Hearing Han Min’s words, Chu Yu finally understood what had happened in Fengling City years ago.
After Fengling fell, Wei Yun went to provide support. Only Chu Lin Yang was on the city walls, yet he managed to hold the city. The scorch marks outside the walls showed that the 5,000 people in Fengling had relied on gunpowder to hold out until the end. The corpses floating everywhere in the city were due to famine.
Su Cha’s three-month siege of Fengling must have been partly due to Chu Lin Yang deliberately provoking him. Chu Lin Yang could have escaped, but he chose to stay in Fengling to tie down the Northern Di’s main force.
Su Cha’s failure to take a city of only 5,000 people despite committing his main force must have infuriated him. It was like gambling – after losing, one always wants to win, especially when victory seems just within reach.
Chu Lin Yang must have been doing what Chu Yu was doing now – finding ways to lure Su Cha to stay in Fengling. Whenever Su Cha wanted to leave, he would create the illusion that victory was imminent.
If Su Cha initially attacked Fengling to seize power, his later attacks were purely irrational.
With the Northern Di’s main force tied down here, Wei Yun was able to sweep across the battlefield and ultimately save Great Chu, even though he had just emerged from the imperial prison with no preparation.
Back then, Chu Lin Yang defended the city alone. He wasn’t doing it for Chu Jin or Chu Yu. He knew he faced a hell-like path ahead, yet he stood firm with his sword. He sacrificed a city of 5,000 people to achieve Great Chu’s victory on the main battlefield with minimal losses!
In the end, he held out there, starving to death in the city.
Chu Yu recalled when news of Chu Lin Yang’s death arrived in her previous life. She couldn’t help but clench her fists. Her blood surged in her chest – he was her brother, a son of the Chu family!
Now she was here, and if given the choice, she felt her decision would be no different from Chu Lin Yang’s.
Moreover, this time she had food supplies and 20,000 warhorses. They wouldn’t face the same shortage of ammunition and food as before.
She looked up at Han Min and said earnestly, “Thank you, Young Master Han. But your father is His Majesty’s man. Aren’t you afraid of being punished by your father for telling me this when you return?”
“I’m not going back,” Han Min said calmly. “I want to stay by Sister Jin’s side.”
Hearing this, Chu Yu’s eyes widened slightly. “You want to stay with Ajin?”
“If it weren’t for Sister Jin’s safety,” Han Min pressed his lips together, looking somewhat awkward, “why would I be here?”
Chu Yu laughed softly and sighed, “Alright then. Go find Ajin. If she’s willing to take you in, so be it.”
Han Min bowed respectfully and left. Chu Yu watched him go, then turned to Wei Yun sitting beside her, and said, “You heard that too, right? Are you reassured now?”
Wei Yun said nothing. Chu Yu sighed and said, “Xiao Qi, look, we have water and food in the city now, plus these things, and the natural barrier of Fengling Mountain. I’ll be fine.”
“You’ll be fine for a month,” Wei Yun looked up at her, “but what about two months, three months?”
Chu Yu remained silent. Wei Yun said calmly, “If Su Cha only defends and doesn’t attack if I’m tied down by the Northern Emperor’s direct forces and can’t come to rescue you, you’ll be trapped here. What will you do then?”
Chu Yu still said nothing. Wei Yun spoke coldly, “You have 20,000 people here, plus the civilians and officials in the city. How long will the food and warhorses last? If I can’t return in a month, what will you eat? Will you eat people?!”
In her previous life, Chu Lin Yang had been besieged for three months. Wei Yun had been tied down on the main battlefield. Chu Yu now knew what Fengling looked like after those three months.
“Then you,” Chu Yu raised her head, looking at him seriously, “come back for me in a month.”
Wei Yun was slightly taken aback. Chu Yu’s gaze was determined. “However long it takes you to come, I’ll wait that long until I can’t wait any longer. But if I truly reach the point where I can’t wait anymore, and you’re still struggling so much even with me tying down Su Cha, it proves that your side is indeed fighting too difficult a battle. If I don’t tie down Su Cha, Great Chu will surely be defeated.”
“If I can exchange myself for Great Chu’s victory on the main battlefield with minimal losses, in exchange for the Wei and Chu families’ well-being, I don’t think it’s a bad deal.”
Just like Chu Lin Yang in her previous life, when courtiers were fighting and internal and external troubles were brewing when great families were looking out for their interests, he exchanged his life for the final victory.
