Chapter 609

Hu Xiaotian didn't hide it from him, simply recounting the treatment he received since arriving yesterday. After hearing it, Liu Changsheng couldn't help but frown and mutter, "This is indeed not right. Da Yong is a state of rites and propriety, always placing utmost importance on diplomatic etiquette. Even when dealing with barbarian tribes that come to pay homage, they would not act this way, so how could they treat their own affianced state like this?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "I've just arrived in Yongdu, with no friends or acquaintances in the court, and no way to know what exactly happened. If you're willing to help, could you inquire for me why Da Yong is doing this?"

Liu Changsheng said, "I'll take care of this matter."

Hearing Liu Changsheng's ready agreement, Hu Xiaotian took a liking to him. Although Qin Yutong's letter had introduced him, Hu Xiaotian didn't want to owe him too big a favor. He said to Liu Changsheng, "How is your leg injury, Master Liu? I know a bit of medicine; I also brought some medicines from Dakang that work wonders on bone injuries. I'll have someone send them over later."

Liu Changsheng laughed, "No need, it's not a serious injury; I'll recover after a few days of rest."

Seeing that his expression showed no sign of pain, Hu Xiaotian vaguely guessed that Liu Changsheng might be feigning illness. Could this old man be doing so because he dislikes Prince Yan and wants to refuse him this way?

Hu Xiaotian didn't linger long at the Shen Nong Society; after exchanging a few pleasantries, he took his leave.

Returning to Qixin Palace, it was already dusk. Outside the palace, dozens of warriors had gathered, loudly discussing something, their faces flushed with anger. Hu Xiaotian recognized them as members of their entourage and hurried forward to ask what had happened.

Among these warriors, Zhao Chongwu and Zhan Peng were close friends, and Hu Xiaotian had once healed Zhao's injuries. He exclaimed indignantly, "Master Hu, those Yong people are really over the top, ordering us to move out of Qixin Palace tomorrow and find another place to stay."

Hu Xiaotian was slightly startled. The bridal envoy had just arrived in Yongdu and already run into trouble one after another. Although he had mentally prepared for various setbacks, Da Yong's rude conduct still exceeded his expectations a bit—did they really intend to drive them away? Hu Xiaotian didn't actually want to stay; the matter was already settled. Leaving as soon as possible would be best, but now it's not realistic to depart. Long Yelin's task for them was to escort Princess Anping safely to Da Yong and to attend the rites before leaving. Moreover, the current Princess Anping had been swapped by him; if they left, the deception might be exposed. That would render all their prior efforts wasted.

A group of warriors fumed, chattering: "Sir, Da Yong is utterly lawless, brutal and discourteous, completely devoid of propriety." "We'd better leave quickly; why suffer their scorn?"

Hu Xiaotian calmly said, "Everyone, settle down. The emperor's edict permits us to leave only after the rites. Are you thinking of defying the order?"

Upon hearing him, the crowd fell silent instantly.

Hu Xiaotian asked, "Does the princess know about this?"

Zhao Chongwu replied, "We haven't seen the princess yet."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said, "You may go back for now. I'm going to see the princess right away. By the way, has Official Wu returned?"

"No!"

Hu Xiaotian entered Qixin Palace and came face-to-face with the station chief. Seeing Hu Xiaotian, the chief spoke in a sarcastic tone: "Eunuch Hu, you've returned just in time; I have something to discuss..."

Hu Xiaotian didn't even glance at him, striding past with his head held high.

The station chief hadn't expected such treatment, and exclaimed in surprise: "Ah... I'm talking to you..."

By then Hu Xiaotian had walked away; the chief, fuming, could only stamp his foot: "What's with the arrogance? What's with the arrogance?"

Arriving at the inner garden, Liu Granny was directing two palace maids in tidying up. Seeing Hu Xiaotian enter, she stepped forward to block his path, saying, "Eunuch Hu, the princess is resting."

Hu Xiaotian's face darkened, his eyes flashing with a chilling glare: "Get out of the way!"

Liu Granny stared, bewildered: "What? You... what did you say?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "I'm notorious for being unreasonable. In Dakang I never strike the old, weak, women, or children, but since coming to your Da Yong I feel out of sorts—I might just lose my mind and make an exception."

A muscle at Liu Granny's lip twitched involuntarily, yet she didn't step back, coldly fixing her gaze on Hu Xiaotian: "Eunuch Hu, if you have the guts, step over my corpse."

Hu Xiaotian realized Liu Granny was no ordinary woman—this old lady was as stubborn and foul as a stone in a latrine. Just as he was about to explode, he heard the door stir slightly, and Zixuan sighed: "Granny Liu, Eunuch Hu is my man; treating him this way is disrespecting the princess."

Upon hearing her mistress speak, Liu Granny's expression immediately grew much more deferential; she bowed and said, "Your Highness, I harbor no ill will; I was merely worried that outsiders would disturb the princess's rest."

Zixuan snapped, "Nonsense! I just said he's my person—he can come whenever he wants. And you, this old thing, keep meddling. If you dare to overstep again, believe me I'll have someone slap you..."

