To cover up the scout's covert visit the night before, Yuan Shaobo announced that the roof timbers had rotted and a crow had accidentally damaged them in the middle of the night. The guards had mistaken the disturbance for an assassin's attack and broken the door in their rush. Only Madam Li and a handful of other trusted confidants learned the truth.
The next day, Household Steward Li Chengyin sent men to repair the roof and doors. Around noon, Steward Zhou gathered the craftsmen and brought them into the Main Hall's courtyard, only to find Madam Li's maids blocking the entrance. They covered their mouths and waved him away, whispering that His Highness had yet to wake and that no noise was permitted in the courtyard.
Steward Zhou hurriedly ordered the craftsmen back to the outer residence to wait. Deeply puzzled, he muttered, "He used to be unable to sleep. Why can't he get up now?"
He spotted Huo Qilang standing outside the Guard Captain's House, leaning against the doorframe with a melon in her hand, happily crunching away. He went over to inquire, "What's wrong with His Highness today?"
Huo Qilang spread her hands. "My shift ended this morning. How would I know what's happening in his room?"
Seeing no one nearby, Steward Zhou covered his mouth and lowered his voice. "Could his body be giving out?"
Huo Qilang considered this for a moment, then said solemnly, "It's still working quite well."
Relieved to hear that the prince was not at death's door, Steward Zhou said, "As long as he can sleep, he can slowly build his strength back up."
He turned to leave for the outer residence. Huo Qilang stuffed the last piece of melon into her mouth, wiped her fingers on her clothes, and caught up with