“A country has its petty, self-serving people, those who fight for power and profit. But it also needs people willing to sacrifice, to maintain a nation’s prosperity. If someone must be chosen from among us,” Chu Yu spoke calmly, looking up at Wei Yun, “let it begin with Chu Yu.”
She spoke so calmly as if she had long since placed life and death beyond her concerns.
Wei Yun’s entire body was trembling. He struggled to stand up, pointing at her, his voice hoarse: “You want to go sacrifice… have you thought about me?”
Chu Yu was slightly taken aback. Wei Yun raised his voice: “If you’re gone, what about me? What about the Wei family?!”
How could she die?
In this lifetime, he wanted her by his side always. How could she die?!
As they spoke, Wei Qiu rushed in anxiously, “Young Lord, the beacon towers in the direction of Quanzhou have been lit!”
Chu Yu and Wei Yun jerked their heads around. Tianshou Pass was just beyond Quanzhou. With the beacon towers in Quanzhou lit, Tianshou Pass couldn’t be far off.
Chu Yu stood up, saying urgently, “Prepare immediately. I’ll send you out of the city before dawn.”
Most of the Northern Di army would still be asleep before daybreak, making it the safest time for a surprise move.
However, as Chu Yu stepped forward, Wei Yun grabbed her wrist fiercely, saying, “You’re coming out with me.”
“After all I’ve said, don’t you understand?!” Chu Yu spoke angrily, glaring at him. “Let go!”
“I won’t let go!” Wei Yun shouted, “Everyone else in this world can die, but not you!”
“Why?” Chu Yu stared at him. “Why not me? I was raised by my father, who eats the court’s salary, which comes from the people’s taxes. I was raised by the people’s support. Why can’t I?”
“Wei Yun, open your eyes,” Chu Yu raised her hand, pointing outside. “In times of war, some starve to death, some die in battle. Life is as fragile as grass. It’s only because of different choices that some deaths are as heavy as Mount Tai while others are as light as a feather. If I can die with value, why can’t I die?”
“But have you thought about me?” Wei Yun’s eyes were red. “If you die, have you thought about me?”
Chu Yu frowned. “Xiao Qi, no feast lasts forever.”
Wei Yun was slightly stunned. Chu Yu spoke calmly, “No one can accompany you for a lifetime. Not your parents, not your brother, not your children, and certainly not me. If you want to promise someone to share life and death, only your wife has that right. And even your wife might not be able to fulfill that promise.”
Wei Yun stared at her blankly. Chu Yu sighed, “I know you rely on me, but Xiao Qi, I’m ultimately just your sister-in-law. My life and death are not accountable to you.”
My life and death are not accountable to you.
No one can accompany you for a lifetime. Only your wife has that right.
Chu Yu’s words struck Wei Yun like a thunderbolt.
He stared at her blankly. In just a few days, she had lost a lot of weight, her face was pale, but the resolute and clear look in her eyes made her like an unsheathed sword, emitting a faint glow, beautiful enough to dazzle.
Seeing Wei Yun standing there in a daze, Chu Yu sighed, pulled her hand away from Wei Yun’s grasp, and instructed Wei Xia who was standing nearby: “Go pack the Young Marquis’s luggage. Prepare to leave before dawn.”
With that, Chu Yu turned and left. Wei Yun stood there blankly, watching Chu Yu’s retreating figure in the corridor.
The spring flowers in Fengling were ready to bloom, peeking out from the branches. The spring breeze carried a hint of warmth, making the flower branches tremble slightly.
She had always been like this, coming and going with composure. Wei Yun suddenly realized that since he had known her, what he had seen most was her back. Yet even her back view could captivate him so.
His mind was in chaos. Dragged by Wei Xia to his room, Wei Yun knelt on a cushion, watching the flickering candlelight as Wei Xia packed his luggage.
For the first time, he delved deep into his own heart. In the past, he had never dared to, but today he understood that he must. He had to be clear, had to understand.
What did he want? What did he want to do?
All this time, he had been using childishness as a cover to hide his true thoughts. He didn’t dare to uncover them, didn’t dare to think deeply.
But now he had to figure it out.
Only a wife could have this right.
Yet he wanted her to accompany him for life.
Wei Xia finished packing and saw Wei Yun with his hair down, kneeling on the cushion, facing the wall, not making a sound.
Wei Xia wanted to say something but in the end, said nothing. He sighed and withdrew.
Only Wei Yun was left in the room. His gaze fixed on the candlelight, his thoughts becoming clearer.
