Wei Qiu pushed Wei Yun out of the manor gates. Just as they exited, they saw a carriage hidden in an alley outside the Wei residence. Upon seeing Wei Yun emerge, the coachman jumped down from his horse and made a gesture of invitation to Wei Yun with clasped hands.
He carried an embroidered spring sword, wore a black brocade robe, and had a jade tablet hanging at his waist with the character “Jin” inscribed on it. This was the standard attire of the Jinyi Wei, the Emperor’s close attendants.
Seeing this attire, Wei Yun coughed sharply twice and struggled to rise, intending to greet the man. However, as soon as he stood up, he was seized by a fit of intense coughing. The man quickly stepped forward and steadied Wei Yun, saying, “Seventh Young Master, there’s no need for formalities. I am Chen Chun of the Jinyi Wei, here on His Majesty’s orders to invite you to the palace for a discussion.”
As he listened to the man speak, Wei Yun’s coughing gradually subsided. When he finally caught his breath, he slowly said, “This Wei is unwell. I hope Officer Chen will forgive me. Since it’s His Majesty’s command, let’s depart quickly.”
With that, Wei Yun, supported by Wei Qiu, rose and was helped into the carriage.
Moments later, Chen Chun also entered the carriage. As it set off with a clatter, Wei Yun sat opposite Chen Chun, silent and coughing occasionally, appearing extremely frail.
Chen Chun frowned, hesitating before he asked, “Seventh Young Master’s injuries…”
The incident involving Wei Yun in the imperial prison was known to almost all court officials. The Emperor had been furious and severely punished everyone who had harmed Wei Yun. Chen Chun himself had been involved in carrying out these punishments, so he was well aware of Wei Yun’s injuries.
Hearing Chen Chun’s question, Wei Yun managed a strained smile and said, “The external wounds have healed considerably, but my Yuan Power was damaged, leaving me weak.”
Chen Chun’s frown deepened. Wei Yun glanced at him and asked between labored breaths, “Does Officer Chen know why His Majesty has summoned me?”
“I don’t know,” Chen Chun answered firmly. Wei Yun knew he wouldn’t get any information from Chen Chun, so he continued to feign weakness while pondering recent news.
When he had left the frontlines, although the Wei family army had been annihilated at Baidi Valley, they had also severely damaged the Northern Di. Now the northern border was mainly defended by the Yao family. For the Emperor to summon him to the palace in the middle of the night, there must have been a change at the front.
His father and brothers had all died on the frontlines, and he knew their demise wasn’t simply due to being surrounded and wiped out. Yao Yong must have played a crucial role in it. Therefore, while Yao Yong controlled the entire situation at the northern border, he would not go to the front to die.
Wei Yun composed himself and pretended to sleep weakly against the carriage wall. After a while, he heard Chen Chun say, “Young Master, we’ve arrived.”
Wei Yun opened his eyes, feigning confusion. A moment later, he appeared to become alert and was helped out of the carriage by Wei Xia and Wei Qiu.
The carriage had driven directly to the entrance of the Imperial Study. As Wei Yun alighted, he heard the Emperor’s voice from inside: “Xiao Qi, come in directly.”
Upon hearing this, Wei Yun began to cough intensely.
His coughing was so severe it sounded as if his heart and lungs were being torn apart. After the fit subsided, he straightened up, adjusted his clothes, and then entered the Imperial Study.
The Emperor had already heard Wei Yun’s coughing from inside. When he looked up, he saw a young man in plain clothes enter the hall and respectfully kowtow.
He looked thin and weak, and despite it not yet being winter, he was already wearing a fox fur coat and holding a hand warmer, appearing extremely sensitive to cold.
Emperor Chunde’s breath caught. He clearly remembered how lively this young man used to be, able to walk comfortably outside in a single layer of clothing even in the depths of winter.
Guilt welled up in his heart, bringing a look of pity to his face. He quickly asked Wei Yun to sit down and anxiously said, “How did you end up like this? Is there still something wrong? I’ll have the Imperial Physician come and examine you.”
“It’s nothing serious…” Wei Yun smiled reassuringly, “Your Majesty need not worry. I’m just weak and currently recovering.”
