Chapter 468

Ji Feihua's gaze became somewhat bewildered: "This contract brought twenty years of peace to Dakang; originally, during these twenty years, if the Emperor had been diligent and governed well, developing internal affairs, perhaps Dakang's national strength could have recovered, but he indulged in extravagance, cruel and tyrannical; Dakang's national strength not only failed to develop in the slightest over these twenty years, but instead deteriorated further."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Da Yong seems to be getting stronger and stronger."

Ji Feihua nodded and said: "The Da Yong Emperor Xue Shengkang is wise and intelligent; during these twenty years he has painstakingly managed, buried his head to develop internal affairs, externally stabilized the rear defenses, built a Great Wall between Da Yong and the Black Hu, keeping the Black Hu people outside the Wall; he knows how to employ people well, network the world's talents; the Da Yong military's Grand Marshal Weichi Chong was once a Dakang general, but due to being ostracized in the Dakang army he left in resentment, and after coming to Da Yong he gained Xue Shengkang's favor and was entrusted with important duties; after obtaining him, Da Yong's war against the Black Hu turned around, Weichi Chong repeatedly defeated the fierce Black Hu cavalry, recovered the seven northern cities, and reestablished Da Yong's northern defensive line."

Hu Xiaotian secretly thought: "So impressive; if there's a chance, I'd like to meet him."

Ji Feihua also said: "In terms of internal affairs, the former Da Yong chancellor Li Xuanfan possesses the talent to govern heaven and earth; during his tenure, he enabled Da Yong's internal affairs to develop greatly; now Da Yong's treasury is abundant, the people are prosperous—all thanks to him."

Hu Xiaotian secretly thought: "Given this, Da Yong's national strength must be far greater than Dakang's; Ji Feihua has said so many good things about Da Yong—could this fellow be a Da Yong spy?"

Ji Feihua said: "Actually, although Dakang has been declining these years, its foundation of over five hundred years was not built in a day; Dakang has outstanding people and abundant talent, but these years the emperor has focused all his energy on power struggles, never truly considering how to govern this country."

Hu Xiaotian dared not criticize Dakang; what kind of person is Ji Feihua? He even dares to give the emperor a cold shoulder, let alone a few words.

After expressing his feelings over the territorial map for a long while, Ji Feihua finally turned his gaze back to Hu Xiaotian's face and whispered: "Zajia has said all this merely so you know how Dakang's territory has changed over these years."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I understand your painstaking efforts, Sir."

Ji Feihua laughed upon hearing him say that: "Zajia was just speaking offhand; there's really no painstaking effort." He returned to sit by the desk: "I heard you went to the emperor to resign from the post of marriage envoy."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Actually, I already told you before, Sir, I worry that this escort of the bride is not so simple; perhaps some people will make trouble over this matter; my humble life is not worth much, but I fear implicating you."

Ji Feihua asked: "Do you know who exactly recommended you to go to Zilan Palace?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "I heard it was Eunuch Quan who recommended me."

Ji Feihua shook his head and said: "The person who decided this matter is actually the Emperor!"

Hu Xiaotian's heart startled: "Recalling when the little princess Qiqi originally wanted to take him to the Ruxiu Palace as a servant, the Emperor suddenly decided to send him to Zilan Palace; at that time he felt this was rather abrupt. He didn't understand why the Emperor would make such a decision; later he heard it was Quan De'an's recommendation, but now Ji Feihua says this— which account is true?"

Ji Feihua said: "Zajia harbors wholehearted loyalty and fervor for the Emperor, yet unintentionally touched many people's interests, so this gang conspired to get rid of me."

Hu Xiaotian remained silent; at this moment it's better not to speak, the gang Ji Feihua mentioned must be Quan De'an and Wen Chenghuan.

Ji Feihua said: "Do you still remember the night I treated Wen Ya's wounds?"

Hu Xiaotian nodded. He certainly remembered; Ji Feihua used the Rongyang Wuji Skill to neutralize the internal injury caused to Wen Ya by the Bing Po Xuan Bing Palm. So many things happened that night that even now recalling them remains vivid, and he still feels apprehensive.

Ji Feihua said: "I believe you have already seen that Zajia is deliberately putting on an act; Zajia left the palace to feign cooperation, in order to eliminate those plotting to ambush me, and meanwhile use this affair to probe the reactions of certain people."

Hu Xiaotian had already figured something out in his heart, but on the surface he still pretended to be utterly bewildered: "I am foolish; I don't quite understand."

Ji Feihua said: "You don't not understand; you just dare not speak—the Emperor has already harbored murderous intent toward me."

Hu Xiaotian's heart pounded; what purpose could Ji Feihua have in telling him this secret? Could he truly trust him completely? Impossible—Ji Feihua could never trust anyone.

Ji Feihua sighed and said: "Zajia has devoted all his strength to the Emperor, serving with loyalty, yet in the end he suspects him and even wants to join others to eliminate me—how could Zajia not feel chilled?" He glanced at Hu Xiaotian and said: "You are not going to Da Yong because you fear they will fabricate trouble in this matter, frame you to implicate Zajia, right?"

Hu Xiaotian pressed his lips; Ji Feihua had laid everything bare, making him reluctant to speak.

