Qin Yutong shook her head. "It wasn't merely luck, was it? With some things, you've only seen the surface. If no one tells you, you might never know the truth in your entire life."
Curiosity stirred in Hu Xiaotian's heart. Qin Yutong seemed to be hinting at something. Did she also know that Ji Feihua had helped him behind the scenes? Hu Xiaotian smiled. "There's a hidden meaning in your words, Miss Qin. Forgive my ignorance, but could you explain more clearly?"
Qin Yutong said, "I heard that Princess Anping specially sent Zijuan to the Grand Tutor's Residence over your affair. She went expressly to deliver a painting to him. Apparently, it was the very painting Lady Wen had given her."
Hu Xiaotian was bewildered. He had been standing right beside Long Xiyue when Wen Ya offered her that painting, and he remembered perfectly well that she had not accepted it. How could there now be a performance of returning the painting to its owner's door? His bewilderment lasted only a moment before he understood Long Xiyue's painstaking intentions. She must have used the painting to pressure Wen Chenghuan into abandoning his plans against him. Once he understood her reasoning, warmth flooded his heart. What virtue or ability did he possess to deserve such favor from the princess? He was the son of a disgraced official, a little eunuch who had no choice but to watch others' expressions before acting.
Qin Yutong gave him a meaningful look and sighed softly. "I remember some things you said before. Thinking about them now, they weren't entirely without reason." She was referring to his earlier accusation that she had turned a blind eye to the fate of her good friend Long Xiyue.
Hu Xiaotian said, "Everyone has their own difficulties. I shouldn't have