Chapter 338

After witnessing Wang Decai being killed, Li Yuncong obviously had no intention of staying any longer; he gave a few perfunctory remarks and hurriedly left with his subordinates.

Ji Feihua walked slowly into the garden, while Li Yan led several others to drag Wang Decai's corpse out.

Hu Xiaotian signaled Xiao Dengzi and the others to continue what they had been doing, pretending nothing had happened, and he alone followed behind Ji Feihua.

Ji Feihua halted before a patch of poinsettias in full bloom, gazing at the flowers and said: "Poinsettias, how can a mere talented person deserve them?"

Hu Xiaotian respectfully said: "Subordinate will have someone change it right away." This matter indeed shows his oversight; just now Wang Decai used this to find fault with him, and now Ji Feihua says the same, proving that he inadvertently made a mistake.

Ji Feihua smiled indifferently: "No need; the bright red looks festive. The Talented Person has just entered the palace, after all it's a happy occasion, so let it stay as is."

Hu Xiaotian saw that no one was around, lowered his voice and said: "Commandant, Eunuch Quan sent word that I should carefully protect this newly arrived Talented Person, and also said to transfer Xiao Zhuozi to the Bright Moon Palace to await orders." To gain Ji Feihua's trust he must usually tell the truth; Ji Feihua is suspicious and extremely astute, his spies fill the entire palace, and Hu Xiaotian knows that if he intentionally deceives, he will likely provoke him.

Ji Feihua appreciated Hu Xiaotian's frankness, walked a few steps forward, plucked a white magnolia blossom from the magnolia tree, held it to his nostrils and sniffed: "These old-timers really went all out this time—protection? Hah. Why go to such trouble with a massive show of force? Is there anyone in this palace who would dare lay a hand on a Talented Person?"

Hu Xiaotian secretly thought, "I'm afraid Ji Feihua hates this newly arrived Talented Person so much he wishes to kill him at once." If the outside rumors are true, and Ji Feihua truly has that kind of relationship with the Emperor, then this newly arrived Talented Person poses a considerable threat to their relationship. He lowered his voice and said: "Commandant, what do you want me to do?" On the surface he seemed ready to accept the task, but in reality he was taking the opportunity to probe Ji Feihua's true intentions.

Ji Feihua said: "Those who come harbor ill intent…" He paused, then added: "Those who are good do not come." The magnolia blossom in his hand trembled without wind, its pure white petals exploding silently; a cold glint flashed in his phoenix eyes: "Since he wants you to protect him, you must guard him carefully, Xiao Tian. Zajia plans to transfer you to Bright Moon Palace to personally attend the Talented Person—what do you think?"

"Uh… this…" Hu Xiaotian never expected Ji Feihua to make such a decision; since he had spoken, it was as good as decided, and even if he was unwilling in his heart, it would be of no avail.

"You're not willing?"

Hu Xiaotian lowered his head and said: "Commandant, the Imperial Gardens Bureau still has many matters; Xiao Tian worries he cannot handle both."

Ji Feihua chuckled: "You think the post in Bright Moon Palace is too low. Zajia isn't trying to demote you. The Imperial Gardens Bureau will still have you in charge; you just delegate the specific tasks to others. Though Bright Moon Palace seems insignificant, it is actually extremely important. If the Emperor does not favor the Talented Person, after a while you can naturally be transferred back. If the Emperor lingers there, you must help me investigate her background thoroughly."

Ji Feihua narrowed his eyes, speaking with deep meaning: "Although it is merely serving, it also gives you an extra opportunity to get close to the Emperor, don't you think?"

Hu Xiaotian bowed deeply: "Thank you, Commander Ji, for your patronage!"

Ji Feihua let out a grating laugh, his gaze shifting to the distant clusters of poinsettias: "Zajia knows Wang Decai has repeatedly opposed you; Zajia's people are not to be offended by them. Today I killed him also to vent your resentment. Remember this: as long as you serve Zajia faithfully, Zajia will surely look after you."

Hu Xiaotian voiced his thanks, but inwardly he secretly admired Ji Feihua's seasoned depth. It seemed Ji Feihua was not merely trying to dispose of this newly arrived Talented Person; by placing him in Bright Moon Palace, he clearly intended a long-term plan. Quan De'an had him try to protect Wen Ya, while Ji Feihua turned the tables, giving him a personal protection opportunity. The burden on his shoulders suddenly grew heavy. If the Emperor had no interest in Wen Ya, that would be fine enough; but if the Emperor became enamored of Wen Ya's beauty and indulged in it, making Ji Feihua feel his position threatened, the next step would surely be to eliminate Wen Ya. Posing as Grand Tutor Wen's adopted daughter, this could stir up a tremendous upheaval.

Wang Decai's death naturally shook Xinning Palace; it is said that Empress Jian, upon hearing the news, went to the Emperor to lament, but later the matter came to nothing, the Emperor apparently having no intention to punish Ji Feihua. Those involved are confused while onlookers see clearly; many in the palace thus came to understand the situation. Ji Feihua's killing of this little eunuch was mainly meant as a warning to Empress Jian; the fundamental reason was that Empress Jian herself had brought the Talented Person into the palace. On the surface Empress Jian took the lead, but secretly there was collusion between Empress Jian and Grand Tutor Wen Chenghuan.

