Chapter 4 Days at Wen Manor
The days at Wen Manor were peaceful as water.
I no longer ran to the Eastern Palace three days out of two as I had in the previous life, nor did I rack my brains for schemes for Xiao Huai An.
Each day, I studied and wrote, accompanied my mother in managing the household affairs, and occasionally taught the young children at the clan school.
Father noticed the change in me. After dinner one evening, he specifically stayed in the study to speak with me.
"Father, have you been to the Eastern Palace recently?"
Father sipped his tea, his gaze landing on me.
In the previous life, Father had disliked my close ties with Xiao Huai An the most.
He had repeatedly warned me that a man should have backbone and not depend on imperial power.
It had been my own foolishness, over and over, that had led me to clash with Father for Xiao Huai An and break his heart.
"Been a long time."
I lowered my eyes. "My studies are busy, and I have no time for other matters."
A trace of relief flashed in Father's eyes. "It pleases me that you are concentrating on your studies. But... the Crown Prince's side still needs to maintain the ties."
He was, after all, a court official, and even if he disapproved, he understood what ties to the heir meant.
"I understand."
I replied. "I will not be lacking in the proper etiquette."
But that heartfelt warmth would never return.