The villagers of Huaxi Village were still unaware of the Prince of Yonghuai's return; before sunrise the next day, people had already begun patrolling the fields and starting a day of labor.
From the rooftops of each household, wisps of cooking smoke rose, children cried, and amidst the crowing of chickens and barking of dogs, a new day began.
The people of Changmen Village, however, were whispering quietly, walking cautiously.
The King had returned late last night and had not yet risen; no one dared to disturb him.
Yuan Shangyi came after breakfast.
The Young Emperor's daily routine was the same as in the palace, getting up early, half-asleep while being attended to for washing and then reading, eating.
Except for the time he was sick, it was the same every day.
