Hong Ting being quiet was normal for the Mao family. In fact, it was normal for all the people outside Hong fu.

Mao Zhen, for example, could joke around with Hong Chun anytime she wanted but not once had she ever provoked her friend's brother who was like a Bodhisattva.

He was the prime example of a scholar wholly devoted to his books.

"These few years, I heard that Brother Ting is famous in the academy. Mother has endless praises for you that sometimes, I think she wishes that I entered the academy, instead of the army." Mao Zhu initiated the conversation.

Hearing this, Hong Ting's chopsticks pause.

He wore a light smile and said, "Lieutenant Colonel overpraises. Above me, there's still the grandson of the Grand Tutor and the twin nephews of the Prime Minister."

The words were polite and good-natured. No one could question Hong Ting's form of address as he was never seen to be close with anyone but Hong Chun could detect the faint animosity.

She wanted to shake her head and laugh.

"It's all good if our Xiao Ting passes the exams and has a smooth career. You two..." Father Hong looked at Mao Zhu and his son. "Should help each other out in the future. Who else can we lean on other than family?

Qi-shi smiled at these words while she nodded.

Hong Ting's face froze for a split second before drawing a quiet 'En.'

"Oh right, how's being back in the capital Zhu'er?" Mother Hong asked after a while.

"Zhu'er is fine, Aunt. There are many changes here but I've already adjusted. I brought home presents for you but haven't sent them when I learned Aunt and Uncle weren't here."

"You could've sent them anytime, dear. You know you're always welcome." Yi Bing said happily.

Mao Zhu slowly nodded, holding back his grin and the warmth creeping up his neck and face.

"Understood," he glanced at Hong Chun but the girl was busy looking at the dishes in front of her.

He tried keeping a straight face despite the smile trying to break.

"Pft!" Mao Zhen couldn't hold her laughter at how flustered he was with just a few words from his future mother-in-law.

But she suddenly felt a chill so she looked to her side.

She was sure the bodhisattva glanced at her but now, he was focused on the rice in his bowl.

Hong Chun looked over and caught her friend staring at Hong Ting. The older girl smirked but Mao Zhen couldn't explain herself.

'It's not how it looks like!'

Hong Chun's gaze seemed to answer, 'Oh yeah?'

Frustrated, Mao Zhen put all her attention on her food. Not once did she raise her eyes again.

Miss Hong was amused by this. She had never seen Mao Zhen so behaved. It turned out Hong Ting was the answer.

Realizing up to here, Hong Chun stopped chewing.

How could she forget? Swallowing her food, she also swallowed unnecessary thoughts.

It was best to leave as soon as possible.

She woke up from zoning out and heard Mao Madam recounting Mao Zhu's fortuitous encounter with the Emperor. It might be a trick of the light but she thought she saw Father Hong's hand twitch.

Not thinking too much about it, she continued eating.

"Zhu ge..."

For the first time since they arrived, Mao Zhu heard her call his name.

On his face was an automatic smile.

Hong Shu Cao and Yi Bing also noticed this and their shoulders eased somewhat.

Mao Madam kept her gladness to herself and Mao Zhen remained quiet but her ears perked up.

Only Hong Ting tightened his hold on his chopsticks.

"Yes?" Mao Zhu asked, spring covering his countenance.

"Is it true that you're now absorbed to be a troop captain of the imperial guards?"

With indulgence, the young man answered her. "Zhen-zhen beat me in telling you good news again."

Hong Chun laughed. "I thought she's just bragging!"

But her brother frowned.

No one but him noticed there was something off about her.

After Father Hong praised his soon-to-be son-in-law, he asked him. "When's your first assignment then?"

"This coming congregation, the delegates' wives will be invited to the palace for a banquet, that will be my first big assignment." There was no mistaking the respect in his voice.

"Oh, then Zhu ge will get to see her Majesty? I heard her beauty is unparalleled in all of Great Han. How lucky!"

