Chapter 173

As the first rays of warm, soft morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the window, Lingxiao was already awake. She stared blankly at the ceiling with weary eyes; after waking from nightmares several times throughout the night, she had finally endured until dawn. Outside her door, Huzhang was already waiting with breakfast prepared. He sat in the courtyard, reading a book with cautious care, having instructed the maid to ready the food trays, waiting only for Lingxiao to rise. An involuntary smile played at the corners of his eyes and lips. Deep down, he was conflicted; his heart held calculated plans, yet also unexpected surprises. If he treated her better now, perhaps he wouldn't feel so guilty when the time came to hurt her later... When Lingxiao emerged, disguised as always as a plain-looking young girl, she appeared pale from a distance, with dark, bruised circles beneath her eyes. Huzhang trotted over and asked with concern, "Are you not used to the bedding here? You don't look well."