Liu Bei was at home taking care of Lady Gan. Over time, his household had expanded with several concubines, but the only one who truly held a special place in his heart was Lady Gan, who had been with him since before Taishan was established, back when he was not yet a ruler of the land. As for Lady Zhang, aside from their shared interests, there were other factors at play between them.
Chen Xi was at home caring for Chen Lan. Meanwhile, Mi Zhen and the other girls had been taken under Cai Yan's wing. This was the first time Chen Xi had seen Cai Yan in his own home. Her calm and indifferent demeanor, tinged with a hint of sorrow, stirred complex emotions within him. It was this combination of beauty and talent that would leave a lasting legacy through the ages, both in reputation and in grace.
However, it was clear that Cai Yan had little interest in Chen Xi, and he, in turn, had no deep intentions towards her. They merely exchanged greetings, and Cai Yan stated that she would strictly discipline Mi Zhen. Afterward, she left with the group of girls, leaving behind an atmosphere of coldness that seemed to dim the entire courtyard.
"Without those girls around, it does feel a bit empty," Chen Xi remarked as he glanced around the now quiet courtyard. He sighed, realizing that he, too, had fallen into the common pitfalls of men. Even though he knew there would be little future interaction with them, men were naturally drawn to beauty.
"My lord, there's no need to be so concerned. Although Sister Zhen can be impulsive, ever since I became pregnant, she's been careful not to cause trouble in the courtyard," Chen Lan said with a smile. "She's a bit reckless, but she hasn't done anything truly wrong." She added this last part, as if worried about something.
"I'd rather invite Zhen Mi than have her around," Chen Xi said firmly, recalling Mi Zhen's previous antics. "I let it slide last time because she was young, but I didn't hold her accountable for burning down my study." Although Chen Xi's study wasn't filled with precious books like in other families, it still wasn't a place to be treated lightly. He had allowed the girls in for other reasons at that time.
"Thank you, my lord," Chen Lan said, smiling as she covered her mouth. "Sister Zhen did go too far that time, but I'm grateful that you didn't report it to the Mi family."
"This is the only time it will happen," Chen Xi said, lightly tapping Chen Lan on the forehead. "It's mostly because once it's reported, it becomes difficult to handle. Our family isn't like others. Even though I've inherited a third of the Chen family estate, we still live independently. I've only given them some conveniences."
Chen Lan nodded in agreement, understanding the unspoken complexities. She remained quietly nestled in the blankets, listening to Chen Xi speak.
"The reason I live separately is that when many people are gathered, there must be rules. These rules apply not just to the Chen family, but to me as well. Even as the head of the family, I must adhere to certain rules," Chen Xi sighed. "Being part of a powerful family has its advantages, but it also imposes many restrictions."
Chen Lan nodded in acknowledgment. Having lived with Chen Xi for over a decade, she was well aware of the strict regulations within the Chen family. Living together with the rest of the family had its perks, but it also brought many complications. To protect Chen Lan and the others, Chen Xi ultimately chose to live separately.
"Here, I can act as I please, and many things can be overlooked. But if the whole family were gathered, many matters would become much more complicated," Chen Xi sighed again. "High-status families are good, but they also impose many limitations."
Chen Lan nodded, though not fully understanding, and Chen Xi gently patted her. "If you're tired, go to sleep. Don't force yourself—it's not good for your health."
"Mm," Chen Lan murmured softly and obediently turned to her side to rest.
There were many things Chen Xi hadn't mentioned. If he had truly lived with the rest of the Chen family, Mi Zhen and the others probably wouldn't have visited as often, and even if they did, they would have had to maintain the strict demeanor of noblewomen, adhering to proper etiquette in every action.
This was why Mi Zhen and the others often lingered at Chen Xi's home, as well as at Jia Xu's and Cai Yan's. These were the few places where they could truly relax. Although Cai Yan valued propriety, she overlooked their minor transgressions during breaks, as she, too, had suffered under the same strict codes.
As for Jia Xu's home, it was similar to Chen Xi's—rules were minimal, and there was even a peer their age, Jia Yun.
If Chen Xi had lived with the rest of the Chen family, his study would have likely been off-limits to anyone but the illiterate maids who cleaned it, his pregnant wife, Chen Lan, and any esteemed guests he invited. Anyone else who entered would have been subject to family discipline.
The ancestral hall and study were sacred places in any family. Aside from the head wife, who could enter under specific circumstances, and guests with permission, these places were forbidden. External women, especially, were not allowed.
In such a situation, even if Chen Xi's study didn't hold anything valuable, Mi Zhen's intrusion would have required an explanation from the Mi family. If she had burned the study, the Mi family would have had to turn her over for punishment, no matter how much Mi Zhu doted on her. And once things reached that point, Chen Xi would have had no choice but to act harshly. It was better to pretend nothing had happened.
Seeing that Chen Lan had fallen asleep, Chen Xi quietly left the room, instructing the maids before heading outside.
Glancing at Fan Jian, who was busy sewing baby clothes, Chen Xi shook his head. Since Chen Lan became pregnant, Fan Jian had changed significantly. She rarely visited Cai Yan anymore, nor did she invite other girls over. Most of her time was spent reading or sewing baby clothes.
"Jian'er, I'm planning to go to Linyi. Stay home and take good care of Lan'er," Chen Xi sighed, expressing a thought he had struggled to convey to Chen Lan, hoping Fan Jian would pass the message along.
Fan Jian froze, the robe she had been happily stitching falling into the basket unnoticed.
"Another campaign?" she asked quietly.
"Yes, another campaign," Chen Xi replied calmly. Since Taishan's rise, he and Chen Lan, along with Fan Jian, had seen more time apart than together.
"Can't you stay?" Fan Jian asked, her eyes reddening slightly.
"I'm afraid I can't," Chen Xi sighed. "I've chosen this path, and I have to keep walking it. I'm sorry for leaving you and Lan'er behind."
"Will you be back before the New Year?" Fan Jian hesitated before asking.
"I'll do my best," Chen Xi sighed. He had decided to take on this responsibility, knowing that he was the only one qualified to do so in Taishan.