Chapter 1852

Hu Xiaotian didn't think Qiqi had anything extremely urgent, but facing her summons he couldn't defy it, so he immediately entered the palace together with Yin Zheng. By the time they arrived at Zilan Palace, night had fallen. Qiqi had food and drink prepared, waiting for him to return so they could eat together.

We will translate the idiom meaning 'extremely urgent' as 'extremely urgent'; thus 'an extremely urgent matter'.

The translations are: 'enter the palace', 'night had fallen', 'food and drink', and 'have a meal'.

Now translation:

Hu Xiaotian didn't think Qiqi would have any extremely urgent matter, but facing her summons he couldn't defy it, so he immediately entered the palace together with Yin Zheng, and by the time he arrived at Zilan Palace night had already fallen. Qiqi had people prepare food and drink, waiting for him to return so they could eat together.

Make sure it's one line.

Seeing Hu Xiaotian arrive, Qiqi smiled faintly, waved her hand to signal the palace attendants to retreat, came up to Hu Xiaotian, and softly said, 'Are you tired? You haven't eaten all day, right? Are you hungry?'

Translate:

Seeing Hu Xiaotian arrive, Qiqi smiled faintly, waved her hand to signal the palace attendants to retreat, came up to Hu Xiaotian, and spoke softly: "Are you tired? You haven't eaten all day, right? Are you hungry?"

Hu Xiaotian had never seen her be so considerate toward him before; he felt it was somewhat unusual, smiled and replied, 'I'm fine.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian had never seen her be so considerate toward him before; he felt it was somewhat unusual, smiled and said: "I'm fine."

Qiqi said, 'Come, let's eat.'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "Come, let's eat."

Hu Xiaotian secretly wondered what scheme this little girl was cooking up; never mind, he'd been hungry all day, so let's eat first and talk later. He didn't say much, sat down to eat, and Qiqi poured him a cup of wine, asking, 'How's things going at the Heavenly Secrets Bureau?'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian secretly wondered, what scheme is this little girl up to again? Never mind, anyway I've been hungry all day, let's eat first and talk later. He didn't say much, sat down to eat, and Qiqi poured him a cup of wine, asking: "How's the situation at the Heavenly Secrets Bureau?"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Nothing much.' He drained his cup in one gulp, then said, 'Little Yin said you summoned me for something extremely urgent, but it doesn't look like it!'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "Not much progress." He drained the cup in one gulp, then said: "Little Yin said you summoned me for something extremely urgent, but it doesn't look like it!"

Qiqi laughed brightly: 'If I hadn't said that, would you have come over so willingly?'

Translate:

Qiqi giggled: "If I hadn't said that, would you have come so obediently?"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'You are the princess; how could I dare ignore your summons?'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "You are the Princess, Your Highness; how could I dare ignore your summons?"

Qiqi said, 'If there is something, then indeed there is: Minister Wen came by again this afternoon.'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "If you say there's a matter, then indeed there is one—Grand Tutor Wen came again this afternoon."

Hu Xiaotian frowned; Wen Cheng-huan really is a persistent nightmare, sticking to him again: 'Is he here to impeach me again?'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian furrowed his brows; this Wen Chenghuan really is a persistent ghost, actually sticking to himself: "Coming again to impeach me?"

Qiqi shook her head and said, 'I just wanted to tell you something.'

Translate:

Qiqi shook her head: "Just telling me something."

'What is it? Does it concern me?'

Translate:

"What matter? Is it related to me?"

Qiqi said, 'I heard the Black Barbarians sent you a great gift!'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "I heard the Black Hu people sent you a great gift!"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: 'A great gift? What great gift? I didn't know anything about it.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "A great gift? What great gift? I don't know anything about it."

Qiqi said, 'Why pretend ignorance? Isn't the Black Hu princess Xima being sent to you as a concubine?'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "Why pretend ignorance? Isn't it that they want to send Black Hu Princess Xima to you as a concubine?"

Hu Xiaotian nearly spat out his food, coughed, and after finally swallowing it, his face turned red; he took a breath and said, 'Where did you hear this nonsense? It's utter rubbish!'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian almost spat out the rice in his mouth, coughed, finally managed to swallow it, his face turning red from holding his breath, then said: "Where did you hear this nonsense? It's utter rubbish."

Qiqi said, 'There's no such thing?'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "There's no such thing?"

'Of course there isn't; I've always kept public and private separate—how could I make such a mistake? Don't listen to gossip.'

Translate:

"Of course there isn't; I've always kept public and private separate—how could I make such a mistake? Don't listen to idle gossip."

Qiqi said, 'Even a wind through an empty hole isn't without cause.'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "Wind doesn't rise from a hole for no reason."