Hearing this, Emperor Chunde looked at Wei Yun, wanting to say something but unable to find the words. Wei Yun, noticing the Emperor’s expression, coughed lightly twice, caught his breath, and asked with concern, “Your Majesty has summoned me to the palace in the middle of the night. Has there been a change at the front?”
“Yes,” speaking of the frontlines, Emperor Chunde’s expression grew colder. “Currently, the front is being held entirely by General Yao, but last night, Bai City fell.”
“Bai City has fallen?” Wei Yun was somewhat surprised, yet felt that this outcome was not unexpected. The front line had always been defended primarily by the Wei family, while Yao Yong had only ever fought opportunistic battles. His current position was more due to political considerations. Suddenly pushing an incompetent person to the front line and losing a key city was, in fact, predictable.
Wei Yun’s thoughts were clear, but his face showed surprise and concern as he asked, “General Yao had ninety thousand troops in Bai City, and I had ten thousand more transferred from Liangzhou before I left. How did Bai City fall? What were our losses?”
“Our losses weren’t heavy,” the Emperor’s expression was grim as he said coldly, “To preserve his forces, Yao Yong abandoned the city at the first opportunity…”
Hearing this, Wei Yun’s face suddenly turned cold, and he abruptly asked, “Did he evacuate the civilians?”
Before abandoning a city, the Wei family would always evacuate the civilians first. Otherwise, they would fight to the last man rather than abandon the city. The civilians of the city were defenseless, and there was a deep blood feud between the Northern Di and the Great Chu. Most cities lost by Great Chu would face the calamity of the massacre. Thus, upon hearing that Yao Yong had abandoned the city, this was the first question Wei Yun asked.
However, as soon as he asked, Wei Yun already knew the answer.
Yao Yong would not have evacuated the civilians.
He had never been that kind of person.
Yet, as Wei Yun waited for the Emperor’s answer, he heard him say, “He evacuated the civilians before leaving, so there’s no harm done.”
Wei Yun was somewhat surprised. To conceal this emotion, he began to cough intensely again, while his mind raced to analyze the situation.
Based on his understanding of Yao Yong, he would never do such a thing. But Yao Yong had always loved to take credit for others’ achievements, so this time he must have stolen the credit from some other general.
Wei Yun felt a wave of disgust but maintained his composure. Seeing Wei Yun cough so distressingly, Emperor Chunde hurriedly called for the Imperial Physician. Wei Yun waved his hand, slowly catching his breath, and asked, “What are Your Majesty’s plans now?”
“Yao Yong is too mediocre. Sometimes on the battlefield, we need the vigor of youth.” Emperor Chunde sighed, clearly dissatisfied with Yao Yong’s decision to abandon the city. He looked up at Wei Yun and began to say, “You…”
“Your Majesty, Wei Yun requests…” As soon as Wei Yun saw the Emperor look his way, he quickly knelt, about to pledge his loyalty. However, he had only spoken half his sentence when he began to cough violently.
Seeing Wei Yun curled up on the ground, coughing uncontrollably, Emperor Chunde couldn’t finish what he was about to say. He stepped forward to help Wei Yun up personally. Wei Yun, still coughing, managed to say, “Your subject requests… to… cough cough… go to the front… cough…”
“Enough,” Emperor Chunde looked at Wei Yun’s condition and sighed, “In your state, don’t try to push yourself. You should focus on recovering…” The Emperor hesitated for a moment before saying, “Recommend a few people to me instead.”
Wei Yun didn’t respond, using his coughing to conceal his contemplative expression as he pondered the reason for the Emperor’s urgency.
Currently, there were only five or six families with capable military commanders in the court. Chu Jianchang had been guarding the southwest for many years, and with the Northern Di’s fierce attacks, the Southern Yue Kingdom in the southwest might also start to stir. Chu Jianchang couldn’t be moved. Among the remaining Song, Yao, Wang, and Xie families, the Wang and Xie families weren’t traditional military families, with most of their commanders stationed inland and lacking real combat experience. The Yao family was already on the battlefield, and the Song family had been resting in the capital for too many years, having lost their edge.
