After bringing Chu Yu to the rear camp, Gu Chusheng settled Shen Wushuang and her two companions. He then prepared a tent for Chu Yu and had hot water heated for her.
Chu Yu expressed concern about the battle at the front. Gu Chusheng gave her a detailed explanation of the current military situation, reassuring her, “Don’t worry. General Chu is well-prepared this time. Even if we can’t take Bai City, there won’t be any major problems. You should take a bath and rest first. We can discuss the rest later.”
Chu Yu nodded, thinking that even if she had anything to discuss with Gu Chusheng, it would have to wait until Wei Yun returned.
She asked Gu Chusheng to leave first so she could freshen up. Gu Chusheng had many matters to attend to, so he took advantage of the time while Chu Yu was bathing and eating to handle them quickly.
After Chu Yu finished bathing and eating, she felt drowsy. Having been on edge during the long journey, she couldn’t keep her eyes open once she touched the soft bed. She fell asleep in the tent, and when she woke up, it was already afternoon.
She rubbed her eyes as she got up and asked the waiting-maid about the time. The maid replied, “First Madam, Lord Gu has been waiting outside for a while.”
Chu Yu was surprised, not understanding why Gu Chusheng was waiting for her at this time. However, there was no reason to keep Gu Chusheng outside the tent. She quickly had someone roll up the curtains and welcomed Gu Chusheng in, asking, “Lord Gu, do you have an urgent business?”
Gu Chusheng, holding a pair of account books and documents, was slightly stunned. It took him a moment to realize that “Lord Gu” referred to him.
He composed himself, lowered his gaze, and sat down opposite Chu Yu.
Chu Yu had someone pour tea for him. Her demeanor was calm and gentle, without any of the former wariness in her manner.
She always kept her word. He had taken good care of the Wei family for her, and all past grievances were now erased.
However, an inexplicable bitterness lingered on his lips. He lowered his eyes and placed the account books in front of Chu Yu. “These are all the financial transactions and expenditures during your absence. I consulted with Second Madam for everything.”
“Thank you,” Chu Yu said, taking the account books. After flipping through them, she looked up and earnestly repeated, “Really, Gu Chusheng, thank you.”
Chu Yu could see that Gu Chusheng had truly put his heart and effort into working for the Wei family.
Back then, he had relied on Wei Yun to rise through the ranks. In this life, Gu Chusheng had fortuitously connected with Zhao Yue and didn’t need to do all this. Yet he still kept his promise and took good care of the Wei family for her.
She could discern a person’s character. Freed from the role of a devoted lover from her past life and viewing Gu Chusheng as a friend, Chu Yu realized there was a reason why everyone except her had admired Gu Chusheng in her previous life.
Gu Chusheng didn’t respond. He pushed the other documents over and continued, “These records contain all the major events that occurred during your absence.”
“Thank you.”
“Ah Yu…”
Chu Yu’s hand paused slightly. She looked up at Gu Chusheng, her brow furrowing slightly. After a moment, she smiled openly. “Although we’ve had our disagreements in the past, Chu Yu is not an ungrateful person. Your Lordship’s actions are deeply appreciated by both Chu Yu and the Marquis. We will certainly repay your kindness in the future. Since you consider Chu Yu a friend, it’s fine for us to address each other by name as we did in our youth.”
Gu Chusheng detected the distance in her words. His throat bobbed, but in the end, he said nothing. He seemed to use tremendous effort to finally smooth his expression into a smile and began telling Chu Yu about the events that had occurred in the Wei and Chu households.
They hadn’t been talking for long when they heard the sound of troops outside, followed by a loud shout: “Great victory! Great victory!”
Chu Yu sprang to her feet and rushed out of the tent, with Gu Chusheng close behind. They saw a troop of blood-covered soldiers charging up. The soldiers knelt before Gu Chusheng and said with a smile, “Lord Gu, General Chu requests that you break camp and enter the city immediately.”
“Are General Chu and General Wei injured?” Chu Yu asked urgently.
The young officer was startled for a moment, but seeing Chu Yu standing next to Gu Chusheng, he quickly replied, “Both generals are safe and well.”
