: "You should have seen what the old lady looks like; what does she look like?" He did not ask what the old lady said to Hu Xiaotian, but rather what she looked like.

Hu Xiaotian said: "She has white hair but a youthful face; although her hair is completely white, she looks no older than fifteen or sixteen."

Hong Beimo softly said: "No matter what she tells you, I dare to say it's false."

Hong Beimo whispered: "No matter what she told you, I dare say it's false."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Actually, she only expressed some remorse, and said she once had someone like a younger brother who later betrayed her."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Actually, she only spoke some words of remorse, and said she once had someone like a younger brother who later betrayed her."

Hong Beimo's pupils suddenly contracted, the muscles at the corner of his mouth twitched, then he chuckled: "Have you ever wondered how a merchant family could dare to oppose the court? Over the years, why has no one dared to provoke the Xu family?"

Hong Beimo's pupils contracted sharply, the muscles at the corner of his mouth twitched, then he chuckled: "Have you ever considered how a merchant's family could oppose the court? Over these years, why has no one dared to provoke the Xu family?"

Hu Xiaotian's heart stirred: If it weren't for the old lady possessing extraordinary ability, then perhaps she had some leverage over the court.

Hu Xiaotian's heart stirred: "If it weren't for the old lady possessing extraordinary ability, then perhaps she holds some leverage over the court."

Hong Beimo whispered: "She is the most terrifying woman I have ever seen in my life..." He trailed off, as if suddenly remembering something.

Hong Beimo whispered: "She is the most terrifying woman I have ever seen in my life..." He trailed off, as if suddenly recalling something.

Hu Xiaotian said: "And what about Ling Jiazi?"

Hong Beimo looked at Hu Xiaotian with some surprise; it seemed Hu Xiaotian knew far more of the inside story than he had expected.

Their conversation did not continue, because Qiqi returned from the Seven Jeweled Linglong Pavilion.

Their conversation did not continue, because Qiqi returned from the Seven Treasures Linglong Pavilion.

Both rose simultaneously to salute Qiqi; she glanced at them, looked at the food and drink on the table, and calmly said: "It seems you've been chatting happily; I hope I'm not disturbing you."

Both rose together to salute Qiqi; she glanced at them, looked at the food and drink on the table, and said calmly: "It seems you've been chatting happily; I hope I haven't disturbed you."

Hong Beimo hurriedly said: "No, no, I and the prince were just chatting casually; Your Highness, if you don't mind, please take a seat; I have already had the food and drink prepared, I'll change them now."

Hong Beimo hurriedly said: "No, no, Your Highness and I were just chatting casually; if you don't mind, please take a seat—I have already had the food and drink prepared, and I will change them now."

Qiqi shook her head and said: "Forget it; Lord Quan's whereabouts are still unknown, and I'm not in the mood for drinking."

Qiqi shook her head: "Forget it; Eunuch Quan is still missing, and I have no mood for drink."

Hong Beimo said: "Your Highness need not worry; I have ordered a full-scale excavation, and I believe the truth will soon surface." He glanced sideways at Hu Xiaotian, wondering if this fellow had not informed Qiqi of Quan De'an's death. Given that Quan De'an was the most loyal attendant of Princess Yongyang, his death would surely be a huge blow to Qiqi. Hong Beimo then silently cursed: losing Quan De'an as a reliance, Qiqi would inevitably need to find another trustworthy person; judging from her attitude toward Hu Xiaotian, it seems they have already let go of past grudges, which explains why Hu Xiaotian feels so confident in seeking cooperation with me.

Hong Beimo said: "Your Highness need not worry; I have ordered a full-scale excavation, and I believe the truth will soon surface." He glanced sideways at Hu Xiaotian, wondering if this fellow had not told Qiqi of Quan De'an's demise—since Quan De'an was the Princess Yongyang's most loyal attendant, his death would surely be a great blow to Qiqi. Hong Beimo then silently cursed his misfortune: Qiqi, having lost Quan De'an as her support, would surely need another reliable confidant; judging from her attitude toward Hu Xiaotian, it seems they have already put aside their grudges, which explains why Hu Xiaotian feels so confident in approaching me for cooperation.

Hu Xiaotian smiled: "Even if the princess is in a bad mood, she should still eat something; otherwise, if she harms her health from hunger, wouldn't that worry me?"

Hu Xiaotian smiled: "Even if the Princess is in low spirits, she ought to eat something; if she ruined her health from hunger, wouldn't that make me worry?"

Upon hearing this, Qiqi's gaze softened; Hu Xiaotian gallantly pulled out a chair for her and invited her to sit.

Qiqi, hearing this, had her gaze soften; Hu Xiaotian gallantly pulled out a chair for her and invited her to sit.

As Qiqi sat down, Baobao led the attendants over to replace all the food and drink.

Hong Beimo rose to pour wine for Qiqi; she gazed at the star-filled night sky, silently thinking: they say each person who dies on earth becomes a star in the sky—I wonder if among these countless stars there is one belonging to Quan De'an? In the velvety darkness, stars twinkled; Qiqi seemed to see Quan De'an's kind and concerned gaze, and a wave of sorrow welled up in her heart. She reached for her wine cup, but Hu Xiaotian stopped her.

Hong Beimo rose to pour wine for Qiqi; she gazed up at the star‑filled night sky, thinking, "They say each person who dies on earth adds a star to the heavens—I wonder if among these stars there is one for Quan De'an?" The velvety night sky sparkled with stars, and Qiqi seemed to see Quan De'an's kind, concerned gaze, filling her heart with sorrow. She reached for her cup, but Hu Xiaotian stopped her.