Hu Xiaotian, with a 'dead pig not fearing boiling water' expression, said, 'Believe it or not, Yan Liexin said that, but I immediately gave him a reply.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian had the expression of a dead pig unafraid of boiling water: "Believe it or not, Yan Lie Xin did say that, but I immediately gave him a reply."

Qiqi looked at him dubiously and said, 'Princess Xima of the Black Hu is one of their top beauties; upon seeing her, you'd be like a cat seeing fish—how could you resist such delicious meat presented to you?'

Translate:

Qiqi looked at him half-believing, half-doubting: "Princess Xima of the Black Hu is one of their top beauties; upon seeing her you'd be like a cat seeing fish—how could you not eat the meat delivered to your mouth?"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'It's just a slab of ribs constantly swaying before my eyes; I still restrained myself and didn't move.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "It's just a slab of ribs constantly swaying before my eyes; I still restrained myself and didn't move."

Qiqi, angry, raised her chopsticks and struck his head hard: 'Who are you calling ribs?'

Translate:

Qiqi, angry, raised her chopsticks and struck his head hard: "Who are you calling ribs?"

Hu Xiaotian glanced at her chest and said, 'Actually, I like eating ribs.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian's gaze flicked to her chest: "Actually I like eating ribs."

Qiqi picked up a piece of ribs and shoved it into his mouth: 'Choke on it, I'll eat the bones too!'

Translate:

Qiqi picked up a piece of ribs and shoved it into his mouth: "Choke on it, I'll make you eat the bones too!"

Hu Xiaotian was truly hungry; after filling his stomach, he took the cup of Longjing tea Qiqi offered, feeling much relieved. Being cared for by the all-powerful Princess Yongyang gave him a satisfaction unlike any other.

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian was truly hungry; after filling his stomach, he took the cup of Longjing tea Qiqi handed him, and only then did he feel much relieved—being cared for by the all-powerful Yongyang Princess truly gave him a unique sense of satisfaction.

Qiqi's mood was clearly good; she showed Hu Xiaotian unprecedented consideration, softly saying, 'You were right—Wen Cheng-huan is indeed speaking for Great Yong.' Wen Cheng-huan had come twice in one day to impeach Hu Xiaotian; the second time wasn't just to criticize Hu Xiaotian, but also to throw shade at the Black Hu.

Translate:

Qiqi's mood was clearly good; she showed Hu Xiaotian unprecedented consideration, speaking softly: "You were right—Wen Chenghuan indeed spoke in favor of Da Yong." Wen Chenghuan came twice in one day to impeach Hu Xiaotian; the second time wasn't just to criticize Hu Xiaotian, but also to throw shade at the Black Hu.

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Between Black Hu and Great Yong, this old fox clearly leans toward the latter.' He noticed that Qiqi's mood hadn't been greatly affected by the burning of the Seven Treasures Pavilion, and oddly asked, 'Aren't you angry about the Seven Treasures Pavilion incident?'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "Between the Black Hu and Da Yong, this old fox clearly leans toward the latter." He noticed that Qiqi's mood hadn't been greatly affected by the burning of the Seven Wonders Exquisite Pavilion, and asked curiously: "Aren't you angry about the Seven Wonders Exquisite Pavilion incident?"

Qiqi said, 'Why get angry? It's just a skull; it wasn't mine to begin with, so losing it is no big deal.'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "Why get angry? It's just a skull; it wasn't mine to begin with, so losing it is losing it."

Only then did Hu Xiaotian realize that Qiqi's fiery message sent to the Heavenly Secrets Bureau was merely a show for Hong Beimo; the girl's scheming runs deep, even deceiving him.

Translate:

Only then did Hu Xiaotian realize that Qiqi's setting off that fire at the Heavenly Secrets Bureau was merely a show for Hong Beimo; this little girl's scheming is too deep, even he was deceived by her.

Qiqi said, 'Compared to that, I'm more concerned about the whereabouts of the skull stolen by Meizhuang.' She had originally thought only she could sense the information in the skull, but after meeting Ji Feihua at the Long Dragon Temple, that notion began to waver.

Translate:

Qiqi said: "Compared to that, I'm more concerned about the whereabouts of the skull stolen by Meizhuang." She had originally thought only she could sense the information in the skull, but after meeting Ji Feihua at the Heavenly Dragon Temple, that notion began to waver.

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Don't worry, I'll find out the skull's whereabouts as soon as possible.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "Rest assured, I will find out the skull's whereabouts as soon as possible."

Qiqi said, 'If the Black Hu really intends to send Princess Xima to you as a concubine, would you want her?'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "If the Black Hu really intend to send Princess Xima to you as a concubine, would you want her?"

