Hu Xiaotian's expression changed at the news. What he feared had truly come to pass. He had only just discussed this with his mother, and in the blink of an eye it had become reality. He was certain he had heard correctly: Wu Jingshan had come at the emperor's behest. Wasn't the Old Emperor displeased with them over the matter of the Xu Family in Jinling? Why would he suddenly propose a marriage to the Hu Family? The old fellow changed faces far too quickly. Or had he seen through everything long ago, his present muddleheaded tyranny merely a façade, his true intention being to bolster Qiqi and help her win the hearts of all his subjects?
Xu Fengyi was startled, but remained calm and composed on the surface. "For whom have you come to propose marriage, Lord Wu?"
Wu Jingshan beamed. "His Majesty entrusted me with arranging a happy marriage between Princess Yongyang and Commander Hu. Lord Hu is young and accomplished, handsome and dashing, possessed of both wisdom and courage. Princess Yongyang is in the first bloom of youth, peerlessly beautiful, learned and gracious, lovely without and wise within. They truly are a match made in heaven, a pair of immortal lovers!"
Xu Fengyi said, "We are honored by His Majesty's regard. What virtue or ability does our Hu Family possess to deserve such favor? However, the master of our household is away. Ordinarily, we ought to inform him first."
Wu Jingshan smiled. "His Majesty said we should first ask Commander Hu what he thinks." In saying this, he was effectively declaring that Hu Buwei's opinion did not matter. The key lay with Hu Xiaotian.
Xu Fengyi's delicate brows drew together slightly, and she looked toward her son. On a matter of such importance, he would have to