Hu Xiaotian strode into the Diligent Governance Hall with his head held high. Unlike the other court officials, he wore no court attire, only a casual Confucian robe. Though his every movement carried an effortless grace, entering the Imperial Palace dressed like this bordered on contempt for the court. Getting into the palace had taken little trouble. He had first identified himself, then produced the Five-Colored Coiling Dragon Gold Plaque Qiqi had given him years ago. The Imperial Palace, so far beyond the reach of others, was no more difficult for him to enter than a neighbor's house.
He had decided to appear openly only after careful consideration. After his battle to the death with Ren Tianqing in the Dragon Spirit Wonderland, there was no longer any point in concealing his identity. He intended to stand openly in the public eye and reestablish his power and standing in Great Kang. For him, this might well be the best opportunity.
As Qiqi gazed at Hu Xiaotian, handsome as a jade tree standing in the breeze, a hundred emotions tangled in her heart. She could not deny that throughout these past days and nights, she had worried constantly about his safety, even more than she had worried about Quan Dean. Seeing Hu Xiaotian unharmed finally eased her mind. But Quan Dean had yet to return, and in all likelihood, disaster had befallen him. Qiqi could not determine whether his disappearance had anything to do with Hu Xiaotian. She had even begun questioning Hu Xiaotian's motives, wondering whether everything he had told her before had been a lie.
Hu Xiaotian bowed with his hands clasped. "Your humble subject Hu Xiaotian pays his respects to Your Highness. May you live a thousand, thousand years!"
"Dispense with the formalities. Rise!" Qiqi said softly. Hu Xiaotian