While saying this, she studied Mao Zhu's reaction. This was his last chance.

His eyebrows faintly jumped and his eyes flashed with a familiar light.

Mao Zhu himself couldn't understand why his heart skipped a beat. It felt uncomfortable and he became guilty for no reason.

Looking up, he missed the sneer in Hong Chun's eyes.

He decided to forget this abnormality and focus on his sulking fiancé.

"It's okay. One day, you'll also get to see her."

Without realizing how impetuous his words were, his only goal was to appease Hong Chun.

Upon hearing this, Hong Shu Cao's eyes deepened.

The dinner continued in a light mood.

Before the sun fully set, the Mao family went home.

Hong Chun withdrew to her courtyard after spending some more time with her family.

To her, this would be the last. She already made preparations. All that was left was to leave.

However, she wasn't aware of the argument taking place in the Hong couple's courtyard.

"What do you mean stop the marriage? Husband, we let A'Chun wait for a long time already. We can't let her down again!"

Hong Shu Cao swept his face in frustration.

In a hushed voice, he answered, "Judging from that boy's words, Mao clan is now allied with the crown. Bing'er, you know what this means right?"

The wife grew silent.

"We waited this long in the first place because we want her to be in good hands. How can that be good?"

"B-but we can't know for sure. It might be just a coincidence that A'Zhu was promo-ted..."

Answering her was Hong Ting who came unannounced. "Even Mother has a hard time believing those words."

He knew the two would discuss this matter so he invited himself.

"This son agrees with Father. You know how this son closely studied the Emperor this half-year and his Majesty is not like any of his predecessors. He's able to manipulate the court swiftly because of his ability to raise talented people."

Hong Ting looked into his father's eyes. "And Mao Zhu is not someone he can't ignore."

In front of Hong Chun, this brother of hers was all fluff and flowery.

But Hong Shu Cao knew just how capable his son could be.

Even topping the imperial exams was not a question for him so he wouldn't doubt his statements.

He must have gained a lifetime's worth of fortune to have such brilliant children.

At the same time, at Mao residence...

The shadow guard once again paid a visit.

"A message for third young master: The moon is lovely as ever. With wine in hand, I toast to you. Ignore the matters of the mortal world."

Mao Zhu was baffled.

Why was his Majesty so fond of sending him poems?

He couldn't understand one bit of it!

The shadow guard knew his dilemma so he helped him.

"It's better to lock yourself up tonight and don't concern yourself with anything other than sleeping." He left after saying that.

Mao Zhu had a bad feeling about this order.

Moments later, he had someone report to him what was happening outside.

"Young master, there are talks that Crimson Trail is moving tonight."

So soon?

"Have you confirmed who they're going after?"

The servant seemed to have swallowed his tongue and refused to say a word.

Mao Zhu's eyes shook and anxiety crept up his heart.

But no matter what, he couldn't disobey orders. The metallic taste spread in his mouth as he bit the inside of his cheek.

Outside his court's doors, the guard on duty smiled.

Afterward, thin steam rose from his skin.

Gradual and silent. The soft wind carried it away.

And the guard stood still this whole time as if everything was normal.

However, the moment the steam stopped, the particular light in his eyes was also gone. He was the plain guard again.

---

Back at the Hong southern courtyard...

Hong Chun waited until midnight.

This was it.

She would finally leave.

After wearing her cloak, she opened the wooden doors.

She would be free from restraints starting tomorrow.

But her steps were quite slow. Her feet might have been a little reluctant.

As she passed an ancient tree outside her courtyard, she noticed how odd it was to be so quiet.

Stopping, she observed.

The moon's silver rays were generous in bathing everything in the world.

But all around her, not even the usual sound of crickets was heard.

Hong Chun closed her eyes.

It was as if she was plunged into nothingness.

Until a voice uttered, "Why, this task is pretty simple. My prey even delivered herself to me."