1
Chu Linyang was born into a family of military generals. His ancestors emerged from humble beginnings, ranking among the lower-tier founding heroes without the prestigious lineage or immense power of established noble families. When Chu Linyang was born, the Chu family’s status in Huajing was merely that of ordinary nobility.
Fortunately, during subsequent wars, although his father was not particularly intelligent, his simplicity was balanced by bravery, and he earned numerous merits. Stationed for many years on the southwestern frontier, away from the constant garrison presence of the Wei family, Chu Linyang’s father gradually built a modest force that could be considered the Chu family army, maintaining a long-term defense in the southwest.
Because of this, people in Huajing who looked down on his father often mocked him, saying that the southwestern territories were places where, in the absence of heroes, young men could make a name for themselves.
Nevertheless, as Chu Linyang grew older, the Chu family in Huajing finally began to gain some recognition. His eldest sister, Chu Yu, was betrothed to the Wei family’s heir, and his youngest sister, Chu Jin, was engaged to Gu Chusheng, the eldest son of the Gu family. In other words, the family’s future was assured, at least on paper.
Assured, perhaps, but still somewhat inferior compared to the Xie family.
His mother hailed from the Xie family. Although she was merely a legitimate daughter from a secondary household, the Xie family was a prestigious noble lineage in Huajing, admired and respected by many. Their children, even those from secondary households, could marry into prominent families, just as Chu Linyang, the legitimate son of a modest noble, did.
His father was hot-tempered, while his mother was timid. One only knew how to shout, and the other only knew how to cry and complain. Growing up in such a household, Chu Linyang couldn’t quite recall how he managed to mature. Not only did he grow up, but he also became quite handsome. By thirteen, he held the rank of Minor General, and by fifteen, he had established numerous shops in the southwest, earning the nickname “Chu Caishen” (Chu the God of Wealth). Many noblewomen flocked to him, but he was disinterested in women and paid them no mind.
However, as he matured, his parents grew increasingly anxious. Since he was fifteen, his mother had been asking him, “Do you have any thoughts on marriage?” Although legitimate sons from respectable families in Huajing were expected to marry by the age of twenty, his mother still urged him, believing he should at least be betrothed. Tired of the pressure, Chu Linyang waved his hand dismissively and declared, “I have set my sights on the Xie family’s legitimate daughter, Xie Chun.”
“What?!” His mother was stunned. He looked up calmly and added, “What? Do you think I’m not worthy?”
Xie Yun was momentarily speechless. She didn’t believe her son was unworthy of Xie Chun, but… she couldn’t stop Xie Chun from looking down on him.
2
Xie Chun was the legitimate daughter of the Xie family. Her father was a Grand Scholar of the Inner Cabinet, her aunt the current Empress, and her brothers were all distinguished and charismatic figures.
Although her beauty didn’t surpass that of Chu Yu or Chu Jin, who was considered the most beautiful in Huajing, Xie Chun possessed an inexplicable ethereal grace. Coupled with her sharp intellect and mastery of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she became the ideal candidate for the sons of noble families to seek as a spouse, despite not being the most beautiful.
When Chu Linyang declared his affection for her, he had never even met Xie Chun. Nevertheless, his declaration shocked Xie Yun. After careful consideration, she decided that rather than letting her son harbor an impossible hope, she should broaden his horizons. Given the abundance of women in Huajing, meeting more of them might spark his interest elsewhere.
Thus, she and Chu Jianchang inquired about Chu Linyang’s whereabouts, feigned illness to coax him back, and then tearfully pressured him into attending the Spring Day Banquet.
Chu Linyang had previously remained in the southwest and had rarely visited such gatherings. Holding a branch of peach blossoms, he found the attendees at the banquet foolish—playing instruments, painting, composing poetry, and playing chess. To him, none of these pursuits were as practical as earning money through warfare.
Sitting in his seat, feeling restless, he planned to leave Huajing as soon as the banquet concluded.
However, just then, someone announced from the crowd, “Second Young Master Wang has issued a challenge to Miss Xie!”
Engaged in intellectual debates was their scholars’ refined pastime. Compared to those reciting poetry and playing instruments, Chu Linyang found this more interesting. He took a cup of wine and followed the crowd. There, on a high platform, he saw a woman in white robes with blue embroidery, her hair elegantly pinned with a jade hairpin. Her demeanor was calm and serene, seamlessly blending a woman’s grace with noble refinement, making it impossible to look away.
