The first gray wash of dawn bled softly through the papered window, tracing pale lines across the wooden floor. The world beyond the inn was stirring — merchants calling faintly in the streets, hooves clattering against stone — yet inside their small room, the air still held the warmth of night.
Li Rong lay half-draped in Wen's cloak, lashes trembling as sunlight touched his cheek. His breathing was even, slow, like the gentle rhythm of waves returning to shore. The marks of the night lingered faintly on his skin — whispers of heat, of closeness — glowing softly under the muted light.
Wen sat beside him, his hair unbound, a rare sight of unguarded calm softening his sharp features. He watched Li Rong's sleeping face for a long moment — the faint furrow between his brows, the rise and fall of his chest, the trace of a smile that formed even in rest.
When Li Rong stirred, eyes fluttering open, Wen's voice met him — low and quiet.
"Did I wake you?"
Li Rong's answer came as a sleepy murmur. "No… I was waiting." He blinked, a faint flush touching his cheeks as memory returned. His hand brushed against Wen's, fingers curling lightly, seeking warmth.
For a heartbeat, silence stretched — a fragile, golden moment between them. Wen leaned closer, resting his forehead against Li Rong's.
"You have a strange power," he said softly. "You make even silence feel like home."
Li Rong smiled faintly, voice hushed. "Then don't leave it."
The quiet deepened, heavy with unspoken words and the tenderness of those who had shared both hardship and solace. The faint scent of herbs and pine still clung to their skin — reminders of their journey, of nights spent beneath uncertain skies, and of the bond now burning quietly between them.
A knock sounded faintly from the hall — Ji'an's voice followed, muffled but insistent.
"Captain Wen? The county head has sent word — the meeting will begin soon."
Reality returned, soft but firm. Wen gave a low hum, brushing a hand down Li Rong's arm before standing. He reached for his cloak, fastening it across his shoulders with practiced ease.
"I'll go speak with Ji'an," he said. "Rest a little longer. We'll have a long day ahead — negotiations, permits, and setting up the apothecary project. It will take all your sharpness."
Li Rong's lips curved, teasing despite his drowsiness.
"Then you'd better come back before my sharpness fades."
Wen's expression softened — a rare, fleeting smile that reached his eyes. He bent down and pressed a quiet kiss to Li Rong's forehead, lingering just a moment longer than necessary.
"I always do."
---
Later that morning…
The inn's lower hall was bright with the slant of midmorning sun. Dust motes drifted lazily through the beams of light, and the smell of fresh bread mingled with the faint tang of ink and parchment.
Ji'an stood near a corner table, surrounded by ledgers and half-unrolled maps. His sleeves were rolled up, his expression sharp — the look of a man already three steps ahead in planning. He looked up as Wen approached.
"You're late," Ji'an said dryly, though the faint smirk tugging at his mouth betrayed his amusement.
Wen only raised an eyebrow. "You've been awake since dawn. You should learn to rest when you can."
"Someone has to think ahead while you... find your 'rest'," Ji'an replied, tone teasing but respectful. He gestured toward the spread of papers. "The county head is willing to grant us permission to open the herbal research center, but only if we provide trade support to the local merchants. Apparently, the last apothecary guild that came through undercut local prices — left a bad impression."
Wen crossed his arms, scanning the map. "Then we do it differently. We partner with the local traders instead of competing with them."
Ji'an nodded. "Already thought of that. But there's another issue — supplies from the northern trade routes have been delayed for weeks. Bandits or politics, no one's sure. If we can't secure medicinal roots and reagents, the project stalls before it begins."
Wen's gaze hardened slightly. "Then I'll ride out with a patrol to assess the route myself. If there are bandits, we deal with them quietly. If it's politics…" He paused, a small smirk ghosting over his lips. "…we remind them of consequences."
Ji'an chuckled. "You talk like a soldier even in a merchant's meeting."
"Old habits die hard."
They exchanged a look — years of trust and shared danger distilled in a single nod.
"Li Rong will handle the research permits and academic negotiations," Wen continued. "He has a way with persuasion… and the nobles listen when he speaks about medicine."
Ji'an's brow arched slightly. "You trust him that much already?"
Wen's answer came without hesitation. "Completely."
For a moment, Ji'an studied him, curiosity flickering behind his calm. But he said nothing — only began rolling up the maps and stacking the ledgers neatly.
"Then I'll inform the county head we're moving forward," Ji'an said. "You and Li Rong should rest today. Tomorrow, we'll begin setting up the temporary apothecary near the southern gate."
As Ji'an turned to leave, Wen's voice stopped him. "And the merchant who's been sending coded messages from the northern quarter — any news?"
Ji'an's expression darkened slightly. "Not yet. But I've set a watch. If he's tied to the guild that sabotaged the last apothecary, we'll find proof soon."
"Good." Wen's tone dropped low, quiet but edged. "No more shadows behind our work."
---
When Wen finally returned to the room upstairs, Li Rong was sitting by the window, hair loose and sunlight draped across his shoulders. He looked up as Wen entered, his expression softening immediately.
"Done with the morning wars?" Li Rong teased gently.
Wen let out a breath that was almost a laugh. "For now. But I'd rather fight these wars beside you than alone."
Li Rong smiled, reaching out to take his hand. "Then let's begin together."
And as the light of noon spilled through the open window, two souls — warrior and healer — began their next chapter in the quiet heart of the county.
Outside, the streets hummed with life. Inside, purpose and affection braided seamlessly — calm before the next storm.