[Chapter title omitted for translation]

[Chapter title omitted for translation]

Xiao Yuchen left Tang Shuyi's World Peace Garden, the wound on his knee still fresh and causing him great pain with every step. In the past, for an injury like this, he would have either been confined to his bed or carried in a palanquin for any travel.

But at this moment, he felt no self-pity; instead, a surge of vigor enveloped him, spurring him on to brave the pain and adversity.

He limped along, biting his lip, looking rather disheveled, yet his heart was clearer and brighter than at any time in the past seventeen years. His father, when he was alive, had also told him that, as the eldest son and heir, he should bear the responsibilities of the marquisate.

He had always nodded in agreement, saying he understood, but at that time he truly didn’t grasp the real significance of being the eldest son and heir, nor did he comprehend what his responsibilities truly were.

Now he understood. His father was gone, and as the eldest son, he needed to set an example for his younger siblings, to create a safe and peaceful environment for his mother and siblings. As the heir to the marquisate, he should shoulder the responsibility of continuing its prosperity.

"Changming, I've never felt as powerful as I do now," Xiao Yuchen said with a smile to Changming by his side.

Changming turned to look at his young master's bright eyes and couldn't help but smile too. "Young master, I think you seem more spirited than ever before."

Xiao Yuchen laughed heartily, inhaling the cool air of the late autumn, feeling completely refreshed. He continued, "I was wrong before, constantly pleading with mother to bring Sister Qin into the house, yet I didn’t have the ability to bear the consequences. Now I understand. Only when I am strong, can I do what I want to do, protect those I wish to protect."

Changming: "…"

Changming knew that his young master disliked hearing a single negative word about Liu Biqin, so he kept silent. He wondered if the lady would punish the young master for kneeling in the ancestral hall again for his continued infatuation.

They hadn’t reached Qingfeng Garden when they saw the maid Ziling waiting at the courtyard gate from afar. Upon seeing them, Ziling hurried over and reached out to support Xiao Yuchen, saying, "Young master, your leg hasn't healed yet, why did you walk over here?"

Xiao Yuchen gently pushed her away, "It’s nothing. The pain actually makes me feel better."

Ziling looked puzzled; naturally, she wouldn’t dare to question Xiao Yuchen, so she turned to look at Changming instead. Changming just shrugged, and Ziling's face showed concern again.

How could she understand that Xiao Yuchen now wanted to use pain as a reminder for himself?

After sitting down in the room, Ziling brought over some medicine. "Young master, let me apply the medicine for you."

Xiao Yuchen hummed in response, letting her kneel down and roll up his trouser leg to apply the medicine. He turned his head to Changming and Changfeng waiting by the side and asked, "What do you think of Liang Jianan?"

He had to receive Liang Jianan tomorrow. It would be his first time receiving a guest alone, and this guest bore him ill will. He felt he needed to know his enemy as well as he knew himself.

Changming and Changfeng both frowned as they thought about Liang Jianan. They didn’t know much about him since their young master didn't belong to the same age group or social circles as Liang Jianan.

After a while, Changming said, "I’ve seen Second Young Master Liang from a distance a few times. He’s quite handsome. But of course, he can't compare to you, young master."

Xiao Yuchen glared at him, "I’m not a woman, why compare appearances with others?"

Changming chuckled darkly.

At this moment, Changfeng spoke, "It's said that he's quite reckless in his actions. There's a rumor that once he was riding a horse through the marketplace and collided with the carriage of the Grand Tutor's female relatives. Without uttering a single apology, he simply rode away. Keep in mind, the Grand Tutor is the maternal grandfather of the Crown Prince."

"What happened after that?" Xiao Yuchen inquired, "Did the Grand Tutor hold him accountable?"

Shaking his head, Changfeng replied, "It's said that the Grand Tutor made no public comment about the incident."

Xiao Yuchen's brow furrowed in confusion. The Grand Tutor was a venerated official serving two dynasties, a man of considerable influence and high status, not to mention the maternal grandfather of the Crown Prince. Why would he suffer in silence over Liang Jianan's behavior?

Was there some underlying reason? How should he handle Liang Jianan tomorrow?

Naturally, he detested Liang Jianan. Bowing before him was absolutely out of the question; firstly, because it was beyond him, and secondly, because his mother was very firm against the Liang family, and he couldn't afford to be the weak link.

However, if Liang Jianan came to apologize and seek reconciliation, responding with an overly harsh and cold attitude might seem petty, like a child throwing a tantrum. He was an adult now; his actions couldn't be capricious.

A slight chill from his knees interrupted his thoughts. Xiao Yuchen looked down and met the upturned, delicate face of Ziling, her features serene and gentle.

Shifting his legs, he said, "You may leave. Have Changming and Changfeng attend to me."

A look of hurt flashed across Ziling's face, "How could those two with their rough hands serve you properly? Allow me to prepare a bath for you."

As she stood and headed for the bath, Xiao Yuchen didn't object. Standing up, he declared, "I shall take a bath."

With an injury on his knee, a full bath was out of the question; a quick wipe-down would have to suffice. Changming hurriedly supported Xiao Yuchen to the bathroom, while Changfeng, head bowed, clenched his fist and did not follow.

Upon entering the bathroom, the hot water was already prepared. Ziling approached Xiao Yuchen and offered, "Allow me to help you undress."

Xiao Yuchen hummed an affirmation, raising his arms as Ziling began to remove his outer robe, belt, and tunic. As she reached for his undergarment, Xiao Yuchen gestured, "You may leave. Let Changming attend to me."

With her lips pursed in reluctance, Ziling cast one last glance at Xiao Yuchen before turning to leave. Changming helped Xiao Yuchen out of his undergarment and then assisted him with his washing. After the wash, Ziling attended to him in the inner chamber. As Changming stepped out, he saw Changfeng standing in the corridor, gazing up at the sky.

Joining him, Changming too looked up and remarked, "Some aspire to soar to the treetops, grasping for branches out of reach."

Changming was aware of Changfeng's fondness for Ziling, yet she was wholeheartedly intent on becoming their young master's concubine.

Changfeng shot Changming a sidelong glance, "You're overthinking it."

Changming shrugged, "Alright, perhaps I am."

At this moment, Zilian emerged, ignoring the two of them and heading straight back to her room, leaving Changming and Changfeng exchanging puzzled glances.

Inside the inner chamber, Xiaoyu Chen lay in bed unable to sleep, his mind preoccupied with how he would confront Liang Jian'an the next day, resulting in a restless night.

The next morning, as he joined Lady Tang for breakfast at the Yi Academy, he considered sharing his thoughts with her. However, feeling he was now an adult, he didn't want to trouble his mother with everything and ultimately chose to remain silent.

Lady Tang didn't inquire either. She planned to let Xiaoyu Chen handle the situation on his own, ready to step in only if things went awry. After all, growth requires one to take the first steps toward independence.