The moment Shen Tang returned, she saw Chu Yao standing outside the camp tent, waiting. He had clearly been there for quite some time. The latter smiled at her, his gaze moving between her and Qi Shan. Once he was sure there were no signs of a falling-out, he secretly let out a long breath of relief, and his smile grew even brighter.
"Wu Lang, you're back."
A simple greeting.
Shen Tang said, "Mm. Wuhui, did you need something from me?"
When she drew a little closer, she noticed the chill clinging to Chu Yao's clothes. He clearly hadn't just happened to pass by; he must have been waiting outside for quite a while. Shen Tang had thought Chu Yao had something important to discuss, but it seemed she'd misunderstood.
Chu Yao shook his head. "Nothing. It's just that you'd been gone for so long, Wu Lang, and I was worried you might have lost your way. I was about to send someone to look for you and Yuan Liang. I'm glad you're both back safe and sound."
Qi Shan couldn't help rolling his eyes in secret.
That excuse was so clumsy and perfunctory.
Was it so hard to admit that he'd been worried about his lord and him?
Heh. Honestly, yes, it was pretty hard.
Shen Tang didn't question him. She lifted the tent flap and gestured for Chu Yao to come inside and warm himself by the fire. Though Literary Scholars had much sturdier constitutions than ordinary people, she had seen Chu Yao looking old and frail before, and always had the mistaken impression that he was in poor health.
Besides, there were some things she needed to tell Chu Yao.
She told him about running into Gongxi Chou that evening and hearing about the "Wu State Gu