While Qiqi, Hu Xiaotian, and their party were heading to Heavenly Dragon Temple, Long Xuan'en quietly returned to the Imperial Palace with Hong Beimo accompanying him. Standing in the Imperial Garden, Long Xuan'en gazed silently at the bright moon in the night sky, lost in thought. Hong Beimo stood beside him without disturbing him.
Long Xuan'en suddenly said, "Somehow, the moon here in the Imperial Palace never looks as bright as it does at Heavenly Harmony Garden."
Hong Beimo smiled. "It is a matter of perspective. The bright moon has not changed, only Your Majesty's mood."
Long Xuan'en sighed. "As one grows older, one's mood naturally changes. When I looked at the moon as a child, I was filled with longing, my mind conjuring up the legends and myths I had heard. When I grew a little older, I came to understand that the moon waxes and wanes, just as people experience sorrow and joy, partings and reunions. Now, all I can do is gaze at that clear moon and grieve." He slowly shook his head. "How wonderful it would be if people could live as long as the sun and moon."
Hong Beimo said, "Your Majesty should set your mind at ease."
"How can I?" Long Xuan'en said. "Every person and every matter around me gives me cause to worry." His deep eyes fixed on Hong Beimo. "Did I not tell you not to lay a hand on Hu Xiaotian? Why did you not do as I said?"
Hong Beimo said, "Your Majesty still places hope in the Xu Family of Jinling, does he not?"
Long Xuan'en said nothing. He turned away, his gaze seeking the moon in the night sky once more, but in those few moments, it had already slipped behind the clouds.
Hong Beimo said, "Hu