Hu Xiaotian nodded.
Quan Dean said, "You're right. Her Highness is different from us, but... I'm the only family she has in this world. Promise me that after I die, you'll treat her well."
Hu Xiaotian answered without hesitation, "I promise."
Quan Dean said, "Ling Jiazi was the most brilliant person I ever met. Sadly, beauty was blessed with a cruel fate... There's a secret... She carried Qiqi in her womb for seven years before giving birth to her..."
Hu Xiaotian's eyes widened. At a time like this, Quan Dean would never lie to him. So that was where Qiqi's name had come from. Hu Xiaotian asked quietly, "Who exactly was her father?"
Quan Dean gasped for breath. "I don't know... When my mistress was alive, Hong Beimo, Ren Tianqing, Long Xuan'en-none of them dared show her any disrespect... Qiqi has nothing to do with any of them..."
Hu Xiaotian looked at Quan Dean, his heart full of confusion.
Quan Dean said, "Minghui, whom the rumors speak of, was actually... actually nothing more than a pawn..." He seized Hu Xiaotian's collar with all his remaining strength. "The only person who can help her... is you..."
Hu Xiaotian still wanted to ask him more, but Quan Dean's white-haired head slumped helplessly. Hu Xiaotian checked his breathing and found that he had breathed his last. The old eunuch had devoted his entire life to protecting Qiqi. Whatever methods he had used in the past, they had all been for her sake. To Qiqi, he had truly been a man of loyal heart and righteous courage.
Soft footsteps sounded behind him. Hu Xiaotian reached out and slowly closed Quan Dean's eyes, then rose to his feet. He did not look behind him, for Ren Tianqing had reappeared ahead. There was no need to