Ruyi nodded as if he understood, perhaps not truly comprehending. But he loved and relied on Xie Jue, so he listened obediently and naturally became taught. After Xie Jue taught him once, Ruyi did not insist on going out to play. He was a child raised with love and rarely made a fuss. Since his father told him to exercise restraint, he reduced his requests. Anyway, whenever Fang Chuning took him out to play, he would always have a good time.

Fang Chuning did not interfere with Xie Jue’s teachings, nor did he go against Xie Jue’s wishes. He always stood by Xie Jue’s side, so the children respected Xie Jue more and didn’t make a fuss.

Mingzhu and Ruyi were relatively easy children to manage, and Xie Jue didn’t worry too much. Coming to the Manor was for relaxation. As long as Ruyi completed his schoolwork, Xie Jue would not restrict him.

The children got along well with Fang Chuning, which made Xie Jue pleased. He hoped that both Mingzhu and Ruyi would like Fang Chuning.

After playing at the Manor for four days, the Shadow Guard sent Ruyi and Mingzhu back. Coincidentally, Xie Xun and Fengyu missed the children and invited them to the palace for a short stay, so the two children went to the palace again. Ruyi really liked Xingxing. Although his younger brother was still swaddled and did nothing but sleep and eat, Ruyi liked to amuse his brother with toys.

Xie Xun asked with a smile, "Ruyi, why didn’t you stay longer at the Manor with your father?"

"The tutor arranged a schedule and only gave me three days off."

"Such a well-behaved child, going out to play and returning to study diligently."

"Yes, I promised my father to study well and be obedient."

Xie Xun patted his little head. Ruyi was the most well-behaved child Xie Xun had ever seen. Everyone doted on him, and though he was delicate, he was gentle and never fussed. Xie Xun couldn’t help but think of his elder brother; bloodline truly was a marvelous thing, for even though Ruyi had never met his biological father, he was gentle like his father.

"Was your father the only one at the Manor?"

"And Uncle Fang." Ruyi mentioned Fang Chuning with a light tone.

Xie Xun cursed inwardly but showed no emotion on his face. "Do you like Uncle Fang?"

"Yes!" Ruyi counted on his fingers the good things about Fang Chuning. "Uncle Fang teaches my sister sword practice, takes me fishing and playing. My sister and I both like him very much."

"Mingzhu likes him?"

Impossible!

Mingzhu was already sensible and should know about Fang Chuning and Second Brother; how could she like Fang Chuning?

"Yes, she even asked me if I liked him."

"Alright, as long as you like him." Xie Xun shrugged, thinking that it would be good if Ruyi liked Fang Chuning even when he grew up, avoiding any conflict. Fang Chuning was quite clever, knowing how to win the children’s favor.

If even Mingzhu liked him, he truly had some talent.

Everything was settled. He could only offer his blessings, hoping that Fang Chuning and Second Brother would be happy for a long time without further difficulties.

Xie Jue and Fang Chuning stayed at the Manor until October. October would be very busy in the court, as Xie Xun and Fengyu’s birthdays both fell in October, one at the beginning of the month and one at the end. The Beining Dynasty was stable and peaceful now, so the court planned to grandly celebrate Xie Xun’s birthday this year. In past years, Xie Xun, wanting to avoid extravagance, only held a grand celebration for Fengyu. This year, however, they planned a large banquet for Xie Xun’s birthday.

Xie Jue considered whether to return to the capital for the celebrations. Since he was in the capital, it would be inappropriate not to return. After some thought, he decided to keep a low profile and stay at the Manor until the end of the month, returning to the capital after the birthdays. If he didn’t return, neither would Fang Chuning. Fang Chuning was so enamored with life at the Manor that he wished he could stay until the New Year. He had been longing for such a secluded life for years. During this time, he had even managed to make Xie Jue gain some weight, as he always thought Xie Jue was too thin. Autumn is the time for putting on weight, so he cleverly prepared delicious meals, making Xie Jue’s face look rounder.

Ruyi and Mingzhu came again for two days midway, innocently exclaiming that their father had gotten fatter. Only then did Xie Jue realize that his clothes were starting to get tight.

Ruyi and Mingzhu had come with a decree from Xie Xun, hoping that Second Brother would return to attend their birthdays. Xie Jue declined and wrote a letter to Xie Xun and Fengyu.

Xie Xun was a bit disappointed. Although some people in the capital still had some words against them, the censors were quiet after Fang Chuning resigned. Xie Xun felt that there was no need for Second Brother to mind these people.

So, he couldn’t help but summon Commander Xuan to the palace to ask his opinion.

Since it was a family matter and he was family, it was natural to clarify. If it were state affairs and he was the ruler, he would naturally need to inquire. His reasons were perfectly justified, acting first and reporting later!