Chapter 1883

Hu Xiaotian said: "Uncle, do you remember the Chu Yuanhai case from back then?"

Zhou Ruizhen nodded and said: "Back then the Chu Yuanhai case caused a sensation; I naturally know."

Hu Xiaotian said: "What kind of person was he exactly?"

Zhou Ruizhen said: "Versed in ancient and modern, outstanding in wisdom, his administration is the most formidable person I have ever seen." His expression became somewhat bewildered, he began to recall this dust‑covered matter from many years ago: "Actually his corruption case was personally handled by the Emperor at the time; beforehand there were no signs, everyone was very puzzled, because before this Chu Yuanhai always acted with integrity and self‑discipline, achieving great feats for Dakang, and the Emperor doted on him greatly, yet overnight everything changed."

Hu Xiaotian had long understood the inside story: Chu Yuanhai's downfall to having his house confiscated and family exterminated was not due to corruption, but because he was the son of Chu Fufeng; he believed his father had been harmed by Long Xuan'en, so he feigned ignorance and bore hardship to enter the Dakang court, intending to avenge Chu Fufeng, but the real murderer was Madame Xu; Chu Yuanhai likely discovered the truth and was preparing to act against the Xu clan when Madame Xu noticed in advance, struck first and eliminated him. When Hu Xiaotian got married, Madame Xu had personally admitted this to his face, but outsiders should not know the inner details.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Did Chu Yuanhai know Ling Jiazi?"

Zhou Ruizhen heard the name Ling Jiazi and slightly startled, he furrowed his brows and said: "It shouldn't be possible; Chu Yuanhai is already dead."

Hu Xiaotian secretly sighed; Ling Jiazi is not an ordinary person, her actual age and appearance do not match; Quan De'an once said that Qiqi was born after Ling Jiazi carried a pregnancy for seven years, which means Ling Jiazi was already pregnant before becoming the crown prince's consort. According to the situation Hu Xiaotian currently controls, when an ordinary person unites with a Heaven‑Chosen One, the gestation period is no different from that of a normal person, so Qiqi's father must be a Heaven‑Chosen One. Hu Xiaotian focused his suspicion on Chu Yuanhai because Ling Jiazi had once saved and nurtured Ji Feihua, and at the time she was pregnant, Chu Yuanhai had not been harmed and was still the Dakang Minister of Revenue.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Was Chu Yuanhai sentenced to death by slicing back then?"

Zhou Ruizhen shook his head and said: "He was secretly executed; reportedly he was put to death by slicing, and even his bones were fed to mastiffs. The Emperor hated him so much that he personally supervised the beheading."

Hu Xiaotian secretly wondered, not knowing how Chu Yuanhai's bodily structure differed from that of an ordinary person; since Long Xuan'en supervised the execution, he must be quite aware of all this.

Zhou Ruizhen said: "Why did you suddenly think to ask about this?"

Hu Xiaotian chuckled and said: "Nothing much, just a little curious about those past events; by the way, I once saw a portrait of Ling Jiazi in the Yun Temple, which was personally painted by the former Emperor."

Zhou Ruizhen coughed a few times, his face showing embarrassment; actually Long Xuan'en's infatuation with Ling Jiazi was no secret within the Dakang court, those old officials all regarded it as a disgrace to Dakang, ashamed to mention it and dare not speak of it, but palace matters are unclear to outsiders. Fortunately such gossip hadn't had time to spread before Ling Jiazi died in difficult childbirth, and the matter gradually faded; if Hu Xiaotian hadn't brought it up, Zhou Ruizhen would have almost forgotten it, he smiled faintly and said: "You're overthinking it!"

It's no wonder Hu Xiaotian overthinks; it's hardly normal for an old eunuch to paint a portrait for his daughter‑in‑law, of course Hu Xiaotian now understands the trick: Long Xuan'en is merely a pawn used by Ling Jiazi, and given Ling Jiazi's ability she would naturally not let Long Xuan'en gain any advantage. Hu Xiaotian said: "I merely have developed some interest in Ling Jiazi."

Zhou Ruizhen said: "I don't really know her; it's just that Yutong's mother was on good terms with her before she died."

Hu Xiaotian secretly sighed; Zhou Ruizhen knows now as well as he doesn't know the true identity of Qin Se; if he knew Qin Se was a descendant of the Heaven‑Chosen One, I wonder how he would feel? Qin Se's death is likely directly related to Ling Jiazi, but these matters Zhou Ruizhen probably doesn't know about.

Hu Xiaotian certainly wouldn't frankly reveal the truth; for Zhou Ruizhen it's better to remain an ordinary person, and matters of the Heaven‑Chosen One are profoundly mysterious to him.

After bidding farewell to Zhou Ruizhen, taking the hairpin he had given me, I left and returned to the Zhenhai Wang Fu; I heard that Qiqi and Long Xi Yue had gone out to offer incense. Upon reflection, today is actually the first day of the ninth month. I don't know what tricks Liu Yuzhang is up to, why he still hasn't shown up to meet me as I wished.

Xiong Tianba strode over from afar, seeing Hu Xiaotian, he sighed: "Third Uncle, greetings!"

Hu Xiaotian glared at him and said: "Why sigh for no reason?"

Xiong Tianba said: "Lately I've been stuck in the mansion every day, about to die of boredom." He is someone who can't stay idle; when he first came to the capital he still felt fresh, but this is ultimately the emperor's domain, every move is restricted, after a few days he grew impatient, and now he's eager to return home.

Hu Xiaotian said: "You want to go back?"

Xiong Tianba quickly nodded and said: "I've been out for so long, there's nothing to do here, and besides I miss my Big Bear, Second Bear, and Third Bear." The names he mentioned are his three black bears.

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but smile, nodded and said: "If you're in such a hurry to leave, you and Changming can head back tomorrow."

Xiong Tianba exclaimed delightedly: "Really?"

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said: "Why would I lie to you?"

Xiong Tianba grinned widely and said: "I'm going to tell Elder Brother Xia right now." He turned and ran; it seems he's really grown tired of staying in Kangdu, he almost bumped into Zong Tang walking toward him, and Zong Tang scolded him twice. Zong Tang came to Hu Xiaotian's side, laughing: "This bear cub is still the same clumsy oaf; what does he want from you?"

Hu Xiaotian told Zong Tang what had just happened; Zong Tang nodded and said: "Going back is fine; he's wild‑tempered, he won't stay anywhere long, and lately he's caused quite a bit of trouble." Xiong Tianba has excess energy; although his time in the capital hasn't been long, he's already gotten into a few fights outside, fortunately without causing a major disturbance.

Hu Xiaotian said: "I also need to head back in the next couple of days; Elder Brother Zong and Yinghao probably need to stay a bit longer."

Zong Tang laughed: "You've been saying that for days; I thought you'd leave a few days ago—do you still have unfinished business?"

Hu Xiaotian sighed and said: "I've run into a bit of a problem, but I think it won't take long."

At that moment Hu Fu entered with a letter; Hu Xiaotian unfolded it and saw written: "Jing Shui Tea House, old friends await you," the signature blank, instead a seven‑story pagoda was drawn. Hu Xiaotian was overjoyed—after searching high and low, the answer came without effort; Liu Yuzhang has finally shown up at the door, indicating that the time to leave Kangdu has ripened.

Please give the guaranteed monthly ticket. (To be continued~^~)