When Hu Xiaotian returned to the Palace Gardens Bureau, Liu Yuzhang was already back from his follow-up visit to the Imperial Medical Academy. Having heard that Hu Xiaotian had been summoned to the Directorate of Internal Affairs, Liu Yuzhang had grown quite anxious and was about to go there himself to find him. Seeing him return safe and sound, he felt relieved. He called Hu Xiaotian into his room and asked with concern, "How did it go? Did Ji Feihua give you any trouble?"
Hu Xiaotian shook his head. "Not really. He just asked me a few questions."
Liu Yuzhang did not press him further. He merely sighed. "As long as you came back safely."
Hu Xiaotian asked, "Don't you want to know what he said to me, Eunuch Liu?"
Liu Yuzhang smiled calmly. "Nothing more than words meant to win you over. When one scheme fails, he devises another. You're so clever, of course he wants to recruit you into his camp."
Hu Xiaotian suddenly realized that this kindly old man was no simple character either. Liu Yuzhang was merely detached by nature and had no wish to contend with the world. He had long seen through the intrigue within the palace; he simply did not want to get involved.
Liu Yuzhang said, "Once my injuries have healed, I will ask to resign."
Hu Xiaotian asked, "Why must you leave?"
"There aren't many peaceful days left in the palace," Liu Yuzhang said. "Sooner or later, Quan Dean and Ji Feihua will clash. When that happens, a bloody wind and rain will sweep through the Imperial City. I'm old, and His Majesty no longer needs my service. Rather than wait for someone else to drive me out, I'd be better off leaving of my own accord now."
Hu Xiaotian fell