As the two of them were discussing their plans to visit the Chu residence, Chu Linyang was standing at the entrance, counting the people preparing for the journey. When Wei Yun alighted, Chu Linyang was somewhat surprised. A moment later, seeing Chu Yu walk down, he understood that Wei Yun had brought Chu Yu to see them off.
Wei Yun stepped forward to greet Chu Linyang. Chu Yu followed, glanced at the people standing around, and asked, “Where’s Father?”
“Still grooming himself,” Chu Linyang smiled and invited Wei Yun and Chu Yu inside. “Have you had breakfast? Why don’t you join us?”
The Chu family’s mealtime was later than the Wei family’s. Although Wei Yun and Chu Yu had already eaten, they still followed Chu Linyang inside.
While Wei Yun and Chu Linyang exchanged polite official talk, Chu Yu quietly listened beside them. The Chu family was having their meal, with Chu Linxi coaxing Xie Yun, filling the room with laughter. When Chu Linyang brought Wei Yun and Chu Yu in, everyone was stunned. Then Chu Linxi happily came forward, exclaiming with joy, “Yu’er, why are you here?”
“Mind your manners!” Chu Jianzhang quickly reprimanded, though his tone lacked real anger. He put on a stern face and said, “First, pay your respects to the Marquis.”
With that, Chu Jianzhang stood up and bowed to Wei Yun. Wei Yun hurriedly helped Chu Jianzhang up, saying calmly, “Little Seven has come specifically to bid farewell to Uncle Chu and Elder Brother Chu. Uncle, please treat Little Seven as a junior, don’t be too formal.”
Hearing this, Chu Jianzhang didn’t refuse and smiled, “Then today, I’ll treat you as my nephew. Have you had breakfast?”
As he spoke, attendants brought in small tables from outside, setting places for Chu Yu and Wei Yun. Chu Yu sat next to Chu Jin, and as soon as she sat down, she noticed that Chu Jin’s gaze was somewhat blank, appearing dazed.
Chu Yu was puzzled, not understanding why Chu Jin had become like this overnight.
She turned her gaze to Chu Linyang, only to see him talking with Wei Yun. After they spoke for a while, Chu Linyang stood up, intending to take Wei Yun for a walk in the garden. Chu Yu quickly rose, saying, “I’ll come too!”
Chu Linyang paused, looking at Wei Yun, who maintained a neutral expression and nodded.
Chu Linyang then smiled, somewhat resignedly, “Alright then, come along.”
The three of them walked out of the room, with Chu Yu following behind. The two men acted as if she didn’t exist, and Wei Yun slowly said to Chu Linyang, “When you reach the southwest, I’m afraid South Yue will be unstable.”
“Mm.” Chu Linyang nodded, his usually gentle face furrowing with worry, “I’ve already received reports from the front. South Yue has amassed fifty thousand troops at the border. I’m not worried about South Yue alone; I’m concerned about North Di and South Yue attacking simultaneously…”
“As long as we can drag it out, it should be fine,” Wei Yun pondered. “South Yue is a small country with few people. Their current attack is likely in collusion with North Di, hoping to gain some benefits. If you extend the battle line, and wait until South Yue feels strained, then we can actively offer them some benefits, and South Yue will naturally cease-fire. So in this battle, Elder Brother just defends without attacking, and stalls for time. The real difficulty in this war lies with North Di.”
“Why did North Di suddenly attack?” Chu Linyang didn’t understand.
Wei Yun’s face showed some helplessness, “North Di has suffered many natural disasters this year. Last winter’s heavy snow killed a large number of cattle and sheep, and this summer’s heavy rains led to an epidemic. Now, public resentment is boiling over. The new emperor is also fond of warfare, and with domestic pressure, he’s determined to conquer Da Chu.”
“But why not just take a few cities and be done with it? Why this fight to the death?” Chu Linyang still didn’t understand.
The Chu family’s battle lines were in the southwestern Luo and Hui provinces, occasionally reassigned, but they weren’t very familiar with the northern situation. The Wei family had long resided on the northern front, so Wei Yun knew much more about these matters than Chu Linyang.
Hearing Chu Linyang’s question, Wei Yun’s eyes grew cold, “North Di is fierce, and in fact, it’s been the Wei family’s descendants holding the border for years. They’re fierce, but we’re fiercer. Now that the Wei family is gone, who will North Di fear?”
