Upon learning of Xue Shengkang's death, Hu Xiaotian immediately went to Princess Yongyang's residence. Qiqi had not attended court that day. Since taking charge of court affairs, she had never missed a single court assembly. Only after her bitter falling-out with Long Xuan'en over enfeoffment had she realized that she was nothing more than a tool he used.
Qiqi had also just received word of Xue Shengkang's death. Whatever else it meant, this was good news for Great Kang. Seeing Hu Xiaotian arrive, she guessed he had most likely come because of it. She glanced at his face and said, "So you finally deigned to come back."
Hu Xiaotian cupped his fists. "Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations!"
"Xue Shengkang's death is hardly cause for great celebration," Qiqi said. "He had so many sons. Once the new sovereign takes the throne, there's no guarantee he won't revive the idea of invading the south."
"Whatever happens, Great Yong will be in turmoil for quite some time," Hu Xiaotian said. "That will give Great Kang a chance to catch its breath."
"Troubles within and threats without. Even if the external threat eases, our internal troubles remain. His Majesty rejected my proposal, saying the idea of enfeoffing the lords concealed sinister intentions." At this, Qiqi's beautiful eyes fixed coldly on Hu Xiaotian. After all, the idea had been his.
"It seems His Majesty doesn't care whether Great Kang survives," Hu Xiaotian said. "He said before that he would let you govern in his stead, yet now he's interfering again. So even His Majesty's words of gold and jade can be taken back."
"What do you suggest?" Qiqi asked.
"The only way to save Great Kang is to truly hold the reins of government," Hu Xiaotian said. "As long as the emperor remains on the throne,