Hu Xiaotian returned in high spirits, surrounded by the others like a hero coming home in triumph. He approached Princess Anping, dropped to one knee, and said, "Your subordinate has made you worry again, Your Highness. I truly deserve ten thousand deaths!"
Princess Anping looked at him without saying a word. She merely sighed, turned around, and went back into her tent.
Hu Xiaotian had not expected that reaction from Princess Anping. With a quick turn of his thoughts, he understood why. Back in Skywave City, the incident with the embroidered ball had already made her fear for his safety. This time, the trouble had been even greater. It seemed she had not slept a wink all night, thinking only of him. For a moment, he felt a little touched.
Wen Boyuan watched Hu Xiaotian coldly. Seeing the fellow return unharmed brought him not the slightest relief; instead, he felt annoyed. Why hadn't this bastard been killed? Turn him into a dried corpse, a block of ice, anything at all-just don't let him come back alive.
Wu Jingshan said, "It's good that you're back, Eunuch Hu. Please get up so we can talk."
Hu Xiaotian cursed inwardly. Who are you, old bastard, to tell me to get up? I'm kneeling to the princess, not to you lot. He rose, brushed the loose dust from his knees with his sleeve, and said with a beaming smile, "My apologies, my apologies. I've made everyone worry about me again."
Wen Boyuan said, "What exactly happened, Eunuch Hu? What were you doing all night?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "It's a long story. Well, I'm hungry and thirsty right now. My lords, please excuse me while I find something to eat. We can talk later."
Just then, Zijuan came over and said softly, "Eunuch Hu, Her