He remembered the first time he saw Chu Yu, the young girl in wedding clothes leaning against the corridor, looking up at her with a smile.
Then he thought of the woman standing on the autumn plain in her wedding dress, saying she would wait for him and his father and brother to return.
At that time, he only saw her stunning beauty, but now recalling that moment, a hint of pain crept up.
He wished she was waiting for him, willing to wait for him.
Then on the day he returned with his father and brother’s coffins, she stood there smiling. Amidst the surrounding wails, she broke through the mist for him, placed her hand on his forehead, and said – “It’s good that you’re back.”
From then on, she stood in his world and never left.
He thought this was dependence, no different from his feelings for his mother and sister. But until she questioned –
Why should her life and death be accountable to him?
His gaze was calm as he reached for his sword.
That sword was given to him by Wei Jun when he was young.
He had carried it with him since childhood. When he was little, the sword was too long for him to hold. After he grew up, the sword never left his side.
He drew the sword from its scabbard, revealing a cold light in the night that reflected his face.
In an instant, he felt that the reflection wasn’t him.
It was Wei Jun.
Wei Jun was in that long sword, silently scrutinizing him. The brothers gazed at each other across the divide of life and death. Wei Jun’s expression was calm as if questioning him –
Do you want her?
Your sister-in-law, my wife.
Wei Yun, do you want her?
To become your wife, to accompany you for a lifetime, from now on, to be the one whose life and death are accountable to you, related to you.
From now on, she won’t just leave you with her backview. Wherever she goes, she’ll think of you. Even if she goes to die, she should say to you, “I’m sorry.”
Rather than casually telling you, “My life and death have nothing to do with you.”
Wei Yun’s hand trembled slightly.
In his mind, the images of Wei Jun and Chu Yu alternated frantically.
“Xiao Qi, isn’t she beautiful?”
“Where is my husband Wei Jun!”
“I want to find a sister-in-law for you, someone lively, like me. I’m far too dull.”
“I had a dream. Of all the Wei family, only you returned.”
“If the Chu Manor can protect her, can’t our Wei Manor do the same? What’s wrong with a bit of indulgence?”
“No one has ever been so kind to me. Your brother is a good man.”
“Xiao Qi, come with me today to welcome your sister-in-law.”
“Xiao Qi, your brother is gone, but I’m still here with you.”
…
Wei Yun painfully closed his eyes and forcefully sheathed his sword.
She stayed for Wei Jun, she accompanied him for Wei Jun.
He recognized her because of Wei Jun, and he cared for her surely because of Wei Jun.
But why, at this moment of realization, did he finally notice the suppressed, hidden pain in his heart?
When did it change? When did he fall in love?
Was it the moment she placed her hand on his forehead? Was it when she danced with the long spear to make him smile after he was drunk? Or was it that afternoon, in the long corridor, when she looked up and smiled at him?
She used orchid fragrance, so he had everyone around him switch to orchid-scented balm.
She praised Gu Chusheng’s graceful demeanor, so he slowly learned to emulate Gu Chusheng’s appearance, donning fine clothes and jade crowns.
The changes were imperceptible, even he hadn’t noticed when that pure dependence and respect transformed into this—
“I like you…” Wei Yun murmured.
In the night, he slowly opened his eyes.
“Chu Yu…” He trembled as he uttered her name.
He liked her.
Never before had he so clearly realized that his feelings were of this nature.
Yet, the moment he became aware, he couldn’t help but clutch his sword to his chest and slowly bow.
“I’m sorry…”
I’m sorry, Big Brother.
How could he harbor such impure feelings?
How dare he covet someone as flawless as Chu Yu?
He bit his lower lip hard, trembling slightly, tears welling up in his eyes. Facing the wall, he knelt, cradling his sword.
As if Wei Jun stood before him, he spoke with utmost sincerity and reverence: “I was wrong.”
When one errs, one must find the right path; when one errs, one must rein in at the precipice; when one errs, one must bury these feelings deep in the heart, in the darkness, never to be perceived by anyone, even in death.
Outside, the sound of soldiers coming and going could be heard, followed by a knock on the door.
“Xiao Qi,” Chu Yu’s voice came from outside. She seemed somewhat resigned as she sighed and said slowly, “Come out, it’s time to go.”
Wei Yun knelt on the ground, gradually calming his trembling body.
