Hu Xiaotian had intended to take the two jars of wine to visit Li Yuncong. Shi Xuedong was only a minor figure, after all. Given his position, he could not possibly know the Imperial Palace's innermost secrets. Li Yuncong was different. He had been plotting the old emperor's restoration all along, and now that it had succeeded, he must have made an enormous contribution. Hu Xiaotian was certain he could learn plenty of inside information from him.
Before Hu Xiaotian could leave, Imperial Bodyguard Qi Danai came looking for him.
Hu Xiaotian had dealt with Qi Danai several times before and knew he was one of Murong Zhan's trusted subordinates. But Hu Xiaotian's status was now very different. Upon seeing him, Qi Danai hurriedly bowed deeply and said, "Your subordinate pays his respects to Lord Hu!"
Only upon seeing such deference did Hu Xiaotian begin settling into his role. That's right! I'm the Deputy Imperial Bodyguard Commander now, the immediate superior of these Imperial Guards. Put plainly, I'm the deputy captain of the Royal Security Team. Still, this Royal Security Uniform really does look much sharper and more imposing than a eunuch's clothes. Hu Xiaotian puffed out his chest and smiled. "Brother Qi, there's no need for such formalities. We're old friends."
"Superiors and subordinates have their respective places," Qi Danai said. "The proper courtesies must be observed."
Hu Xiaotian felt secretly pleased. Since leaving Azure Cloud, it had been a long time since he had experienced this satisfaction that came with power. When he had held authority over the Palace Gardens Bureau, a crowd of little eunuchs had followed him everywhere, fawning and flattering, but they were not normal men, after all. "What brings you here, Brother Qi?" he asked.
"It isn't I who seeks you, my lord," Qi