Zhao Tianhao sneered and ordered his guards to fetch the flag of the Qing Kingdom.
Zhao Tianhao leaped onto the carriage. "I wonder if any brave souls in Northern Qi dare to challenge me to shoot down the roof and sever the flagpole? Only the weak talk nonsense. Bring it on!"
Immediately, those who overestimated their abilities came to challenge him. Zhao Tianhao showed no mercy, and most were either killed or crippled.
As the carriage drew closer to the palace, fewer and fewer challengers appeared, clearly having seen the consequences of their failures.
Zhao Tianhao looked disdainfully at this group of noisy commoners.
After traveling for some time, just when no one was challenging Zhao Tianhao anymore, He Daoren appeared.
A ninth-rank master from Northern Qi. Zhao Tianhao also knew that He Daoren owed Chen Pingping a favor and had come to help him.
He Daoren leaped into the air, and Zhao Tianhao, wielding a borrowed longsword, exchanged blows amidst the flashing blades.
After obtaining the information he needed, Zhao Tianhao struck He Daoren in the chest, knocking him back.
He Daoren was extremely engrossed in his acting and wanted to continue, but Shen Zhong stopped him, as they had arrived at the palace.
Zhao Tianhao followed Shen Zhong to the Northern Qi palace and met the young emperor.
After bowing, Zhao Tianhao handed the Qing Kingdom's documents to the eunuch beside him.
The eunuch approached the emperor and presented them to the young emperor.
"What chapter is Young Master Fan's book on?"
The emperor, unpredictable, chatted casually with Zhao Tianhao. However, before Zhao Tianhao could speak, a soft cough came from behind the young emperor, clearly indicating that the Empress Dowager was displeased with the young emperor's question.
"That's enough for today. You may all leave," the young emperor dismissed the officials, leaving Zhao Tianhao behind.
The young emperor then asked the Empress Dowager for permission to speak privately. The Empress Dowager agreed, allowing the Holy Maiden to accompany him. Haitang Duoduo outwardly appeared to be part of the Empress Dowager's faction, but in reality, she was part of the young emperor's.
The three left the palace and arrived at a pavilion.
Zhao Tianhao looked at the young emperor's fair and delicate skin, wondering if the officials of Northern Qi were feigning ignorance or genuinely hadn't recognized him.
It was the first time the young emperor had been stared at so openly by a man. His face flushed slightly, and he quickly sat down on a seat in the pavilion, saying to Zhao Tianhao, "Young Master Fan, do you know why I kept you here?"
"Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."
"Two reasons. First, I admire your literary talent. I love your 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' written under a pseudonym. However, the speed at which you publish new chapters is rather slow."
"This humble subject will try to catch up," Zhao Tianhao replied.
"The second reason is that I really want to see you. My daughter, Lili, is still hung up on you. My junior aunt says you're a scoundrel, but I know she likes you very much. I'm just curious, what magic does Young Master Fan possess?"
"No way! Who likes her?" Haitang Duoduo retorted, feigning resentment.
"Perhaps she was moved by the sincerity of this foreign minister."
"Pfft!" The emperor chuckled. "Junior aunt is right. You're not only a scoundrel, but also quite narcissistic."
Looking at the young emperor's charming smile, Zhao Tianhao said, "It seems the Holy Maiden and His Majesty are very close; she knows everything."
Zhao Tianhao wanted to know if the young emperor had told Haitang about the oral sex she had given him.
Haitang Duoduo understood the implication in Zhao Tianhao's words. Her face instantly flushed red, and she rolled her eyes at him.
How could she possibly tell him such a private matter?
The young emperor was initially surprised, then glanced at Zhao Tianhao and Haitang Duoduo, instantly guessing that the two had a little secret he didn't know. For no reason, the young emperor suddenly felt uneasy.
So the young emperor changed the subject, getting down to business, "What you said to my junior aunt before, about cooperating with me, still stands?"
"Of course."
"Good, then help me kill Shen Zhong."
"Okay, but what benefits do I want?"
"My junior aunt is already infatuated with you, what benefits do you want?" For some reason, the young emperor felt a little sour as he said this.
"Your Majesty intends to use a beauty trap to win over a foreign subject? Good, if it's the Holy Maiden, this foreign subject is naturally willing."
"Good, then it's settled. Junior aunt, please see Young Master Fan off properly for me."
"Mm," Haitang Duoduo replied.
"This foreign subject takes his leave," Zhao Tianhao said, glancing at the young emperor.