Chu Yu let out a sigh of relief and hurriedly mounted her horse to ride into the city.
Gu Chusheng felt somewhat helpless. Given his military duties, he could only call for his men to break camp and follow.
When Chu Yu arrived in the city, Bai City had already fallen and they were clearing the battlefield. Chu Yu rushed in and saw Wei Xia waiting for her at the entrance. Wei Xia led the way, smiling as he said, “The young Marquis said you would surely be the first to arrive. I didn’t believe it, but it turns out the young Marquis knows you best, First Madam.”
Delighted by the successful capture of Bai City, Chu Yu smiled and said, “He has always understood me.”
Wei Xia gave Chu Yu a meaningful smile but said nothing more. He began to explain the details of the assault to Chu Yu.
Chu Lingyang had been well-prepared for this battle, so it had gone smoothly from the start. Wei Yun had led the charge to attack the city, single-handedly taking the head of the enemy commander on the city wall, which had accelerated the battle’s progress and caused the enemy troops to completely collapse.
As they walked, Chu Yu kept hearing Wei Yun’s name and stories of his exploits. She couldn’t help but smile softly; Wei Yun was the kind of person who would shine wherever he went.
She followed Wei Xia to the Wei mansion. Bai City had always been one of the Wei family’s main strongholds. The mansion had just been captured, and Wei Qiu was leading people in cleaning up. These were all personal guards who had followed Wei Yun to the Northern Di. As soon as Chu Yu entered, these burly men called out while scrubbing the floors:
“First Madam.”
“First Madam.”
“First Madam, you’ve come too.”
“First Madam, the young Marquis is inside.”
…
Hearing these calls of “First Madam” as she walked along the winding corridor, Chu Yu suddenly felt a sense of coming home.
She turned into the main hall and saw Wei Yun and Chu Lingyang sitting inside from afar. They had already changed into clean clothes and were sitting at a chess table, playing a game.
Chu Lingyang wore a long black robe, looking as steady as ever. Wei Yun, still in mourning, had changed into a plain white long robe and wore a jade crown.
Seeing him in the attire of the capital, Chu Yu suddenly realized how much thinner Wei Yun had become. He had never looked much like a military general, relying on the few traces of valor trained on the battlefield to command respect. Now, wearing the wide-sleeved summer robe unique to the scholarly clans of the capital, he had somewhat of a frail scholar’s air about him.
However, his movements as he placed the chess pieces were steady. Though his face was youthful, there was a calm maturity between his brows, completely lacking the awkwardness of youth.
Chu Yu walked up to the two of them. Wei Yun raised his head, and when his gaze met Chu Yu’s, he slowly smiled and said gently, “Sister-in-law, you’ve arrived.”
Chu Lingyang glanced at him discreetly and pointed to the spot beside himself, saying calmly, “Sit.”
Wei Yun was taken aback. Chu Yu saw his expression and smiled, pressing her lips together. She knelt behind Chu Lingyang, just as she used to before she was married.
Chu Lingyang tapped the chessboard with a chess piece: “What are you looking at? Even if she’s married, she’s still my sister. Make your move.”
Wei Yun withdrew his gaze and smiled at Chu Lingyang: “Brother is right.”
As he said this, he continued his game with Chu Lingyang, picking up their previous conversation: “Shen You returned early to give you the news, yet Zhao Yue didn’t think to make things difficult for me?”
Hearing Wei Yun’s words, Chu Yu guessed what he was talking about now.
Since Wei Yun already knew that Zhao Yue was the mastermind behind the battle at White Emperor Valley years ago, he naturally wouldn’t let Zhao Yue sit comfortably on the throne. However, having been away in the Northern Di for nearly four months had given Zhao Yue too much time. Now that he was back, his first step was to probe everyone’s attitude towards Zhao Yue.
Chu Yu didn’t know if Wei Yun had told Chu Lingyang about Zhao Yue being the mastermind behind White Emperor Valley. She remained silent, just quietly listening to their conversation. Chu Lingyang watched Wei Yun place a chess piece and calmly said, “Why would he kill you?”
