Xi Yan's gaze softened at his words, and she said quietly, "I understand, Xiaotian. Nothing will happen to me. At worst, I'll resign myself to my fate and marry Xue Daoming in five days."
Hu Xiaotian felt as though a needle had pierced the depths of his heart, leaving him aching and miserable. He knew perfectly well that Xi Yan had said this deliberately to provoke him. She wanted to make him jealous, and he had to admit that she had succeeded this time. He pressed his lips together. "Whatever happens, I'll respect your choice."
Hu Xiaotian's response was far beyond what Xi Yan had expected. She had thought he would at least make a token attempt to persuade her to stay. She stared blankly at him. "You're not even a little jealous?"
"What does a eunuch like me have to be jealous of?"
Xi Yan glared at him.
"Anger is bad for your health. Your serious injuries haven't healed yet, so you'd better relax."
Xi Yan said, "Do you have a conscience?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "Actually, the fact that you're still alive is the best proof."
Xi Yan choked with anger.
Hu Xiaotian stood up. "I'll go out and take a look. It sounds like someone's coming." His hearing was exceptional, and he had already detected footsteps approaching outside.
Xi Yan said, "Don't forget what I told you. Have Huo Shengnan come in to see me."
The person approaching was indeed Huo Shengnan. Hu Xiaotian walked up to her and smiled. "You're just in time, General Huo. Her Highness was asking for you."
Huo Shengnan nodded and headed toward the room. After two steps, however, she noticed that Hu Xiaotian was not accompanying her. She stopped again. "Aren't you coming in?"
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "The princess said she wanted