Cold sweat broke out on Wang Qiezhi's forehead. "Empress Dowager, everything I said was my honest impression. I had never had any dealings with Hu Xiaotian before this, much less accepted any favors from him. I have shown him not the slightest partiality."
Long Xuanjiao scoffed. "Why are you so nervous? I was only joking. Surely I know what sort of man you are?" Inwardly, however, she thought, Wang Qiezhi's eyes light up at the sight of money. Perhaps he really did receive something from Hu Xiaotian. Otherwise, why would he heap praise on him in front of me? He only met Hu Xiaotian this morning, yet he rushed here like a whirlwind to report to me, even passing along Hu Xiaotian's request for an audience. After a moment's consideration, she said, "I would rather like to meet him, but princes and nobles from every country are arriving at a time like this. Far too many have requested an audience with me. If I make an exception for him, I cannot favor one and slight another. Never mind. I shall not meet him for now. Treating everyone equally will spare us any gossip."
"Your wisdom is beyond reproach, Empress Dowager!" Wang Qiezhi said.
Not long after Wang Qiezhi left, Yang Longjing, King of the Fragrant Kingdom, arrived. Judging by his gloomy expression, he was in a poor mood. He strode into Bright Virtue Hall, frowned, and told the palace attendants around him, "All of you, leave. I have something to discuss with my mother alone."
The palace attendants all looked toward Long Xuanjiao. Only after she waved her hand did they withdraw.
Long Xuanjiao smiled. "How did you find time to come here today, Your Majesty? Didn't you go hunting in Yan City? You weren't supposed to return until the