“He wants to protect Yao Yong. Doesn’t he understand the grudge between Yao Yong and me?”
Wei Yun stared at the chessboard, probing: “Since he chose Yao Yong, wouldn’t he prefer me dead?”
“He gave me and Song Shilan a promise,” Chu Lingyang said calmly. “Once the kingdom is stable, he will kill Yao Yong.”
“Will Yao Yong just sit and wait for death?”
There was mockery in Wei Yun’s eyes. Chu Lingyang slowly said, “Zhao Yue married his daughter and showed her great favor. Right now, Yao Yong is dreaming of being the Emperor’s father-in-law.”
“Then how do you know you’re not dreaming that he’s a wise ruler?”
Hearing this, Chu Lingyang fell silent. After a moment, he raised his head and said flatly, “If you have something to say, you might as well say it directly.”
Wei Yun didn’t speak. He turned his head to look at Chu Yu.
Chu Yu saw his gaze and, after a long while, slowly nodded.
She trusted her elder brother, and given the current situation, they needed Chu Lingyang.
Chu Lingyang noticed their interaction and put the chess piece back in the box, raising his eyes to look at Wei Yun.
“Say what you have to say. I can’t promise to help you, but I can promise that once I hear it, I’ll pretend I never did.”
Hearing this, Wei Yun felt more at ease. He pressed his lips together: “Do you know where Shen You is?”
Chu Lingyang raised an eyebrow but said, “He returned to Da Chu half a month earlier than you. He’s now under Qin Shiyue’s command.”
A flash of coldness passed through Wei Yun’s eyes. He took a sip of tea. Chu Lingyang waited quietly for a moment before hearing Wei Yun say, “I want to see him.”
“Mm,” Chu Lingyang nodded. “Gu Chusheng will return to Kunyang soon. They’re stationed in Kunyang. You can go back with him and see Shen You. But… does this matter have something to do with Shen You?”
“Shen You might be Zhao Yue’s man.”
Chu Lingyang looked surprised. Wei Yun calmly said, “And Shen You was Da Chu’s internal spy at White Emperor Valley. Because of one piece of information from him, Yao Yong and the Crown Prince insisted on sending troops…”
Wei Yun recounted what he had deduced about the events of that year. Chu Lingyang listened with furrowed brows. By the end, he remained silent, but when he reached for his teacup, his hand trembled slightly.
Wei Yun calmly waited for Chu Lingyang’s response. Chu Lingyang took a sip of tea to calm himself, then looked up and slowly said, “You must not mention today’s conversation to anyone else.”
“I understand.”
“Zhao Yue has already won the full support of the Wang and Xie families, and he has Yao Yong’s military power in his hands. In these four months as Emperor, Da Chu has been united. He uses talented people well and is generous and magnanimous. Do you know what I mean?”
“Faced with such a ruler, few would have thoughts of rebellion.”
Wei Yun clenched his fist, feeling the taste of blood in his throat.
There was a look of pity in Chu Lingyang’s eyes: “Little Seven, Da Chu has been waiting for such a ruler for too long.”
“But he killed seventy thousand people for his gain!”
Wei Yun could no longer contain himself. He suddenly raised his head, his voice rising: “Can such a ruthless and vicious person be considered a good ruler?!”
“One general’s success is built on the bones of ten thousand,” Chu Lingyang said calmly. “Which emperor’s path to the throne isn’t paved with white bones?”
“But those should be bones that can face one’s conscience, a sea of blood and mountain of corpses that can face righteousness!”
Wei Yun’s expression was agitated. Chu Yu looked up at Wei Xia, who was standing guard nearby. Wei Xia immediately withdrew and had people secure the surrounding area.
Wei Yun stared at Chu Lingyang: “Is the ruler you want someone so heartless and ruthless?”
“I don’t know what they think,” Chu Lingyang’s expression remained calm. “I only know that Da Chu can’t afford any more chaos now. With Zhao Yue in power, he has given me and Song Shilan the best military support, and has also given the people the greatest degree of stability. Now that Da Chu is on the verge of victory, what would be the result if you killed Zhao Yue? Da Chu would be in turmoil again, giving the Northern Di time to recover. What would you have Da Chu do then? What about the common people?!”
