"That’s okay Ren’er. You don’t have to answer our questions now. I think you should go to your room and rest." Hua Li suggested.
"I agree." Hua Chen nodded. "In fact, you do not have to give an answer until you’re ready. Marriage is not a joke. To demand an answer within two days is outrageous. Take your time Ren’er. Daddy will go and talk to the Emperor for you."
"You do not need to do that, Father." Hua Ren objected. "Don’t worry. I believe I’ll have an answer by tomorrow."
Hua Ren absolutely knew that his answer would have been yes if this had happened before the Eternal Grain Valley mission. He would have admitted that he liked the Emperor, that he had always admired him. But now... now, everything felt different.
Apart from not understanding why his charges were dropped and why the Emperor wanted to marry him, he also didn’t understand the entire situation about the Eternal Grain Valley and the Celestial Weapon.
He had to clear all doubts and questions in his mind before coming up with an answer.
Before Hua Chen or Hua Li could respond, there was a knock at the study door.
"The youngest master has a visitor," a servant called from the other side.
"Father, Mother, let’s continue this discussion later." Hua Ren said as he stood up. His parents nodded, though Hua Chen looked reluctant to let him go. He wished Hua Ren would accept the Emperor’s proposal and settle down as an Omega should but he would also never force Hua Ren to do anything he didn’t want.
Hua Ren hurried out of the study, wondering who had come to visit him. He didn’t have many friends, especially now that his best friend, Liara, was gone. Mei Lin, his second in command had not gone to see him ever since he was deemed a traitor so who could it be? He knew it wouldn’t be any of the General’s either. He wasn’t close to Zhen Shu and he certainly wasn’t close to Yin Mei.
As he walked down the long hallway to the living room, his nose caught an extremely familiar scent. It was a deep, sharp aroma of sage that enveloped him, making him recall the night he was held in an Alpha’s strong arms. He felt his knees weaken slightly and it sent a jolt of alarm through his chest, making his heart race. His breath quickened, and his footsteps instinctively sped up.
What was Sheng Fei doing here? Panic set in as the scent grew stronger. And why was he releasing hi pheromones? How did he even get here? What if the guards saw him? Everyone would believe that he was truly colluding with the Rebels! What was Sheng Fei trying to pull?!
The Emperor’s guards were loitering around the estate, their sharp eyes constantly on the lookout. If they saw Sheng Fei, if they even suspected who was visiting, there would be no telling what would happen. He would surely lose the King’s trust forever. And forget about the marriage proposal. The only event that would take place would be his funeral.
As Hua Ren entered the living room, his gaze immediately locked onto the tall figure draped in flowing black robes standing in the center of the room. Next to him stood an old man, dressed in modest blue and white robes, holding a walking stick.
The old man’s wrinkled face broke into a warm smile the second he saw Hua Ren. "Ah, General, long time no see. Sorry we came unannounced."
Hua Ren’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. He knew exactly who these men were. Qi Zhen, the old chief from the Eternal Grain Valley and the Rebel leader, Sheng Fei. Yet, they were both wearing different faces which threw him off balance. He wondered how they got such perfect disguises. Sheng Fei was wearing the face of a middle aged man with short hair while Qi Zhen was wearing the face a man that was even older that him.
Stepping forward with his walking stick, Qi Zhen continued, "We were on our way to Riverstone town and happened to be passing through the capital so we thought we’d pay you a visit. It’s been so long since you helped us out at the border."
Hua Ren’s gaze flickered to the Emperor’s guards nearby. Their tense posture seemed to relax slightly as they overheard Qi Zhen’s words. They no longer appeared suspicious, treating Qi Zhen and his companion as mere travelers.
Hua Ren realized what was happening at that moment. So as not to cause him and his family trouble, Sheng Fei and Qi Zhen were pretending to be ordinary travelers whom he had saved atvthe border during the war with the neighbouring Kingdom. He let out a sigh of relief. It was a clever ruse, one that ensured less trouble for everyone.
But now that they were here, Hua Ren couldn’t simply turn them away. He couldn’t risk a fight either, not with the Emperor’s guards nearby. Days ago, he would have exposed them without a second thought. These were rebels, men who had defied the Emperor’s rule. Yet now, things had changed. He had too many questions—questions that only they could answer.
The answers to those questions would decide everything, including whether he would accept the Emperor’s proposal or not.
With a calm voice and a stiff but somewhat polite smile, he replied, "It has indeed been a long time sir. You caught me by surprise. I’m not used to unexpected guests." He glanced briefly at the tall man in black who had yet to say a word. "But you’re always welcome in my home."
Qi Zhen chuckled softly. "Ah, what a well mannered child." He gave Sheng Fei a quick glance. "Actually, General, we were hoping to discuss something important with you if you’re less busy."
Sheng Fei, who had been silent, nodded. His intense gaze remained fixed on Hua Ren, watching his every reaction.
Hua Ren nodded, keeping his composure despite the tension building inside him. "Of course. Let’s move to my quarters."
He turned to leave when he noticed the Emperor’s guards shift, ready to follow. He stopped and glanced at the closest one. "I’ll be having a private discussion with my guests. You may stay here."
The guard bowed apologetically. "I’m sorry, General, but the Emperor has ordered us to go wherever you go. We are aware that you’re more than capable of taking care of yourself, but your identity warrants our protection whether you like it or not. I apologize."
Hua Ren gritted his teeth in frustration. Ever since it became known that he was an Omega, he was forced to comply with the restrictions placed on one and he hated it but there was nothing he could do. Especially if the orders came from the Emperor. He clenched his jaw but nodded curtly, allowing the guards to follow from a distance.
He led Qi Zhen and Sheng Fei to his quarters and instructed a maid to bring them tea and snacks. Thankfully, the Emperor’s guards remained stationed outside, keeping watch by the door.
The second the maid closed the door behind her, Hua Ren acted swiftly. His hand dug into the waistband of his white robes, bringing out a dagger, and before any of them could react, the cold blade was at Qi Zhen’s throat. Hua Ren’s eyes flashed with fury as he glared at Sheng Fei.
"What are you doing here?"