Upon returning to Magnolia Garden, it was pitch dark inside; not even a lamp was lit.
Wangshu, standing at the entrance, saw Ling Hua return and spoke in a hushed voice, "The Crown Prince came before dusk and has been waiting until now; he surely has not had his dinner. I asked if he would like to dine here while waiting for you, but the Crown Prince did not utter a word."
Ling Hua nodded and instructed, "Go and have the kitchen bring over some food."
Wangshu complied.
Liuli entered the room ahead of her, lighting the lamps in the outer drawing hall. As Ling Hua passed through the outer drawing hall and into the room, she saw a dark silhouette seated by the window. She paused her step and asked, "Why isn't the lamp lit?"
Xiao Zhen remained silent.
Ling Hua walked over to the table, felt for the flint on top, and lit the lamp. The room brightened instantly, and only then did she get a clear view of Xiao Zhen's face, expressionless, like a statue.
