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After exchanging pleasantries, everyone took their seats.

"Has Xie Jin gone back to the army camp?"

"Yes. Once His Majesty's autumn rites ended, he went back."

"I was summoned back to the capital after the autumn rites to report on my duties. His Majesty kindly granted me permission to stay for half a month or so."

"His Majesty has always remembered those who've served him for years. He keeps them close to his heart."

"His Majesty's grace is boundless. I bear it in mind at all times..."

Conversations like this were a necessary skill for adults, but children found them terribly dull.

Xie Hongwen sat obediently on Madam Zheng's lap at first. Eventually, he could bear it no longer and began looking around. Even his favorite toy failed to amuse him. Everyone laughed, and Madam Zheng offered to show him the room where he would stay for the next few days. Long tired of the boring conversation, Xie Hongwen immediately clapped his hands.

"Never mind the children—even we adults get bored sitting around talking," Madam Zheng said. "Young Madam, this is your first visit to our Residence, isn't it? I'll have the steward show you around. Though we haven't been here, a few servants have kept the place in order."

That was exactly what Shen Lantang wanted. "I'd be delighted. Thank you, Madam Zheng."

Madam Zheng nodded to Shen Lantang, her eyes warm with goodwill.

Delighted, Madam Zheng took Xie Hongwen to the room she had so carefully prepared for him. She had never raised a son, and this grandson could not always be at her side. Wanting to make up for that, she had furnished his room with every comfort she could think of.

The bedding and pillows were all new. The quilt was made of the finest silk,