Fu Teng stepped out of the courtyard and walked toward the gate.
The carriage was already waiting outside, standing still under the morning light. The horse shifted slightly, its reins held firmly by the rider seated at the front.
Fu Teng paused for a moment as his eyes moved over the carriage.
Then he glanced around.
"…He didn't come?"
The rider heard him and quickly climbed down, bowing slightly.
"Young Master Fu," he said respectfully. "Master An sent me to pick you up."
Fu Teng looked at him.
"He did not come himself?" he asked.
The rider shook his head.
"Master An had matters to attend to this morning," he replied. "He instructed me to bring you over directly."
There was a brief pause.
Fu Teng did not respond immediately.
His gaze lingered on the carriage for a second longer, as if he had expected something else, something that did not happen.
Then he nodded.
"I see," he said.
His voice remained calm.