Chu Linyang didn’t speak. Mentioning this matter, he knew Wei Yun was more upset than anyone. After a long while, he sighed deeply, “You and I, because of Yu’er, are considered family. I want to ask you one honest question: do you know what Yao Yong did on the battlefield back then?”
“I don’t know,” Wei Yun replied calmly, looking up at Chu Linyang. “Can I trouble you to give me an honest answer as well? Why are you so certain that this matter is related to Yao Yong? That it wasn’t a mistake by my Wei family?”
“You seem to have forgotten,” Chu Linyang smiled, “Two years ago, I worked with your father and brothers on the northern border for three months. I’m clear about the Wei family’s tactics. Pursuing fleeing enemies…” Chu Linyang shook his head, “I don’t believe it.”
“And I’m also clear about the disagreements between Yao Yong and your father.”
The three turned into a long corridor and entered a waterside pavilion. In the twelfth month of Huajing, the lake’s surface had frozen over with a thin layer of ice, looking like half-melted ice shards floating on the water, giving a sense of coldness.
Wei Yun instinctively looked back, habitually standing in a position that blocked the wind, imperceptibly placing Chu Yu behind him as he sat down with Chu Linyang. Chu Linyang glanced at Wei Yun but didn’t say anything. Nearby attendants quickly placed charcoal fires in the courtyard, warm air rising, and Chu Linyang continued, “Your eldest brother and I were considered old friends. Back then, Jun once asked me to look after you if anything happened to him. I promised him.”
Hearing this, Wei Yun was momentarily stunned.
He stared blankly at Chu Linyang, like a suddenly lost youth. Hearing Wei Jun’s name, he seemed somewhat flustered and at a loss. Chu Yu, sitting behind, spoke gently, “Little Seven.”
Hearing Chu Yu’s composed and steady voice, Wei Yun came back to his senses, picking up his usual demeanor, and slowly said, “Thank you, Elder Brother.”
“I agreed to his request, but not without conditions. I told him I would take good care of you, and asked him to take good care of Yu’er in return. I didn’t expect him to leave so early,” Chu Linyang’s face showed a bitter smile, “This deal turned out to be quite unfavorable.”
Wei Yun didn’t respond. Mentioning those who had passed inevitably made the atmosphere heavy. Seeing everyone fall silent, Chu Linyang smiled and said, “Well, let’s not talk about this. You came here today for other matters, right?”
“Yes,” Wei Yun followed Chu Linyang’s change of topic, nodding, “We came today, firstly to see you off, secondly to inquire about the situation in the southwest, and thirdly…”
Wei Yun looked up, gazing expectantly at Chu Linyang. In his interactions with others, he was usually aloof with those who weren’t close, but now, although his face remained calm and composed, his eyes were full of hope. That childlike, eager gaze on Wei Yun’s face was devastatingly effective. Chu Linyang immediately sensed trouble, gripped his teacup, and turned his gaze away, trying to keep himself composed, “What’s the third reason?”
“Elder Brother Chu, you see, you were old friends with my brother, and you’re also my sister-in-law’s elder brother. I look at you as if you were my elder brother. My brother used to often tell me how skilled you are at business and making money. So, I was wondering if you might…”
“Borrow money?” Chu Linyang instantly understood Wei Yun’s intention. He smiled and turned his head, “How much does the young Marquis wish to borrow?”
“It’s not much, just a trifle for Elder Brother Chu…” Wei Yun maintained a calm facade, his tone deliberate, “Would you consider lending me enough to buy a thousand mu of land in Luo Province…”
“Young Marquis,” Chu Linyang maintained his smile, speaking slowly, “A thousand mu of land? Why don’t you just go rob someone?”
Wei Yun remained composed; he had always been thick-skinned. Facing Chu Linyang’s sarcasm, he continued unfazed, “I know you also lend money outside. I’m not asking for a favor just because we’re relatives. I’ll pay the proper interest. What do you think?”
Chu Linyang took a sip of tea and spoke in a businesslike manner, “What do you plan to do with a thousand mu of land?”
“Settle refugees and grow grain,” Wei Yun answered without hesitation.
Chu Linyang looked up at him, “I charge ten percent monthly interest. If you’re buying land to grow grain, I’m afraid you won’t be able to afford it.”
Wei Yun didn’t speak. He glanced at Chu Yu; when it came to calculations, he wasn’t very clear. Chu Yu understood Wei Yun’s meaning from that glance. She felt somewhat helpless but still had to step up and say, “We can afford it.”
