Chapter 1877

Hu Xiaotian finally understood the true meaning of the impermanence of worldly affairs; in this world, the friends you see may not be friends, and enemies may not be enemies. When he first came to this world, he had the idea of living comfortably and muddling through life, marrying several beautiful wives and concubines, having a group of lovely children, enjoying flowers and moonlight, living happily together. But reality forced him to give up the idea of just drifting through life; it turned out that starting over was not easy either. Although he now possesses beautiful wives and concubines, in this regard he could even be said to have completed the task beyond standard, high-quality. Yet despite his diligent efforts, he has not yet fathered a single son or daughter, which is indeed a regret. Since meeting Madame Xu and learning about the fire seed from her, given that both Hu Buwei and Xu Fengyi are fire seeds, they likewise lack reproductive ability; he is merely a fire seed planted in Xu Fengyi's body by Madame Xu to conceal the truth. Perhaps, as Madame Xu said, during the long process of transmigration, all fire seeds have lost their reproductive ability due to some unknown condition.

Although he differs from other fire seeds in possessing the memories and consciousness of his previous life, this body of his is still the fertilized egg brought by the Trans-space Squad; physiologically, no accident could occur. Each time he thinks of this, Hu Xiaotian feels disheartened; it seems he can only be like thunder without rain in this life, and perhaps after a while he should consider adopting children. Thinking of all those beautiful wives standing by his side yet being unable to make them pregnant is also a regret.

Leaving the medicine store, it was already the early hours; looking up, the moon was bright and the stars sparse, the imperial palace so quiet that even the sound of a needle falling could be heard. Hu Xiaotian raised his head and silently gazed at the night sky; after a while he finally turned his gaze toward the front right, for he had long noticed that lamp not far away.

The lantern hung from the treetop; under the tree sat a person with both hands tucked into his sleeves, mouth wide open, snoring loudly—who else could it be but Shi Xuedong? It turned out this fellow had been keeping watch outside all along. Seeing his sleeping posture, Hu Xiaotian felt both amused and moved; thinking of his sworn brothers, the only one who had never betrayed him now was Shi Xuedong.

He approached Shi Xuedong, lightly patted his shoulder, and said, 'Big brother, it's time to go back.'

Shi Xuedong jolted awake, his eyes widening in fright; upon seeing it was Hu Xiaotian, he relaxed, let out a breath, and said, 'Brother, you're back, it's good that you're back, it's good that you're back.' He glanced toward the medicine store and said, 'Over there…'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'You just need to remember: from now on, never go to that place again.'

Shi Xuedong nodded repeatedly; in fact, he didn't need Hu Xiaotian's warning, for he would never dare to set foot in the medicine store even a single step.

Long Xi Yue arrived as promised; had it not been for Qiqi exposing the plan, Hu Xiaotian would still have been kept in the dark about their meeting in Kangdu. Naturally, Long Xi Yue's motive was not merely to give him a surprise; she feared Hu Xiaotian would not allow her to take risks, which was her main reason for concealing it from him. This time she could avoid others' attention because, as the leader of the Beggars' Sect, she used the pretext of convening an internal meeting of the sect, making it inconvenient for outsiders to inquire.

Naturally, Long Xi Yue did not come alone this time; her master Qiao Fangzheng accompanied her.

The newly reunited couple found it hard to hide their longing in each other's gaze; the others were perceptive enough, after a few words they all took their leave, leaving the couple alone together.

Hu Xiaotian looked at Long Xi Yue, deliberately putting on a stern face without showing the slightest smile.

Seeing his expression, Long Xi Yue knew she had made a mistake; she timidly approached him, fingers intertwined, head lowered, and apologized, 'I was wrong, okay?'

Hu Xiaotian's heart filled with affection at her pitiful appearance, yet he still put on an act and asked, 'Where did you go wrong?'

'I shouldn't have concealed my coming to Kangdu from you.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Since you were wrong, then tell me how I should punish you.'

'Will you promise not to do it again?'

'Huh?' Hu Xiaotian widened his eyes; the usually obedient princess had actually learned to coax him.

Long Xi Yue pleaded pitifully, 'Then… let you give me a beating.'

Hu Xiaotian smirked inwardly, gritting his teeth as he said oh, 'This is what you said!'

Long Xi Yue knew he couldn't bear to hit her: 'Where will you strike?'

Hu Xiaotian's gaze flicked to her ample bosom and he said, 'Naturally it's the buttocks—hit hard, hit until you remember.'

Long Xi Yue bit her cherry lips, her pretty face already flushed; not only was she not frightened by his aura, she stepped forward, drew close to his face, and blew a fragrant breath, saying, 'Don't use that big stick of yours… ah!' Before she could finish, Hu Xiaotian scooped her up in his arms, and he finally couldn't help laughing, 'How I want to hit you is up to me!'

Long Xi Yue curled up in his arms like a kitten, her arms around his neck, coquettishly saying, 'I've made a mistake; punish me however you wish…'

If this could even be called punishment, Long Xi Yue would rather be punished by Hu Xiaotian for a lifetime; after several rounds of punishment, her delicate body went limp and weak, she leaned quietly in his embrace and softly said, 'Enough, I only made a tiny mistake, yet you treat me so harshly without mercy—it's utterly impartial.'

