Hearing this, Chu Yu couldn’t help but smile. “What could happen when I go to see the Princess Imperial? As for you…”
She glanced outside and said, “Come up and we’ll talk.”
Wei Yun nodded and quickly climbed into the carriage. Chu Yu made room for him and poured him some tea, then asked slowly, “How did your talk with Zhao Yue go?”
“I made three demands: to kill Yao Yong in the future, to grant you a first-rank title and a military position, and to let me go to the north.”
Wei Yun took the teacup from Chu Yu’s hand and leaned lazily against the wall like a big cat, curling up one leg without any regard for proper posture.
Chu Yu lightly tapped his knee, smiling. “Where did you learn such a posture? So unruly.”
“We’re not in public,” Wei Yun grumbled as he sat up straight. “What’s wrong with being a bit lazy?”
“You’re not a child anymore,” Chu Yu said, giving him a gentle glare. Wei Yun was pleased to hear this and rested his chin on his hand, saying, “Sister-in-law, I got you an official position. Are you happy?”
“Why bother with such a thing?” While Da Chu had female generals before, granting military positions to women was uncommon, though not unprecedented. Most men preferred to claim their female relatives’ military achievements for themselves, rarely giving them away like Wei Yun did.
“I can’t climb the ranks anyway. An empty title is useless. Do you think I’m after the monthly salary?”
“It’s not about that,” Wei Yun smiled. “If it’s not yours, I want to give it to you. And if it is rightfully yours, no one should take it away.”
Hearing this, Chu Yu paused as she held her teacup. She turned to look at him. He had spoken casually, but it revealed his true feelings. Chu Yu lowered her eyes, feeling an unusual stirring in her heart. She curved her lips slightly and said with some helplessness, “Xiao Qi, you’re too good to me.”
“It’s not enough,” Wei Yun looked at her, his gaze filled with her presence. “It’s never enough.”
Chu Yu didn’t respond. Though neither of them had moved, for a moment she felt as if he was leaning in, pressing closer, making it a bit hard for her to breathe.
She coughed lightly, adjusting the atmosphere, and continued, “Did Zhao Yue agree?”
“He said he’d think about it. That was within my expectations. But what about the Princess Imperial? What did she say?”
“The Princess Imperial likely has plans to rebel,” Chu Yu said seriously, explaining the Princess Imperial’s plan. “She told me that for Zhao Yue to have endured until now, he’s no ordinary person. It won’t be easy for us to find his weakness. But Zhao Yue harbors resentment towards her, and she intends to make good use of Yao Yong and this grudge.”
“It’s not easy to rebel against a wise ruler, but rebelling against a foolish one is all too simple.”
At this point, Wei Yun understood the Princess Imperial’s intention.
The current plan was divided into two steps: one was to increase their strength, and the other was to tarnish Zhao Yue’s reputation, forcing him to become a tyrannical ruler.
Wei Yun remained silent. Chu Yu could see the reluctance in his eyes. If Zhao Yue was originally a good person forced to become bad, it would be too great a psychological burden for Wei Yun.
“Xiao Qi,” she sighed. “Someone willing to use the country to gain the throne won’t become a good emperor. Moreover, given the situation between Princess Imperial and Zhao Yue, whether you help her or not, she will take this step regardless.”
She reached out to stroke Wei Yun’s head, saying earnestly, “You’re not a god. Everyone walks dark paths, and where they end up is their own choice. You can’t save everyone. You can only do your best and focus on what you need to do.”
Wei Yun nodded in response. He looked up at her and smiled slightly. “Sister-in-law, thank you for always being by my side.”
They returned home together, finally relaxing. Upon reaching their rooms, they fell asleep immediately.
The next day, before dawn, Wei Yun woke up again. After putting on his official robes, he left for court.
Before leaving, he noticed a figure standing at the door. In his drowsy state, he found it somewhat familiar and quickly called out to Wei Xia, nodding towards the figure, “Shen You?”
“Yes,” Wei Xia said softly. “The steward said that since he returned, he’s been keeping watch here every day. He comes once before morning court and once after. I heard he rented a room diagonally across from our mansion and keeps watch here daily.”
“Guarding the Sixth Madam?” Wei Yun frowned. Seeing his displeasure, Wei Xia hesitated, “Young Marquis doesn’t like it? Should I have someone drive him away…”
“Never mind,” Wei Yun waved his hand. “He’s now an official of the court.”
Now that Wei Yun knew Shen You was Zhao Yue’s man, he wasn’t surprised by Shen You’s legendary rise from a spy to a junior general.
The carriage swayed him to the palace gates. He alighted and saw other officials getting off their carriages, preparing to enter. Seeing Wei Yun, everyone came forward to greet him, exchanging pleasantries and asking a few questions about the Northern Di. Just then, a carriage came speeding up and stopped steadily. Everyone looked towards it, and an old man sneered lightly, “A petty man in power.”
As he spoke, Wei Yun saw Gu Chusheng lift the carriage curtain with his official tablet and slowly step down.
