It was already afternoon when they arrived at Prince Lie's Mansion.
Xiao Chengqi lay on the bed, his face still pale, but he was truly and undeniably awake!
Seeing the Eldest Princess and her retinue enter, he immediately tried to get up. But as soon as he threw back the covers, the Eldest Princess stopped him.
"Just rest."
Xiao Chengqi didn't insist, merely inclining his head slightly in a bow.
Zhao Xuanping was at his side, helping him lean back against the headboard.
Outside, the world was frozen solid, but with a brazier burning inside, the room was as warm as spring.
The Eldest Princess studied him, her expression full of heartache.
"You've gotten so thin."
He had clearly lost a significant amount of weight; his shoulders felt bony to the touch.
Xiao Chengqi's smile was still a bit weak, but his eyes were clear and bright. He shook his head and said reassuringly, "But I'm better now, aren't I? You should be happy."
