The sky darkened as the fish stew was ready.
The Liu brothers were still out hunting in the mountains and hadn't returned yet. Shen Wei set aside half a pot of fish for them. The night was cool, so Shen Wei, Prince Yan, and Granny Liu ate the fish in the courtyard.
"Drink more fish soup—it'll help your wounds heal faster," Shen Wei said, filling Prince Yan's bowl to the brim with soup. She carefully picked out the fish bones, mashed the meat, and mixed it into the broth.
Granny Liu teased from the side, "Young master, you're lucky to have met such a fine lady. You must treat her well in the future."
Prince Yan's eyes glimmered with amusement.
By the time they finished eating, the night had fully settled. The village retired early, and with no candles to spare, Shen Wei and Prince Yan squeezed onto the narrow bed.
