By evening, both Commander Liu and Hong Sheng had returned early from the military camp.
By that time, Susu and Qin Shi had already composed themselves, redoing their makeup and changing clothes. When they arrived, Qin Shi, along with Susu and the two young ladies, were chatting enthusiastically about the current fashionable clothing and jewelry, as well as food, drink, and entertainment in the Capital.
Commander Liu did not expect that Hong Sheng's wife would be so friendly with his stepdaughter, whom he had never met, and who happened to be the niece of his wife's close friend. Naturally, out of affection, he generously offered a meeting gift, giving his wife much face.
This also left Hong Sheng, who had been somewhat puzzled earlier, secretly clicking his tongue. If he could see the future, he might learn a term—hanging up!
