Hu Xiaotian stayed in Long Xiyue's tent for nearly an hour before coming out. Rather than leaving immediately, he approached Zijuan and said quietly, "Zijuan, I have a few things to say to you."
Zijuan grew uneasy. "If there is anything you need, Eunuch Hu, please give your orders," she said softly.
Hu Xiaotian called her into his tent. Her eyes showed unmistakable fear, her fingers twisted together, and her lovely head drooped.
Hu Xiaotian asked pleasantly, "Zijuan, how has the princess treated you?"
"The princess's kindness to me is as weighty as a mountain. Why do you ask, Eunuch Hu?"
"In that case, if I asked you to do something for the princess, would you be willing?"
Zijuan bit her lip. "Even if I had to sacrifice my life for the princess, I would not refuse."
"We cross the river tomorrow," Hu Xiaotian said. "Once we cross the Yong River, we will enter Great Yong's territory. Although the princess is betrothed to Great Yong's Seventh Prince, we cannot let our guard down for a single day until we reach the Yong Capital. For her safety, I have thought of a plan."
"What plan?" Zijuan asked.
Hu Xiaotian looked her over. Although her beauty could not compare with Long Xiyue's, they were about the same height. "I intend to have you wear the princess's clothes and impersonate her, while Her Highness disguises herself as your maid and stays beside you."
Zijuan's face drained of color. "Eunuch Hu, you absolutely must not do this! I am only a servant. How could I dare impersonate the princess? I would never dare commit such a treasonous act."
Hu Xiaotian sneered inwardly. It was not that she lacked the nerve; she was afraid of dying. He said quietly, "I am not asking you to