Long Xuan'en let out a long sigh and said quietly, "Go back. I am tired."
Before leaving, Qiqi bowed to him. "Does Your Majesty still blame me?"
Long Xuan'en closed his eyes wearily and said meaningfully, "What is done is done. What use would blaming you be?"
After Qiqi left, Long Xuan'en remained unsettled for a long time. He sent Wang Qian to summon Hong Beimo.
Summoned late at night, Hong Beimo naturally guessed that something serious had happened. He came before Long Xuan'en and said respectfully, "Your humble servant pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long may you reign, for ten thousand years and ten thousand more. What orders does Your Majesty have for me at this late hour?"
Long Xuan'en said, "I want you to investigate whether Yan Xuanming is still alive!"
Hong Beimo knew nothing of this plot between Long Xuan'en and Wen Chenghuan. He said respectfully, "Could Your Majesty explain in greater detail?"
Long Xuan'en briefly recounted the whole affair. The more Hong Beimo heard, the graver his expression became. He bowed deeply to Long Xuan'en. "Your humble servant dares to speak frankly: Your Majesty handled this matter somewhat rashly."
Long Xuan'en said, "Speak!"
Hong Beimo said, "I share Princess Yongyang's view. The mere lord of Python Jiao Island could never deal with Hu Xiaotian. Since Hu Xiaotian is currently content to remain in Eastern Liang Commandery, why must Your Majesty rush to strike at him?"
Long Xuan'en said, "Hu Xiaotian is brimming with ambition. Since I sent him to Eastern Liang Commandery, which of his actions has not been intended to strengthen his own power? Am I supposed to watch him nibble away at Great Kang's realm until nothing remains?"
Hong Beimo said, "The best way to deal with a tiger is not to kill