Hu Xiaotian, seeing she wouldn't let go of this, gave a wry smile and said, 'This matter is surely being exploited by someone with an ulterior motive to create gossip; I never said such a thing, and the Black Hu side likely wouldn't volunteer this information—behind the scenes, it's probably Great Yong stirring the pot.'

Translate:

Seeing her still harping on this, Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but wryly smile: "This matter is surely being exploited by someone with an ulterior motive; I never said it, and the Black Hu side probably wouldn't voluntarily leak it—most likely it was deliberately exposed by the Da Yong side."

Qiqi said, 'How do you determine it's Great Yong?'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "How do you determine it's Da Yong?"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'As far as I know, today the Grand Princess Xue Lingjun went to the Grand Tutor's residence to visit Wen Cheng-huan, and Wen Cheng-huan immediately came to see you and told you this. If one tries to respond to all changes with constancy, they think they're clever, but acting first only makes it easier to expose flaws.' Hu Xiaotian monitors both Wen Cheng-huan and Xue Lingjun closely, so any movement on their end is known to him right away.

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "As far as I know, today the Elder Princess Xue Lingjun went to the Grand Tutor's Manor to visit Wen Chenghuan, and Wen Chenghuan immediately came to see you and told you this matter. If one responds to change with constancy, they'd be flawless; they think they're smart by taking the initiative, but that makes it easier to expose their flaws." Hu Xiaotian monitors both Wen Chenghuan and Xue Lingjun closely, so any movement on their side is known to him right away.

Qiqi said, 'You're monitoring them?'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "You're monitoring them?"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Not returning a favor is impolite; my every move is also under others' surveillance.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "Not reciprocating is impolite; my every move is also under others' surveillance."

Qiqi said, 'If that's the case, then Wen Cheng-huan really has issues—as a subject of Great Kang, he constantly leans toward a foreign state; he really ought to be investigated.' After a pause she added, 'He also relayed a message from Grand Princess Xue Lingjun, saying she wants to meet me.'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "Given that, Wen Chenghuan indeed has some problems— as a Dakang official, he always leans toward a foreign state; it seems we really need to investigate him thoroughly." After a pause she added: "He also conveyed a message from Elder Princess Xue Lingjun, saying he wants to meet me."

'Did you agree to meet her?'

Translate:

"Did you agree to her?"

Qiqi nodded and said, 'Not agreeing would be hard to justify.'

Translate:

Qiqi nodded: "Not agreeing would be hard to justify."

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Then I'm off the hook.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "In that case I'm relieved."

Qiqi said, 'I've agreed to meet her in five days; I hope she has enough patience.'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "I agreed to meet her in five days; I hope she has enough patience."

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but laugh; Qiqi was clearly stalling on purpose.

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but laugh; Qiqi was clearly stalling on purpose.

Qiqi said, 'In five days you should be able to get the bottom line on both sides.'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "In five days you should be able to get the bottom line on both sides."

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Not only should we learn their details, but…' He paused, lowered his voice, and added, 'There's something I should first explain to you.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "Not only should we get the bottom line on both sides, but……" He paused, lowered his voice, and said: "There's something I should first explain to you."

Qiqi said, 'Just looking at your mischievous face, I know it's not good.'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "Just looking at your evil expression, it's not a good thing."

Hu Xiaotian said, 'I'm preparing to have people spread some rumors.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "I'm preparing to have people spread rumors everywhere."

'What rumors?'

Translate:

"What rumors?"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Using their own methods against them: first, spread rumors that Wen Cheng-huan is colluding with Great Yong to betray Great Kang's interests; second, spread rumors that I am having a secret affair with Grand Princess Xue Lingjun in Kangdu.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "Using their own methods against them: first, spread rumors that Wen Chenghuan colludes with Da Yong to sell Dakang's interests; second, spread rumors that I am secretly meeting and having an affair with Elder Princess Xue Lingjun in Kangdu."

Qiqi's eyes widened: 'You're shameless!'

Translate:

Qiqi's beautiful eyes widened: "You're shameless!"

Hu Xiaotian sighed, 'I'm sacrificing my reputation not for Great Kang—do you think I want to get involved with Xue Lingjun?'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian sighed: "I'm sacrificing my reputation not for Dakang—do you think I want to get involved with Xue Lingjun?"

Qiqi said, 'She's nothing but a woman who sleeps around; you're really letting yourself go.'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "She's nothing but a promiscuous woman who sleeps around; you're really sinking into depravity."

Hu Xiaotian said, 'It's just a rumor, not true—are you jealous?'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "It's just rumors, not true—are you jealous?"