She was debating with Second Young Master Wang Xu on the conflict between Confucianism and Legalism. Most of what was being discussed was tedious to Chu Linyang and hard to understand, but he paid attention when the woman eloquently stated, “External Confucianism for the people, Internal Daoism for governing the country is the proper path. Cultivate the populace and align with heaven. If the people need to engage in commerce, why not allow it?”
He was somewhat surprised to hear a woman articulate such ideas. Even though she ultimately conceded, he still chose to place a peach blossom on her table as she left.
Upon returning, Chu Yu approached him and asked, “Brother, who was the most beautiful at the Spring Day Banquet?”
Chu Linyang thought for a moment and replied earnestly, “Xie Chun, I suppose.”
“Brother, have you decided whom you want to marry?” Chu Yu inquired.
Chu Linyang pondered again, hesitated for a moment, then answered, “Not yet.”
3
The second time Chu Linyang met Xie Chun wasn’t during the Spring Day Banquet.
That year, the southwest was afflicted by floods, and the relief funds were insufficient. The official petitions he sent to the court were rejected, leaving him with no choice but to return to the capital. He hosted a banquet for officials from the Ministry of Revenue, getting them drunk to no avail, and ended up kneeling in the courtyard vomiting. Afterward, he looked up to see a young woman standing in the long corridor, her expression cold and graceful, like a celestial fairy descended to the mortal realm.
He was momentarily stunned as she approached the building, bent down, and handed him a silk handkerchief.
“I saw you invited officials from the Ministry of Revenue,” she frowned, “but what exactly happened in the southwest?”
“Do you know me?” Chu Linyang asked, taking the handkerchief and helping himself up.
Xie Chun replied calmly, “I recognize the elite soldiers you sent to the battlefield. I know you.”
Chu Linyang was slightly taken aback, then nodded and said, “Thank you.”
As he was about to leave, Xie Chun grabbed his arm.
“What exactly happened in the southwest?” she pressed, her brow furrowed. Chu Linyang knew he shouldn’t divulge more, but at that moment, she seemed like a lifeline in his desperate situation. Unable to hold back, he confessed, “There were floods in the southwest, and we’re short on funds.”
He briefly explained the situation, then sighed, “Miss Xie, this isn’t something you should be involved with. Please, go back.”
“How much are you short?” she suddenly asked, startling Chu Linyang. He provided a number, and Xie Chun nodded, stating, “I understand. I’ll provide it within seven days.”
Chu Linyang was astonished—it wasn’t a small amount. Although the majority of the funds were already secured, the remaining sum was substantial.
He wondered how this woman would manage to find the money until the next day when he learned that Xie Chun was fundraising at her poetry society.
She sold her poems and paintings. He watched her stand on stage, passionately advocating and saw her artworks sell out. Less than seven days later, she brought the money to him, maintaining her indifferent demeanor. She simply said, “General Chu, take care on your journey.”
Chu Linyang remained silent for a while before bowing and saying, “Miss, should you ever need anything in the future, I, Chu, will not hesitate to risk my life for you.”
“You fight on the battlefield, which is more than enough. I, Xie Chun, am powerless to join your comrades in battle. I hope my modest contribution does not cause you to abandon your mission.”
Chu Linyang’s gaze fell upon her slender shoulders. Unlike Chu Yu, who was hardened by the battlefield and didn’t evoke pity despite being a woman, Xie Chun resembled willow reeds—delicate and seemingly fragile, yet possessing an invisible strength.
He had often questioned whether fighting for the people of Huajing was worthwhile, and on the day this woman bid him farewell, he finally knew the answer.
It was worthwhile.
4
He took the money and returned to the southwest, often thinking of Xie Chun. His nature was to want what he desired and to obtain it. Yet, for the first time in his life, he felt a sense of hesitation. This woman was too remarkable; he knew deep down that she wouldn’t reciprocate his feelings, and he wasn’t worthy of her.
He began to seek information about her, sending gifts through others. Occasionally, she would respond, but only inquiring about the southwest affairs.
He sent agents to gather information and learned many things.
For instance, she and Second Young Master Wang Xu were deeply in love and likely destined for a marital alliance between their families.