Going to the front lines now was not just about fighting; more importantly, it was about counterbalancing Yao Yong. Yao Yong was too cautious; the battle for Bai City could have been fought, but Yao Yong was unwilling to engage in a bloody conflict. Yet, what war doesn’t involve sacrifices? If one only retreats, they might as well sue for peace directly. What would be the point of fighting then?
However, apart from the Wei and Chu families, the other families might not be much different from Yao Yong. After careful consideration, it seemed only Wei Yun could be used.
Having figured out the Emperor’s intentions, Wei Yun breathed lightly and said weakly, “Your Majesty’s sudden question makes it difficult for me to recommend suitable candidates immediately. Perhaps Your Majesty could give me a few days to consider and investigate before reporting back?”
“Very well,” Emperor Chunde said with some resignation. With Wei Yun in this state, he couldn’t possibly send him to the front lines. What difference would that be from sending him to his death?
He sighed, “You may return now. If you find suitable candidates, inform me immediately.”
“Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty,” Wei Yun kowtowed, breathing heavily as he spoke, “Once this subject’s condition improves slightly, I will come immediately to request a mission, to go to the front and kill the enemy, not failing Your Majesty’s grace!”
“Mm,” Emperor Chunde nodded absent-mindedly, “You may return now.”
Then, remembering something, he added, “Have the Imperial Physician examine you again.”
Wei Yun nodded and allowed Wei Xia and Wei Qiu to support him as he walked out. Outside, he saw an Imperial Physician standing nervously. Wei Yun gave the physician a pale smile and said, “This Wei has no strength to linger in the palace and wishes to rest early. Would the physician be able to accompany me to the Wei residence for an examination?”
“As the Marquis commands.”
After the deaths of Wei Zhong and Wei Jun, Wei Yun was the most logical heir. The imperial edict conferring the title had been issued the day Wei Yun returned to the Wei family. Many people hadn’t yet adjusted to the change, but the Imperial Physician was someone who strictly followed protocol.
Wei Yun nodded and brought the physician into the carriage. He reclined in the carriage and allowed the physician to check his pulse.
After a brief examination, the physician spoke of various old ailments, but finally frowned and said, “But… it shouldn’t be this severe.”
Wei Yun didn’t respond immediately. He took a sip of tea and said calmly, “Physician, please check again.”
He didn’t cough, his tone was completely cold: “This Wei is weak and sickly, unable to withstand even a slight cold. How could there be no illness?”
The physician remained silent. He looked into Wei Yun’s eyes, which held a terrifying bloodthirst, while his face bore a half-smile. “Physician, weakness of the body is primarily about recovery. It can be severe or mild, coming on suddenly like a landslide, but with proper care, it can improve at any time. Don’t you agree?”
The physician now understood Wei Yun’s meaning. He dared not speak, his whole body trembling slightly.
Wei Yun rested his chin on his hand as he looked at him: “Even physicians can misdiagnose sometimes. I feel I’m weak, you think I’m weak, and even if a hundred mediocre doctors say I’m not weak, I could have them thrown out. But if I’m weak and the physician says I’m not, that’s not right.”
The physician was sweating coldly. Beside him, Wei Xia pushed forward a box. Wei Yun raised his chin slightly: “Physician, a small token of appreciation.”
The physician dared not move. Wei Yun reached out and opened the box himself: “Let me open it for you.”
Inside were two neat rows of gold ingots.
Wei Yun said gently, “Physician, you have two sons and two daughters under your care, correct?”
Hearing this, the physician took a deep breath and looked up at him. His gaze held disapproval. After a long moment, the physician shook his head and said, “Please take back this gift, Marquis. You indeed suffer from weakness of the body. I will report truthfully. Please stop the carriage and let this old man disembark.”
Wei Yun nodded to the side, and the carriage stopped. The physician picked up his medicine box and began to step down with a lowered head. However, halfway down, the physician suddenly turned back, speaking with some anger: “This old one never imagined that the Wei family would produce such a scheming, cowardly individual! Marquis, you bring shame to the Wei family!”
Hearing this, Wei Yun’s expression changed drastically. As the physician turned to leave, Wei Yun suddenly called out to him.
“Elder,” the physician stopped his body stiffening. Hearing Wei Yun’s icy voice, he realized he had been too impulsive. But his integrity prevented him from apologizing or turning back. Wei Yun looked at his back for a long while before chuckling softly: “Very well, you may go.”