Chu Yu stood outside, lowering her head as she spoke, “What I said earlier might have been a bit harsh, but it was the truth. Don’t worry too much, I know what I’m doing. Su Cha is clever; he might not besiege me but come looking for you instead…”
Wei Yun slowly opened his eyes. With Chu Yu’s voice, he straightened up slowly but resolutely. Then he stood up, put his sword aside, and said to Chu Yu, “Come in.”
Hearing Wei Yun’s hoarse voice, Chu Yu was taken aback. She lowered her head in acknowledgment and then pushed the door open.
Once inside, Wei Yun said, “Close the door.”
“Ah?”
Chu Yu hesitated for a moment, but Wei Xia was very obedient and immediately closed the door.
The room was much warmer than outside. Wei Yun was the only one in the room, his back turned to her. He wore a white wide-sleeved robe, his black hair scattered on the ground. His back was thin and aloof, from behind he already looked like a young man.
Chu Yu felt the atmosphere was a bit oppressive. She didn’t dare move, standing not far from the door, and apologized in a low voice, “Don’t be angry with me. I’m sorry. When we return to Huajing, everything…”
As she spoke, Wei Yun slowly stood up. His sleeves fell as he moved, turning to face her in the candlelight.
His features were delicate and graceful, but his expression was as resolute as a knife.
He looked at her silently, his demeanor showing a clarity and coolness that Chu Yu had never seen before. Then he walked towards her, each step extremely slow, as if treading on the edge of a blade, yet steady and simple.
Finally, he stopped in front of her, looking down at her.
He had grown quite tall recently, now standing half a head taller than her. The youthful aura suddenly rushed into her nostrils, startling Chu Yu, who instinctively wanted to step back.
However, before she could move, reason made her abruptly stop her action. If she retreated, the atmosphere would inevitably become more awkward.
She could only turn her head to the side, rubbing her nose as she said, “You’ve grown quite tall…”
Before she could finish speaking, Wei Yun suddenly reached out and pulled Chu Yu into his arms, holding her tightly.
This was the first time he had embraced her. The young man’s chest was hot and warm, his wide sleeves enveloping her entire body. She could feel his tense muscles and his rapidly beating heart.
Chu Yu stood frozen in place, her nose filled with the scent of orchids.
It was then that Chu Yu realized that Wei Yun had always used the same fragrance sachet as her. But he used it so sparingly and lightly that only now, up close, could she smell it.
Perhaps it was just like this person’s feelings, only when you get close to his heart can you glimpse a trace or two.
Chu Yu was dumbfounded in his embrace, her whole being in a daze. Somehow, her heart began to beat slowly and deeply.
“Guard the city well. Within a month, I will surely quell this rebellion and come back for you.”
His hoarse voice, now with a clear youthful tone, made one’s heart skip a beat.
His breath brushed past her ear, and she was like a cat caught by its weakness, eyes wide open, not daring to move.
Wei Yun held her tightly, embracing her as if this was the only time in his life he could hold this person like this.
Many words remained unspoken, and need not be spoken.
For instance, this departure might mean separation between the living and the dead.
For instance, even if he returned alive, things would never be the same.
Wei Yun bit his lip hard, tears rolling down.
“Don’t worry,” he said firmly, “You won’t die.”
Even if he died, she wouldn’t.
Hearing this, Chu Yu slowly came to her senses.
Wei Yun’s body trembled slightly, and Chu Yu’s heart melted completely.
She vaguely understood that at this moment, Wei Yun merely felt that this meeting might be their farewell. She let go of the restraints between men and women, following her heart, and raised her arms to embrace him, gently stroking his back with her palm, saying softly, “Don’t be afraid Xiao Qi.”
“Life and death are inconsequential. Even if I were to meet with misfortune, there will be others to accompany you in the future.”
Wei Yun didn’t speak. He closed his eyes, feeling the sensation of this person embracing him.
Perhaps in this lifetime, he would only get to embrace her like this once.
After a long while, Liu Rong’s voice came from outside, “First Madam, everything is ready.”
Chu Yu and Wei Yun opened their eyes simultaneously, both with a cold look. Wei Yun let go of Chu Yu and quickly turned around. He went behind the screen and swiftly changed into his armor. He said to Chu Yu, “Guard the city for a month. During this month, I will find a way to pacify the front and force Su Cha to turn back. You only need to do one thing,” Wei Yun came out from behind the screen, now wearing silver armor, a sword at his waist, a silver crown on his head, and holding a red-tasseled spear. He looked at her calmly and said, “Wait for me.”
