Long Xuanjiao sat high above him, studying Hu Xiaotian's appearance with silent admiration. The lad certainly cuts a fine figure. No wonder Xiyue is so utterly devoted to him. She said softly, "Rise. Give him a seat!"
"Thank you, Empress Dowager!" Hu Xiaotian sat in the seat prepared for him on the right, finally able to take a good look at Long Xuanjiao. Though she was over forty, she looked only about thirty. Well maintained, graceful, and regal, she possessed a striking beauty. In her youth, she must have been a ravishing woman capable of toppling cities and kingdoms. No wonder she had bewitched his father into risking a secret affair with her, violating the moral bounds between master and disciple, and getting her pregnant. In that respect, Hu Buwei certainly had considerable lust-fueled courage. The thought inevitably brought Hu Xiaotian back to himself. His own prowess in that department was hardly lacking; he had diligently tilled the fields of his several beloved women, yet not one had become pregnant. It truly was a regret.
Long Xuanjiao said, "I heard that you suddenly went missing a couple of days ago, Young Master Hu. I was very worried."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Empress Dowager. I merely wandered around to admire your country's magnificent scenery and dispel some of the gloom in my heart."
Long Xuanjiao could not help smiling. "And what has been troubling you, Young Master Hu?"
Hu Xiaotian thought, *This old woman is asking a question she already knows the answer to. But since you've asked, I'm not afraid to lay everything bare. This is the perfect chance to see whether Hu Buwei has actually done anything for me. If he's helped settle this, well and good. But if he's gone back on his word