Hu Xiaotian put on a show of blazing fury and nodded bitterly. As he passed Zhan Peng, he shot him another vicious glare. "You'd better remember this." Only after leaving that threat did he walk away.
Watching Hu Xiaotian's retreating back, Zhan Peng laughed inwardly. They had worked together quite smoothly tonight. Even if Wen Boyuan possessed heaven-reaching abilities, he would never guess what lay behind it all.
Wen Boyuan approached Zhan Peng and reached out to pat his shoulder gently, his voice full of approval. "Very good. Pay no attention to him. If he dares make trouble for you in the future, just tell me."
"Thank you, General Wen," Zhan Peng replied respectfully.
Wen Boyuan turned to Zhao Chongwu. "I have a few things I'd like to discuss with Zhan Peng alone."
Zhao Chongwu immediately stepped aside.
Lowering his voice, Wen Boyuan told Zhan Peng, "Keep an eye on his every move for me. If you notice anything wrong, report to me at once."
"Yes!"
Hu Xiaotian slept soundly that night, not waking until broad daylight, when Zijuan came knocking to hurry him along. He felt rather resentful at being roused from his dreams. He had just been enjoying a wonderful one, with a woman in each arm-the princess on his left and the Enchantress on his right-basking in the blessings of two lovers, as happy as an immortal. Unfortunately, once he woke, he was still alone.
Zijuan had come on Princess Anping's orders. Although Hu Xiaotian took a casual attitude toward the painting contest, Long Xiyue felt differently. Once a woman fell in love with a man, she regarded his honor and disgrace as more important than her own.
Hu Xiaotian sent Zijuan back first. After washing up and eating and drinking his fill, he finally strolled leisurely