These words stunned Wei Yun. Chu Lingyang looked at the young man’s incredulous and bewildered face, feeling somewhat reluctant: “Little Seven, if we’re talking about personal feelings, you’re the brother of my friend, you’re my sister’s brother-in-law. No matter what, I will help you. But if I help you, what about the common people?”
“I can’t put my desires above the welfare of the people. Can you?”
“Then back then…” Wei Yun’s voice was hoarse, “When you agreed to join me in dealing with Yao Yong, what was that about?”
“From start to finish, I’ve had only one goal,” Chu Lingyang spoke calmly. “To do what’s best for the people.”
“I’ve seen the fate of the Wei family,” Chu Lingyang looked up at him. Wei Yun stood before him, his lips trembling slightly. Seeing the young man with clenched fists in front of him, Chu Lingyang’s heart shook. But he had to continue speaking, he could only continue.
“With Yao Yong in power, if we had stepped forward, we would have merely thrown our lives away. Without drastic measures, Da Chu couldn’t be saved. I agreed to deal with Yao Yong for the sake of Da Chu. Now I refuse to help you deal with Zhao Yue…”
“Still for the sake of Da Chu.”
Wei Yun laughed softly, tears in his eyes. “Yes, for the sake of Da Chu, my Wei family along with seventy thousand soldiers should just throw their lives away. This ruler can now bring stability to Da Chu, so whatever he’s done in the past doesn’t matter anymore, right?”
“But how can such a person be fit to rule? Aren’t you afraid that your Chu family will be the next Wei family!”
“At least not now.”
Chu Lingyang’s voice was very calm. “If you want to kill Zhao Yue, at least wait until he makes a mistake. It can’t be now.”
“What if he never makes a mistake?”
Wei Yun spoke through gritted teeth. Chu Lingyang didn’t respond. Wei Yun slowly closed his eyes.
“Fine, I understand.”
“I hope the Chu heir will keep his promise,” Wei Yun said each word with extreme difficulty. “Pretend you never heard anything said today.”
Chu Lingyang lowered his eyes and slowly said, “Don’t worry.”
Wei Yun turned to leave, but Chu Lingyang called out to him.
“Little Seven.”
Wei Yun paused. Chu Lingyang spoke slowly, “The first thing about growing up is learning to endure.”
Wei Yun didn’t turn back. Chu Lingyang rubbed the edge of his teacup. “Don’t speak of today’s conversation to anyone else.”
“Thank you for the advice, Elder Brother Chu.”
Wei Yun’s voice was hoarse, and then he strode out, disappearing down the long corridor.
He had gone quite far before Chu Yu slowly stood up and sat opposite Chu Lingyang.
“Aren’t you going after him?”
“Let me finish this game with Brother first.”
Chu Yu picked up a chess piece and placed it. Chu Lingyang looked up at her and slowly said, “His temper is too fiery. Keep an eye on him.”
“He’s only fiery with you.” Chu Yu alternated placing pieces with him, her expression calm. “He knows what should and shouldn’t be done much better than I do.”
“I forgot one thing,” Chu Lingyang placed a black piece, surrounding an entire area. He began to remove pieces, sending them to the box as he spoke, “Your temper is fiery too.”
Chu Yu didn’t respond. When it was her turn to place a piece, she did so swiftly and forcefully on the board, then looked up at Chu Lingyang and calmly said, “I concede.”
Then she began to remove pieces. Chu Lingyang stared at her face, seeing that she hadn’t shown a trace of emotion from start to finish. He couldn’t help but smile, leaning back in his chair and spreading his hands, “You’ve grown up.”
Chu Yu put all the chess pieces in the box before looking up. “I want to ask Brother one honest question.”
Chu Lingyang remained silent, seemingly knowing what Chu Yu was about to say. Chu Yu stared at him. “If one day, we of the Wei family were to rebel, what would the Chu heir do?”
Hearing this, Chu Lingyang raised his eyes to look at Chu Yu.
His gaze was cold and deep as if looking at a stranger.
