Once the ministers had dispersed and the dust had settled, Qiqi beckoned Quan Dean over. "Have that enchantress executed by a thousand cuts outside the Meridian Gate at noon tomorrow. Spread the news far and wide."
"Yes!" Quan Dean answered quietly. He knew Qiqi was doing this to force Hu Xiaotian to show himself.
After Quan Dean left, Hong Beimo stepped forward. "Congratulations, Your Highness! Your humble servant has a gift to present."
Qiqi nodded, and Hong Beimo presented the Imperial Jade Seal he had recovered.
Qiqi glanced at the Imperial Jade Seal and said indifferently, "It is nothing more than a symbol."
Hong Beimo asked, "When does Your Highness intend to ascend the throne?"
Qiqi shook her head. "There is no need to consider that yet. Titles are unimportant. As long as I sit in this chair, what difference does it make what others call me?" Young as she was, she cared little for hollow prestige.
Having divined what was on her mind, Hong Beimo asked quietly, "Is Your Highness still worried about Hu Xiaotian?"
Qiqi did not deny it. She sighed softly. "He abducted His Majesty. If they manage to escape the palace, it will be a great deal of trouble."
Hong Beimo laughed at that. "Your Highness need not worry. Long Xuan'en should already be dead by now."
Qiqi's delicate brows knitted slightly. She did not know why Hong Beimo was so certain.
Hong Beimo said, "I have done everything I could to prolong his lifespan. Unfortunately, his allotted time has run out, and no one has the power to turn back Heaven. I examined him just yesterday and determined that he had no more than three days to live."
"Really?"
Hong Beimo nodded. "The true threat is Hu Xiaotian. We absolutely cannot allow him to leave