The old man standing next to Wei Yun leaned closer and nodded towards Gu Chusheng, saying, “Look, that’s Gu Chusheng, the Director of the Ministry of Revenue who’s currently in His Majesty’s highest favor. Don’t just look at his current position; I tell you, His Majesty is grooming him for the Imperial Cabinet.”
Hearing this, Wei Yun’s expression shifted slightly, but he replied, “Lord Gu indeed has such capability.”
The old man showed a mocking smile, changed the subject, and exchanged a few more words with Wei Yun before heading into the palace.
Wei Yun followed to the square, where everyone lined up according to their positions to enter the hall. Soon after entering, they heard the ceremonial official’s call, and Zhao Yue walked in from outside.
He sat on the golden throne, and everyone shouted, “Long live the Emperor!” Wei Yun looked up at him. The man maintained a gentle smile, but there was now a touch of nobility in his brow that wasn’t there before.
What a patient man.
Wei Yun lowered his eyes and knelt with the others.
The morning court began as usual, first reporting urgent matters, then discussing them, followed by routine reports from various departments. Finally, they came to seemingly trivial matters like Wei Yun’s return.
After a superficial display of cordiality between the emperor and his officials, Wei Yun briefly recounted the events from the battle at Tianshou Pass to the present. The court listened attentively; although they had heard rumors, hearing it from the person involved was indeed different.
After Wei Yun finished, Gu Chusheng spoke up, “So it seems that the Marquis Zhenbei must now have a thorough understanding of the Northern Di?”
“Not extremely thorough, but I have a general understanding,” Wei Yun said honestly. A burly man beside him excitedly said, “That’s great! Marquis Zhenbei should just follow the previous method and make a few more attacks to subdue the Northern Di!”
“Excessive warfare is not good,” an old man stroked his beard and said. “We only need to drive these barbarians out of Da Chu. What Da Chu needs now is to recuperate and build up strength.”
The two sides began to argue, and the court immediately fell into chaos. Zhao Yue listened silently to the various opinions for a long time, then looked at Gu Chusheng and asked, “Gu Chusheng, what do you think?”
“Recuperation benefits Da Chu now, but if we can seize this opportunity to defeat the Northern Di, it would benefit our long-term strategy for centuries to come. According to Marquis Zhenbei’s suggestion of using war to support the war, given the current state of Da Chu’s treasury, we could afford one battle. In my opinion, Your Majesty might as well give it a try.”
Gu Chusheng spoke steadily, and Zhao Yue nodded, “You speak well, Minister. Wei Yun.”
“Your subject is here.”
“You were appointed Commander-in-Chief in a time of crisis. Now, continue in this role, lead the northern expedition against the Northern Di, and protect our country.”
“Your subject obeys the imperial command.”
“Your Wei family has rendered meritorious service in resisting the enemy. Lady Chu Yu, on the battlefield, showed that women are no less capable than men. She defended Fengling, breached the enemy’s royal court, beheaded Su Yong, and accumulated numerous battle achievements. To commend her, We hereby confer upon Wei Chu the title of First Rank, bestow the name Zhaohua, grant her the fief of Ning County, and promote her to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the Southern City, fifth rank.”
“Your subject thanks Your Majesty for this great kindness!”
“Minister Wei,” Zhao Yue descended from the high platform and personally helped Wei Yun up, his face showing solemnity. “The fate of Da Chu, We now place in your hands.”
“Your Majesty, rest assured,” Wei Yun looked up at him, his eyes filled with fervor. “Even if it costs me my head and my blood, I will not fail Your Majesty’s trust!”
“Excellent!” Zhao Yue exclaimed boldly. “We trust in our beloved minister and believe you will bring about a new era for the great Chu. You may set your mind at ease on the battlefield. We will handle all matters on the home front and personally look after your family, so you need not have any worries!”
Hearing these words, Wei Yun’s eyes turned cold, but his face still maintained the appearance of a loyal minister to a wise ruler. He gratefully replied, “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
No sooner had Wei Yun received his honors in the great hall than the imperial edict was delivered to the Wei residence. Chu Yu, dressed in formal attire along with Liu Xueyang, Jiang Chun, and others, knelt at the main gate to receive the edict of conferment. Chu Yu, having anticipated this, wasn’t particularly surprised. However, after Chu Yu accepted the edict, destroyed the main hall, and closed the doors, the Wei residence erupted into a frenzy.
Liu Xueyang was overjoyed. Holding Chu Yu’s hand as they walked, she said, “You’re so fortunate. It took me at least ten years to earn this first-rank title. And here you are, at such a young age, already a first-rank noble lady. Little Seven has made something of herself.”
Chu Yu smiled without saying much, while Chang Yue beside her frowned slightly in dissatisfaction.
After briefly conversing with Liu Xueyang, Chu Yu turned to find Jiang Chun, instructing her to prepare Wei Yun’s travel necessities.
As Jiang Chun took notes, she found it strange: “How come he’s leaving again when he just got back? And why are you preparing as if he’s going to be away for several years?”
Chu Yu smiled, “Well, isn’t that how wars can be sometimes? It’s better to be thorough.”