Upon hearing this news, he couldn’t sleep at night. Eventually, he journeyed back to Huajing, waiting overnight at the Xie family’s gate. He had initially planned to ask her if there was a possibility she would propose to marry him, but at dawn, he saw her smiling as she walked with Wang Xu toward the waiting young master. In that instant, he lost all courage.
He returned to the southwest quietly and stayed there for half a year before hearing news of Princess Wang Xu. He was taken aback and immediately rode back to Huajing. Upon his return, he had his men guard the Xie family residence, unsure of what else to do.
Later, he saw a maid from Xie Chun’s side delivering a letter to Wang Xu. He followed discreetly, hiding among the rafters, and overheard Wang Xu angrily reprimanding the maid, “What is your lady doing? Princess Shang is a decision granted by His Majesty. What can I do? If I go with her, what will happen to our families?”
“But…” the maid, her eyes red, whispered, “But Lady is pregnant with your child…”
Wang Xu was momentarily stunned, then his face flushed with anger. “You… don’t make things up. How would I know whose child it is?”
“Second Young Master Wang!” The maid was enraged by his words, raising her head and saying, “Lady has only been with you. What are you saying…”
“I only spent one night with her while drunk,” Wang Xu hurriedly retorted, “There’s nothing like that! Go back and clarify with her. This child isn’t mine. She shouldn’t cling to me!”
After speaking, Wang Xu dismissed the maid. She returned to the Xie residence in tears. She didn’t dare state the matter directly, saying only, “Second Young Master Wang said it’s between our two families and he doesn’t wish to come…”
“Whether he wishes to come or not is his business.”
Xie Chun appeared weary. “But whether I wait or not is my business.”
After speaking, she stood up, had her maid give her a cloak, took her sword and packets, and left under the cover of night.
Fearing for her safety, Chu Linyang followed her.
He saw her exit the city and wait on the official road.
She waited the entire night, from dusk till dawn, but the person never arrived.
At daybreak, she finally told her maid, “You may go back for now.”
“Lady…”
“I’ll wait a bit longer. If he doesn’t come, I’ll return. I need some time alone.”
She handed her packets to the maid, her voice hoarse, “You go first and secure the items.”
The maid hesitated for a moment before leaving.
Once the maid departed, she dismounted from her carriage and began ascending the mountain.
Chu Linyang quietly followed her. She maintained a calm demeanor, unchanging as always, showing no visible emotion. At this moment, she only appeared slightly haggard, yet her every movement still exuded the ingrained elegance and composure.
After much effort, she reached the mountaintop and walked to the cliff’s edge. The wind whipped her sleeves as the sun slowly rose. Seeing her spread her sleeves forward, Chu Linyang could no longer stand by. He rushed forward violently, grabbing her hand just as she was about to fall off the cliff.
Xie Chun looked up at him calmly and said, “Let go.”
The man didn’t speak. Chu Linyang held her tightly, one hand pressing against the ground for support, and shouted, pulling her back onto the cliff, and crashing into him.
“I don’t need your rescue.”
Xie Chun pushed herself up. Chu Linyang fell to the ground, closing his eyes. “Then you are choosing to die for someone else.”
Xie Chun paused, hearing Chu Linyang say, “Your parents gave birth to and raised you. Are you choosing to die for a scoundrel? Those who love you would grieve, and your enemies would rejoice. Are you throwing aside all that you’ve learned and all your abilities just to satisfy yourself?”
Xie Chun remained silent. Chu Linyang stood upright, supporting himself with one hand on his knee, looking at her, “Is your entire life worth so little? You slept with a man, had a child, he doesn’t want you, and you choose to die? Xie Chun, I thought you were quite clever, but you’re acting just like those foolish women. Was your entire life meant to be for men?”
“No…” she began.
“Since it’s not… why ask to die?”
“I’m disgracing the family’s honor…”
“How are you shaming the family?” Chu Linyang sneered, “Oh, you loved someone, he forcibly took advantage of you while drunk, you got pregnant, and he abandoned you. You’re disgracing your family? Is there something wrong with loving someone? The rest, you’re the victim, Wang Xu doesn’t think it’s shameful, but you do? That makes no sense!”
