King Yongyang's Residence had actually been Third Prince Long Tingzhen's former estate. The Old Emperor had bestowed it on Qiqi, who had ordered a simple cleaning and a fresh coat of paint, without making any major changes.
The torrential rain had just stopped. Qiqi sat alone in the garden pavilion, quietly studying the navigation chart Hu Xiaotian had given her.
Quan Dean's voice rang out in the garden. "Your Highness, Commander Hu has arrived."
Qiqi turned and saw Hu Xiaotian approaching at an unhurried pace. Judging by his expression, he was reasonably composed. She had thought her actions might infuriate him. Putting away the navigation chart, she asked softly, "Where have you been all day and night? I sent people looking for you several times, and they all said you'd gone out and hadn't returned."
"Did you need something, Princess?" Hu Xiaotian asked.
"Nothing in particular. I was bored and wanted someone to talk to."
"So when you couldn't find me, you arrested my parents to make me walk straight into your net?" Some anger inevitably seeped into his words.
Qiqi smiled sweetly. "If His Majesty had his way, I'm afraid it wouldn't have been as simple as arresting them. You should be thanking me. I took them into protective custody for you."
Hu Xiaotian sat down opposite her, his lips twisting into a sneer. "It seems I owe you a thank-you, then."
"You're always suspicious of my motives. If I wanted to harm them, why would I need to do it myself?"
Hu Xiaotian's gaze fell on the navigation chart on the stone table. "Have you reached a decision, Your Highness?"
"I've thought it over and over. There are simply too many uncertainties."
"What uncertainties do you mean, Princess?"
Qiqi rose and took a few steps. The drops of