Hu Xiaotian said: "You haven't had dinner yet; drinking on an empty stomach is bad for your health."

Hu Xiaotian said: "You haven't eaten dinner yet; drinking on an empty stomach is bad for your health."

Qiqi wanted to retort, "Mind your own business," but the words died on her lips.

Hu Xiaotian took the cup, drank it all in one gulp, and consumed the wine on her behalf.

Hu Xiaotian took the cup, drained it in one gulp, and drank the wine for her.

Hong Beimo, seeing this scene, secretly sighed; it seemed the two had indeed rekindled their old affection. Since Hu Xiaotian had just said he could influence Qiqi, there was no doubt about it, so he had someone bring a bowl of silver ear fungus and bird's nest porridge.

Hong Beimo, seeing this, sighed inwardly; it seemed the old feelings had indeed been rekindled, and since Hu Xiaotian had just said he could influence Qiqi, there was no doubt about it. He had a bowl of silver‑ear fungus and bird's nest congee sent over.

After finishing the porridge, Qiqi softly said: "Mr. Hong, I intend to spread the news that I will place the skull in the Seven Jeweled Linglong Pavilion."

Qiqi finished the congee and said softly: "Mr. Hong, I intend to spread the news that I am placing the skull in the Seven Treasures Linglong Pavilion."

Hong Beimo understood her plan: placing the skull here is meant to serve as bait; Ren Tianqin, having lost the skull, will surely not resign himself to it and will likely come to steal it; Qiqi's approach also avoids risk, drawing all the trouble to the Heavenly Secrets Bureau. He respectfully said: "I, your humble servant, will take care of this."

Hong Beimo understood her plan: placing the skull here is meant as bait; Ren Tianqing, deprived of his skull, will surely not resign himself, and there is an eighty‑to‑ninety percent chance he will come to steal it. Moreover, Qiqi's approach avoids risk and draws all the trouble to the Bureau of Heavenly Secrets. He said respectfully: "I, your humble servant, will take care of this."

Qiqi nodded and added: "Ren Tianqin colluded with the Prince of Yan of the Great Yong, Xue Shengjing, betraying the interests of Dakang; he is truly a treacherous minister deserving of death. I intend to thoroughly investigate the Xuantian Pavilion." Before she could finish, Hu Xiaotian clasped his fists and volunteered: "I, your servant, wish to go!"

Qiqi nodded and added: "Ren Tianqing colluded with the Prince Yan of Da Yong, Xue Shengjing, betraying Dakang's interests; he is a treacherous minister deserving of death. I intend to investigate Xuantian Guan thoroughly." Before she finished, Hu Xiaotian clasped his fists and volunteered: "I, your servant, request to go!"

Qiqi said: "Very well; Mr. Hong is busy with myriad affairs, so such a minor matter doesn't require his personal involvement."

Qiqi said: "Very well; Mr. Hong, your duties are myriad and you are busy, so such a minor matter does not require your personal involvement."

Hong Beimo secretly sighed: You are clearly using this opportunity to help Hu Xiaotian build prestige; even though it's just a small matter, it shows that Qiqi is gradually granting Hu Xiaotian more power, and Hu Xiaotian is evidently eager to involve himself in court affairs. However, the Xuantian Pavilion likely holds no secrets; in Dakang it is merely a front Ren Tianqin uses to conceal his identity.

Hong Beimo silently sighed: "You are simply using this opportunity to help Hu Xiaotian build prestige; even though it's a small matter, it shows Qiqi is granting Hu Xiaotian ever more authority, and Hu Xiaotian is clearly becoming actively involved in court affairs. However, Xuantian Guan likely holds no secrets; in Dakang it is merely a front Ren Tianqing uses to conceal his identity."

As Hu Xiaotian escorted Qiqi back to the palace late at night, when they passed the Jade Pool, both stopped and looked out: the pool's water had been drained, over a hundred people were still searching around the ethereal Mountain, and palace guards were stationed and patrolling the shore, with Mu Rongzhan among them.

As Hu Xiaotian escorted Qiqi back to the palace, it was deep into the night and all was quiet; passing by the Jade Pool, they both stopped, looked out, and saw that the pool's water had been drained, with over a hundred people still searching around the Piaomiao Mountain perimeter, while palace guards patrolled the banks, among them Mu Rongzhan.

Upon seeing Princess Yongyang arrive in person, Mu Rongzhan hurried forward to pay his respects.

Seeing Princess Yongyang arrive in person, Mu Rongzhan hurried forward to pay his respects.

Qiqi waved her hand, signaling him not to alarm too many people, and quietly asked about the current search situation.

Qiqi waved her hand, signaling him not to alarm too many people, and asked in a low voice about the current search situation.

Mu Rongzhan replied: "The several passages leading inside have been sealed with the Broken Dragon Locks; reopening them will still take some time."

Mu Rongzhan said: "The several passages leading inward have been sealed with dragon‑breaking locks; opening them will still take some time."

Qiqi already knew about Quan De'an from Hu Xiaotian, and she had no interest in the final situation of the excavation at Long Ling Shengjing; Zilan Palace was not far away, she told Hu Xiaotian he didn't need to keep sending her, and she returned first accompanied by the palace attendants. (To be continued~^~)

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Ch. 1809 / 195593%