The notification sounds from my phone woke me up earlier than usual this morning. Through half-closed eyes, I see that the family group chat is already active with messages from Liu Bei and the others. Last night's news about the children's class officer elections has clearly spread through our little circle of former comrades.\n\n"Congratulations on your son becoming vice president," Liu Bei's message reads. "Just like old times."\n\nI smile, remembering similar conversations from over a thousand years ago when we discussed the future of our kingdom. Now we're discussing elementary school class politics.\n\nDownstairs, I can hear the children already arguing about something. As I make my way to the kitchen, I find诸葛瞻 and Liu Shan - who spent the night - debating their new responsibilities.\n\n"I think we should establish a proper chain of command,"诸葛瞻 says seriously, already displaying the tendencies that earned him the nickname "Little Kongming" among our friends.\n\nLiu Shan looks slightly overwhelmed but determined. "Dad says we should just make sure everyone is having fun."\n\nBefore I can interject, my phone chimes again. Another message from Liu Bei: "Coffee later? I want to hear your strategy for helping them succeed in their new roles."\n\nThe past and present blend together in these moments, creating a life that's both familiar and utterly strange. As I pour cereal for the children, I wonder if this is what we always wanted - the chance to raise our families in peace, without the weight of an empire on our shoulders.