Both men smiled with the utmost insincerity. Hong Beimo said, "I also made a point of preparing a generous gift for Her Highness the Princess."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Her Highness is chatting with Chancellor Zhou and Grand Tutor Wen. Whatever business you have, Mr. Hong, you can discuss it with me just the same." His meaning was plain: the princess had no time to entertain Hong Beimo, so he should take his business to Hu Xiaotian. At the same time, he was mocking Hong Beimo for not being qualified to stand alongside the chancellor and the grand tutor.
Hong Beimo did not grow angry. Smiling, he said, "In that case, Commander Hu, please accept this gift on her behalf."
Two disciples brought over a plaque covered with red cloth. Hong Beimo personally unveiled it, revealing the three large characters for "Divine Strategy Office," written by the emperor himself. After ordering the Divine Strategy Office searched and shut down, Hong Beimo had confiscated its plaque. Today, he had specially ordered someone to find that old plaque and bring it as a gift-a grand gift indeed.
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Your grand gift has arrived a little late, Mr. Hong. The Divine Strategy Office's plaque is already hanging up."
Hong Beimo looked at the plaque above the Divine Strategy Office's entrance. "How could that plaque compare with one written by the emperor's own hand? Since I have brought it here, I might as well see this good deed through to the end. A Sheng! Replace it with this one."
Hu Xiaotian's heart jolted. Sure enough, Hong Beimo had not come with good intentions. On the surface, he was presenting a gift, but what he truly wanted was to take down the Divine Strategy Office's plaque. Even if he replaced it with the one