Song Zhiyuan entered the house amidst everyone's anxious wait. After taking a bath and changing into clean clothes, he went to pay respects to Song Ci.
"You've lost weight." Noticing his now thinner face, Song Ci remarked, "You've surely endured hardships in the palace these past days, yet upon returning home, you need not rush to see me. Have your wife prepare some supplements to nourish your body; that's what's right."
Song Zhiyuan replied with a smile, "Having been away for days, the palace's strict vigilance meant no news was sent home. I feared mother may worry, so I had to come and reassure you before I could be at peace."
"You are thoughtful. The Emperor's illness struck fiercely this time. I always believed you could withstand it, and it seems I was right." Song Ci, with gentle eyes, asked, "Now that you are able to return home, does this mean that the Emperor is recovering?"