“What if I can’t wait?” Chu Yu couldn’t help but smile.
Wei Yun lowered his eyes, “Then don’t wait.”
If she couldn’t wait, he would just have to chase after her.
If it was the path to the underworld, it wouldn’t matter. Catching up to her, going before Wei Jun, and seeing them reunited in the netherworld, would also be perfect.
But he didn’t say these words. He just walked towards the door under Chu Yu’s astonished gaze, quickly mustering the troops.
Chu Yu hurriedly caught up and handed a box to Wei Jun, saying, “These are all the things Fengling City has produced over the years. Take it with you. The gunpowder formula is also inside, stolen by Han Min. When you reach Huajing, quickly have it mass-produced.”
Wei Yun nodded. The group reached the gate where Chu Jin was distributing gunpowder to the soldiers while Han Min repeatedly demonstrated and explained how to use it.
Wei Yun came out and after a short wait, everyone was ready. At this moment, Han Xiu rushed over in a hurry, shouting angrily, “Han Min, get out here!”
Han Min quickly hid behind Wei Yun. Wei Yun turned to meet Han Xiu’s angry gaze and calmly said, “Sir is not one to ignore the people’s plight. Why serve the Emperor so devotedly?”
“His Majesty has shown me great kindness,” Han Xiu said coldly. “Who sits on the throne doesn’t matter. Currently, His Majesty is the rightful heir to the royal family. If I don’t serve His Majesty, should I serve you rebels instead?!”
Hearing this, Wei Yun sneered, “If not for His Majesty, how could the Great Chu Empire have come to this?”
“What’s the point of assigning blame now?” Han Xiu raised his hand towards Han Min and said, “Han Min, come out.”
“Father,” Han Min, standing behind Wei Yun, poked out half his body, “You said yourself that there’s no point in assigning blame now. I’ve already given them the gunpowder and stolen the formula. There’s no point in you keeping it. Why not fully ally with the Young Marquis and Madam Wei to end this chaotic era sooner?”
Han Xiu pressed his lips together, refusing to respond. Han Min raised his voice, “Father, have you forgotten how Mother died? Sister Jin has already explained everything to me. If it weren’t for that dog emperor indulging Yao Yong, and letting the Wei family die in Baidi Valley, how could our Great Chu have fallen to this state? If our Great Chu hadn’t been in such ruin, how could Mother have been killed by refugees on the road?”
“Enough!” Han Xiu raised his voice, “Get out here!”
As he spoke, Han Xiu rushed forward, trying to grab Han Min. Wei Yun caught his hand and calmly said, “Lord Han, I’m about to leave the city. Please don’t delay us.”
Han Xiu coldly stared at Wei Yun, who met his gaze. After a long while, Han Xiu laughed coldly, “How are you any different from His Majesty? He plays with power, and aren’t you doing the same?”
“I’m standing here now, while he abandoned Fengling. That’s the difference.”
“But aren’t you abandoning Fengling too?!” Han Xiu shouted angrily, “If you weren’t abandoning Fengling, why are you leaving now?”
“I’m not abandoning Fengling,” Wei Yun said calmly, “I have something very important left in Fengling. How could I possibly abandon it?”
Han Xiu was slightly stunned. Chu Yu also turned her head, not understanding what Wei Yun had left in Fengling.
Beside them, seeing Han Xiu wavering, Han Min rushed out and knelt before Han Xiu, hugging his legs, “Father, please stop. Let them go.”
Han Xiu remained silent. Wei Yun raised his hand slightly, and all the troops began to gather at the city gate. Han Xiu’s gaze followed them towards the distance. After a long while, he closed his eyes, turned away, and said in a deep voice, “I’ll prepare to clear the way for you.”
After Han Xiu finished speaking, Chu Yu followed Wei Yun out to the street and towards the city gate. She then noticed many people in blue clothes and white masks surging out from the back of the city.
She hadn’t seen so many people before she arrived, and couldn’t help but ask in surprise, “Where did all these people come from?”
“Han Xiu’s special research facility is built underground. I’ve never been there either,” Liu Rong’s voice came from behind. “He must have brought everyone out now.”
Chu Yu looked at these people. Many of them were not soldiers, their steps unsteady as they hurriedly climbed the city walls, doing something according to Han Xiu’s instructions.
Liu Rong bowed to Wei Yun beside him and said, “Please follow Lord Han’s orders, Young Marquis. Wait for Lord Han to beat the drum before proceeding.”
