A few days later at Xuan Manor, Aran sat on the bed, peering into a mirror from every angle. After a long while, she turned to Chu Hengyuan, who was nearby, and asked with satisfaction, "Ayuan, take a look at my face—has this scar faded a little more?"
Chu Hengyuan had been reviewing reports sent back to the Capital from various regions. Hearing Aran call him, he set down the letters and walked to the bedside. He reached out, cupped her chin in his hands, and scrutinized her face up and down with great care. "It has faded quite a bit. Just two days ago, this spot was still a raw, granular color; now, it’s just a shade lighter than your natural skin tone. Keep using that ointment, and before long, your lovely face will be as radiant and supple as it was before."
"Hearing you say that makes me feel much more confident." Aran pressed gently against her ribs. "I don’t feel any pain in my ribs anymore. Do you think I could get out of bed and walk a lap or two just to test them?" Her voice grew noticeably less confident toward the end of the sentence.
Chapter 174