Chu Zhao scooted closer to him and examined his face. At first glance still a beautiful face, but looking carefully it had also taken on a roughness. His temples seemed to have scars—
What about his body?
Chu Zhao leaned over to look at his neck, reaching out to gently lift his collar—
A’Le tiptoed over. Seeing this scene, she stopped, blinking her eyes, calling softly: “Miss, what are you doing?”
Any wounds on his body would have been bandaged long ago. What was she looking at? Chu Zhao sat up properly with some embarrassment: “Nothing, I was just looking.”
If Miss wants to look, let her look. A’Le said: “I’ll help you—he’s not wearing armor, his clothes are easy to unfasten.”
Chu Zhao suppressed her laughter and waved her hand: “Don’t fool around, he’s asleep.” Then she thought for a moment. “Get a cloak. I’ll cover him with it.”
Although the weather was warm now, sleeping in the open air would make one catch cold.
……
……
When Xie Yanlai slowly opened his eyes, he saw a sky full of starlight.
He was only dazed for a moment, and in that moment his hand was already reaching to his side while his body tensed and arched, ready to spring up.
He didn’t grasp a weapon at his side, but there was a hand pressing down on him.
“Don’t be afraid, this is Zhongshan Commandery.” A female voice said softly.
Xie Yanlai instantly regained clarity, but still sat up, seeing campfires dotting the surroundings, a city sprawling ahead, and the familiar clamor of a military camp coming on the wind.
He had actually fallen asleep?
When had he fallen asleep?
He’d actually slept this long.
He looked down to see a thick, soft red cloak sliding from his chest. Looking up again, he saw the girl beside him sitting cross-legged, grinning at him.
“Chu Zhao.” Xie Yanlai raised his brows. “You just let me sleep in the open field like this?”
Chu Zhao spread her hands helplessly: “I had no choice. I don’t have the strength to carry you into the tent.”
Xie Yanlai glared. Was that what he meant?
“Stop talking nonsense.” He laughed in exasperation. “Couldn’t you wake me and invite me to sleep in the tent, prepare hot water for washing, sumptuous food, and a soft bed with three layers of quilts!”
He grabbed the cloak in front of him and draped it over Chu Zhao’s head.
“You just give me one cloak and the ground for a bed—is this the attitude toward important ministers and loyal generals? Important ministers and loyal generals will be disheartened!”
Chu Zhao, covered by the cloak, said loudly: “Beloved subject, calm your anger! This palace will immediately order a feast to be served!”