Wei Yun nodded. Under Liu Rong’s lead, they went down the mountain but hid in the forest instead of moving forward.
Chu Yu climbed the city wall and saw Han Xiu directing people to load small cylindrical objects onto two-foot-wide crossbows.
After a moment, Han Xiu said, “Draw the bows.”
Everyone collectively drew their bows. Then Han Xiu waved a small flag in his hand: “Light the fires.”
They began to light the arrows.
Finally, Han Xiu raised his voice: “Fire!”
In an instant, arrows rained out like a downpour, streaking across the sky with flames, speeding towards the distance.
The arrows shot from these bows and crossbows flew extremely far, falling amidst a sky full of fire, producing thunderous “boom boom” sounds.
The Northern Di instantly fell into chaos.
“Heaven’s punishment!” A Northern Di soldier shouted in their language, “This is heaven’s punishment!”
This sudden change naturally alarmed Su Cha in his tent. He hurriedly went out to see the flaming feathered arrows falling to the ground, followed by thunderous explosions, creating craters about three feet deep.
Soldiers fled in panic, but Su Cha remained very calm, immediately ordering, “Retreat ten li!”
However, at that moment, a group of cavalry charged out from Fengling City. Su Cha immediately reacted, roaring, “Hold them! Hold them!”
Before he finished speaking, the second wave of arrows fell, exploding on the ground with earth-shaking force.
The Northern Di army was in complete disarray. Su Cha personally joined the battle, angrily shouting, “Everyone stop! What are you afraid of!”
After saying this, he led his guards against the flow of people, charging towards Wei Yun, shouting, “Sons of Northern Di, follow me to battle!”
The Northern Di war drums sounded. Everyone watched as Su Cha charged towards Wei Yun. The third wave of arrows fell, but Su Cha had already figured out the distance and extent of the arrow rain’s explosions.
Although these arrows looked impressive, the intervals were too large. The actual area they could destroy was small, with an extremely low hit rate. It was mostly just for intimidation. The Northern Di soldiers saw Su Cha nimbly weaving through the explosions, and their morale slowly gathered. They finally picked up their military flags again, roaring as they charged toward Wei Yun.
Chu Yu stood on the city wall, watching Wei Yun’s silver-armored guards enter the Northern Di battlefield like a dragon into the tide. She clenched her fists without speaking. Beside her, Han Min anxiously called out, “Father, keep shooting! Keep firing arrows!”
“We can’t,” Han Xiu calmly said, “The two armies are too close. We can’t use them anymore.”
However, as he spoke, the battlefield once again rumbled with explosions. Wei Yun and his men had started using explosives to clear their path.
The gunpowder Wei Yun carried was much more powerful than the arrows’ explosives. In the dense crowd, every throw was accurate.
Chu Yu only saw flashes of fire constantly erupting on the battlefield. The silver-armored troops were moving forward with difficulty. She came to the war drum and struck it fiercely!
The drum sound carried a killing intent, beating until people’s blood boiled. Wei Yun thrust forward, cutting open those blocking his way. In the night, he looked back to see that woman in plain clothes with loose hair, standing on the city wall. Amidst the sky-shaking fire and light, the woman’s white clothes fluttered, blending with the bloody remnant light, breathtakingly beautiful.
He only looked for a moment before turning back, endless courage surging up. Looking at the path of corpses and blood carved out by explosions ahead, he shouted, “Charge!”
He had to survive.
He must survive.
Not only did he have to survive, but he also had to trample the Northern Di and bring her home.
That roar, along with the drum sound, greatly boosted the morale of those behind him.
When the sun rose, this white dragon finally reached the encirclement. They had maintained their formation without chaos. So when Wei Yun broke through the Northern Di’s blockade, the people behind immediately followed closely, successfully charging out with Wei Yun.
At this time, the beacon tower of Quanzhou was billowing with smoke. Wei Yun led his people in a wild rush. Su Cha rode his horse to pursue but was stopped by a man who calmly said, “No need to chase.”
The man wore a silver mask and a water-blue robe, but his attire was entirely in the style of Da Chu.
Su Cha was angered by being stopped, shouting furiously, “He must be carrying the gunpowder formula. If I don’t chase him, he’ll take it to Huajing. If Huajing mass-produces this thing, what will Northern Di fight with!”
“You can’t catch up,” the blue-robed man said directly. “If you keep chasing, the people in Fengling will escape.”