“Oh?” Chu Linyang looked up at Chu Yu, quite surprised, “Has the Zhenguo Marquis’s household become so wealthy?”
“We’re confident about it,” Chu Yu said, feeling a bit uncertain under Chu Linyang’s gaze. After thinking for a moment, she added, “The land prices in Sishui will rise.”
Chu Linyang didn’t speak. He took a sip of tea, and after a long while, he finally said, “Since it’s my sister wanting to do business, as her brother, I should naturally support it. I’ll lend you the money. I’ll have someone count it later and send the bank notes to your residence this evening.”
Hearing this, both Chu Yu and Wei Yun let out a sigh of relief. Chu Linyang looked at the two of them kneeling side by side and couldn’t help but smile. That smile was full of tolerance and affection, which made Chu Yu stare in a daze when she saw it.
Chu Linyang quietly looked at her for a long time before finally saying, “In the past, I never wanted you to see me off when I left, fearing you’d be sad. This time, don’t watch either. Just go home if there’s nothing else.”
Chu Yu pressed her lips together. Chu Linyang had always had a rule of not letting family members see him off when he left for distant places.
She looked up at him and after a long while, finally said, “Alright.”
Both were not good with words and after this “alright,” everyone fell silent. It was Chu Linyang who spoke first, sighing, “Let’s go.”
The three returned to the dining room together. Everyone inside had finished their meal and was sitting to the side talking.
Chu Yu and Wei Yun said goodbye to everyone and were about to leave. Chu Jianzhang and Xie Yun were planning to see them out when Chu Linyang suddenly said, “Jin’er and I will see them off.”
Chu Jin seemed to have expected this. She didn’t say anything, obediently following behind Chu Linyang, leaving with Chu Jin and Wei Yun.
The four of them walked along the long corridor, with Chu Linyang leading Wei Yun ahead to talk, while Chu Jin and Chu Yu followed at a distance. Chu Yu remained silent, and Chu Jin didn’t speak either. However, after a while, Chu Jin suddenly said, “I’m sorry.”
Chu Yu was somewhat surprised. She turned her head and saw Chu Jin’s somewhat numb expression.
Chu Yu had never seen such an expression on Chu Jin’s face before. In her memory, Chu Jin had always been a presence full of ambition and desire.
But at this moment, Chu Jin seemed to want nothing at all.
She was like an exquisite doll, walking along the corridor. Chu Yu frowned slightly, “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing,” Chu Jin’s voice was devoid of any emotion as she calmly said, “I’ve wronged you in many ways. Today, I’m apologizing to you.”
Chu Yu didn’t speak. Her gaze fell on Chu Jin, wanting to ask something, but feeling that it wasn’t her business, and fearing that asking too much might invite more trouble.
She suppressed her curiosity and listened as Chu Jin slowly recalled the past.
“When you were twelve, you injured your foot but still went down the well to rescue a cat. I promised to pull you up with a rope, but I fainted by the well, leaving you trapped down there with your injury for an entire afternoon. That incident… I planned it. I’m sorry.”
Chu Yu was slightly stunned, not expecting Chu Jin to bring up this incident.
She remembered it. When she was twelve, she had just returned to Huajing and was quite fond of this porcelain-like sister. Chu Jin was physically weak, and Xie Yun didn’t allow her to keep cats, so Chu Jin secretly kept a kitten in the backyard.
One day, the kitten fell into the well, and Chu Jin came crying to her, begging her to save the cat. At that time, her foot was injured, but she still went down the well to help rescue the cat. Chu Jin had promised to lower a rope from above, but she fainted by the well. Then Chu Yu crouched on a protruding rock in the well, using her body to keep the cat warm. For as long as Chu Jin was unconscious, Chu Yu huddled in the well with the cat.
Later, when Chu Linyang was the first to discover and rescue her, the wound on her foot had become infected from being soaked for too long, and she developed a high fever that night.
She had always been healthy, but that incident scared everyone in the family. Even Xie Yun, who usually doted on Chu Jin, couldn’t help but get angry with her.
Recalling such a distant event, spanning two lifetimes, Chu Yu didn’t feel sad. Instead, she couldn’t help but smile at the innocence of her youth.
She smiled, saying nonchalantly, “Ah, I know.”
