Hong Beimo said quietly, "I fear we can no longer keep this hidden. Your Majesty should make a decisive move."
Long Xuan'en said, "You want me to name him Crown Prince?"
Hong Beimo said, "You need not name him Crown Prince, but it is time to make his existence public." Since the matter had already been exposed, word would spread sooner or later. Better to announce it themselves than let others do it. That was also a way to turn a passive position into an active one.
Long Xuan'en nodded. "It is not that I do not wish to appoint him. I must consider Qiqi's feelings."
Hong Beimo said respectfully, "Since the founding of Great Kang, there has never been a precedent for a woman holding power."
Long Xuan'en said, "She is proud by nature and truly possesses extraordinary abilities. It is a pity she was born a girl."
Hong Beimo sneered inwardly. He had long since seen through Long Xuan'en's cold and ruthless nature. This man lived only for himself. If he could live forever, why would he ever hand the throne to someone else? Hong Beimo had said all this merely to create the illusion that he and Qiqi were at odds.
Hu Xiaotian marveled at his reflection in the mirror. Xi Yan had come prepared after all. Not only did she have Murong Zhan's mask, she even had Ji Feihua's. She might even have masks of Long Xuan'en and Hong Beimo on hand. Fortunately, this master of disguise was not his enemy. A thought suddenly struck him: if Xi Yan impersonated him, or Qiqi, would that not cause him enormous trouble?
Hu Xiaotian took a few steps in imitation of Ji Feihua, capturing both his appearance and bearing perfectly. Xi Yan clicked her tongue in admiration. "You