Hu Xiaotian woke before dawn. Looking at Long Xiyue in his arms, her cloudlike hair tousled, he felt all the more that she was a beauty as flawless as jade, and his love for her knew no bounds. He quietly eased himself away, tucked the brocade quilt around her, put on his clothes, and stepped outside.
It was still pitch-black outside, a crescent moon hanging alone in the western sky. Hu Xiaotian stretched his arms and strolled into the garden, where he saw Hu Fo already trimming the plants.
The moment Hu Fo saw Hu Xiaotian, he put away his shears, came over, and greeted him respectfully. "Good morning, Young Master!" Though the former Minister's Residence had long since become the Prince of Suppressing the Sea's Residence, and Hu Xiaotian had gone from an official's privileged son to the world-renowned Prince of Suppressing the Sea, the old retainers still habitually addressed him that way.
Looking at Hu Fo's graying temples, Hu Xiaotian sighed inwardly. So many years had passed in the blink of an eye, and Hu Fo had grown old too. The servants and guards from the former Hu Residence had all undergone meticulous investigation and screening; those who remained should all be trustworthy. He could not help thinking of Liang Dazhuang. Where was that fellow now? Betraying him did not necessarily mean he would win the Xu Family's favor. Whatever the case, they had once been master and servant, and he hoped the fellow could find somewhere to live out an ordinary, peaceful life. This was not because Hu Xiaotian was merciful or wished to repay hatred with kindness, but because he had lived two lives, and naturally saw things differently from others.
Hu Fo said, "Young Master, General Huo sent word just now. Chancellor Zhou needs someone