For the next few days, Ning Chen hid at home and didn't go out.

Time softens everything.

Damn it. But time doesn't soften the history books.

One day, while Ning Chen was sitting at home feeling sorry for himself, Gu Yichun came in. "My lord prince, a letter from Mangzhou!"

Ning Chen smiled as he took it. It had to be Uncle Chai writing to see how he was.

But when he opened the letter, Ning Chen's face changed.

The letter was from Chai Dazhuang. It said Uncle Chai was gravely ill and didn't have long.

"Gu Yichun, get the horses ready, quick. I'm going to Mangzhou."

About two hours later Ning Chen set out with Pan Yucheng, Zisu and the others.

They went by boat to Lingzhou, then rode for Mangzhou without stopping.

Ning Chen forced a journey of well over ten days down to ten.

The Chai Residence.

Ning Chen saw Uncle Chai.

Uncle Chai was worn down to skin and bone. At the sight, Ning Chen's eyes went red.

From the day he had crossed over into this world, Uncle Chai had protected him and looked after him.

Ning Chen looked at Chai Dazhuang, holding his anger in check. "Why didn't you tell me before now?"

The last time he'd seen Uncle Chai, the old man had already been nowhere near as spry as before. But he was getting on in years, so that was normal.

He had just never expected to find Uncle Chai past all cure the next time he saw him.

Chai Dazhuang hung his head, his voice hoarse. "Father's health has been getting worse by the day this past year. I wanted to tell my lord prince sooner, but Father wouldn't let me."

Ning Chen knew Uncle Chai hadn't wanted him to worry.

"Zisu, quick, see how Uncle Chai is."

He had brought Zisu along for exactly this.

Zisu nodded slightly and went to examine Uncle Chai.

"Well?"

When Zisu had finished, Ning Chen asked, his face full of hope.

Zisu looked stricken. She gave a slight shake of her head.

Ning Chen…