Baobao's pretty face was cold and grave. She peered ahead by the faint light but saw no sign of Hu Xiaotian. Her expression grew still more bewildered, and she feigned alarm. "Eunuch Hu, where are you? I'm so scared..."
Hidden behind the wine barrels, Hu Xiaotian saw everything clearly and cursed inwardly. This palace maid is a treacherous little schemer. You attacked me from behind just now, trying to knock me unconscious, and now you're playing innocent. If I hadn't noticed in time, you might already have done me in.
"Eunuch Hu, don't frighten me..." Baobao said in a trembling voice. As she spoke, she cautiously felt her way toward his hiding place.
Hu Xiaotian made up his mind. You showed me no mercy, so don't blame me for showing you none. If I have to crush a flower with a ruthless hand, you forced me to do it. Baobao drew closer and closer, until she was only a step away from his hiding place. Suddenly, her voice turned sweet and coy. "Eunuch Hu, you're so naughty, scaring me on purpose..."
Through the gap between the wine barrels, Hu Xiaotian saw a dark figure silently approach Baobao from behind. In a flash, the figure raised a gleaming dagger and drove it viciously toward her back, straight at her heart.
Hu Xiaotian had never imagined there was a third person in the wine cellar besides himself and Baobao. When he entered, he had kept a close watch on his surroundings, and Xiao Zhuozi and the others were guarding the door outside. No one should have been able to follow them in-unless this person had been hiding in the cellar all along.
The dark figure struck with ruthless efficiency. His hand rose and the blade fell. Just as the dagger was about