She had used “Wei family,” clearly stating her stance and identity. After a moment, Chu Lingyang let out a cold laugh. “What spell has the Wei family cast on you? What does his family’s vendetta have to do with you? Zhao Yue isn’t a fool. As long as you pretend to know nothing, as long as you’re still useful, he’ll treat you well.”
“What if we’re no longer useful?”
Chu Yu’s voice was calm. “Someone who can set up such an intricate trap, do you believe he’s a person with an open and honest heart?”
Chu Lingyang frowned deeply. Chu Yu continued, “Someone who can read people’s hearts so well often doesn’t trust others. So do you think, if one day Wei Yun loses his usefulness, he would leave such a potential threat alive?”
“What does that have to do with you?”
“He and Wei Yun are already in a fight to the death.”
“What does that have to do with you?!”
Chu Yu didn’t speak. She quietly looked at Chu Lingyang.
She wore the same plain white robe as Wei Yun, her expression steady and solemn. It reminded Chu Lingyang of the black-based, gold-lettered “Wei Mansion” characters in front of the century-old Wei family residence in the capital, and of the rows of plaques in the Wei family ancestral hall.
The Wei family’s spirit seemed to have unknowingly been carved onto Chu Yu. As she sat there, it made people dare not be rowdy or disrespectful.
She looked at Chu Lingyang quietly and spoke word by word: “I am Chu Yu of the Wei family, now the First Madam of the Wei household. If this has nothing to do with me, then the affairs of the Wei family have nothing to do with anyone else.”
Chu Lingyang looked at her, his eyes seeming to show understanding.
After a long while, he asked, “Why?”
Chu Yu was about to speak when she heard him say, “Chu Yu if it’s for the people, Zhao Yue can now give the people stability. Who sits on the throne doesn’t matter, what you should do is the same as me – choose the better person to secure that position!”
“If it’s for your responsibility,” Chu Lingyang lowered his voice, “You’ve done enough for the Wei family. What do you mean by First Madam of Wei? You received a divorce letter, you’re no longer the First Madam of Wei!”
Chu Lingyang had long known about Xie Jiu’s request for that divorce letter. However, he respected Chu Yu’s choice. Seeing Chu Yu’s stunned expression, Chu Lingyang continued, “You’re deceiving yourself.”
“It’s not for the people, not for the world, not for your responsibility. Chu Yu, ask yourself honestly -“
Chu Lingyang spoke seriously, “Why?”
Chu Yu didn’t speak. She felt a hint of panic in her heart.
But she knew she couldn’t panic, couldn’t be flustered. No matter what reason, any reason, couldn’t stop one thing –
The Wei family couldn’t die in vain.
She couldn’t let Zhao Yue become Emperor.
She repeatedly admonished herself, slowly calming down. Meeting Chu Lingyang’s gaze, she said seriously, “Zhao Yue is not fit to be Emperor.”
Chu Lingyang stared back at her, neither willing to give way, both stubborn and calm, as if they were crossing swords, confronting each other.
After a long while, Chu Lingyang finally couldn’t outlast her. He looked at Chu Yu, his expression slowly softening.
“Ah Yu,” he sighed, “You are a foolish child.”
Unexpecting Chu Lingyang to say this, Chu Yu stared at him blankly. Chu Lingyang stood up, placing his hand on her head, his eyes filled with pity and sadness. “How can you not learn from your falls? Wasn’t one Gu Chusheng enough? Why are you still so persistent?”
“You,” Chu Lingyang sighed, “When you want to be good to someone, you go all out. Before it was Gu Chusheng, now it’s the Wei family. If Wei Yun turns out to be ungrateful in the future, won’t you be heartbroken?”
Hearing this, Chu Yu slowly smiled.
“I won’t be heartbroken.”
“He’s different from Gu Chusheng,” mentioning Wei Yun, Chu Yu felt as if a warm jade had melted into her cold, hard heart. It radiated a gentle warmth, gradually softening her heart, and making the world seem warmer. She curved her eyes and said earnestly, “He treats me well.”
Chu Lingyang didn’t speak. He quietly looked at Chu Yu for a long time before finally saying, “When necessary, I will help.”