Su Cha was stunned. The blue-robed man raised his eyes to look at Fengling City, seeing the white-robed woman on the city wall. His thin, cold lips curled slightly, “Han Xiu is still in Fengling City. If you capture Han Xiu, you can also get the gunpowder formula. Why fear Da Chu then?”
Hearing this, Su Cha calmed down. After a moment, he said again, “You told me the people in Fengling City fear death. Now they look like this. If I attack forcefully, what if they destroy everything?”
“It doesn’t matter,” the blue-robed man calmly said. “First, pretend to attack the city to trap them. When they feel they’re on the brink of life and death, we’ll secretly send someone to find Han Xiu. As long as Han Xiu still wants to live, he’ll come out on his own.”
“Give them a stick, then a sweet date,” the blue-robed man stroked the jade ring on his hand, narrowing his eyes, “If a strong attack doesn’t work, how do you know it’s not a tactic?”
Su Cha pondered for a moment. Now that the troops had been moved to Fengling, Fengling had only twenty thousand people. Even with gunpowder support, if besieged for long, they would surely run out of supplies.
After thinking for a long time, Su Cha finally made up his mind and followed this man’s words to continue the siege.
But he still sighed, “If His Majesty had listened to me and not attacked Tianshou Pass, only attacking Fengling, we would have taken it today. Tianshou Pass is easy to attack, but if Da Chu gets the gunpowder and Northern Di doesn’t, it will be difficult to fight in the future. How can His Majesty be so muddled?!”
“His Majesty has his considerations,” the blue-robed man said lightly. Seeing the woman on the city wall turn and leave, he also felt bored. He bid farewell to Su Cha and turned to leave.
After breaking through the encirclement, Wei Yun dared not rest. He carried the box Chu Yu had given him and rushed back to the capital. He had sent someone ahead to notify the Wei mansion to prepare. As soon as he arrived home, everyone in the Wei mansion was waiting in the main hall. Gu Chusheng stood in the front row, much thinner. As soon as Wei Yun entered, Gu Chusheng came forward and immediately asked, “Where’s Chu Yu?!”
Wei Yun looked at him deeply.
In the past, he didn’t know what he was thinking, just feeling that this person was annoying.
Now that he knew what he was thinking, it was both disgust and admiration. Under such circumstances, he had to suppress all his emotions and try to face this person calmly, saying, “Sit down first, I’ll explain everything to you.”
Wei Yun quickly explained everything about Fengling City, then said, “This is the current situation. My Sister-in-law is now in Fengling City. She can hold out for at most a month, so we need to clear the Northern Di’s rear within a month.”
“That’s impossible,” Shen You spoke decisively. “The Northern Di army is divided into two. Su Cha’s forces are at Fengling City, but the Northern Emperor Su Can also has a considerable force. Now Su Can is attacking Quanzhou with all his might, moving towards Tianshou Pass. It’s not easy for us to clear Su Can’s forces within a month.”
“What if I brought the gunpowder?” Wei Yun stared at Shen You, who stared back and asked, “How much gunpowder can you produce in a short time?”
Even with the formula, with Da Chu’s entire line of beacons lit, it would be difficult to immediately build a military base like Fengling City that could mass-produce in a safe place.
A month was indeed too short for a national war.
Gu Chusheng listened to them talk and slowly began to laugh.
Wei Yun looked at Gu Chusheng, who stared at him intently, his eyes seeming to drip blood, “It’s fine, Fengling City can hold out for another two months.”
Back then, Chu Linyang had held out for three months. Now Chu Yu had troops and supplies, she couldn’t possibly hold out for less time than Chu Linyang did back then.
Gu Chusheng stood up shakily, laughing out loud, “Using your sister-in-law’s life to buy these three months! Isn’t that what you’ve planned all along? Defeating the Northern Di in a month?”
Gu Chusheng spat and said coldly, “Dreamer!”
Wei Yun didn’t speak. He quietly looked at the ground. Seeing him silent, Gu Chusheng felt countless waves of anger and helplessness surge up.
“Wei Yun,” he said hoarsely, “She has treated you well.”
“Shen You,” Wei Yun looked up at him calmly, “Go back to Northern Di. I’ll find a way to give you a false identity. You forge one of Su Cha’s tokens and take it with you. Wait for me in the Northern Di capital.”
Shen You frowned, “What do you want me to go there for?”
“I’ll tell you when the time comes,” Wei Yun raised his hand slightly. “You go first, leave today.”
