Lixuan approached this mission with great care.
He gained entry through the borders with ease, maneuvered through the village to avoid drawing attention, and settled far enough away not to disturb their daily lives.
Lanling was satisfied with this level of discretion and rewarded his father's efforts with a cup of tea in their humble kitchen.
Lixuan had rehearsed in his head countless times how to keep his expression neutral and avoid appearing judgmental when seeing his son's first private residence. But the moment he stepped inside—not as an emperor, but simply as a father, without the weight of his ceremonial attire—he was enveloped by the warmth and quiet affections within its walls.
The house was well cared for, its furniture clearly chosen with care. The couple weren't ones to hoard possessions, yet whenever they gave each other gifts, they treasured them. Each one was securely and proudly displayed on shelves.
Lixuan sighed despite himself.
