With these words, everyone present burst into laughter, except for Wei Xia and Wei Qiu. The two cautiously glanced at Wei Yun, noticing his impassive expression, then looked over at Chu Yu beside him.
Chu Yu, however, appeared at ease. After asking Tusuo a couple more questions, he joked, “You guys are quite interesting.”
It was the first time the people of Great Chu had such close contact with the Northern Di people, sitting down to discuss customs and traditions. The nearby soldiers were also curious, and everyone gathered around Tusuo, asking questions for a long while.
As night fell, Chu Yu began to feel drowsy. He went to find Bai Shang, and they slept together in one tent.
The next morning when Chu Yu woke up, Wei Yun was already sitting with Wei Xia and Wei Qiu, discussing their way forward. Seeing Chu Yu awake, Wei Yun quickly called out, “Sister-in-law, come over here.”
Chu Yu responded and sat down next to Wei Yun. Wei Yun outlined a route to Chu Yu, saying, “This is the path Tusuo marked out for us. Following this route, we can avoid most of the cities. There are water sources and small villages along the way. If we follow this path, we can leave in half a month.”
Chu Yu, munching on a flatbread, pondered for a moment and asked, “Won’t we be too conspicuous?”
“That’s why we need to be quick,” Wei Yun replied solemnly. “Northern Di is mostly desert, and information doesn’t travel easily. We can’t stay in one place for more than one night. As long as we keep moving and don’t have the misfortune of encountering Northern Di’s main forces, Su Cha won’t be able to catch up with us, and we shouldn’t have major problems.”
Chu Yu nodded, and Wei Yun couldn’t help but start to say, “After we return…”
Everyone looked up at him, but Wei Yun thought for a moment and swallowed his words, “Let’s talk about it when we get back.”
Following Tusuo’s route, the group set out, traveling day and night, resting no more than half a day each day, and raiding villages along the way.
Northern Di dispatched troops to hunt them down, but it was difficult to find them. Wei Yun had an excellent judgment of the battlefield – when to launch surprise attacks, how to attack, and when to retreat. The route constantly changed from Tusuo’s initial plan based on the evolving situation.
However, despite their efforts, by the time they reached the border between Great Chu and Northern Di half a month later, only half of their forces remained. Some had died in conflicts with Northern Di civilians, but more had succumbed to disease.
Upon reaching the border between Great Chu and Northern Di, the route became lined with cities. Now that Northern Di occupied Great Chu’s cities, Chu Yu and Wei Yun discussed the situation and decided to disperse their remaining 500-plus people, breaking into smaller groups and posing as refugees along the official road.
The sides of the official road were filled with fleeing refugees, a mix of Northern Di and Great Chu people. Wei Xia sought out one of them to gather information and reported back to Wei Yun, “Master, currently Yao Yong is imprisoned in the palace by His Majesty. Yao Yong’s military forces have been divided among the Crown Prince of Chu, the Crown Prince of Song, and several generals of the Wei family army. Northern Di still occupies twelve cities of Great Chu, and both sides are at a stalemate.”
Wei Yun nodded, and as Wei Xia began listing the cities occupied by Northern Di, Wei Yun interrupted him halfway, “Wait, say that again.”
Wei Xia repeated the list of cities occupied by Northern Di. Wei Yun and Chu Yu exchanged a glance.
They were currently in White City, and White City and Green City were the only two border cities still occupied by Northern Di. This meant that Northern Di was now surrounded on three sides, with only White City and Green City connecting to Northern Di territory. Once these two cities were captured, Northern Di would be completely trapped within Great Chu.
Therefore, Great Chu’s forces would undoubtedly come to take these two cities.
Chu Yu looked at Wei Yun and hesitantly suggested, “Should we just wait here?”
Wei Yun thought for a moment but shook his head. “I need to get back early.”
Now was the time when various factions were dividing up power, and he needed to return to consolidate the Wei family’s influence under his control.
He drew circles inside his sleeve, looking up at the city, seemingly contemplating and planning something.