“But Elder, I want you to understand. If I were Wei Xiao Qi, I would undoubtedly sacrifice myself for the country and the people without regard for consequences. But I am Wei Yun.”
Wei Yun’s gaze turned cold: “I am the Marquis Zhenguo, Wei Yun.”
As he spoke these words, he didn’t sound like a teenager at all. Each word was enunciated clearly as if making a declaration.
The physician didn’t speak. He stood with his back to Wei Yun. After a moment, he said stiffly: “Whether you are the Wei family’s Seventh Young Master or the Marquis Zhenguo, I hope you remember. You come from the Wei family,” he turned his head to look at Wei Yun earnestly, “This is one of the few families in Great Chu with true passion and integrity. I hope you won’t disgrace it.”
This time, Wei Yun said nothing. Looking into the old man’s clear eyes, he found himself at a loss for words.
He felt something surging in his chest, churning uncontrollably. He gripped the window sill tightly, saying nothing.
Upon returning home, as soon as he entered, Chu Yu came to greet him anxiously: “What did His Majesty say?”
Wei Yun briefly described what had happened in the palace. Chu Yu felt relieved, then asked, “Why are you unwilling to go to the front lines?”
In her memory, Wei Yun had once volunteered for the front lines, risking his life to save the country from the brink of collapse, thereby establishing his position. But this time, Wei Yun was feigning illness to avoid going. What was he thinking?
“The deaths of my father and brothers are closely related to Yao Yong,” Wei Yun didn’t hide his thoughts. He handed his fox fur coat to Wei Qiu, sat down, poured himself some tea, and after taking a sip, slowly said, “Now the entire front line is under his control. If I go there, I fear I’d be traveling a thousand miles just to deliver myself to death.”
As Wei Yun spoke these words, his eyes held a knife-like sharpness.
Chu Yu looked at his expression, pursed her lips, and changed the subject: “Then who do you plan to recommend?”
“I’m still thinking,” Wei Yun frowned, “It’s important to find someone suitable.”
Hearing his words, Chu Yu wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent.
In her previous life, Wei Yun had been extremely successful, proving that he was inherently a very capable person. Therefore, unless she had foreknowledge of future major events, Chu Yu wouldn’t interfere with his choices.
The deaths of the Wei family members made Chu Yu realize that what she thought she “knew” might be wrong. Knowing incorrect information could be more dangerous than knowing nothing at all.
She thought for a moment, then nodded: “Take your time to think about it. Call me if you need anything.”
Wei Yun grunted in response, sitting in his place, holding his tea, lost in thought.
Chu Yu hesitated for a moment before walking out. Just as she was about to leave, Wei Yun suddenly called out to her.
“Sister-in-law,” he began somewhat uncertainly, “What if I become like a politician, using any means necessary?”
Hearing this question, Chu Yu turned to look at him. The young man seemed somewhat dejected. She thought for a moment, then slowly said, “Water that’s too clear has no fish.”
Wei Yun looked up at her, about to say something, but Chu Yu, as if knowing what he was going to say, quickly added, “But, you must ensure that it’s still water.”
“The clarity of water is a matter of degree, not a matter of presence or absence. Xiao Qi, the reason your father and brothers met with misfortune was because they weren’t vigilant enough, not sensitive enough to court politics. If they had half the cunning you have now, perhaps they wouldn’t have met with trouble.”
Hearing this, Wei Yun pressed his lips into a thin line. After struggling for a long while, he slowly looked up: “I don’t mind.”
Chu Yu was somewhat confused, not understanding what the person before her was doing.
Wei Yun stared at her, his eyes lit with a fiery light.
“Whether it’s disgracing the Wei family name or tarnishing the family’s reputation, I don’t mind. I only regret that I didn’t wake up earlier. If I had realized earlier, perhaps my father and brothers wouldn’t have died. So I don’t care what I become, I only care about whether I can protect you all, whether I can reach a high position.”
“One day—”
Wei Yun clenched his fists, his eyes brightening. Sitting in his wheelchair, he gritted his teeth and trembled slightly, saying in a hoarse voice, “I will make these people—pay blood for blood!”