Inside King Yongyang's Residence, Qiqi was admiring the model of the Prince Consort's Residence sent over by the Heavenly Secrets Bureau. Quan Dean stood beside her and said with a smile, "When it comes to architecture, Hong Beimo truly has no equal."
Qiqi said, "How do you know he won't tamper with it?"
Puzzled, Quan Dean asked, "Since Your Highness fears he might harm you, why did you agree to let him renovate the Prince Consort's Residence?"
Qiqi said, "The emperor made the decision. How could I object?"
Quan Dean said, "This old servant has heard that His Majesty's moods have been unpredictable lately. In just half a month, two noble consorts and six palace servants have already died at his hands."
Qiqi said casually, "I haven't seen him for a while."
Quan Dean said, "There's a rumor in the palace that His Majesty became like this because he took the elixirs Hong Beimo refined for him."
Qiqi said, "He trusts only Hong Beimo. If I tried to persuade him, he would think I was trying to harm him instead."
Quan Dean sighed. "His Majesty was wise and discerning all his life. Who could have imagined he would be hoodwinked in his old age?"
Qiqi said, "Eunuch Quan, how much do you know about Hong Beimo?"
Quan Dean said, "This old servant has held nothing back and told you everything he knows. I have already told Your Highness everything about him."
Qiqi gently nudged the two bronze lions set before the main gate of the Prince Consort's Residence, shifting their positions, then said, "The Heavenly Secrets Bureau commands enormous power. Hong Beimo's prestige and strength today surpass even Ji Feihua's in his prime. If he wanted to control court affairs, he could easily do so. Yet he has no interest