Hu Xiaotian said, "Rescuing Princess Anping and eliminating Wen Boyuan aren't mutually exclusive. Wen Chenghuan put Wen Boyuan in charge of the bridal escort's security precisely so he could make trouble for Princess Anping and me. Even if I don't strike at Wen Boyuan, he'll strike at me. I absolutely cannot afford to be softhearted here. I must strike first and seize the advantage."
Zhou Mo said, "Have you considered that if Princess Anping disappears and Wen Boyuan is killed, His Majesty may well hold you responsible?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "At this point, all I can do is gamble. Between Ji Feihua's camp and Quan Dean's, I have to choose one."
Zhou Mo asked, "Did Ji Feihua threaten you with your parents' lives?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "He promised me that if I pull this off, he'll help restore my father to his former post."
Strangely enough, deep down, Hu Xiaotian still believed Ji Feihua's promise. At least compared with the likes of Quan Dean and Li Yuncong, Ji Feihua was somewhat more reliable.
Zhou Mo asked in astonishment, "He really said that?"
Hu Xiaotian nodded. "Ji Feihua is no ordinary man. Even His Majesty is wary of him. I suspect he's bound to make a move soon."
When Empress Jian heard that Ji Feihua had come to see her, she hesitated before having him summoned inside. She had always harbored a deep resentment toward him. Not only had he stolen the authority and honor that rightfully belonged to her in the rear palace, but he had also stolen her husband. His Majesty spent far more time with him than with her.
Ji Feihua walked slowly into Xinning Palace, sweeping his gaze to either side. The palace maids and eunuchs all lowered their heads beneath his scrutiny. To these palace servants,