As the setting sun scorched the cloud-filled sky into a tapestry of crimson dusk, the vibrant colors stretching from the horizon to the grassy plains, Pei Hengyu and his entourage finally broke through the autumn wind and returned to the Hunting Palace.
Linghu Xinglang, feeling a sense of relief once he had handed over Pei Hengyu and Yuwen Junan to Shuangxi, led the Imperial Guard away to reinforce the defenses inside and outside the palace.
Back in the Hunting Palace, Pei Hengyu bathed, donned a fresh inner robe, and stood before the bronze mirror. He took the towel prepared by Shuangxi and slowly dried his clean white hair.
Chapter 120