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Soon, only Li Tiangang remained in the courtyard, along with his personal attendants brought back from Northern Yan, and others in the household like Li Hao and Zhao.

During the meal, Li Hao, hearing other aunts ask questions, also learned about many matters concerning Northern Yan.

Typical wars lasted perhaps two or three years, rarely stretching to seven or eight, but this protracted conflict had already spanned over a decade, mainly due to the Demon race’s Sanctum forces from the north, who sought to tear apart Northern Yan as a breach to occupy and gain a strategic advantage against Dayu.

From the conversation, Li Hao also learned that although Dayu was at the peak of its power, prosperity did not mean the frontier was without trouble.

In any dynasty, there were always soldiers stationed at the border, as there were always aggressors. It was merely a question of how many.

However, judging from this war, it was evident that Dayu had not completely eradicated its external foes, or rather, the territories and demon tribes once subdued by the late Emperor of Dayu were showing signs of resurgence, thousands of years later.

Dayu was like an aging lion — signs of decline were beginning to show amid its golden age.

But who knew how many centuries its remaining prestige could deter its enemies?

Li Hao wanted to ask his mother for details about the incident, but as soon as he mentioned it, Li Tiangang’s expression turned sour as he shook his head and simply said,

“Hao Er, I have let your mother down. From now on, only you and I will accompany each other in this courtyard.”

Li Hao remained silent.

He suddenly realized the grief over his mother’s incident was not his alone to bear.

That she had rushed to the far-flung borders with her husband overnight was a testament to their deep marital love.

Over the years, Li Hao had heard many anecdotes about his parents’ affectionate youth in the residence.

Although he had only spent just under a hundred days with his mother, his father had been with her for over a decade, their bond so profound that it was likely beyond Li Hao’s own reach.

After a brief silence, Li Hao still asked,

“Has mother’s vengeance been avenged?”

Li Tiangang’s body trembled slightly, then he nodded slowly, “It has.”

Li Hao exhaled softly, “That’s good.”

Father and son looked at each other, speechless.

Li Hao had intended to say much, to inquire about many things, but from listening to his father converse with the aunts, learning of the hardships of the war in Northern Yan, among other things, any longstanding resentment in his heart had dissipated.

Now, for the moment, he could not think of anything else to say.

It seems that since ancient times, silence has often been the default between father and son.

In this silence, it was Li Tiangang who broke it first, speaking softly, “Hao Er, these years I haven’t been by your side, you’ve had a hard time.”

Li Hao shook his head slightly, smiling, “Not at all. I had Zhao to accompany me, second uncle taught me Fishing, fifth uncle played chess with me, and granny treated me well. Ninth aunt also occasionally brought over delicious snacks from the royal household for me…”

He began recounting the amusing incidents over the years to his father.

But what Li Hao didn’t notice was that while Li Tiangang initially smiled, as he listened, his brow slowly furrowed.

“Does that mean you didn’t practice much after your meridians became unblocked?” Li Tiangang asked seriously.

Li Hao was taken aback, scratching his head, “I did cultivate, it’s just there’s nothing interesting to say about that.”

Li Tiangang gave him a look, and sighed inwardly,

“It’s getting late; you should go back and get some rest.”

Seeing the exhausted look on his father’s face and thinking of the long journey back from Northern Yan, Li Hao did not say much more, nodded, and got up to leave.

After Li Hao had left, Li Tiangang called for Zhao.

“Where’s Li Fu?”

“Li Fu is in Cangyu City. The young master was enrolled at Tan Palace Academy, and Li Fu had gone there on a mission and secretly protected him. Unfortunately, he got injured and is recuperating there. He’s already sent a letter saying he’s on his way back,” Zhao replied with a respectful smile to the renowned warrior he had watched grow up.

Li Tiangang’s expression changed, “Injured? Did Hao Er face an assassination attempt?”

“No, he only told me to look after the young master well and mentioned there would be great news to share upon his return,” said Zhao.

“Great news?” Li Tiangang was puzzled; how could there be good news despite being injured?

He thought for a moment. Cangyu City was under the jurisdiction of Qi State the Xia family, not too far but not too near either. On a fast horse, one could likely return to the residence in two days.

“Zhao, tell me about Hao Er’s situation over these years,” Li Tiangang requested, gesturing to the cushion beside him.

Zhao was taken aback for a moment, then sat down and smilingly said, “My lord, why not ask the young master directly? After so many years, you must have a lot to discuss, isn’t this a good opportunity to talk about these things?”

Li Tiangang shook his head slightly and sighed,

“I noticed Hao Er’s manner is casual, and his conduct sometimes lacks restraint. He seems to have missed some guidance over these years, growing a bit wild. It’s better if you tell me.”

“My lord, you’re being too harsh. Although the young master is a bit carefree, he is undoubtedly a good child. He has a kind heart, never treating the servants harshly, and he always shows proper respect to the elders in every residence, never overstepping bounds. In all these years, he hasn’t caused any trouble, except maybe a few years back when he tampered with some odd things in the kitchen…”

“Just tell me about his cultivation,” Li Tiangang cut him off impatiently.

Zhao hesitated, then said after thinking, “Well…”

Seeing Zhao hemming and hawing, Li Tiangang’s expression grew stern,

“Does that mean he has not practiced at all?”

“Not exactly…”

As Zhao stammered, Li Tiangang’s face darkened,