When he was deep in thought, his expression was serious and focused, his brow slightly furrowed, all traces of youthfulness gone, replaced by a reassuring steadiness and reliability. Chu Yu looked up at him, and even in their current state of destitution and hardship, with tattered clothes and disheveled hair, the man before her still exuded an imposing aura, looking exceptionally handsome even in this state.
“Sister-in-law,” he suddenly spoke, and Chu Yu immediately responded. Wei Yun calmly said, “Tomorrow we’ll set out to find Gu Chusheng. Afterward, I’ll negotiate with Zhao Yue, and at that time, I need you to take credit for something.”
Chu Yu nodded. When Wei Yun asked her to take credit for something, she never thought he would harm her, so she directly said, “Go on.”
“When you came to rescue me, it happened to be when I was retreating from the Northern Di royal court. You killed King Su Yong.”
When Wei Yun was in the Northern Di court, he had killed many people, among whom Su Yong held the highest official position. To date, he was the highest-ranking noble and military leader of Northern Di killed by Great Chu.
Chu Yu was taken aback. This was an enormous military achievement. She didn’t understand why Wei Yun wanted her to take credit for it.
Back when she and Gu Chusheng were on the battlefield, all the credit was given to Gu Chusheng, as it was more beneficial for his promotion and advancement. Now, why was Wei Yun pushing the credit onto her instead of keeping it for himself?
“Seventh Brother,” Chu Yu didn’t understand, so she asked, “What are you planning? This military merit would be much better recorded under your name than undermine, a woman.”
Wei Yun smiled, “I don’t need these things. Sister-in-law, if you agree, I have my reasons.”
Chu Yu felt that Wei Yun was always a person who could keep his composure, so she nodded and agreed, though still with some doubts.
At night, everyone settled down to rest, people huddled together. Chu Yu and Bai Shang slept in the middle, with Wei Yun and Shen Wushuang sleeping on either side, separating the two women from the others.
In the night, when everyone had fallen asleep, Wei Yun looked at Chu Yu in the moonlight. Her face was covered in dust, her clothes stained with mud and grime. Even the most downtrodden noble lady in the capital probably hadn’t been in such a disheveled state as Chu Yu was now.
Wei Yun looked at her, and for some reason, his heart began to tremble, like a stone suddenly thrown into a lake, causing ripples to spread out in circles.
Chu Yu seemed to sense his gaze and slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Wei Yun looking at her, she couldn’t help but smile, “Not asleep yet?”
They spoke in voices so soft that they were barely audible above the sound of cicadas nearby.
Wei Yun looked at her and smiled gently, “Sister-in-law.”
“Hmm?”
“When we get back, I’ll buy you lots and lots of beautiful clothes.”
Chu Yu raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled, “Do you think I look ugly now?”
Wei Yun shook his head, “I don’t think Sister-in-law is ugly. I just think Sister-in-law should have the best of everything.”
There were many promises he wanted to make to her, but he had already said them too many times, so he didn’t say them again. He just looked at Chu Yu and said gently, “Since you married into the Wei family, you’ve never had a peaceful day. When we get back, regardless of what’s happening on the front lines, buy yourself some beautiful clothes and lots of jewelry, alright?”
Chu Yu put her hand under her face as a pillow and smiled at him, “The war isn’t even over, and you’re already thinking about resting. Wei Yun, you’re slacking off.”
Wei Yun also put his hand under his face and moved his body closer to her.
His gaze was filled with starlight and a hint of a smile. Gone were the past carefulness, retreat, and restraint. He looked at her openly and frankly. Chu Yu met his gaze, and for some reason, she also felt no urge to retreat. It seemed that retreating would be losing, retreating would make something change, become particularly awkward.
So she looked back at him, “What? Did I say something wrong?”
“I’m not slacking off,” Wei Yun looked into her eyes. “It’s just that when we get back, everything will settle down. The prestige and power of the Wei household is something I should strive for. What plans do you have for when you’re at home, Sister-in-law?”
