Ever since he had been allowed to pace the courtyard at the end of last month, Gu Heng felt a long-lost sense of joy. Though his legs still felt a bit unresponsive after nearly a year of bed rest, he was nonetheless overjoyed.
In the past, he never would have imagined that one day he would find the sunlight outside so brilliant. He used to dislike the feeling of sweating, and by extension, he detested the scorching sun. The poems he wrote never praised the sun; the moon was a frequent guest in his verses.
Now, he would rise early every day to bask in the sunlight. The warmth made him feel exceptionally comfortable. Even though he remained confined within this square courtyard, reaching the end of it after only a few steps, the birds flying overhead seemed freer than him—they could choose their own perches, and if one spot didn't suit them, they simply moved to another.
Chapter 220