Xiao Yu raised his eyes to the Crown Prince. Seeing the fatigue on his face, a flicker of concern crossed his eyes. "How is your recovery going?"
A gentle ripple stirred in the Crown Prince's heart. His lips curved into a smile as he replied softly, "I'm fine. Don't worry, Little Imperial Uncle."
"You were injured because of me. Of course I have to look after you. Besides, you're my nephew."
Xiao Yu lowered his head and resumed leafing through the storybook. "Go lie down on my bed for a while. I'll wake you when it's time for dinner."
The Crown Prince paused. His eyes, which had dimmed, suddenly lit up.
As he gazed at Xiao Yu's exquisite profile, a trace of romantic longing rose in his heart.
His lips parted. "Little Imperial Uncle, I-"
"Little Imperial Uncle, your darling Xiyue is here to see you!"
Little Xiyue's voice arrived before she did.
She reached the entrance to Xiao Yu's bedchamber.
Lifting her little skirt, she raised her short legs and struggled over the threshold. "I heard Emperor Father grounded you again-"
She looked up, suddenly spotted the Crown Prince, and stumbled. "Oh! Big Brother Crown Prince, you're here too?"
The Crown Prince steadied her. "What, do you have some secret with Little Imperial Uncle that I'm not allowed to hear?"
When he noticed there was no one behind her, his brows drew together slightly.
He looked at Little Xiyue, his voice cooling. "Did you come here alone?"
Little Xiyue froze at his question.
Looking up and seeing that her big brother really was angry, she hurriedly confessed, "I-I sneaked out when Nanny Fang wasn't looking..."
The Crown Prince's expression shifted.
His tone carried worry and reproach. "Do you know how dangerous that is? If something happened to you-"
"Don't