Xie Chun was utterly shaken. Chu Linyang looked at her calmly and continued, “The world is unjust, but you must be just to yourself. There’s nothing wrong with liking someone and wanting to be close to them. If he defiled you, that’s his fault. I understand you’re suffering. I’m not the one in pain, but Xie Chun, everyone in this world has their struggles. Dying is easy, but once you’re dead, others suffer.”
“Have you thought about your parents and brothers? Have you considered all the people who love you? Have you thought about all the things you wanted to do but never did? Xie Chun, don’t tell me that your entire life since birth was only to marry a man and do nothing else. If that’s the case, why did you study so much, learn so many things, and work so hard?”
Xie Chun remained silent, looking at him quietly. Chu Linyang sighed and said, “All right, I’ll escort you back.”
Xie Chun lowered her eyes without responding. Chu Linyang approached, took the branch he had initially broken off, and said, “Come on, I’ll take you back.”
“I can’t go back.”
Xie Chun’s voice was low and hoarse, “I can’t hide the child.”
“Then what do you intend to do?”
Chu Linyang looked up at her. Xie Chun pressed her lips together but remained silent. Chu Linyang sighed deeply and finally said, “Forget it, let me be honest with you.”
He turned to one side, appearing very composed, and said, “Actually, when I heard you and Wang Xu were together, I waited at the Xie family’s gate all night. I wanted to ask you if you would accept my marriage proposal, but I didn’t dare.”
“In truth, I shouldn’t be asking you now either. If you marry me, it should be because you want to, not because someone is forcing you. Xie Chun, even if you have a child, those who truly care for you will still love you. I’m just offering you a suggestion…” Chu Linyang lowered his gaze, “If you want to keep this child, I can come to you tomorrow to propose. At that time, I will treat the child as my own.”
Xie Chun was slightly stunned. Chu Linyang continued, “If you don’t wish to marry me for the sake of the child, that’s fine. I will still stay by your side. Once I’ve earned enough military merits and am worthy of you, I will propose again. It will just be a matter of time.”
Xie Chun did not respond, staring at him with a complex expression.
After a long moment, she raspily said, “This is… unfair to you.”
Chu Linyang smiled gently. “Where is there fairness or unfairness in this world? If you speak of fairness, is it fair to women like you?”
Xie Chun remained silent. Chu Linyang waited for her response. After a long time, she finally said, “I will terminate this child.”
“He is born into a world where he will endure so much injustice. If I cannot provide him with a good life, I refuse to let him be born irresponsibly.”
Chu Linyang nodded. Xie Chun sighed and said, “I’m sorry, General Chu.”
She croaked, “I dare to encounter you in such a sorry state.”
5
Xie Chun returned to the Xie residence, and after her return, there was no news of her. The Xie family handled all information diligently, revealing not a single detail.
When Princess Yulin Wang Xuan married, Chu Linyang saw Xie Chun. She looked much thinner, smiling at the newlyweds with no trace of displeasure on her face. Chu Linyang kept watching her; he was about to set off for the southwest soon and feared that once he left, he wouldn’t know when they would meet again.
She turned to look at him amidst the crowd, then nodded slightly and smiled gently. It was a rare smile, imbued with a newfound openness and composure that she hadn’t possessed before.
During the banquet, she went out to stroll in the courtyard. Chu Linyang hurriedly followed her, and they met in the yard. They stood in silence for a long time until Xie Chun was the first to speak, warmly saying, “General Chu, we meet again.”
Chu Linyang responded with a nod. He had many questions he wanted to ask but didn’t know how to start. Instead, Xie Chun continued, “I heard that General Chu is soon heading to the southwest again. When will you set off?”
“In ten days.”
Xie Chun nodded and looked up at him. “Have you ever been to Huguo Temple, General Chu?”
Chu Linyang was taken aback for a moment. After recovering, his voice softened as he stammered, “N-no… I haven’t been…”
“Perhaps another day, I could guide the general to visit Huguo Temple?”
“Mm…”
Chu Linyang blushed and quickly added, “I will bring my little sister along.”
Xie Chun did not expect Chu Linyang to say that and laughed lightly. “It’s fine.”
They arranged to meet the next day. On the following morning, Chu Linyang woke up Chu Jin and Chu Yu. The two young ladies were still asleep and reluctantly allowed themselves to be pulled up to go to Huguo Temple together. Upon arriving at the temple, Xie Chun was already waiting. Chu Jin sensed that something was amiss between the two and kept a distance, following Chu Yu from afar without getting close.