“What plans?” Chu Yu thought for a moment and said seriously, “To help you manage the Wei family well.”
“Anything else?”
“Doing this well is already not easy.”
“Then help me do a few things,” Wei Yun said with a smile. Chu Yu nodded, “Don’t worry, I’ll do everything you ask well.”
“First thing, when we get back, find a physician and take good care of your health.”
Wei Yun’s expression turned serious as he spoke about this.
“Your constitution tends to be cold, and the martial arts you practice lean towards the yin. I’m worried that if you get injured in the future, it might leave lasting effects on your body. We can’t abandon the martial arts you’ve learned and start over, so from now on, take good care of yourself, alright?”
Chu Yu was surprised that Wei Yun would mention this. She couldn’t help but be stunned.
In her previous life, it was because of her cold constitution, the yin-leaning martial arts she practiced, and the injuries she sustained for Gu Chusheng that she had difficulty conceiving. When it was known that she would struggle to get pregnant, Gu Chusheng’s mother constantly wanted Gu Chusheng to take concubines. Although Gu Chusheng didn’t allow it, he still brought her medicine every day.
Those bitter medicines were forced down her throat bowl after bowl, with daily acupuncture and medicine drinking, until finally, the physician told Gu Chusheng that for her to get pregnant, they might have to abandon the martial arts she had learned and focus on recuperation.
At that time, everyone – her mother, her sister – all told her that in a woman’s life, having a child was more important than anything else.
Gu Chusheng also told her that in this life, he would take care of her, and she didn’t need any martial arts skills; having a child was what mattered.
She believed them.
Later, when she had nothing left, she couldn’t even leave the Gu family.
Chu Yu hadn’t expected that in such a chaotic environment of national turmoil, Wei Yun would still pay attention to this matter. She lowered her eyes, her eyelashes trembling slightly, suppressing the unnamed feelings surging in her heart, and softly said, “Mm…”
“Second thing,” he smiled gently, “Every month, buy twenty sets of clothes and jewelry, and a set of cosmetics.”
“You’re managing this too?” Chu Yu was amused by his request. Wei Yun looked at her, his eyes filled with warmth, “That’s not all. Third thing, take good care of the five cats at home, spend half an hour playing with them every day.”
“Fourth thing, you must sleep for four hours every day.”
“Fifth thing…”
Wei Yun rattled off many things, and Chu Yu was getting a bit drowsy and impatient, “You’re saying so much, what exactly do you want to do?”
“Sister-in-law,” Wei Yun sighed, “You’re only sixteen years old.”
Chu Yu looked up at him and saw the tenderness in Wei Yun’s eyes, “I hope you can live like a sixteen-year-old girl. Don’t be too tired. The Wei household won’t fall apart, I’m here.”
Hearing these words, Chu Yu became more alert. There was a hint of bitterness in her eyes, “People always have to grow up. I can’t live like a sixteen-year-old forever.”
“Why not?” Wei Yun looked at her and calmly said, “A Yu.”
He called her by her name, and Chu Yu was stunned. Then she heard him say, “As long as you stay in the Wei household, as long as I’m alive, whether you’re sixteen, twenty-six, thirty-six, fifty-six…”
“For your entire life, I will strive to let you live like a young girl.”
What is a young girl like?
One who hasn’t tasted hardship hasn’t been hurt, hiding under a big tree looking at the sky, seeing the clear and bright, seeing the azure blue.
One who hasn’t seen a hawk hunting doesn’t know how scorching the sun can be. Everything is bright and beautiful, so she is filled with endless courage towards the world, holding a long spear, believing that nothing in this world can make her submit and kneel.
Just like sixteen-year-old Chu Yu, loves Gu Chusheng, and is willing to give him everything.
After so many years, she had bashed her head against the south wall until it bled profusely, her heart riddled with scars. Finally, someone stood up and told her—
In this lifetime, he would let her live like a young girl.
Chu Yu couldn’t help but feel a lump in her throat, her heart trembling slightly. She instinctively felt the urge to reach out and grasp something that didn’t belong to her.
