Hu Xiaotian said, "I concealed my identity earlier to avoid trouble. I hope you will understand, Your Majesty."
Empress Dowager Jiang said, "I understand. By the way, you came to Great Yong to escort your country's princess here to marry my seventh grandson, Daoming, didn't you?"
Hu Xiaotian had been itching for Empress Dowager Jiang to raise the matter herself. He smiled and said, "That is precisely why I came."
Empress Dowager Jiang nodded. "Thank you for your efforts!" Yet after saying that, she moved straight past the subject. Hu Xiaotian had thought he could seize the opportunity to tell her about the unfair treatment he had received since arriving in Great Yong, but her attitude made it clear that she paid little attention to this marriage. He could not help feeling disappointed. Apparently, the Great Yong imperial family did not attach enough importance to the match. No wonder the Worthy Consort and her son dared to do whatever they pleased.
Empress Dowager Jiang said, "Little Dong, go and see whether Little Jun has arrived."
Eunuch Dong acknowledged the order, rose, and went outside.
Hu Xiaotian wondered to himself, Little Jun? Who was that? Did Empress Dowager Jiang have some other business with me?
He chatted with Empress Dowager Jiang for roughly an hour before a silvery peal of laughter rang out from outside, carrying a distinctly seductive note. "Mother, your daughter is late!"
Hu Xiaotian looked toward the voice and saw a beautiful young woman in a magnificent yellow gown walking slowly inside, accompanied by Eunuch Dong. Her dress was dazzlingly lavish, her cloudlike hair adorned with gold hairpins and pearls. Her features were exquisite, her skin fairer than snow, and her slender waist could have been encircled with a single grasp. Her waist and hips curved in flowing