Hu Xiaotian said, "You flatter me, my lord. Escorting the princess to the Yong Capital to marry, on His Majesty's orders, was simply my duty. I thought that once she married, she would enjoy a lifetime of happiness, and Great Kang and Great Yong would be bound in everlasting friendship. Who could have imagined that she would suffer such an unprovoked calamity in the Yong Capital..." His face filled with grief, and he set down the wine cup he had raised. Though he claimed no credit, he took no blame either. As far as this mission went, he had completed it successfully. Princess Anping's death had occurred after she reached the Yong Capital, and Great Yong should bear full responsibility.
Zhao Dengyun said, "I hear that Great Yong's general Huo Shengnan killed Princess Anping out of jealousy turned to hatred?"
After Princess Anping's assassination, Great Yong had publicly announced these findings. By now, everyone under heaven knew.
Hu Xiaotian said, "All the assassins who attacked the princess were slain on the spot. Only Huo Shengnan escaped, and her whereabouts remain unknown."
Beside them, Zhao Wusheng said, "Huo Shengnan was Great Yong's foremost female general and won illustrious victories for her country. Who would have thought her heart could be so venomous that she dared murder Princess Anping?"
Zhao Dengyun sighed deeply. "The princess had a kind heart, yet fate dealt her one misfortune after another, ending in such a desolate death. The thought truly leaves one sighing with sorrow."
Zhao Wusheng said indignantly, "If I ever catch Huo Shengnan, I'll cut her into a thousand pieces. Only then will the hatred in my heart be eased."
Hu Xiaotian sneered inwardly. You bastard, you're all talk. If you really dare harm Shengnan, I'll be the first to make you pay. Still,