Ever since becoming engaged to Hu Xiaotian, the little minx had kept a much lower profile. To outsiders, she seemed to have grown far less attentive to court affairs as well. Apart from the regular court audiences, she left most dealings with the outside world to Hu Xiaotian. Yet Hu Xiaotian did not believe she could truly let everything go and settle down to become a devoted wife and loving mother.
As he entered the Palace of Gathered Elegance, he saw Shi Xuedong coming out with two young eunuchs. Shi Xuedong hurried over to greet him and said quietly, "Her Highness just had us deliver some fresh seasonal fruit. I imagine it was meant for entertaining you, Your Highness."
Hu Xiaotian smiled faintly.
Seeing no one else nearby, Shi Xuedong lowered his voice further. "Act decisively! An opportunity lost will never return. Brother, you must make her yours as soon as possible!" Though the fellow had lost his manhood, his words still betrayed his rakish nature.
Hu Xiaotian laughed. "You worry too much, Big Brother. Are you happy with your recent assignment?"
Shi Xuedong nodded repeatedly. "Very happy, very happy. The Princess has been especially considerate toward me, all thanks to your influence, Your Highness."
Hu Xiaotian patted his shoulder. "We're brothers. There's no need to stand on ceremony."
Those words made Shi Xuedong feel all the more honored. Having spent so many years in the palace, he was adept at reading people. Not daring to take up any more of Hu Xiaotian's time, he hastily took his leave.
Hu Xiaotian entered the Palace of Gathered Elegance and found Qiqi drawing at her painting table. Her lovely hair fell over her shoulders, and her delicate, jade-white feet were bare. Her brows were knitted, and she paused her brush from time