Hu Xiaotian smiled faintly and told his indignant subordinates, "Calm yourselves. The Fragrant Kingdom has always called itself a land of courtesy, and the Empress Dowager was once a princess of Great Kang. That hardly makes her an outsider. Surely she'll listen to reason." He turned to Ying Tianhong. "Commander Ying, look at me. I haven't bathed in days, and my clothes are a mess. I can't possibly meet the Empress Dowager like this. How about I go inside, bathe, and change before accompanying you? That would make the occasion more dignified and show respect for your Empress Dowager. Wouldn't you agree?"
Ying Tianhong considered this for a moment. Hu Xiaotian's request was hardly unreasonable, so he nodded. "Please make it quick, Lord Hu."
Only then was Hu Xiaotian allowed into the Emerald Garden. He had his men prepare hot water and food, enjoyed a comfortable soak, changed into clean clothes, and then sat down to drink with Zhao Wusheng and the others.
They had barely taken their seats when Ying Tianhong sent someone in to hurry him along. Hu Xiaotian paid him no heed and told the Phoenix Feather Guard to report back that they were eating and would come once they were full. It was lunchtime, after all. Having gone hungry for so many days, Hu Xiaotian deserved a proper meal. To hell with your Empress Dowager. I'll get my belly comfortable first.
Over the meal, he briefly recounted his experiences of the past two days. Naturally, he spoke only of infiltrating the Clear Mystery Monastery and made no mention of Ji Feihua.
Xia Changming was alarmed by the account. "That Su Yujin is clearly an expert at commanding poisonous insects," he said quietly. "Having offended her, my lord, you may be in trouble."
Hu Xiaotian nodded. "I