Qiqi gazed quietly at Hu Xiaotian. Surprisingly, his words did not send her into a rage; instead, she showed unprecedented composure. In truth, she was far from naive. Even she did not believe what she had just said. "I can tell you care a great deal about my aunt," she said softly. "I did call you here because I have something to ask of you."
"I'm all ears," Hu Xiaotian said.
"I want you to ensure my aunt reaches Great Yong safely."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "I'm afraid I don't quite understand, Little Princess. His Majesty has ordered me to accompany Princess Anping to Great Yong. Official matters will be handled by the marriage envoy, our Minister of Rites, Lord Wu Jingshan. Security along the way will be the responsibility of General Wen Boyuan, Grand Tutor Wen's precious son, a man of both courage and wisdom. I'll still be looking after Princess Anping's meals and daily needs. To put it plainly, it's no different from what I do now. I'm still doing a servant's work."
"I trust none of them," Qiqi said. "I trust only you."
Hu Xiaotian looked at her dubiously.
"In any case, promise me you'll escort my aunt safely to the Yong Capital and see that she marries the Seventh Prince, Xue Chuanming, without incident," Qiqi said. "I've learned a little about him. He is accomplished in both civil and military affairs, has distinguished himself in battle, and is highly regarded by the Great Yong Emperor. He may well become the heir apparent and inherit the throne someday. Given his qualifications, marrying him would hardly be beneath my aunt."
The more Hu Xiaotian heard, the more uncomfortable he felt. This little girl was so young, yet so worldly in her thinking. He could hardly say she felt no