"We'll meet again," the young emperor said, as if comforting himself and speaking to Zhao Tianhao. Zhao Tianhao and Haitang Duoduo walked side-by-side towards the palace gates.
"Don't you have anything to say to your husband?" Zhao Tianhao teased Haitang Duoduo.
"Scumbag!"
"Hey, you've tarnished my reputation, watch out for the family rules!" Zhao Tianhao glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then kissed Haitang Duoduo's red lips.
"You..."
Haitang Duoduo's words were cut off.
Previously, when he saw Haitang Duoduo, she was always simply dressed, with a touch of heroic spirit.
Now, seeing her in a gorgeous long dress, she had lost some of her heroic spirit but gained more femininity and elegance, which naturally intrigued and pleased Zhao Tianhao.
Haitang Duoduo only struggled symbolically for a moment before letting Zhao Tianhao do as he pleased, wrapping her arms around his neck in a passionate response.
Zhao Tianhao's large hand slipped inside Haitang Duoduo's loose clothing, fondling her breasts. A soft moan escaped her lips occasionally, as if protesting his rough touch.
"How about your husband comes to see you tonight?" Zhao Tianhao whispered in Haitang's ear, breathing into it.
"No, no, I can't. I need to stay in the palace these next few days."
"What does that matter? Do you need your husband to use some family discipline before you'll get your way?"
"Okay, okay," Haitang Duoduo replied, her face flushed. She clearly knew what would happen if Zhao Tianhao came to see her that night.
After helping Haitang Duoduo tidy her clothes, the two continued on their way.
After leaving the palace, Shen Zhong told Zhao Tianhao that because the Empress Dowager's birthday was in a few days, he hoped Zhao Tianhao would celebrate before leaving, and Emperor Qing had already agreed.
Zhao Tianhao was delighted; he finally had a woman to play with.
Upon returning to his residence, Zhao Tianhao found the people of Northern Qi still gathered at the entrance, clamoring to challenge him.
Zhao Tianhao had neither the time nor the inclination to play games with them, so he handed the matter over to his guard, Gao Da.
While Zhao Tianhao ostensibly returned home, he actually used the opportunity to slip away and meet with He Daoren.
He Daoren told Zhao Tianhao that he wouldn't help him, wouldn't intervene, but only asked him to take over the Qing Kingdom's shops in Northern Qi.
After chatting, Zhao Tianhao thought of Shen Zhong's sister, the woman who was deeply in love with Yan Bingyun.
Zhao Tianhao didn't care about rescuing Yan Bingyun; he just wanted to survive.
Zhao Tianhao sent a message to Shen Wan'er. If she wanted to rescue Yan Bingyun, she should get off at the second intersection the next day if the carriage was traveling. Having done all this, Zhao Tianhao returned to his residence and patiently waited until nightfall.
Once it was completely dark, Zhao Tianhao changed into more practical clothing and flew towards the palace.
Zhao Tianhao naturally went to keep his appointment. Haitang Duoduo had given him the address when she saw him off from the palace during the day; it wasn't far from the emperor's residence.
Looking at the heavily guarded palace, Zhao Tianhao wasn't surprised.
While the guards were changing shifts, Zhao Tianhao leaped to Haitang Duoduo's door. After checking that no one was around, he opened the door and slipped inside.
Haitang Duoduo was sitting on the bed, lost in thought. Seeing a man dressed in black enter, she was startled at first, her mind wandering so much that she hadn't even noticed someone had broken into her room.
Then, she seemed to remember something, withdrew her inner energy, and sat back down on the bed.
She clearly knew who this person was.
Sure enough, Zhao Tianhao turned around, removed his mask, revealing his handsome face.
Seeing the man she had been longing for, Haitang Duoduo was first overjoyed, then blushed.
Even with her outgoing and carefree nature, she was still a virgin.
Zhao Tianhao looked at the shy Haitang Duoduo. The room was filled with her unique fragrance, and judging from her still-damp hair, she had clearly just finished bathing.
Zhao Tianhao took a deep breath. Seeing his action, the already shy Haitang Duoduo became even more embarrassed, lowering her head and avoiding his gaze.
Zhao Tianhao walked to Haitang Duoduo's side and sat down next to her.
He took her small hand in his large hand, rubbing it between his palms. Zhao Tianhao said softly, "Madam, let's retire for the night."
"Mmm," Haitang Duoduo responded softly.
If Zhao Tianhao hadn't possessed considerable cultivation and keen hearing, he wouldn't have heard that soft "mmm" coming from her throat.
Zhao Tianhao reached out and lifted Haitang Duoduo's chin, making her look up at him.