She curled up without speaking, while Wei Yun watched her silently.
The person before him seemed to have built an invisible wall, hiding behind it, concealing all her sorrow and pain. But there was too much grief, and it inevitably seeped through the wall.
So he sensed it but dared not ask or touch her. He only watched as she turned her back to him and said softly, “Sleep.”
Wei Yun watched her sleep with her back to him. After a long while, he reached out and gently embraced her.
Chu Yu trembled slightly, unsure if Wei Yun’s action was conscious or if he was already asleep. Judging from his breathing, he was probably asleep.
She knew she should push him away.
But for some reason, perhaps because the winter night was too cold, at this moment, as he held her quietly, she felt her sorrow and pain gradually subsiding. She closed her eyes, pretending to know nothing, and slowly drifted off to sleep.
The group slept until dawn. As the first ray of light fell after daybreak, Chu Yu felt the ground begin to vibrate slightly. She opened her eyes abruptly to find Wei Yun holding her from behind.
He seemed to have been awake for a while, hiding in the grass and observing the distance. The civilians around them began to wake up, everyone panicking and fleeing towards the nearby forest. Wei Yun, his hand on Chu Yu’s shoulder, said in a low voice, “It’s the Great Chu army. Let’s see who it is first.”
But as long as it was the Great Chu army, regardless of who came, they wouldn’t be in much danger.
Chu Yu called Shen Wushuang, Bai Shang, and Tu Suo to come closer. The five of them stood out conspicuously amidst the chaos of people and horses.
As the army drew near, Chu Yu first saw a black flag with a large “Chu” character embroidered in red thread. Above the “Chu” character were swirling cloud patterns. Chu Yu exclaimed joyfully, “It’s my elder brother!”
No sooner had she spoken than a scarlet flag of the Zhuque Guards appeared. Everyone present relaxed. Wei Yun stood up, leading the five of them against the flow of people to the official road, quietly waiting for the arrivals.
The first to appear in their sight was Chu Lingyang, clad in black military armor. Chu Yu’s eyes filled with joy as she waved frantically from behind Wei Yun.
At this moment, Gu Chusheng was still discussing provisions with his officers when he heard someone exclaim excitedly, “It’s the Young Miss!”
“It’s Young Marquis Wei and the Young Miss!”
As soon as these words were heard, Gu Chusheng turned his head abruptly and then saw five people standing together on the official road.
Gu Chusheng didn’t recognize the other three, but he instantly recognized Chu Yu.
She wore a blue long dress with a black cloak over it. She seemed to have traveled for a long time, her clothes tattered, her hair disheveled with dry grass tangled in it, and her face even bearing unwashed dust and mud.
Yet she stood not far away, waving at them with joy.
Her face was full of delight, her smile bright. The sun rose slowly behind her, and for a moment, Gu Chusheng seemed to see sixteen-year-old Chu Yu standing in the distance, waving and waiting for him.
In his memory, Chu Yu had been lifeless for the latter half of her life. Even after her rebirth, that woman, in the body of a young girl, was still constantly enveloped by the heaviness and depression that lingered after her rebirth.
However, at this moment, he seemed to see all her worn-down edges, discarded pride and lost brilliance return to her.
She seemed like she was in her youth again, arrogant and proud, unaware of the hardships of the world, believing that with just herself and a sword, she could cut through all thorns and obstacles.
He had no time to wonder what had caused such a change in her. He galloped out from the crowd, causing those nearby to exclaim in surprise, “Lord Gu!”
Gu Chusheng, usually composed and gentle, bearing the dignity of a scholarly family from Huajing, now rushed out like a young man, abruptly stopping in front of Chu Yu.
They were here to attack the city. Chu Lingyang had no time to linger with Chu Yu. He led the army past them, telling Chu Yu, “Find a place to stay!” Then the sound of drums rose, signaling the start of the attack.
People were coming and going all around. Gu Chusheng sat on his horse, looking down at Chu Yu. He was slightly out of breath, gripping the reins tightly, seemingly at a loss for words. After a long while, he finally said, “You’re back?”