With that, he walked out. Chu Yu was stunned for a long while before realizing the meaning of Chu Lingyang’s words.
If the Wei family plotted a rebellion, he would help when necessary.
Chu Yu suddenly stood up and called out to the young man at the corner of the corridor, “Brother!”
Chu Lingyang paused and turned back, seeing Chu Yu standing at the door. She held back her impetuousness, slowly smiled, and said sincerely, “Thank you.”
Chu Lingyang didn’t speak, just nodded, and turned to leave.
Watching him leave, Chu Yu’s heart finally settled. She turned around and asked someone to find Wei Yun.
When Wei Xia learned she was looking for Wei Yun, he hurried over and said anxiously, “First Madam, please help! The young Marquis has locked himself in again.”
Knowing Wei Yun must be in a bad mood, Chu Yu sighed and nodded, “Lead the way.”
Wei Xia wiped his sweat and quickly led Chu Yu to Wei Yun’s room. Chu Yu stood at the door, silent for a moment, then pushed the door open without asking Wei Yun.
Wei Yun had his back to her, kneeling on a cushion.
A sword lay in front of him. Chu Yu recognized it as the sword Wei Yun always carried.
“This sword was given to me by my brother.”
He knew who had come, speaking hoarsely.
Chu Yu walked towards him, listening as he said, “I once vowed at White Emperor Valley that I would use this sword to kill the enemy with my own hands, to avenge them.”
“I thought I could do it.”
His body trembled slightly. “I thought that on this path of revenge, I just needed to kill everyone who stood in my way.”
Chu Yu stopped behind him. Wei Yun slowly closed his eyes.
“But what if the common people stand in my way? What if everyone tries to stop me?”
“But why…”
“Why does he get away with no punishment for his wrongdoings?”
Wei Yun clenched his fists, his whole body curling up, as if in extreme pain.
He stared at the sword, glaring at it fiercely, speaking with difficulty, “Why is it that after committing such unforgivable acts, he can be absolved of everything once he does some good deeds, transforming himself into a sage ruler?”
Chu Yu didn’t speak. She looked up at the sword and calmly said, “Don’t you know what to do?”
Wei Yun froze. Chu Yu crouched down, reaching out to grasp Wei Yun’s chin, and turning him to face her.
The young man’s face was covered in tears, but his expression was as sharp and composed as an eagle’s.
They stared at each other in the night, the candlelight flickering, leaping, and burning like flames in their eyes.
Chu Yu forced him to look at her, and he met her gaze without backing down.
The two of them grappled and tore at each other in the night. Chu Yu spoke calmly, “When the Son of Heaven lacks virtue, the great way should be reversed. If he wears human skin, then you tear off his human skin. If he wants to erase the past, then you bring out that blood, pour it over him bucket by bucket!”
Wei Yun’s lips trembled slightly. Chu Yu stared at him. “Wei Yun.”
She called his name, each word like a forest of swords.
“I’ll be with you on this path.”
“This path, no matter how difficult, through mountains of swords and seas of fire, scorned by thousands, piled with white bones, I’ll be with you through it all.”
The moment he heard these words, Wei Yun suddenly lunged forward, hugging Chu Yu tightly.
They embraced in the darkness, his tears falling on her shoulder.
He had never felt before that he couldn’t lose Chu Yu in this life.
But at this moment, he felt that in this lifetime, he could never lose Chu Yu.
On this path, she would accompany him, so he would carry her on his back.
The blood on the ground would not stain her, the dust and mud would not soil her skirt.
No matter how difficult, through mountains of swords and seas of fire, scorned by thousands, piled with white bones, she would accompany him for a lifetime, so he would protect her for life.
You wish for me to remain forever young, I’ll protect you for an entire lifetime.
Short Scene
Wei Yun: Sister-in-law, I have a request.
Chu Yu: Go ahead.
Wei Yun: Please don’t grab my chin in the future.
Chu Yu: Why?
Wei Yun: Others might think I’m effeminate.
Chu Yu: Don’t worry, others won’t think you’re effeminate.
Wei Yun: Why?
Chu Yu: They’ll only think you’re the submissive one.
Wei Yun: …