The next morning, everyone was ready to set off. A new driver had been hired, and two horses stood tied to the carriage. Han Liang, the Second Commander, and Yuan Yu approached together, the air still carrying the quiet aftermath of the previous night.
"You didn't sleep, did you?" Han Liang asked, glancing at the Second Commander.
"Yes… a little," the Second Commander replied, rubbing his tired eyes. "I'm fine. Don't worry, I'll protect Gu Feng on the road."
Yuan Yu, still weary but far more stable than before, turned to Han Liang.
"Han Liang… thank you. I'm fine now. The Commander should rest a little."
Han Liang gave a faint smile.
"Both of you rest in the carriage. I'll keep watch."
Without hesitation, the Second Commander climbed inside. Yuan Yu followed, settling quietly as the carriage began moving toward Ying Town.
The road was steady, and before long, Yuan Yu drifted into sleep.
From time to time, Han Liang guided his horse closer to the carriage and glanced inside. Each time, his expression softened when his gaze fell on Yuan Yu, and a quiet smile touched his lips before he moved ahead again.
After four or five hours, they stopped in a small town to eat.
Han Liang brought his horse to a stop beside the carriage.
"We should eat something now."
The carriage door opened, and both Yuan Yu and the Second Commander stirred awake.
The Second Commander stepped down first.
Yuan Yu followed, still half-asleep. As he stepped down, his foot caught on his robe, and he stumbled forward.
Han Liang moved instantly, catching him before he could fall.
"Careful," Han Liang said, his voice low with concern. "Did you hurt yourself?"
For a brief moment, Yuan Yu remained in his arms, close enough to feel the warmth of his body.
Their eyes met.
For the briefest second, each saw himself reflected in the other's pupils.
Then the Second Commander cleared his throat.
"We should eat."
The moment broke.
Yuan Yu stepped back quickly, a faint smile on his lips.
"It's nothing… just my foot slipping."
A hint of color rose to both their faces as they entered the inn.
They ordered food and invited the driver to sit with them.
The meal passed quietly.
After some time, Yuan Yu looked toward the driver.
"How much longer until Ying Town?"
"About four hours," the driver replied. "We should arrive by evening."
At those words, Yuan Yu's expression shifted slightly.
"I hope my mother hasn't worried too much," he murmured.
They finished eating and continued their journey.
Han Liang told the Second Commander to rest more, and the road passed in quiet stretches of wind and fading sunlight.
As evening approached, the familiar gates of Ying Town came into view. The setting sun cast long shadows across the road, and Yuan Yu's gaze lingered there.
"Finally… I'm home," he murmured.
The carriage came to a stop.
Han Liang dismounted first, then stepped closer as Yuan Yu emerged.
This time, Han Liang offered his hand.
Yuan Yu looked at it for only a moment before accepting.
Once Yuan Yu was safely on the ground, Han Liang lifted his belongings from the carriage without a word.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt heavier than before.
"This is where we part," Yuan Yu said quietly.
Then he lifted his gaze.
"How long will you stay in this town?"
"About two more weeks," Han Liang replied.
"After that, I'll need to leave."
His voice grew quieter.
"We'll only be apart for a short while… wait for me."
Yuan Yu's expression softened.
"We still have two weeks," he said. "I'll come find you."
Then he turned and walked away.
Han Liang remained where he was, watching him go.
The wind caught Yuan Yu's hair as he moved farther into the town, until the crowd slowly swallowed him and he disappeared from sight.
The Second Commander stood beside Han Liang in silence. He did not speak, but he understood.
This bond between them… was no longer something simple.