Wei Yuzhi showed no surprise at having his hidden secret guessed. He merely smiled faintly and said, “Yes.”

He understood Chu Dijiang’s meaning. Which was more important: family or country? Those with any foresight knew that “without skin, where would fur attach?” A country must exist for families to thrive. But Wei Yuzhi had long lost his family, and his closest kin had been wronged by this corrupt court. Despite his talents, he couldn’t use them for the good of the nation.

Chu Dijiang gazed at Wei Yuzhi’s silver hair. “Ultimately, what you want is revenge. It has nothing to do with the country or its people. Who exactly is your enemy? The Song Emperor? The entire Song Dynasty? Or just its corruption?”

Chu Dijiang’s words hit Wei Yuzhi like a thunderbolt. Blinded by hatred, he had always known the truth deep down. Now that it was laid bare, he couldn’t pretend ignorance.

Yet understanding didn’t change things. Wei Yuzhi smiled bitterly. “Here, I’m a descendant of a criminal. Even if I could hide my identity and enter the court, the truth would eventually come out.”

This was just one of many reasons he hadn’t chosen this path. Even if he could conceal his identity for life, reaching a position of great influence at court would require enormous effort and time.

Wei Yuzhi lacked a good starting point and any connections or support. To reach the pinnacle of power, even if everything went smoothly, would take at least fifteen to twenty years.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have that much time left.

Wei Yuzhi said, “How many years do I have left? When there’s only one chance to gamble, I have to go all in.”

Chu Dijiang was also fed up with the Song Dynasty. He had never seen such a weak court. Outwardly splendid, it was actually on the verge of collapse. More infuriating was that those in power, upon realizing the situation, didn’t try to reinforce it but continued adding decorations. Though appearing more prosperous, the heavy burden accelerated its fall.

“I no longer care about court affairs, but if I see hope and can lend a hand, I’m willing to do so,” Chu Dijiang said. Every citizen bore responsibility for the nation’s major affairs. Chu Dijiang understood himself; he no longer pursued fame or ambition but wouldn’t be idle either. “There are thousands like me in Song. Liao won’t succeed with or without you.”

The Song court was corrupt, and many truly talented individuals preferred to remain inactive rather than serve. But when faced with the threat of destruction, who could stand by and watch the country fall?

“If I were you, I’d rather take the official path. Even if I couldn’t see the world set right in my lifetime, at least I’d have done something,” Chu Dijiang said calmly, but his words pierced Wei Yuzhi’s heart like sharp knives.

Wei Yuzhi felt his healed wounds start to ache again. A hot flow surged in his throat, but he swallowed it back.

Seeing Wei Yuzhi’s momentary dejection, Chu Dijiang stopped. Wei Yuzhi’s strong spiritual energy indicated he was mentally resilient and wouldn’t crumble easily. The matter was just too significant for him to remain calm immediately.

Bang!

Mo Sigui burst in carrying An Jiu on his back. “Little Wei Wei, what’s wrong?”

Earlier, he and An Jiu had smelled delicious aromas from the Hua mansion’s kitchen and couldn’t sit still. They decided to go borrow some food, but just as they reached the kitchen, An Jiu felt a sharp pain in her chest and nearly fainted. Mo Sigui knew something must have happened to Wei Yuzhi and hurried back carrying An Jiu.

“It’s nothing,” Wei Yuzhi said, his face pale but expression extremely calm.

He looked at Chu Dijiang. “Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Chu.”

Mo Sigui put An Jiu down and checked both their pulses simultaneously.

To his surprise, their pulses seemed synchronized, as if he was checking one person’s pulse! Mo Sigui was astonished. He released Wei Yuzhi’s hand and carefully examined An Jiu’s pulse, then focused on Wei Yuzhi’s.

The result was the same.

“I knew something wasn’t right these past few days,” Mo Sigui muttered while pressing several of Wei Yuzhi’s acupoints.

The conversation had worsened Wei Yuzhi’s condition, and he soon fell unconscious.

Mo Sigui was initially worried Wei Yuzhi wouldn’t make it, but seeing An Jiu energetic again after lying down for a day, and Wei Yuzhi’s pulse gradually stabilizing, he finally relaxed.

Due to boredom, this winter seemed especially long.

At some point, the Hua mansion suddenly became busy, with everyone hurrying about with joyful expressions.

After watching from the wall for several days, An Jiu couldn’t help but ask Chu Dijiang, “What are they busy with?”

The worldly-wise Chu Dijiang admitted he didn’t know.

After observing for another half month, Chu Dijiang finally realized, “They’re preparing for the New Year!”

“New Year?” An Jiu frowned.

The Mei clan didn’t emphasize holidays like the Hua clan. When An Jiu lived in Meihua Village, most of her energy was focused on clan studies and archery, so she didn’t pay much attention to such things. In her memory, New Year’s just meant the whole village gathering for a meal, which often ended in bloodshed and piles of bodies.

Chu Dijiang cared even less about such things.

A few days later, Mei Jiu arrived with a large group of maids and servants to personally oversee the New Year preparations in the small courtyard.

Except for Mei Yanran, everyone in the courtyard was bewildered by this grand gesture and huddled awkwardly in Mo Sigui’s room.

Mei Jiu took a sip of tea, smiling. “The New Year is coming. I’ve brought people to clean up and prepare some things for everyone.”

The four people and two tigers remained silent.

Feeling slightly awkward, Mei Jiu put down her teacup and took An Jiu’s hand. “I’ve prepared many clothes and accessories for you. A woman should dress well. Come with me.”

An Jiu was led into the newly tidied bedroom with a wooden expression.

Upon entering, An Jiu was stunned, feeling as if she had entered the wrong room. Everything was indescribably luxurious and new, from the large furniture to the smallest teacup.

“You didn’t just come to give things, did you?” An Jiu said.

Mei Jiu was enthusiastically taking out newly made women’s clothes from a trunk. Hearing this, she asked puzzledly, “What do you mean?”

An Jiu sat down on a new chair with a soft cushion, feeling extremely comfortable. “From the looks of it, you seem to want to tear down and rebuild the entire room.”

Mei Jiu smiled. “I’ve wanted to tidy up for a long time. This place was uninhabited, and everything was old. We only temporarily added some daily necessities, which were too simple. But because you were ill, we didn’t want to disturb you. Now, with the New Year coming, we can finally replace things. Come look, which one do you like?”

Mei Jiu laid out the clothes one by one on the bed and table. The trunk seemed endless.