“Wei Yun!” Gu Chusheng raised his voice, “Are you going to leave her on the battlefield like this?!”
“Wei Xia,” Wei Yun calmly spoke, addressing Wei Xia, “Go to the front lines to find Song Shilan. Tell him to abandon Quanzhou and leave directly, and bring back the Second Madam along the way. Then have Song Shilan wait at Yizhang Gorge. When Yao Yong leads his troops to escape from Tianshou Pass to Qingzhou, intercept him there and kill without mercy.”
“Yes,” Wei Xia responded and withdrew.
“Wei Qiu, you go find Chu Linyang,” Wei Yun quickly wrote a letter and told Wei Qiu, “Tell him to send a letter to Yao Yong, inviting Yao Yong to jointly defend Tianshou Pass. Once the battle starts, immediately abandon the city and flee, leaving Yao Yong alone to defend Tianshou Pass.”
“Yes.”
“Wei Yun!”
“Gu Chusheng,” Wei Yun looked up, quietly gazing at him, his tone without a ripple, “After Chu Linyang abandons the city, you go persuade Yao Yong to abandon Tianshou Pass. Then, together with Qin Shiyue, hold Tianshou Pass and wait for me to arrive.”
“Wei Yun,” Gu Chusheng said coldly, “Did you understand what I said? Do you remember what I told you? I serve you because I want to marry Chu Yu. Now that you treat her like this, why do you think I would still help you?”
Wei Yun lowered his eyes to look at the white paper, tightly gripping the jade brush in his hand, controlling his emotions.
He couldn’t speak, couldn’t be jealous, couldn’t express himself.
He was different from Gu Chusheng. Gu Chusheng liked that person and could like her openly and honestly. But his affection was destined to rot in darkness.
“After Chu Linyang abandons the city, you persuade Yao Yong to abandon the city. By then, Huajing will be in danger, and I will take the commander’s seal from His Majesty and go back to take Tianshou Pass. Then I will have Chu Linyang and Song Shilan capture cities along the way. You return to Huajing and take full control of the Wei family’s military power in Huajing. You maneuver among the noble families, trapping Emperor Chunde in the palace and removing his claws and fangs.”
Hearing this, Gu Chusheng finally sensed something amiss.
Wei Yun calmly said, “After taking Tianshou Pass, I will lead five thousand light cavalry, climb over the snow mountains, enter Northern Di from the snow mountains, and directly enter the royal city to kidnap the Northern Emperor, ordering Su Can to retreat on all fronts.”
Hearing this, Gu Chusheng’s eyes widened, looking at Wei Yun as if he were looking at a madman. Wei Yun calmly said, “By then, Su Can’s forces will have suffered some losses. When Su Cha withdraws from Fengling, Chu Linyang, and Song Shilan will pursue the chaotic Northern Di army. Su Cha, concerned about the capital, will not linger in battle. In this battle, try to destroy as much of their military power as possible, chasing them to Northern Di, advancing towards the imperial city.”
“I will coordinate from inside and outside the imperial city with them. After the sister-in-law leaves Fengling, if Yao Yong is still alive, have her blocks Yao Yong’s troops, forcing Yao Yong to stay in Qingzhou. If Chen Kingdom shows any movement, you move forward, promise them great wealth to stabilize Chen Kingdom.”
Wei Yun spoke calmly about all the possibilities of what was to happen.
Gu Chusheng listened and gradually fell silent.
“Wei Yun,” he finally spoke, “Let’s not even talk about how you’ll cross that snow mountain, or how five thousand troops will take down the Northern capital. Even if you take down the Northern capital, you’ll use five thousand troops to wait for Chu Linyang and Song Shilan in the heart of Northern Di. Once Da Chu’s troops arrive, Su Cha will kill you first to die with him. Your chances of survival on this journey are extremely small, do you understand?”
Hearing this, Wei Yun slowly smiled.
“I know.”
“Then you…”
“But, I can’t not care about her.”
As he spoke, Wei Yun raised his head, his gaze piercing through the clear spring sky, crossing the layers of clouds, as if seeing the fluttering snow-white robe on the distant city wall. Then he lowered his gaze to the courtyard.
She had once been in this courtyard, under moonlight like water, her long spear like a dragon, giving him a dreamy and beautiful vision.
At that time, he sat in the long corridor, listening to the women singing inside, watching the graceful posture of the woman before him.
What was he thinking then?
He thought—
To gain this one dance, I’d willingly die before you.