Chu Jin was suddenly shaken. She stopped in her tracks and looked up at her with an inscrutable expression.
Chu Yu felt a bit embarrassed. Remembering her childhood, she even childishly scratched her head, “Well, about that cat. I accidentally hit its leg with a stone while practicing martial arts, so it couldn’t climb out when it fell into the well. When you came to find me, I felt guilty and didn’t dare tell you that I had injured its leg.”
Chu Jin didn’t speak. She opened her mouth but couldn’t utter a word.
How could she tell Chu Yu that she had deliberately put the cat down there, that it hadn’t fallen in by itself?
Chu Yu didn’t notice her expression and continued, still somewhat foolishly like when she was young, “I knew you were angry about this, so you pretended to faint and didn’t pull me up. Whether someone’s fainted or not, their breathing is different. I could tell when I came up.”
“Then why didn’t you tell our parents back then?” Chu Jin asked, feigning calmness while clenching her fists.
Chu Yu, recalling the past, felt a warmth in her heart, “I was going to, but when I was carried to bed, I saw you crying beside me, constantly asking if I was going to die. So I thought, never mind.”
“It wasn’t a big deal to me,” Chu Yu leaned against a pillar, her tone carrying a hint of resignation. “If I had told our family, given their temperaments, Father would have either used the military cane or bamboo rod, Mother would have scolded without focus, hurting people, and as for Brother… well, he might have beaten you in my place. With your frail constitution, you couldn’t have withstood it.”
As Chu Yu spoke, her thoughts couldn’t help but wonder.
Her younger self and Chu Jin didn’t have such a bad relationship. How did they end up where they did, step by step?
If everything Chu Jin did before Chu Linyang’s death was for her wealth and glory, after Chu Linyang’s death, after Chu Jin married Gu Chusheng, it became an overwhelming hatred.
Chu Jin looked at Chu Yu standing in the corridor, her eyes filled with reminiscence. She felt something surging in her throat.
Chu Yu tilted her head to look at Chu Jin. She was half a head taller than Chu Jin, who looked frail standing beside her, appearing delicate and pitiable.
There was still a youthful air about her features, not entirely the refined and malicious woman from when Chu Yu had died. Chu Yu quietly looked at her, and for a moment, she felt that she didn’t hate her that much after all.
The young Chu Jin would also secretly keep cats and cry, asking if she would die.
People grow up step by step; how could anyone be so bad from the very beginning?
There’s still time, there’s still time for everything.
Chu Yu quietly looked at the girl in front of her, clenching her fists with reddened eyes. She pressed her lips together and finally reached out, embracing Chu Jin.
“Jin’er,” she hugged her, speaking gently as she did in their youth, “You should go out and see more of the world. There are great mountains and rivers out there; you shouldn’t be confined to this small courtyard. You’ll find that so-called wealth is but fleeting clouds, a man’s momentary affection is like morning dew, and a woman’s reputation and the schemes of the inner court are all consuming your life and beauty. You were originally such a wonderful girl,”
As Chu Yu spoke, Chu Jin clenched her fists, her eyes wide open as tears fell silently. Chu Yu felt her shoulder getting wet with tears. She hugged her tighter and sighed, “I don’t know why you’ve become like this today, but Jin’er, you should find yourself again. Don’t let the darkness, fear, despair, and pain of this world change you beyond recognition. You might not understand what I’m saying today, but this is the best thing I, as your sister, want to give you. If you treat me as family, I’ll treat you as family. If you treat me as an enemy, Jin’er,” Chu Yu sighed, “I’m also not someone who allows others to bully me, do you understand?”
“I don’t,” Chu Jin gritted her teeth, “want to bully you.”
“I know,” Chu Yu softened her voice, releasing her and looking at her quietly, repeating, “I know.”
Chu Jin raised her eyes to meet her gaze, her teeth trembling slightly.
“I just…”
Just what?
She couldn’t say it. The past rolled over her, from that “why” she had said to Chu Linyang when she was twelve, which became her obsession.
She struggled repeatedly and finally spoke, “I’m not resigned.”
After saying this, it was as if she had laid bare the most embarrassing moment of her life before Chu Yu. She slowly closed her eyes, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me either. I fear Big Brother, yet I hope he will treat me as well as he treats you. I can’t feel anyone’s love for me. Mother doesn’t love me; she loves Father, she cares about herself, and she only repeatedly tells me how good she is to me, wanting me to remember. Father doesn’t love me; he never liked me, he only scolds me. Brother… Brother…”
Chu Jin couldn’t continue. Chu Yu listened quietly.
