Hu Xiaotian pretended not to see it. "Where?" In truth, how could he possibly miss a city as vast as the Yong Capital? He was deliberately playing the fool.
"Up ahead!" Li Chenzhou said.
Hu Xiaotian sounded apologetic. "My eyesight is poor. All I could make out was a blurry black mass. I thought it was a little village."
Is there any village that big? You brat, you're showing disrespect for our imperial capital! Li Chenzhou did not let his displeasure show, however. He smiled. "Once we enter the city, you and your party will be accommodated temporarily at Qichen Palace, Lord Hu. The officials responsible will handle all subsequent arrangements for your reception. We will part ways once we arrive."
Hu Xiaotian was overjoyed. At last, he could breathe easy without this man watching him day and night. Outwardly, however, he feigned great reluctance to part. "Are you leaving, General Li? I haven't even had a chance to share a proper drink and a chat with you."
Li Chenzhou smiled mildly. "I won't be leaving the imperial capital for the time being. You still have nearly a month to spend in the Yong Capital before the princess's wedding, Lord Hu. I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunities to meet."
"Excellent," Hu Xiaotian said. "I already regard you as a friend, General Li. Hearing that you were leaving made me feel as though a piece of my heart had gone missing. What a terrible disappointment."
Although Li Chenzhou appeared modest, he had never thought much of this eunuch. Given his own background, how could he possibly befriend one? He said softly, "To avoid unnecessary trouble, the princess's arrival in the Yong Capital has not been publicized. Nor will there be a grand welcoming ceremony for the time being. All of