Xie Chun led Chu Linyang up the mountain calmly. “General Chu is heading southwest; I don’t know when he’ll return.”
“It shouldn’t be too long…”
Xie Chun nodded and continued, “Regarding that day’s events, you forgot to express your gratitude to the general.”
“Mm.”
Chu Linyang nodded. After holding back for a long time, he finally asked, “Are you in good health?”
“I’ve been resting for some time and am now following the prescriptions the physician provided. I should be fine.”
Xie Chun responded candidly. Chu Linyang didn’t know what to say for a while until Xie Chun smiled and said, “My family is quite worried. They’re always thinking of finding someone for me to marry casually. If General Chu were willing to come forward to propose, I fear my family would readily agree.”
Upon hearing this, Chu Linyang frowned. He looked into Xie Chun’s smiling eyes, wanting to say something, but Xie Chun interrupted him: “But I would not accept.”
“You’re right,” she smiled, “I wouldn’t lower myself for this matter. If I were to marry General Chu, it would be because I truly like him.”
Chu Linyang slowly raised his eyebrows, pressed his lips together, and nodded, “I understand.”
He then spoke, “I will come to propose another day.”
Xie Chun widened her eyes and hurriedly said, “I’m not—” “Please refuse.” He said earnestly, “If you refuse, I will propose again. Whenever you decide to accept, I will agree.”
“I wish to marry Xie Chun, whom I respect and who is worthy of our family’s honor.”
### 6
Chu Linyang kept his promise. Five days later, he wrote a gift list that was two zhang long and had Xie Yun and Chu Jianchang go to propose on his behalf. The sheer number of gifts, even the Xie family was shocked. Only then did Huajing realize that this “wealth god” from the southwest was indeed a true god of wealth.
The Xie family initially intended to accept the proposal, but after some discussion, they ultimately refused. When Wang Xuan in the palace heard the news, she instinctively said, “She still dares to refuse?”
This comment reached Chu Linyang’s ears. The next day, Wang Xuan was beaten in an alley. After being beaten, she woke up the next day lying disheveled in a brothel. The princess arrived with a formidable entourage, and the guards broke Wang Xuan’s leg on the spot.
When Xie Chun learned of this, she was slightly stunned. After a long moment, she asked, “They didn’t find out who beat her, right?”
“No,” the maid smiled, “the Wang family suspects it was your master who sent someone to beat her, but they didn’t dare to come and ask.”
Upon hearing this, Xie Chun pressed her lips into a smile. “They don’t dare.”
She spoke softly, then lowered her gaze, saying nothing more.
Later, Chu Linyang went to the southwest and sent gifts to the Xie family every month. He was an insightful man, understanding the Xie family’s preferences thoroughly. Catering to their tastes, he sent many things. Whatever the Xie family lacked, he could procure it, earning the praise of everyone in the household.
“Let’s get married.”
“Her status may have been lowered a bit, but she’s truly a good person.”
“Let’s get married.”
Xie Chun pressed her lips together but remained silent. She received his letters every day, reading them daily. He read many books to please her, earnestly taking notes and sending his thoughts back to her.
Whenever he had time, he would return from the southwest. Sometimes he would travel for several days just to visit briefly before leaving again. She finally began to learn how to miss him, experiencing joy and sorrow because of him. Once, when he came, he received new clothes and pastries she had made. Chu Linyang was taken aback for a moment, then pressed his lips into a smile.
Another six months passed, and Wang Xuan was sent to the southwest battlefield, where she died in battle. When Xie Chun heard the news, she was initially stunned. She thought she would be saddened, but she wasn’t. This person seemed like a wound in her life; over time, with the right remedies, the scar had even faded away.
She wondered about another matter: Wang Xuan had died; Chu Linyang was also on the battlefield. Would he survive?
That night, amidst a storm, someone knocked on her door. He had climbed the wall to enter, carrying the strong scent of blood and sweat, clearly having come directly from the battlefield to Huajing. Xie Chun opened the door and saw him covered in blood. She was stunned as Chu Linyang looked at her nervously and said, “I’m sorry.”
“What?”