She suddenly felt a bit of sorrow.
If only she had known what Chu Jin was thinking in her previous life. Even if she had asked just once in her previous life, perhaps Chu Jin wouldn’t have become what she did later.
Looking at the sobbing Chu Jin, she raised her hand and placed it on Chu Jin’s hair.
“What about me?”
Chu Jin looked up at her blankly. Chu Yu spoke calmly, “Jin’er if you had never harmed me, I loved you very much.”
“The people in our family don’t know how to express their feelings, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love. Every year when Brother returns home, he picks out gifts for you while at the border. Whenever he sees pretty dolls, he buys them, telling me they’re for Jin’er. Father, a rough man always ready to use the military cane on me, could control himself, and never laid a hand on you no matter how angry he got. As for Mother…” Chu Yu smiled bitterly, “Her favoritism towards you made even me sad. She wants you to remember how good she is to you, only because you’re her only one. With me and Father and Brother all at the border, she has no one by her side. She’s insecure, she’s afraid.”
“Jin’er,” Chu Yu sighed, “You see, so many people love you.”
Chu Jin didn’t speak. Wei Yun and Chu Linyang stood ahead; they had been waiting for a while, watching the sisters cry and hug. Chu Linyang looked at the time, and Wei Yun, sensing that he might need to leave soon, said to Chu Yu, “Sister-in-law, shall we head back?”
“I’m coming,” Chu Yu called out. After sighing, she turned, lifting her skirt. Chu Jin suddenly called out to her, “Elder Sister, have you ever encountered something that hurt you, something you’re afraid of yet can’t let go of?”
Chu Yu was silent for a long time. With her back to Chu Jin, she unconsciously straightened her back. After a while, she finally said, “Yes.”
Like Gu Chusheng, like her. They were all nightmares from her previous life. She was afraid, yet obsessed. She thought she would hate them for a lifetime, entangled in this nightmare, desperately trying to escape, yet unable to find release.
“What should I do?”
“Face it,” Chu Yu looked up at Wei Yun, speaking decisively, “If it’s an entanglement of fate, then unravel it. If it’s a karmic attachment, then cut it off.”
Chu Jin didn’t speak. Chu Yu knew she understood and stepped forward.
She calmly came to Wei Yun’s side. Both Wei Yun and Chu Linyang sensed a kind of resolute aura about her. Chu Linyang frowned but didn’t say anything. Everyone has their path; if she didn’t speak up, he wouldn’t interfere.
Chu Linyang escorted Chu Yu and Wei Yun to the carriage. Once inside, Wei Yun observed Chu Yu’s demeanor and finally spoke, “What’s wrong, Sister-in-law?”
Hearing Wei Yun’s voice, Chu Yu slowly raised her head. The shadows of Chu Linyang and Chu Jin were reflected in the carriage from the long corridor outside. Her gaze seemed somewhat bewildered.
“I thought that in this lifetime, she and I would never have a good outcome,” Chu Yu said.
Wei Yun remained silent. He didn’t fully understand her meaning but knew she wanted to talk. He watched as she stared quietly outside, her expression perplexed.
“I used to hate her, hate her to the bone. How can one see the good in a person when consumed by hatred?” she continued.
Wei Yun didn’t respond. Instead, he poured tea for Chu Yu and handed it to her, letting her cup it in her hands.
The warmth spread from her hands, gradually relaxing her muscles and easing her heart.
“Actually, in one’s lifetime, we’re just seeking fulfillment in our hearts. If a person’s heart is full, they can see the world as it truly is,” Wei Yun said slowly as he sipped his tea. “When the heart is not full, desperately seeking or obsessing over something, it blinds us. We either see pure good or pure evil, or even mistake good for evil and evil for good.”
Chu Yu remained silent. Wei Yun’s words suddenly made her realize that it wasn’t just Chu Jin who was different in this lifetime but also herself, Chu Yu.
She couldn’t help but smile softly.
” I’m very grateful to your brother,” she said.
Wei Yun turned to look at her. Chu Yu gazed out through the carriage curtain, warmth in her eyes.
“On our wedding day, when he saw me, he was so nervous he could barely speak. Later, when he handed me the red silk, he was extremely careful the whole way, afraid I might trip or bump into something.”
