The hoe hung suspended in midair. Chen Wuya's wrist loosened slightly, and the iron blade slowly fell back into the soil, pinning down a weed that had just sprouted. He did not look toward the eastern slope again, merely lowering his head to pat his palms, as if shaking off the tension that had just coiled within him.
"Not the main force." His voice was low, but no longer taut. "Scouts. They retreated the moment they snapped the vines, not even daring to leave their aura behind for long."
Bai Zhi stood where she was, her fingertips still resting on the edge of her herb basket. She did not answer at once, only gently placing several freshly picked medicinal herbs inside, her movements slower than usual. A wind blew in from the south, carrying a trace of dampness from deep within the mountains and woods, lifting a loose strand of hair by her temple.
She tucked it back before saying, "The terrain by the bamboo grove is narrow. Anyone trying to sneak in would have to pass through the third layer of aura-sensing lines you set. If they truly come, you'll know."
Chen Wuya turned, his gaze settling on her face. Her expression was as calm as ever, yet the faint hesitation in her eyes was like a drop of ink falling into clear water—subtle, but impossible for him to miss.
"Zhi'er." His voice deepened slightly. "Is there something you want to say?"
Bai Zhi lowered her eyes. Her fingers drifted unconsciously to her lower abdomen, then quickly withdrew. She drew a breath, as though making up her mind, before softly saying, "It's been two months."
The courtyard fell silent for a moment. The wind still blew, the vegetable leaves swayed lightly, and a drying cloth by the water vat