Ming Rui returned to the capital very discreetly; even the Zhou family did not make it public, so no one in the capital knew about the Crown Prince's return. At home, Ming Rui enjoyed meticulous care without the need to step outside.
Having returned home, he could relax both physically and mentally, free from the caution and tension he faced outside. It was rare for Ming Rui to let his guard down, and he made it a point to lie down whenever possible instead of sitting. As he lounged in the rocking chair, his mind was not idle, pondering how to meet his future brother-in-law.
Within the Palace, the Crown Prince did not need to attend the government hall. Returning to the Palace also meant he couldn't visit the harem to see his mother, so he could only stay in his own palace chambers to write down his reflections.
The Empress, knowing that her son had returned to the Palace, did not need to worry about him. She felt much better and could go out for a walk when the weather was nice.