Ji Feihua said: "It seems you still have reservations about Zajia."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Sir, it's not that I hold reservations toward you; I am merely an insignificant pawn."

Ji Feihua said: "Zajia has hardly any friends; those around me either fear me or hate me; only when speaking with you does Zajia feel at ease—even I find it strange."

Hu Xiaotian felt somewhat surprised by the favor, yet also moved; setting aside Ji Feihua's identity and purpose, he still thought well of himself. Hu Xiaotian said: "Thanks to your esteem, Sir, I will never repay kindness with enmity; for any matter you have, I will wholeheartedly assist without hesitation."

Ji Feihua said: "The trip to Da Yong is set by the Emperor; you must go. Since the Emperor has already made his plans, if you don't go, aren't you denying him the chance to carry them out? If he doesn't act, how can Zajia catch him in the act and make him realize his mistake?"

Hu Xiaotian secretly startled, wondering if Ji Feihua's words meant he intended to strike against Long Yelin; this person is indeed bold—could he already harbor thoughts of usurping the throne?

Ji Feihua said: "Along this road there will certainly be no peace; Wen Chenghuan recommended his precious son Wen Boyuan to bear the responsibility of escorting along the way; the Wen father and son collude with Quan De'an, forming the Shen Ce Fu, intending to oppose Zajia; Zajia has tolerated this for a long time, and later they father and son contrived the affair of Wen Ya entering the palace, repeatedly framing Zajia; if we don't give them a lesson, they will only become more arrogant."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Sir, what do you intend to do?"

Ji Feihua said lightly: "Zajia wants Wen Boyuan to go on this trip and never return."

Hu Xiaotian secretly delighted; on this point he and Ji Feihua happen to agree—Wen Boyuan's purpose in going to Da Yong is surely to deal with him; even if he does not act against him, this person will inevitably threaten his safety, and even endanger Princess Anping.

After a brief joy, Hu Xiaotian again felt worried; Ji Feihua letting Wen Boyuan have a one-way trip seems to be entrusting this to him, but Wen Boyuan's martial arts are formidable, and he lacks confidence to face him; if they really fought, he might even lose his life. He whispered: "Sir, do you intend to act yourself?"

Ji Feihua chuckled, raised his orchid finger, and lifted Hu Xiaotian's chin, saying: "You brat, always fearing death; although Wen Boyuan's martial arts are not bad, in the face of wit they are almost worthless." His phoenix eyes closely examined Hu Xiaotian's face, making Hu Xiaotian's heart flutter. Could Ji Feihua be harboring some improper desire toward him? "Old man, I'm a man," he thought, "you're holding my chin and staring like that—really giving me goosebumps."

Ji Feihua's hand still showed no intention of moving; he softly said: "Water can carry a boat, yet also capsize it; on this journey to Da Yong we will surely pass through the Tongtian River; although Wen Boyuan's martial arts are formidable, he is actually a land duck."

Hu Xiaotian secretly thought: "Ji Feihua means I should find a chance to push this fellow into the water to drown him? But Wen Boyuan's martial arts are so high, I fear it won't be easy to act."

Ji Feihua finally released his chin: "Do you have confidence?"

Hu Xiaotian gave an embarrassed smile: "I've heard Wen Boyuan's martial arts are strong; my little bit of three-legged cat skill probably isn't enough to get rid of him."

"If it were an easy matter, Zajia wouldn't entrust it to you to do personally." Ji Feihua's eyes full of deep meaning, he quietly gazed at Hu Xiaotian and said: "You constantly claim to be loyal and devoted to Zajia, but fine words are no substitute for actually doing something to prove it to me; if you help Zajia accomplish this, Zajia can guarantee your Hu family wealth and honor, restoring your father's former official post—what do you think?"

Ji Feihua's conditions were truly tempting, making Hu Xiaotian inevitably moved, yet he worried this might be a scheme of Ji Feihua's; if he really killed Wen Boyuan, would Ji Feihua push all the blame onto him? This man is a great villain, his decisive ruthlessness is something Hu Xiaotian has rarely seen. Hu Xiaotian said: "But if Wen Boyuan dies, it's certainly no trivial matter; the Emperor would surely not let the responsibility go uninvestigated."

Ji Feihua smiled: "Forgot to tell you, this marriage envoy is the Minister of Rites Wu Renshan; if the sky falls, he will naturally support it; as for you, you are merely a deputy, responsible along the way for the princess's food and lodging—your duty is actually the lightest."

Hu Xiaotian exclaimed in astonishment: "How come I haven't heard of this?" He inwardly sighed at Ji Feihua's meticulous planning, having already settled the aftermath.

Ji Feihua said: "Princess Anping's marriage is certainly no trifle; sending a little eunuch as marriage envoy is indeed too hasty; having Wu Renshan accompany them would be better—whatever happens, he will bear it; you need not worry, Zajia will not do the thing of exhausting the bow after the birds are gone."

After Hu Xiaotian understood Ji Feihua's full plan, his heart also secretly trembled; fortunately Ji Feihua regarded him as one of his own, otherwise he too would have been eliminated together.

Seek February guaranteed monthly ticket! (To be continued~^~)