Before her words finished, a loud slap rang out, startling even Zixuan. The incident happened in a flash, leaving no time to react. It was Hu Xiaotian who raised his palm and landed a hard slap on Granny Liu's face; though the force wasn't great, the commotion was astonishing, the sound crisp and sharp.

After striking her, Hu Xiaotian shouted, "You wretch, daring to be masterless and disrespect the princess—get down on your knees at once!"

While Zixuan had only threatened to strike, Hu Xiaotian actually did so. In an instant, the two palace maids nearby reacted, rushing almost simultaneously to his side; their movements were extremely swift, clearly indicating they were trained in martial arts.

Granny Liu's face turned blue from Hu Xiaotian's slap; suppressing her anger, she fell to her knees with a thud. Seeing her like that, the two maids also halted their actions.

Hu Xiaotian narrowed his eyes, looking at them with extreme contempt, and said, "What? Do you also want to rebel?"

Zixuan fumed, "You lot without manners, get out! I don't want to see you." She turned and walked into the room.

Hu Xiaotian smirked triumphantly, thinking he had never before noticed how superb Zixuan's acting was—even if Long Xi Yue were present, she probably couldn't match that aura and menace.

Entering the room, Hu Xiaotian turned and shut the door.

Zixuan came to the table, sat down, her lovely eyes fixed on Hu Xiaotian, and sighed softly: "Hu Xiaotian, Hu Xiaotian, why do you always stir up trouble for me?"

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, "I haven't been seeking trouble; this time trouble came knocking on its own."

Zixuan lifted the fragrant tea on the table, took a light sip, and said calmly, "Speak!"

Hu Xiaotian observed her movements, which were utterly graceful, noble and magnanimous. He hadn't expected Zixuan to have transformed so remarkably in this period; not only outsiders, but even himself, who constantly interacted with her, often felt an illusion, even doubting whether the person before him was truly Zixuan—yet her appearance was unmistakably hers. If she weren't Zixuan, who could impersonate her so perfectly?

Hu Xiaotian stepped forward, deliberately leaning close to Zixuan's ear to whisper a full recount of what had just befallen those warriors, while observing her ears for any sign of disguise; if one wore a human-skin mask, the seam behind the ear and jawline would still reveal a subtle line. Confident in his eyesight and the excellent indoor lighting, he found no irregularity on Zixuan's face no matter how he looked.

Zixuan suddenly slammed her teacup onto the table, snarling, "Are you a pig? Why do you keep thrusting your mouth forward? Do you think I'm deaf? That I can't hear what you're saying?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed, "The princess isn't deaf, and I'm not a pig. If you find me annoying, like a fly, I'll just keep my distance."

Zixuan seized the teacup and hurled a cup of scalding hot tea over Hu Xiaotian's head. Hu Xiaotian had been prepared; he twisted his body and deftly dodged her attack.

Zixuan's brows knitted in anger: "Do you think I can't tell you're insulting me in a roundabout way?"

Hu Xiaotian smiled, "The princess is icy-clear and wise, beautiful outside and clever within; I really dare to insult you indirectly." He thought to himself, if I'm going to curse you, I'll do it outright.

Zixuan set the empty teacup on the table and gave a glance: "Little beard, pour me some tea."

Hu Xiaotian approached with a grin, picked up the teapot, filled her cup, and said softly, "Your Highness, the Da Yong side is so rude, utterly disregarding Dakang's dignity—how can this be tolerated?"

Zixuan asked, "According to you, what should we do?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "They're ordering us to move out, leaving only the princess here. In the future, when she cries to heaven and earth, there will be no answer. We who have followed the princess from Dakang can at least be considered her natal family; now her kin are being looked down upon and bullied—what should be done, Your Highness, you don't need me to remind you."

Zixuan said, "You mean you want me to move out with you?"

Hu Xiaotian silently praised Zixuan's cleverness; this girl was so quick-witted, how had he not noticed before? It seems the imperial palace hides tigers and dragons; even a lowly palace maid is like this, so from now on he must be extremely cautious in his actions.

Zixuan shook her head and said, "Having come to Da Yong, I am the daughter-in-law of the Xue family; I ought to follow my husband's household arrangements. Moving out now would be improper."

Hu Xiaotian asked, "Does the princess really intend to swallow this insult?"

Zixuan replied, "Living under another's roof, what else can we do if we don't swallow this anger?" Her gaze shifted: "Although we are the Dakang envoy, they have no reason to let us eat and lodge for free."

Hu Xiaotian said, "It's not about free food and lodging; I feel this matter isn't that simple."

Zixuan smiled, "Whether simple or complex, in short I just need to play my part well; the rest is not for me to worry about."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Then let's leave now, so we won't have to endure their contempt here."

Zixuan said, "If you're willing, you may stay."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I still want to live a few more years."

Zi Juan silently stared at him; after a while, they viciously spat out a single word: "Get lost!"

Third Update delivered, still need fifteen Monthly Tickets for Four more! Hope we can achieve it today! (To be continued~^~)