Chu Yu smiled lightly and replied candidly, “Returned safely.”
“Let’s talk over there,” Wei Yun’s voice rang out, tinged with a hint of coldness. Before anyone noticed, Wei Yun raised his hand and took hold of Chu Yu’s, pulling her to the side.
Everyone around was stunned. Chu Yu was also somewhat dazed. She looked down at Wei Yun holding her hand, unsure of what to do.
She instinctively felt something was amiss, but keenly sensed that if she were to shake off Wei Yun’s hand at this moment, she would likely find herself in an even more awkward situation.
Gu Chusheng, watching Wei Yun lead Chu Yu away, couldn’t help but frown. He dismounted from the official road, walked directly towards Wei Yun, and said coldly, “Young Marquis.”
Wei Yun turned to look at him, still holding Chu Yu’s hand. Gu Chusheng’s gaze fell on their joined hands, and he said, suppressing his anger, “Men and women should not sit together after the age of seven. Shouldn’t you let go?”
Hearing this, Wei Yun’s expression remained unchanged. He continued to hold Chu Yu’s hand, looking coldly at Gu Chusheng, and said word by word, with distinct clarity, “Whether I let go or not, what business is it of yours?”
“Little Seven…” Chu Yu finally spoke up, “Don’t cause trouble.”
As she said this, she pulled her hand out of Wei Yun’s grasp.
Wei Yun said nothing. He turned his head and gave Chu Yu a deep look. Chu Yu felt uneasy under this gaze. Then she heard Wei Yun give a cold laugh and leave, his sleeves fluttering.
Chu Yu hurried after him, calling out, “Little Seven!”
Wei Yun stopped in his tracks. He stood with his back to Chu Yu, finally managing to calm down a bit. He controlled his emotions and said calmly, “Sister-in-law, I’m going to help Elder Brother Chu.”
With that, he quickly caught up with the army, took a horse from the rear, and galloped after them.
Chu Yu frowned as she watched Wei Yun leave. Gu Chusheng stood to one side, waiting for a moment before saying, “Our military camp is in the rear. Let me take you all back first.”
As he spoke, he looked toward Shen Wushuang and smiled, asking, “And this gentleman is?”
Shen Wushuang glanced at him and calmly replied, “My surname is Shen, I’m a traveling physician. This is my wife, Bai, and my daughter, Shen Jiao.”
Gu Chusheng knew about Shen Wushuang, Bai Shang, and Shen Jiaojiao being hunted down by Bei Di. Upon hearing this surname and that he was a physician, Gu Chusheng couldn’t help but frown slightly. However, on second thought, there were many physicians with the surname Shen, so it wasn’t particularly noteworthy.
So his expression changed several times before he smiled and gestured to Shen Wushuang and the others, saying, “This way, please.”
Gu Chusheng led them back to the military camp, constantly asking about Chu Yu’s experiences along the way. From Fengling City to Bei Di, she had gone through so many life-and-death situations. Suddenly seeing Gu Chusheng again, Chu Yu felt that perhaps she didn’t hate this person as much as before.
She spoke to Gu Chusheng frankly, as if to a friend, and didn’t hide much. She gave a general description of her experiences in Bei Di, omitting the details of her interactions with Wei Yun. There wasn’t much else to say, so she asked Gu Chusheng in return, “What about you all? How has the court been since I left?”
“Second Madam and I have stabilized several of the Wei family’s generals. The Wei family is fine now, just waiting for Wei Yun to return. Don’t worry.”
Chu Yu nodded and sincerely said, “Thank you.”
Hearing these words, Gu Chusheng gripped the reins, lowered his eyes, and said in a hoarse voice, “You don’t need to thank me. Doing these things for you is what I should do. I’ve never asked for anything.”
Just like before, she had never asked for anything either.
Chu Yu turned to look at Gu Chusheng.
This lifetime’s Gu Chusheng seemed truly different. He was completely unlike the cold and arrogant person she remembered from the past.
