Wen Chenghuan said, "Your Highness, I hear Hu Xiaotian is getting married on the eighth day of the fifth month, and he even sent you an invitation!"
Zhou Ruiyuan shot Wen Chenghuan a meaningful glance, clearly thinking it tactless of him to bring this up. Everyone knew about Princess Yongyang's relationship with Hu Xiaotian, and the dissolution of their engagement was common knowledge throughout the realm. Hu Xiaotian had made sure everyone knew about his wedding and had specifically invited Princess Yongyang to attend. There had to be an element of revenge in it; he was clearly trying to provoke her. Everyone understood this and had carefully avoided the subject. Yet Wen Chenghuan had brought it up right in front of Qiqi. With his experience, he could hardly have failed to consider those concerns. That meant he had done it deliberately.
Qiqi did not grow angry. She merely smiled. "Yes, he did."
Seeing her so composed, as unruffled as the waters of an ancient well, even the crafty, calculating Wen Chenghuan secretly admired her. This little girl had truly cultivated herself into a wily spirit. No wonder she could control Great Kang's court affairs with such formidable composure. Or perhaps she had never felt anything for Hu Xiaotian at all.
Wen Chenghuan asked, "Will Your Highness attend?"
Qiqi said, "I will set out after the Qingming Festival. Hu Xiaotian is, after all, the Prince of Suppressing the Sea. Whatever else happens, I must show him that courtesy."
Wen Chenghuan bowed. "Your old servant believes it would be better for Your Highness not to go."
Qiqi smiled faintly. "Let me hear your reasons."
Wen Chenghuan said, "Hu Xiaotian is brimming with ambition. He holds Eastern Liang Commandery, Wuxing Commandery, the Eastern Luo Granary, and White Spring City. He controls the lower