“No one had ever treated me like that in my life,” Chu Yu sighed. “That was the first time I felt my heart starting to fill up.”
When she returned to this life, her heart was filled with countless grievances, only wanting to escape.
This was her first glimmer of warmth.
Wei Yun remained silent.
In truth, the moment he heard Chu Yu’s words, a surge of heartache welled up inside him. He almost blurted out, “I’ll treat Sister-in-law just as well in the future.”
However, he stopped himself, realizing it would be inappropriate. That was something only his brother could do, not him. His brother was her husband, an entirely different existence. Some things Wei Jun could do, Wei Yun could not.
His kindness towards her must always remain beyond that line, stopping at propriety.
Although he wanted to give her all the good things in the world, to repay her for her kindness to the Wei family and the warmth she had given him in his time of need, some things he could give, and others required the right to give.
Wei Yun couldn’t describe this feeling. As he drank his tea and looked at the scenery outside, he inexplicably felt that today’s tea was a bit too bitter.
While Chu Yu and Wei Yun were discussing future matters in Huajing, a thousand miles away in Kunyang, Gu Chusheng was reviewing documents in the county magistrate’s office.
After the fall of Baicheng, Kunyang became the first crucial stronghold. Yao Yong had stationed troops here, jointly guarding Kunyang with him.
“Young Master,” the attendant Zhang Deng hurriedly walked in from outside and whispered, “I’ve prepared all the identity documents. When do you think it’s appropriate to leave?”
Gu Chusheng didn’t respond. He held a brush in one hand and raised the other. Zhang Deng placed the prepared documents in his hand and said, “The people and silver outside the city have been prepared according to your instructions, Young Master. You needn’t worry.”
“Mm,” Gu Chusheng quickly flipped through the documents to confirm there were no issues, then wrote on the memorial he was reviewing, “Has Gong Sun Miao accepted the silver we sent him?”
Gong Sun Miao was Yao Yong’s confidant, well aware of Yao Yong’s attitude. Sending him silver was a way to probe Yao Yong’s stance.
Zhang Deng nodded confidently, “He accepted it.”
Gu Chusheng paused, holding his brush, and looked up at Zhang Deng. “How did he accept it?”
“He… just accepted it directly.” Zhang Deng, seeing Gu Chusheng’s expression, suddenly felt as if he had done something wrong. He hesitated and elaborated on Gong Sun Miao’s words: “Mr. Gong Sun also said he’d come this afternoon to invite you to his residence, to introduce you to General Yao…”
Before he could finish, Gu Chusheng stood up and began packing his belongings. Zhang Deng, confused, asked, “My Lord, what are you doing?”
“We’re leaving,” Gu Chusheng said decisively.
Zhang Deng was bewildered. “Didn’t Mr. Gong Sun agree to introduce you to General Yao? Why are we still leaving?”
“Have you ever seen someone accept a bribe so directly?” Gu Chusheng gave Zhang Deng a cold look. “Unless instructed by his superior, who would dare to take money so blatantly?”
Hearing this, Zhang Deng suddenly realized the situation and felt cold sweat forming on his back. He hurriedly helped Gu Chusheng pack.
Gu Chusheng had already prepared everything beforehand. Now he just needed to retrieve the items. He was about to head out carrying his belongings when suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard from outside. Gu Chusheng quickly handed the items to Chen Deng and said coldly, “You hide.”
He then pretended to calmly sit at his desk, continuing to read memorials.
Soon after, a middle-aged man dressed in white robes embroidered with bamboo entered, accompanied by others. This man held a feather fan and had a handsome beard. Behind him were two rows of soldiers standing in the courtyard, their expressions solemn.
The newcomer was Gong Sun Miao, Yao Yong’s top strategist. He stepped forward and bowed to Gu Chusheng, saying, “Lord Gu.”
“Mr. Gong Sun,” Gu Chusheng stood up, smiling as he stepped forward to return the greeting. “What brings Mr. Gong Sun here today?”
“Just a small matter,” Gong Sun Miao cupped his hands and said, “General Yao has long admired Your Lordship’s talents. I’ve come on the General’s orders to invite you to his residence for a chat.”
“This is wonderful!” Gu Chusheng exclaimed, feigning excitement. “I’ve been wanting to meet the General for a long time. Please wait for me in the guest hall for a moment while I change into more formal attire for the General.”
