Yet when Su Yuchi thought of Hu Xiaotian, his heart immediately grew heavy. Hu Xiaotian had successfully taken Jadeheart Mountain, which meant he had already taken his first step toward controlling Cloud Marsh. His next move would likely be to expand outward from Cloud Marsh, steadily enlarging his sphere of influence. Cloud Marsh would become his naval base, while the Springview River would shoulder the vital task of supplying an unending stream of provisions. Having an opponent like Hu Xiaotian as a neighbor was no easy matter.
Su Yuchi said to Yuan Qingshan, "Qingshan, I want you to go to the Imperial Capital in person and deliver a secret letter to the emperor."
The breath of spring grew ever stronger in the Kang Capital. The sky shone a pure blue, green buds emerged at the tips of the willows, and lush grass pushed up through the soil. The air turned warm and fresh, the waters grew soft and glistening, and even the wind began to turn gentle.
The willow breeze brushed the face without a chill. Long Xuan'en, too, emerged from his palace. As far as the palace attendants could remember, he had not visited the Imperial Garden once that winter.
The sunshine did nothing to brighten Long Xuan'en's mood. His expression was frighteningly dark. Although his hair and beard had turned jet-black, making him look much younger than his actual age, his eyes brimmed with mania and rage. None of the attendants dared approach him. They all stood with their heads lowered; that very morning, they had witnessed Long Xuan'en strangle his favorite consort to death at her bedside.
Long Xuan'en suddenly turned and demanded angrily, "Where is Hong Beimo? Why hasn't he arrived yet?"
His personal eunuch, Yin Zheng, answered cautiously, "Your Majesty, someone has already been sent