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Benevolent on the surface, selfishness hidden within—Rong Dalang had endured it for more than ten years. Who knew how he had managed?

"Nothing more. Go back to your room."

Qin Ke gave the instruction, rose, and left the study.

He walked lightly to Rong Xi's bedroom and saw that the candlelight inside had already gone out. He stood in the courtyard for a long while before finally leaving.

The next day, Rong Xi woke refreshed and found that Qin Ke had already finished his morning training.

"There are still two days until the Empress Dowager's birthday," Qin Ke said, leading him to the dining hall. "Is there anything you want to do?"

Rong Xi nodded. "Do you remember the fireworks from the Lantern Festival?"

"I remember." Qin Ke asked doubtfully, "Do you want to make fireworks for her birthday? Haven't we already prepared a gift?"

Rong Xi smiled. "One can never have too many gifts."

Just then, Chen Chuangu sauntered over lazily. The moment his sleepy eyes caught sight of Rong Xi, they widened like copper bells. Delighted, he cried, "Eldest Brother, you came back to the capital too!"

And Qin Ke had not told him!

"Brother Chen, it has been many days. I have missed you greatly," Rong Xi said with a faint smile.

Qin Ke lowered his eyes and coughed softly.

But Chen Chuangu heard only Rong Xi's words. His face immediately blossomed with joy. He stepped forward, grasped Rong Xi's wrist, and praised, "It has only been a few months, yet Eldest Brother's bearing has become even more extraordinary. If the young ladies of Shengjing saw you, they would surely..."

"Chen Chuangu." Qin Ke lifted his eyes to look at him, his tone distinctly unfriendly.

Rong Xi laughed aloud. "Thankfully, Brother Chen lent me his marvelous skills.