She didn’t understand. Chu Linyang panted lightly, “Wang Xuan was surrounded. I admit, I didn’t try my best to save him. But if I truly tried, the sacrifice would have been too great. I didn’t think it was worth it.”
“Are you afraid I’ll blame you?”
Xie Chun realized what he meant. Chu Linyang lowered his gaze. “I must confess, I’ve always been a small-minded person,” he whispered, “without much sense of right and wrong. I act too extremely. Even if Wang Xuan hadn’t died today, I couldn’t guarantee that when I returned to Huajing, I couldn’t find an opportunity to kill him.”
Xie Chun remained silent. After a long time, she reached out and embraced him. Chu Linyang’s entire body stiffened. After a long pause, he finally said one word, “Dirty…”
“I don’t blame you for not saving her,” Xie Chun sighed, “I was just afraid. Luckily, it was Wang Xuan who was surrounded, not you.”
“Linyang,” she spoke gently, “I’m getting old. Everyone laughs at me for being an old maid. Will you marry me?”
“Who said you’re an old maid?” Chu Linyang frowned. Xie Chun smiled, “Is that the point?”
“The point is for me to marry you?”
Chu Linyang looked down at her, “But hasn’t this matter already been decided? We’ve just been waiting for you to accept.”
### 7
Chu Linyang washed up and the next day, he went to propose again. The Xie family had already taken Chu Linyang’s proposal as a casual visit and were accustomed to it. They invited the Chu family to have tea. Xie Grand Scholar and Chu Linyang chatted, then sent someone to ask Xie Chun. Initially, they expected a refusal, but when the maid returned, she excitedly shouted, “Agreed! Miss has agreed!”
Xie Grand Scholar was so shocked that he spit out his tea. And thus, the matter was settled.
Chu Linyang arranged an unprecedented grand wedding for Xie Chun, with the entire ceremony nearly built on money. Some people in Huajing couldn’t help but curse him for being vulgar, later commenting that Xie Chun marrying such a man was a loss of grace. Amidst the golden splendor, Xie Chun had her veil lifted by Chu Linyang, yet she felt that Chu Linyang’s golden aesthetic wasn’t so bad after all.
After the wedding, Xie Chun managed the household while Chu Linyang handled external affairs. Xie Chun didn’t particularly like Xie Yun, and Xie Yun was naturally a bit afraid of Xie Chun. Thus, they were both timid and cold but managed to live in peace.
Xie Chun handled the accounts with great skill, especially in managing the household finances. Even with Xie Yun as the mistress, the internal affairs of the Chu household remained flawless and well-organized.
Xie Chun had a frail constitution, while Chu Yu was strong. Once, when they met, Chu Yu slapped Xie Chun so hard that a bruise appeared on her shoulder. Chu Linyang instantly darkened his face and beat Chu Yu severely at the training ground, making him cry out in pain. From then on, whenever Chu Linyang saw Chu Yu, he had to hold his wife in his arms and step back to prevent Chu Yu from acting.
Later, as chaos engulfed the world, Chu Linyang established himself as king. On the day he made this decision, after bearing it for a long time, he returned home and said to Xie Chun, “Madam, perhaps you should return to the Xie family first. If everything goes well here in the future, I will welcome you back. If something happens to me, you can stay with the Xie family…”
Before he could finish, Xie Chun shook her head. Chu Linyang was slightly stunned, then saw Xie Chun looking up at him.
“The Xie family has their choices, and I have mine,” she spoke gently, “Linyang, I am your wife and the mother of your children. I cannot understand my father’s choices, but I respect them, and I believe he will respect my choices as well.”
“I will accompany you until the last moment. If you truly leave, I will protect the Chu family.”
She spoke earnestly, “I am the First Lady of the Chu family.”
Chu Linyang was slightly stunned. At that moment, he thought of Chu Yu. He suddenly realized that being the First Lady was not something anyone could achieve. He suddenly understood where his astonishment toward her at the spring banquet when he was eighteen had originated.
A woman not only enjoys her rights but also bears her responsibilities. She is neither servile nor arrogant, graceful and composed. Thus, whatever she experiences in her life, whether she holds a sword or a pen, whether her heart is set on the realm or her family, she will shine brightly.
Chu Yu was like this, Jiang Chun was like this, Wei Qingping was like this, the Grand Princess was like this, and Xie Chun was also like this.