Qiqi spat, 'I won't be jealous of you, Hu Xiaotian—you're really devious; this trick isn't just about using their own methods against them, it's also meant to drive a wedge between Li Chen Zhou and Xue Lingjun.'

Translate:

Qiqi spat: "I won't be jealous of you, Hu Xiaotian—you're truly devious; this trick isn't just to fight fire with fire, it's also to drive a wedge between Li Chen Zhou and Xue Lingjun."

Hu Xiaotian secretly admired her wit, nodded and said, 'Not bad—the Grand Princess Xue Lingjun came for negotiations, but she isn't representing the Great Yong court; she's representing her own interests with Li Chen Zhou. The Great Yong emperor Xue Daoming now hates them both to the bone, and Great Yong's internal forces are split into two factions; even if we negotiate, we must find the right counterpart.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian secretly praised her wit, nodding: "Not bad—the Elder Princess Xue Lingjun came for negotiations, but she isn't representing the Da Yong court; she represents her own interests with Li Chen Zhou. The Da Yong Emperor Xue Daoming now hates them both to the bone, and Da Yong's internal forces are split into two factions; even if we negotiate, we must find the right counterpart."

Qiqi said, 'Your idea may be vicious, but it's still a good plan; let's do as you said.'

Translate:

Qiqi said: "Your idea may be vicious, but it's still a good plan—just do as you said."

Hu Xiaotian said, 'There's also this: regarding today's Seven Treasures Pavilion incident, I think Hong Beimo is suspicious; since he still fears you, we might as well rebuild the Divine Strategy Garrison.'

Translate:

Hu Xiaotian said: "There's also this: regarding today's Seven Wonders Exquisite Pavilion incident, I think Hong Beimo has many suspicious points; since he still fears you greatly, we might as well rebuild the Divine Strategy Manor."

Qiqi blinked her beautiful eyes; back when Hu Xiaotian hadn't yet left Kangdu, they had once rebuilt the Divine Strategy Garrison, while the old emperor Long Xuan'en was still alive. But after Hu Xiaotian went to East Liang Commandery, the matter fizzled out, and the Divine Strategy Garrison became nominal only. Now Hu Xiaotian's proposal to rebuild it is timely, though doing so would openly set up an opposing force against the Heavenly Secrets Bureau.

Translate:

Qiqi blinked her beautiful eyes; when Hu Xiaotian hadn't yet left Kangdu, they had once rebuilt the Divine Strategy Manor, back when the Old Emperor Long Xuan'en was still alive, but later, as Hu Xiaotian went to Dongliang Jun, the matter fizzled out, and the Divine Strategy Manor existed in name only. Hu Xiaotian now proposing to rebuild it picks a good timing, but doing so would clearly set up an opposing force against the Heavenly Secrets Bureau.

Hu Xiaotian said: "I'll handle this matter; you needn't worry. Hong Beimo probably won't say much more. In his view, establishing the Divine Strategy Manor is merely what you need to balance Dakang's forces. Moreover, he is now ******** stuck on the Imperial Mausoleum, so he has no spare attention for anything else."

Qiqi nodded.

Being able to obtain Qiqi's support is a good thing for Hu Xiaotian. So many things happened today, from the Seven Ingenious Exquisite Tower being burned, to Wen Chenghuan impeaching him twice, and Baobao getting injured. Several things seem unrelated on the surface, but if carefully considered, one would discover that all of these things might be aimed at him.

After leaving Zilan Palace, Hu Xiaotian did not return to the prince's residence, but went straight to the posthouse where the Black Hu envoy was stationed. He wanted to meet Wanyan Liexin, and also find the Black Hu National Master Gangbaduo, to quickly clarify whether they had any connection to the burning of the Seven Ingenious Exquisite Tower, and more importantly, to find out whether Baobao's injury was indeed caused by Gangbaduo.

Upon arriving at the posthouse, Hu Xiaotian heard that Wanyan Liexin was not inside; these days Wanyan Liexin had not been idle, busy visiting Dakang officials and arranging all kinds of connections.

Hu Xiaotian asked about Gangbaduo again, but the guard at the gate only said the National Master was not here; Hu Xiaotian also found it hard to force his way in, so he left a verbal message for Wanyan Liexin and then left the posthouse. He could not just let it go; he walked around outside, took out a mask from his pocket to cover his face. Although his skill in changing appearance was already proficient, it was still not as convenient as wearing a mask, and moreover it consumed no internal energy at all. Hu Xiaotian came to the rear wall of the posthouse, convinced that there was no one around, leapt up and scaled the wall, landing silently inside the posthouse. (To be continued~^~)