Jiang Chun nodded, not thinking too deeply about it, and simply noted down everything Chu Yu said.
When Wei Yun arrived in his quarters and called Jiang Chun to arrange his journey to the north, Jiang Chun smiled subtly and said, “A’Yu has already given instructions.”
Wei Yun was momentarily stunned, then nodded. Jiang Chun handed him the list Chu Yu had written: “These are the items she asked to prepare. See if anything is missing, and we’ll add to it.”
Wei Yun took the paper from Jiang Chun and glanced at the writing.
The handwriting was steady and reserved, yet upon closer inspection, one could detect a hint of youthful exuberance beneath the calm exterior. This touch of boldness was so well concealed within the proper and steady strokes that it would be easily missed without careful attention.
Wei Yun couldn’t help but smile, not even bothering to read the specifics of what was written.
Jiang Chun quietly observed him, studying Wei Yun’s expression. She wanted to say something but hesitated, only saying, “See if there’s anything else you need to add…”
“Second Sister-in-law can handle it,” Wei Yun returned the paper to Jiang Chun, his tone tinged with impatience as he said, “I’m going to see First Sister-in-law.”
With that, he turned, filled with joy, to find Chu Yu.
Jiang Chun watched Wei Yun’s demeanor and furrowed her brow.
When Wei Yun arrived at Chu Yu’s door, he saw her kneeling at her desk, writing. Beside her slept a white cat, a gift he had given her, now grown and looking perpetually lethargic.
Standing at Chu Yu’s doorway, Wei Yun’s gaze fell on the cat. “Sister-in-law, are you practicing calligraphy?”
“You’re back?”
Chu Yu turned her brush on the paper and looked up at Wan Yue. Wan Yue went to pour some water, and as Chu Yu washed her hands, she invited Wei Yun to sit down, her voice flowing smoothly as she made casual conversation: “You look very happy. What’s making you so cheerful?”
“My Lady,” Wei Yun suddenly spoke. Chu Yu’s hand trembled slightly. Wei Yun smiled at her, earnestly completing what he wanted to say: “Lady Zhaohua.”
Chu Yu realized what he meant, and her wildly beating heart instantly calmed. She averted her gaze, looking at her reflection in the water basin as she washed her hands, saying, “What’s there to be happy about?”
“This is the first step,” Wei Yun said seriously. Chu Yu took the towel from Chang Yue’s hand and dried her hands. She listened as Wei Yun slowly continued, “Everything I’ve promised you, Sister-in-law, I will achieve step by step.”
These words weren’t exactly childish, but as Chu Yu listened, she couldn’t help but feel they sounded like those of a child.
A child’s thoughts are the purest. Whether or not he could fulfill what he said, the clean, genuine desire to “want to be good to you” in his heart as he spoke was real and tangible.
Chu Yu smiled gently and lowered her head, changing the subject. The two chatted casually, and Wei Yun had Wei Xia bring over his official work. He dealt with his affairs while conversing with Chu Yu.
As night fell, neither felt like going out, so Wei Yun had Wei Xia bring their meal to the room. They ate at the same table, talking and dining.
By now, the moon had risen above the willow branches, and a cool breeze wafted through. The two abandoned all formality, eating from each other’s dishes and exchanging playful banter in a very harmonious atmosphere.
After the meal, Chu Yu returned to her book, while Wei Yun, with nothing to do, lay down beside her. He pillowed his head on his arm, gazing at the moon outside, and spoke slowly, “Actually, I quite enjoyed the time I spent with you in Bei Di.”
Chu Yu looked up at him. Wei Yun’s expression was full of nostalgia: “The sky in Bei Di was so clear, the land vast, and there were few people.”
So everything stood out more vividly, like important people and significant events.
“Also,” Chu Yu smiled, “the girls there were beautiful.”
Wei Yun turned on his side, resting his cheek on his hand, and looked up at her.
His gaze was so direct that Chu Yu felt somewhat embarrassed. She lowered her head and asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I just realized,” Wei Yun pondered, “you’re much prettier than the Bei Di girls. Even then, I thought you were beautiful. It had little to do with Bei Di.”
Hearing this, Chu Yu gave him a strange look: “Why are you comparing?”
Wei Yun just smiled without answering.
As they continued their casual conversation, Jiang Chun approached from outside, carrying a lantern. As she turned into the courtyard, she saw Wei Yun lying beside Chu Yu, talking to her.
Both were animated and radiant. Jiang Chun watched silently for a moment, her brow furrowing.
Wei Xia noticed in time and quickly stepped forward, saying, “Second Madam, are you looking for the Young Marquis and First Madam?”
Jiang Chun said nothing. She stared at the people in the main hall and even raised her hand, gesturing for Wei Xia not to speak.
Wei Xia wanted to alert Chu Yu but feared making things too obvious. He could only grit his teeth and stand in front, carefully observing Jiang Chun.
As Jiang Chun watched their interaction, she pressed her lips together and finally spoke: “Don’t disturb them. I’ll wait here for the Young Marquis.”