Qiqi sighed softly. "He really is cunning. He knows exactly what makes those commoners tick." Her finger tapped lightly against the armrest, as though she were considering something.
Quan Dean said, "This old servant has something to say, but I do not know whether I should."
"Speak. Stop keeping me in suspense!"
Quan Dean said, "This old servant believes it was inappropriate to turn the refugees away in the first place. After all, they are all subjects of Great Kang. Rumors are spreading everywhere now that the Imperial Court cares nothing for whether its people live or die."
Qiqi shot him a glare. "Why didn't you say so sooner?"
Quan Dean said, "Your Highness has never liked palace servants discussing affairs of state."
Qiqi waved a hand. "Forget it. It is hardly a major matter. Convey my decree: commend Hu Xiaotian for his service in quelling the unrest, confer upon him the title of Grand Commander, and reward him with ten thousand taels of gold and two hundred bolts of silk. Let him administer Yunyang for the time being."
"What?" Quan Dean almost thought he had misheard, but he immediately understood Qiqi's intent. Since the deed was already done, there was little she could do to change it. Hu Xiaotian's power had grown formidable, and his seizure of Yunyang under the pretext of suppressing unrest was, in truth, outright robbery.
Qiqi's response was to placate him for now and leave the final reckoning until an opportunity arose.
Not long after Quan Dean departed, Yang Lingqi came to request an audience.
When he stood before Qiqi and noticed the princess's displeased expression, he guessed that it almost certainly had to do with Yunyang.
Sure enough, Qiqi gave a cold snort. "Yang Lingqi, what a wonderful idea you gave me!"
Yang Lingqi