Everyone turned toward the voice at once and saw Princess Yongyang, Qiqi, standing at the entrance. Chancellor Zhou Ruiyuan and Grand Tutor Wen Chenghuan had come out with her.
Hong Beimo smiled. "My respects, Your Highness!"
Qiqi said coldly, "Today, the Divine Strategy Office reopened its doors to recruit worthy talents from across the land for the Imperial Court. Why have you come here to provoke us, Mr. Hong?"
Hong Beimo chuckled. "You misunderstand, Your Highness. I came today to congratulate the Divine Strategy Office on rising anew from the ruins and wish it an auspicious opening. I specially brought a plaque inscribed by His Majesty's own hand. I merely intended to have my men help replace the old one, but Commander Hu misconstrued my good intentions."
Qiqi said, "I appreciate your good intentions, Mr. Hong, but I wrote this plaque myself. Are you suggesting that my calligraphy is unfit to grace a hall of distinction?"
Hong Beimo smiled. "You misunderstand, Your Highness. I meant only kindness. In that case, I shall leave the plaque here. My goodwill has been conveyed, so I shall take my leave!" He nodded slightly to Zhou Ruiyuan and Wen Chenghuan, then turned and walked away.
Qiqi's voice rang out behind him. "Won't you invite that Hidden-Weapon Expert of yours out to give us a demonstration, Mr. Hong?"
Hong Beimo did not pause. He smiled and said, "How would I dare act so presumptuously before Your Highness? There will be another opportunity for you to appreciate his skills."
As she watched Hong Beimo and his entourage depart, a layer of bitter frost settled over Qiqi's lovely face. Zhou Ruiyuan and Wen Chenghuan exchanged a glance, conveying an understanding that needed no words. Hong Beimo had dared come here to provoke them openly; clearly, his pride