Although Meng Zizai's expression was stern, his gaze remained as still as an ancient well, showing how little his outward changes reflected his unfathomable inner thoughts. In truth, Xi Yan's accusations had not angered him. He said gravely, "Even without you, Lord Hu and I should be able to cure Her Highness together."
This old bastard is still trying to dig a pit for me, Hu Xiaotian thought.
Xi Yan said, "Then you're welcome to try."
Quan Dean said, "Hand over the antidote obediently, or I won't be so polite."
Xi Yan said, "Do you think your threats frighten me?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "Name your terms. As long as you cure the princess's poisoning, I'll agree to anything." He said this to lay the groundwork for helping Xi Yan escape. With her intelligence, she surely would not miss this opportunity.
Xi Yan looked at Hu Xiaotian. "Do you mean that?"
Hu Xiaotian nodded without hesitation.
Hong Beimo and Meng Zizai exchanged a glance. Not only they, but everyone else present had the same thought at that moment: if this enchantress demanded that Hu Xiaotian let her leave, would he have to agree to that too? In that case, the two of them must have been conspiring together. By rushing so eagerly to rescue this enchantress, Hu Xiaotian was digging his own grave.
Xi Yan said, "What guarantee can you offer? And who can guarantee it?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "I can. As long as you cure the princess, I guarantee you can leave the Imperial Palace safely." He was desperate for Xi Yan to name her terms, even if she used the same old trick, even if she demanded his life in exchange for Qiqi's. If anything happened to Xi Yan because of him, his conscience would likely never find peace.