Hu Xiaotian nodded. "Then keep an eye out for me."
Just then, Xiao Zhuozi's angry voice rang out in the distance. "What are you doing here?"
Hu Xiaotian looked toward the voice and saw Wang Decai swaggering in with two eunuchs. The sight of him filled Xiao Dengzi with fury as well; this was the man whose scheming had cost him a broken leg. Hu Xiaotian waved Xiao Zhuozi aside. After all, Wang Decai served Empress Jian. There was no need to draw swords and bend bows before they knew what he wanted.
Wang Decai came up to Hu Xiaotian and cupped his hands. "Eunuch Hu, my greetings." Times had changed. Hu Xiaotian now oversaw the Palace Gardens Bureau and held the rank of Assistant Director. Though Wang Decai hated him to the marrow of his bones, he still had to make a perfunctory show of courtesy.
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "What brings you here, Eunuch Wang?"
"I have come on Her Majesty the Empress's orders," Wang Decai said. "She wants you to put the gardens at Bright Moon Palace in order."
"Hasn't Bright Moon Palace been standing empty all this time?" Hu Xiaotian asked.
"Someone will be moving in soon," Wang Decai said. "Remember, you must have the gardens looking brand-new within three days. Her Majesty will inspect them in person. If she isn't satisfied, heh heh, this could well become a matter of losing your heads." In his heart, the bastard wanted nothing more than to kill Hu Xiaotian and relish the satisfaction.
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Since these are Her Majesty's instructions, I'll send people to see to it right away. Does she have any specific requirements?"
Wang Decai said, "Only that everything must be done to the highest standard."
"Please tell Her Majesty that I will spare no