Hu Xiaotian smiled, arms around her, feeling her delicate skin and their intimate contact, and whispered, 'Why did you have to come?'

Long Xi Yue bit her cherry lips and said, 'I have actually been exchanging letters with her all along; I know her innermost feelings have always been fond of you, and precisely because she cares, she shows such hatred toward you—this is love deep enough to breed hatred.'

Hu Xiaotian chuckled.

Long Xi Yue spat and said, 'What are you laughing at? You're always mocking me.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'It's not mocking you; rather, I have already reached a cooperation agreement with her, so your risky trip here holds no special significance.'

Long Xi Yue said, 'I know her temperament best; although you have reached an agreement with her, this is not the first time, and it's hard to say there won't be further reversals—I can see clearly what's going on between you two.'

Hu Xiaotian smiled and said, 'Are the authorities confused while the onlookers see clearly?'

Long Xi Yue nodded seriously and said, 'Someone must step in to help resolve matters between you; in fact, you and Qiqi once had a marriage pact, and now that you've let go of hatred, why not revive it?'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'In her heart, the realm always comes first; do you think she would easily give up power and ambition?'

Long Xi Yue said, 'She was merely a child before; now she has grown up, and as people age, their thoughts change.'

Hu Xiaotian sighed, rose to his feet, and put on his clothes; Long Xi Yue lay on the bed, quietly gazing at his silhouette, her beautiful eyes filled with deep affection. She whispered softly, 'If she minds my status, I can forgo any title; just being able to stay by your side is already my greatest happiness.'

Hu Xiaotian's body remained still, his heart moved by Long Xi Yue's deep affection and selflessness; after a moment he said, 'Do you know? I was actually preparing to leave, but Qiqi suggested keeping you in Kangdu.'

Long Xi Yue smiled gently and said, 'I came here intending to stay for a while.'

Hu Xiaotian slowly turned away, his tiger eyes fixed on Long Xi Yue, and said, 'Don't you realize her true purpose is to use you as a hostage?'

Long Xi Yue said, 'There is a lack of trust between her and you—not only does she not trust you, but you likewise do not trust her; cooperation on such a foundation is pale and fragile. Although I don't understand state affairs, I know that this kind of collaboration cannot withstand any storm; should an unexpected situation arise, it might even face collapse. My staying in Kangdu permanently is equivalent to you showing her sincerity—do you still worry she might act against me? Leaving aside your factors, after all I am her aunt; even if she could truly be cold-hearted and ruthless, my current martial arts ability is enough for self-defense.'

Hu Xiaotian wasn't actually worried about Long Xi Yue's safety; even if Qiqi were bold, she wouldn't dare cross his bottom line. Her suggestion to let Long Xi Yue reside permanently in Kangdu was merely to add a guarantee, hoping thereby to get Hu Xiaotian to show more sincerity.

Everything Long Xi Yue said is true; she is no longer a weak woman incapable of trussing a chicken. In martial arts she possesses extraordinary perceptiveness, her true skill already ranks among first-rate masters, and moreover, as the leader of the Beggars' Sect, she has the world's number one gang, the Beggars' Sect, as her backing, and she now has someone like Qiao Fangzheng, a master, at her side.

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said, 'You may stay in Kangdu, but you must not lodge in the palace; you must reside in the prince's mansion, and I will leave Zong Tang and Liang Yinghao here to assist you.'

Long Xi Yue laughed and shook her head, saying, 'No need; the Beggars' Sect's triennial grand assembly will be held in Kangdu on the ninth day of the ninth month this year—you're bullying us, claiming we have no one!'

Hu Xiaotian chuckled and said, 'Do you really intend to turn our home into a beggars' den?'

Long Xi Yue puckered her lips cutely and said, 'There's nothing to be done—who let you marry a female beggar chief?'

Hu Xiaotian came to the bedside, opened his arms, and once again embraced Long Xi Yue.

Long Xi Yue whispered, 'When will you leave?'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'I'm waiting for news from someone, and besides, before I leave there is still one matter unresolved.'

The next morning, Hu Xiaotian, accompanied by Long Xi Yue, went to Fengyi Shan Zhuang to pay respects to his mother; he did not publicize the disappearance of Xu Fengyi's remains, merely having Liang Yinghao lead people to tidy the place up, and upon returning this time everything had been restored to its original state.

After the rites, everyone went to Fengyi Shan Zhuang to rest, and Hu Xiaotian summoned Xia Zhangming and Liang Yinghao to inspect the estate's restoration.

Reaching the upper floor of Fengyi Lou, he looked all around and saw that the estate had basically returned to its original state; Hu Xiaotian said, 'Yinghao, the progress is rapid!'

Liang Yinghao laughed and said, 'Aside from that big pit, the other areas are not seriously damaged.'

Monday, and it's the end of the month again—come on, throw a few more tickets my way! (To be continued~^~)