-  Two months later-

  Jie’s leg was finally healed and he could walk around as he used to without any difficulty. Even though they had come back home from the hospital, he still used to feel like he had chain binding him on the bed.

  Only he knew, how much he cherished this freedom of his.

  Today, his father was taking him somewhere. Apparently, it was a surprise. Jie could tell they were going to the Imperial City but he didn’t know the details at all.

  All Zhu Chen told him was, "I’m going to introduce you to yourself, tonight."

  And whatever that meant, Jie didn’t bother thinking about it. At least, tried not to.

  The sun was setting on the horizon when the car drove inside huge metal gates and passed through a pathway lining up with trees. Turning on a circular driveway, the car stopped before a huge mansion. Or calling it a castle might be right.

  Rows of servants in uniform were lined up on the stairway to greet them.

  "Welcome home, Master Chen."

  Their synchronized voices took Jie by surprise. Jie was still looking at everything around him curiously when Zhu Chen patted his shoulder and said, "Let’s go inside."

  Jie nodded and followed him silently. Walking through the huge hallways, they were greeted by plenty of other servants on their way.

  "Everyone is waiting for you inside, Sir." An old man which looked like a butler informed Zhu Chen.

  Then the double doors opened and the bright lights from inside blinded him for a second.

  And when his eyes got accustomed to the light, he was stunned to see hundreds of people inside the hall. Everyone looked sophisticated and affluent. With a piece of soothing music playing in the background, everyone was chatting in groups with drinks in their hands. The women in gowns and men in suits, it was a sight to see.

  "Welcome home, son!" Hearing the whisper of his father, Jie finally reacted a bit.

  "Home?" He asked.

  "Home. This is the real home. The Zhu Mansion in Xia Imperial Capital. Although our family is from Shenghua State, we still live in the Imperial city." Zhu Chen started explaining everything to Jie as he took him inside the hall.

  Because of his friendship with Ru, Jie had a vague idea of what hidden clans of the country meant. But knowing that his own Zhu Clan was one of those formidable and affluent families still shocked him. Each hidden clan had their own territories and Zhu Clan had all the power and influence in Shenghua State. That was the biggest shocker for him since that meant, Zhu Clan was ranked second in a hierarchy.

  As they walked towards the front of the hall, Jie finally saw familiar faces of his mother, his almost five months pregnant wife and her company of friends along with their families. The starstruck look on Xu Mey’s face made him feel good for some reason.

  "Father, meet my son and your grandson, Zhu Jie." When Jie turned to see, his eyes fell on an elderly face filled with wrinkles but brimming with vitality. He was still not used to being called Zhu Jie. It seemed foreign.

  "Finally," he heard from the elderly’s mouth before his back had to endure a couple of power packed pats. "You look exactly like your father." Jie was so used to hearing that by now that it didn’t really bring any feeling at all. His grandfather gave him a hug and whispered, "It’s my fortune that I lived to see this day. My grandson is finally home."

  And as his grandfather introduced him as, "Zhu Jie, the next head of Zhu Clan," Jie was dumbstruck. He didn’t think he was ready for something this big. Who decided it? And when?

  "Relax son. Father is just bragging before those other clan leaders that now he has a grandson as well. You won’t have to take the position of Clan Head that soon. You still have a couple of years before that happens officially." Jie finally breathed a sigh of relief.

  "Oh my goodness! Ah-Jie, you are like one of those prince’ I used to read about in books. Your family is explosive. Literally!" Xu Mey briskly went to his side when she found him alone. From what she learned, Zhu Clan was truly a force to reckon. She was amazed.

  She thought it was no wonder that Zhou Ning felt jealous of He Susu for having Zhu Chen. Being a part of any wealthy family and being a part of forces like Zhu Clan were poles apart.

  "I didn’t know it either. I guess we have a lot to learn." Jie stated as he looked around at the people. He didn’t feel out of place since his mannerism was personally sharpened by Ru’s grandfather. No one could pick any fault in his conduct. But he still felt a bit overwhelmed.

  "Should I call him Prince Jie from now on?" Wu Wang joked as he joined them.

  "Be polite, our Young Master Jie can make us vanish with a click of his fingers." Li Qiao jutted in playfully.

  "Shut up guys! He’s already overwhelmed." He Jian actually took Jie’s side for the first time. "We have plenty of ways to torture him later." Or so he thought.

  "Guys, stop it. Jie is really nervous now." Xu Mey’s words made them all serious immediately.

  The three of them came around Jie and patted his shoulder saying, "We know being Zhu Jie comes with a huge responsibility but trust me, it gets better with time."

  "And how do you know that Wang?" Jie asked curiously since Wu Wang was acting like a know-it-all.

  "Look over there," Jie looked in the direction he pointed towards and saw Wu Wang’s parents happily having a discussion with other people. "I come from a family where I’m roasted every day for being not good enough. Both Wu Family and Fan Family has eyes on me for responsibilities. That’s why I’m telling you, it does get better."

  Jie didn’t know that Wu Wang came from one of those families as well. But then again, no one would have guessed that seeing his nonchalant and carefree attitude towards life.