After rescuing Yuan Yu from the lake, Han Liang did not waste a single moment. He lifted him into his arms and mounted his horse, holding him tightly against his chest. Yuan Yu's body was still cold, trembling faintly, his breathing weak but steady.
The wind cut sharply across the road.
Han Liang tightened his hold, shielding him as much as he could. He did not slow down, his only focus finding shelter as quickly as possible.
"We stop at the first inn," he said firmly.
The Second Commander followed without question.
They did not return to their own inn.
Instead, they rode straight to the first one they found along the road. Han Liang dismounted before the horse had fully stopped and carried Yuan Yu inside without hesitation.
"I need a room with a fireplace," he said sharply. "Now."
The innkeeper froze for a moment, then hurried to obey.
The room was prepared quickly. A fire was lit at once, flames rising in the hearth as warmth slowly filled the space. Han Liang brought Yuan Yu closer and sat him down carefully near the fire, supporting him so he wouldn't fall.
"Stay with me," he murmured.
Yuan Yu did not answer, but his body leaned slightly toward him, still weak. Han Liang pulled him closer, one arm steady around his shoulders, letting the heat reach him.
They remained like that for a while.
Han Liang watched him closely, waiting until the trembling began to ease and his breathing steadied. Only then did he move again, his decision clear.
"This isn't enough," he said quietly. "You're still cold."
He turned to the door.
"Prepare hot water at once."
The order came without hesitation.
A large wooden tub was soon filled with steaming water. Han Liang tested it carefully, making sure the heat would not harm him. Only when he was certain did he lift Yuan Yu again and lower him gently into the water.
He sat behind him, and Yuan Yu leaned back weakly against his chest, his body still fragile, resting his weight there.
Like one would care for a small child, he began to wash him slowly. His fingers moved through Yuan Yu's damp hair, loosening the strands stuck together from the lake water. The warmth of the water gradually replaced the cold that had clung to him.
Yuan Yu did not resist. He simply leaned into him.
Then Han Liang noticed them—the raw, red marks around Yuan Yu's wrists.
His expression darkened instantly.
He took his wrists into his hands, his grip tightening before softening again. Without thinking, he lowered his head and pressed his lips against the injured skin.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice unsteady. "This was my fault. I should never have left you behind."
Yuan Yu had not fully regained consciousness.
His half-open eyes shifted, slowly finding Han Liang behind him. With what little strength he had, he leaned back further, weakly wrapping his arms around him.
Han Liang froze.
Then his heart slammed hard against his ribs, the force of it catching him off guard, stealing his breath for a brief moment.
He didn't move. Didn't pull away.
After some time, Han Liang lifted him from the tub. He dried him carefully, dressed him in clean clothes, and guided him to the bed. A bowl of warm porridge was brought, and Han Liang fed him slowly, one spoon at a time.
Color slowly returned to Yuan Yu's face.
"I want to sleep a little," Yuan Yu murmured softly.
Then, after a brief pause, he added,
"After that… let's go back to Ying Town."
Han Liang nodded.
"We will," he said calmly. "We'll gather our things and leave slowly."
There was no rush now.
Yuan Yu lay down and drifted into sleep.
Han Liang remained beside him, watching him in silence, while the Second Commander stood guard at the door. The tension had not fully faded, but it no longer controlled him.
When Yuan Yu rested enough, they prepared to leave.
Han Liang carried him once more without hesitation. This time, the journey was slower, more controlled. They returned toward their own inn, not rushing, making sure Yuan Yu's strength would not falter again.
Inside the carriage, Yuan Yu stirred and opened his eyes slightly.
"There was a strange incense in the room…" he said weakly. "It kept draining my energy. I felt weak the entire time… otherwise, I would have taken them down."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
Han Liang returned it quietly.
"Yes," he said. "I believe you."
By the time they reached their own inn, night had already fallen.
After eating, Yuan Yu glanced toward the Second Commander.
"Is he staying with us?" he asked softly.
Han Liang nodded.
"He is my closest companion. You're safe with him here."
Yuan Yu gave a faint nod and lay down again.
"My body still feels weak," he murmured. Han Liang sat beside him and applied ointment to his wrists. The marks were still fresh beneath his touch.
Yuan Yu drifted into sleep again.
His breathing slowed, but Han Liang did not move. His arm remained around Yuan Yu, firm, unyielding—as if letting go was no longer possible.
Something had shifted. He felt it now, deep and undeniable.
Yuan Yu slept on, unaware.
Han Liang didn't look away.
And this time… he knew he wouldn't.