His father’s name had been cleared. The red mist covering the Yong Empire, threatening the lives of every civilian in it, had been lifted with the rain. Under the rule of the new Emperor, it seemed order was being restored. Lan Jue could relax. For now, all his troubles had left.

He brought a small cup to his lips, eyes shutting, preparing for a few long moments of peace. Before the liquid could even reach his mouth, footsteps interrupted it all. The familiar confused and irritated calls of Xu Dong brought his brow to raise.

When the servant came in, rushing to inform Lan Jue that he’d tried telling the rude perpetrator to knock first, Lan Jue only sighed. How exhausting.

“May I help you?” Lan Jue muttered before even opening his eyes.