Hedge

Hong Fu snatched the wine jug from the table and said seriously, "Instructor, you can't drink anymore."

Shangguan Ru's cheeks were flushed bright red. She said with a giggle, "But today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Can't you make an exception?"

Hong Fu had arrived at Tongtian Pass five or six days ago. The Instructor had been drinking almost every day—drinking with others, drinking alone, drinking at night, and drinking during the day as well. She had barely eaten a few bites of food. Her mind seemed perfectly clear, yet she kept spouting a few lines of drunken nonsense from time to time. "The Mid-Autumn Festival was three days ago, Instructor. Look at you—you've even forgotten the date."

Hong Fu was six or seven years older than Shangguan Ru. She had always treated the Instructor as her master and herself as a servant. This was the first time she had spoken with even a hint of reproach.

Shangguan Ru tilted her head and thought for a while. "Three days ago? Has it passed that quickly? I thought... All right, one last cup. I won't drink anymore."

She drained the wine in her hand, then solemnly handed the cup to Hong Fu. "You look like my mother now."

"Ah." Hong Fu carried the wine set to the doorway, called for someone to take it away, then turned around and said, "I really wish the Instructor's mother were here. Then I wouldn't have to worry myself sick over so many things."

Shangguan Ru's expression dimmed slightly. "My mother... She won't come back to my side."

Hong Fu knew she had touched the Instructor's sore spot and did not dare ask any more. She walked over to Shangguan Ru and said softly, "Why must you do this, Instructor? Let's return to Xiangji Kingdom. The