Beneath the outward harmony lurked a profound crisis. Hu Xiaotian's public announcement of the Gold and Jade Alliance's founding had dealt Qiqi the greatest blow to her dignity. Powerful as he had become, he had still accepted Great Kang's investiture. In other words, as far as the outside world was concerned, all his territory and authority belonged to Great Kang. Yet now he had gone straight around Great Kang. If she could swallow this, what could she not swallow?
Qiqi showed extraordinary patience that day. She did not lose her temper. As everyone offered their congratulations, she took the initiative to approach Long Xiyue. Though jealousy and resentment churned within her, she had to admit that Long Xiyue was beautiful, even more delicately captivating than she remembered.
Watching Qiqi approach, Long Xiyue could not help feeling nervous. The little girl who had once called her "aunt" at every turn had now blossomed into a young woman. Qiqi was tall and slender, and had originally stood a little taller than Long Xiyue, yet today they were nearly the same height. Even Qiqi found it strange. Had Long Xiyue grown taller during their years apart? The real secret, however, lay in the Crystal Shoes concealed beneath Long Xiyue's long wedding dress: high heels Hu Xiaotian had specially commissioned to fit her feet.
Qiqi smiled. "Congratulations to you both. May you enjoy a hundred years of harmony and grow old together!" On the surface, at least, she appeared quite magnanimous.
Hu Xiaotian chuckled. He was certain Qiqi did not mean a word of it.
Long Xiyue smiled gently. "Thank you!" She offered Qiqi the bouquet in her hands. "They say whoever receives the bride's bouquet will have good luck. This is for you." She had only learned of the custom from Hu Xiaotian.