Xue Lingjun said, "His Majesty's condition has improved considerably. He wants you to enter the palace tomorrow evening."
Hu Xiaotian had thought she would ask what had happened at Qichen Palace tonight, but instead, she was still concerned with the emperor of Great Yong. It seemed Princess Anping's life meant little to these members of Great Yong's imperial family. Hu Xiaotian nodded. "I'll remember. In fact, that impostor eunuch Bai Desheng lured me out tonight by claiming His Majesty had summoned me to the palace."
A faint smile touched Xue Lingjun's lips. "Bai Desheng is no impostor eunuch. He has served in the palace for over forty years and has always enjoyed His Majesty's trust. Since you mentioned him, I'll have him come personally to fetch you tomorrow."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Who's to say it won't be another impostor?"
Xue Lingjun said, "Don't go with him unless you see His Majesty's Coiling Dragon Gold Plaque." A smile blossomed on her lovely face. "You really are suspicious. How about this? I'll come fetch you myself tomorrow, so you won't have so much to complain about."
Hu Xiaotian said, "How would I dare complain about you, Sister Jun?"
Xue Lingjun said, "You may not say it aloud, but you must be blaming us in your heart." She looked up at the gloomy night sky and said softly, "This weather is stifling. I've spent the past two days tending to my imperial brother, and I'm utterly exhausted. I'll head back to rest. You should turn in early too. With Shi Kuan here to help, you needn't worry about anything. Just leave it all to him."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Some things are better handled personally. I wouldn't feel at ease leaving them to anyone else."
Xue Lingjun giggled. She knew tonight's assassination attempt must