Gu Chusheng noticed her looking at him and unconsciously turned his head slightly, wanting to show her his best angle.
Back then, it was his face that Chu Yu had been attracted to. He once thought his face was his most useless asset, but now he couldn’t help but hope Chu Yu would look at it once more.
However, Chu Yu’s gaze was clear and calm, filled with gratitude as she said, “I still need to thank you. Once this matter is settled, rest assured, the Marquis won’t shortchange you.”
Gu Chusheng stiffened. He slowly raised his head and pressed his lips together, “Don’t you know what I want?”
In the past, when Gu Chusheng said this, Chu Yu felt pain, annoyance, and anxiety.
But now, hearing these words, Chu Yu looked at him and found the seventeen-year-old Gu Chusheng somewhat endearing. She laughed lightly, saying with a hint of helplessness, “You’re persistent, aren’t you?”
“My personality,” Gu Chusheng smiled bitterly, “Don’t you know it?”
Whatever he wanted, no matter how many years it took, he would get it.
Just like back then when he wanted to marry Chu Jin. When Chu Jin didn’t marry him, he worked his way up from county magistrate to chancellor and then took her as his wife through proper courtship.
Chu Yu lowered her head and laughed softly, asking, “How is Ah Jin?”
Hearing this name, Gu Chusheng immediately understood what Chu Yu was thinking. He felt a bitterness in his throat and his hands and feet turned cold.
But what could he do?
The things he had done in his previous life, he had done again. He had no choice.
So he could only say stiffly, “She returned to the Chu residence with Official Han’s son. She’s recuperating in Huajing.”
“Is she doing well?”
“Very well.” Gu Chusheng paused for a moment before continuing, “She’s become a teacher at a school. She’s much happier now than before.”
“That’s good.” Chu Yu let out a sigh of relief, her heart at ease. Then she asked, “What about the Princess?”
This time Gu Chusheng didn’t speak. Chu Yu nodded, “If it’s inconvenient for you to say…”
“She’s in the palace.”
“The palace?” Chu Yu was somewhat surprised. She quickly asked, “Is she being held captive?”
“No…” Gu Chusheng sighed, his tone tinged with helplessness, “The one currently in high favor in the palace, rumored to be soon crowned as Empress, Consort Mei, is the Princess.”
Hearing this, Chu Yu abruptly tightened her reins, looking at Gu Chusheng in disbelief, “Has Zhao Yue gone mad?! Or has the Princess gone mad?!”
The Princess’s father had killed Zhao Yue’s grandfather, the Princess’s brother had killed Zhao Yue’s father, and now Zhao Yue had killed the Princess’s brother, yet he made her a consort?!
There was a hint of pity in Gu Chusheng’s eyes, “Perhaps so?”
“Ah Yu,” Gu Chusheng’s words were bitter, “Sometimes loving someone, when expressed, might not be good for them.”
“Then it’s better to keep such love to yourself,” Chu Yu looked towards Huajing and said coldly, “Just because you love someone doesn’t mean they have to accept it. And just because someone loves you doesn’t mean you can mistreat them as you please.”
Gu Chusheng fell silent for a moment, then smiled.
“You’re right.”
His love back then, it would have been better not to love at all.
Zhao Yue’s love now, the Princess couldn’t bear it either.
Chu Yu looked towards Huajing, thinking that she needed to return to Huajing soon to rescue the Princess.
In her previous life, Zhao Yue had died at the Princess’s hands. This life… it seemed she would need the Princess’s help again.
Chu Yu: Oh.
Wei Yun: Storms off in a huff ╭(╯^╰)╮!
Chu Yu: Oh.
Wei Yun: Don’t you care about me at all?!
Chu Yu: Wait, where are you going?
Wei Yun: Oh, I’m going to help your brother! Sister-in-law, don’t worry, I’m not some immature little drama queen. Love me, sweetie, I’m low-maintenance! Mwah~
Gu Chusheng: …Who the hell are you calling a drama queen?!