Although Ji Feihua is arrogant, in the present circumstances he does not yet dare to openly strike at the Talented Person; while Empress Jian lost a trusted eunuch, she gained the promise of Grand Tutor Wen and a group of veteran officials, who pledged to support her son Long Ting Sheng's ascent to crown prince—each side getting what it wanted.

The tangled, complex situation in the palace naturally makes it hard for people to choose sides; big and small eunuchs and palace maids all face the question of which camp to join, and of course a considerable number opt for neutrality—for example, the Senior Eunuch Li Yuncong of Cangshuge.

Having personally witnessed Ji Feihua kill Wang Decai in Bright Moon Palace was most unfortunate; if Li Yuncong had known this would happen, he would certainly have chosen to avoid it.

The Study had been tidied up; the books the Emperor liked to read daily were already placed on the shelves. The study and the Imperial Study had similar regulations and furnishings, only somewhat smaller. After Li Yuncong finished checking the study thoroughly and was confident nothing was missed, he waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

These past two days he had come to deliver books; Hu Xiaotian had all along been in Bright Moon Palace leading people to tidy the garden. Since the superior had assigned the task, he naturally dared not slack off. Seeing Li Yuncong preparing to leave, Hu Xiaotian smiled and went to meet him: "Eunuch Li, are you leaving?"

Li Yuncong nodded and said: "When I'm done, I'll naturally leave." He glanced at the newly tidied garden around him and softly said: "Eunuch Hu, is your mission also nearing completion?"

Hu Xiaotian sighed: "I'm afraid I'll have to stay here for a while."

Li Yuncong stared for a moment; he had not expected Hu Xiaotian to be assigned to oversee Bright Moon Palace, but after a brief thought he understood the purpose of this arrangement. From what he had personally witnessed, Hu Xiaotian should be Ji Feihua's confidant, and Ji Feihua placed him here precisely to monitor this newly arrived Talented Person.

Li Yuncong lifted his head, saw the sky overcast with dark clouds, and said softly: "A storm is coming; standing outside will surely get you wet, so it's best to find shelter soon."

Hu Xiaotian gave a wry smile: "Xiao Tian also wishes to sit and watch the winds and clouds rise, but alas he lacks such fate."

Li Yuncong gave a hehe laugh, knowing he understood his meaning, said nothing more, lightly patted his shoulder, and walked away.

Out of courtesy, Hu Xiaotian saw him all the way to the gate of Bright Moon Palace; before parting, Li Yuncong said: "Tonight, Eunuch Hu, if you have time, come to Cangshuge and we'll have a few drinks."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Thank you, Eunuch Li, for your kindness; this evening at mealtime, Xiao Tian will be there on time."

Li Yuncong returned his salute with clasped hands and hurried away.

Hu Xiaotian watched Li Yuncong, recalling that he had personally seen Li Yuncong's skills; he knew Li Yuncong was no ordinary person—his martial arts, even compared to Ji Feihua, Quan De'an and their ilk, were several times superior to his own. For some reason, this Senior Eunuch always gave him an unfathomably profound feeling; now that he had taken the initiative to make an appointment, Hu Xiaotian wondered what ulterior purpose lay behind it.

Not long after Li Yuncong left, a troublesome figure arrived here—Empress Jian herself.

Although Hu Xiaotian inwardly did not want to deal with Empress Jian, his position compelled him to see her. Though Wang Decai had died at Ji Feihua's hands, beforehand he had first clashed with Hu Xiaotian. Empress Jian, after all, is the mistress of the harem, and as empress she still wields considerable influence in the palace.

This time Empress Jian came accompanied by two eunuchs and two palace maids; her expression showed no trace of sorrow. Hu Xiaotian stepped forward to greet her, quietly observing her complexion. Seeing Empress Jian unruffled by the storm, he inwardly sighed, "These imperial folk are indeed hearts of iron and stone—let alone a trusted little eunuch's death, even the loss of a pet cat or dog would affect one's mood, yet Empress Jian seems untouched." Reflecting, this is normal: in the harem they care only about gaining the Emperor's favor, everything else is secondary; how could the life or death of a little eunuch matter to her? Moreover, as empress, if she lacks even this bit of forbearance, how could she command the six palaces?

Empress Jian strolled around Bright Moon Palace and said softly: "This garden is not bad; it seems you have put some thought into it."

Hu Xiaotian respectfully said: "Thank you, Empress, for the praise; this is all I ought to do."

Empress Jian's phoenix eyes flashed with a contemptuous cold light: "In that case, you can be considered utterly loyal."

Hu Xiaotian silently cursed, "I was originally loyal, alright," he said loudly: "This servant is utterly loyal to Dakang, to the Emperor, and to the Empress; heaven and earth can bear witness."

"Whether you are loyal or treacherous is not for you to say; this palace has eyes and will see clearly." Empress Jian pointed at the study, and two eunuchs hurried forward, first opening the study's door.

Hu Xiaotian stood bowed in place, for Empress Jian had not spoken; for a moment he did not know whether he should approach.

Empress Jian came to the study's door, stopped, and said softly: "Little whiskers, come in with me." (To be continued~^~)