“There’s no need,” Gong Sun Miao raised his hand to stop Gu Chusheng. “We are not those worldly people. The General appreciates Your Lordship’s talent and demeanor, not your fancy clothes. Please come with me now, Lord Gu. Let’s not keep the General waiting.”
Hearing this, Gu Chusheng’s face showed a puzzled expression. “Does the General have some urgent matter? Why such haste?”
Gong Sun Miao’s face stiffened for a moment, but the unnatural expression quickly passed. He smiled and said, “Lord Gu misunderstands. It’s just that my young son is waiting for me at home today, and I wish to return early. That’s why I’m moving quickly.”
“I see,” Gu Chusheng nodded. “Mr. Gong Sun is truly a family man. Well then, I won’t delay you. Let’s go!”
“Thank you, thank you,” Gong Sun Miao bowed repeatedly in gratitude. Gu Chusheng smiled nonchalantly and walked out with Gong Sun Miao, engaging in pleasant conversation.
Shortly after they left, Zhang Deng peeked out from behind the screen. He grabbed his sword, leaped onto a crossbeam, and following it, pushed up on a certain spot, moving aside some tiles. He then jumped through the opening.
This exit had been prepared in advance by Gu Chusheng, specifically for this moment.
Zhang Deng quickly left the magistrate’s office along the pre-planned route. Watching Zhang Deng’s retreating figure, the Wei family’s hidden guards all looked to Wei Qiu.
Wei Qiu made a hand signal to the men in the south, and three hidden guards swiftly followed Zhang Deng. Wei Qiu then led the rest of the men to follow Gu Chusheng towards Yao Yong’s location.
Gu Chusheng chatted casually with Gong Sun Miao along the way, constantly expressing his admiration for Yao Yong. Gong Sun Miao listened with a smile, feeling quite pleased. He thought Gu Chusheng was truly a fool.
Yao Yong was abandoning the city, yet Gu Chusheng still dared to evacuate the citizens. How could such merit possibly be given to him? Unable to give him credit and fearing he might mention this to the Emperor in the capital later, the only option was to kill him.
Gong Sun Miao looked at the vibrant young man before him, feeling a bit of pity in his heart – such talent, what a waste.
“The moat of Kunyang was built by the previous governor of Kun Prefecture. It encircles the entire city and connects to the Guiyan River. Although it’s winter now, the water level in the moat hasn’t decreased,” Gu Chusheng enthusiastically introduced the moat to Gong Sun Miao. “Do you know why, sir?”
Gong Sun Miao also found it strange. Usually, water flows decrease or even dry up in winter, so why was the moat of Kunyang still rushing with water?
Gu Chusheng rode his horse a bit forward, pointing at a stone lion on the moat. “Come over here and look, sir. It’s because of this…”
Gong Sun Miao instinctively leaned forward to look. In that instant, Gu Chusheng suddenly made his move, swiftly restraining Gong Sun Miao with a dagger from his sleeve pressed against him. He shouted angrily, “Stop!”
Gong Sun Miao immediately understood his predicament. Gu Chusheng hadn’t failed to notice Yao Yong’s intentions; he had seen through them completely!
Cold sweat broke out on Gong Sun Miao’s back. He knew Yao Yong’s methods well – if he let Gu Chusheng escape, his entire family might not survive!
“Don’t mind me!” Gong Sun Miao shouted. “Capture him!”
Gu Chusheng’s face changed dramatically. After striking Gong Sun Miao’s acupoint, he grabbed him and leaped into the moat.
Arrows immediately pursued them. Gu Chusheng submerged underwater, lifting Gong Sun Miao to block the arrows above, then pushed him away, rolling with the current.
The people on the shore were momentarily at a loss, having lost sight of them.
The Wei family’s hidden guards all looked to Wei Qiu, anxiously asking, “Boss, we’ve lost sight of him. What should we do?”
Wei Qiu pressed his lips together and gave orders: “Wei Bing, go back and send a pigeon message to report to the Marquis. The rest of you, follow me!”
Everyone dispersed. The people on the shore all rushed downstream in pursuit. Gu Chusheng hid in the hollow beneath a stone lion on the riverbank, covering his wound and breathing heavily.
It had been many years since he had been pushed to this extent.
But it didn’t matter…
His eyes filled with a feverish light. He would survive. He would return to Huajing.
Once back in Huajing, he could see A’Yu again.