As Chu Yu listened to the man speak, she felt inexplicably calmer. However, she dared not let her guard down. Though her eyes were half-closed, she kept the dagger firmly gripped in her palm, not loosening her hold for a moment.
Wei Yun sensed her tension and wanted to say something, but all words stopped at his teeth. He couldn’t utter a single word. His mind was in chaos, having never expected to encounter this person here. Now, he didn’t dare speak at all, fearing he might say something inappropriate. So he could only remain silent, feigning composure.
He carried Chu Yu to his room and ordered the others to continue keeping watch at the inn. After calling for the accompanying physician, he stood by the bed, looking at Chu Yu with a hint of nervousness, unsure how to begin.
Chu Yu’s mind was a bit hazy, but she forced herself to maintain eye contact with him. Knowing she was on guard, Wei Yun thought for a moment, then raised his hand to lower the bed curtains, allowing Chu Yu to be alone inside. He then stepped back, sitting far away, and only said, “Don’t worry.”
As he left the bedside, the sense of pressure immediately diminished. The bed curtains created an independent space for Chu Yu, and she felt less tense. She finally loosened her grip on the dagger and allowed herself to breathe more freely.
She couldn’t think too much about who this person was, what he intended to do now, whether he was saving her or had other motives. She couldn’t think about anything except for one thing—at this moment, this person would not kill her.
Realizing this, she seemed to have found a reason for herself. Suddenly unable to hold on any longer, she slowly sank into darkness.
The sound of creaking came from outside the door as the physician entered. Upon seeing Wei Yun, the latter made a “hush” gesture with his hand. The physician paused, then nodded, standing at the doorway, waiting for Wei Yun’s instructions.
Wei Yun stood up, walked to the bed, and lifted the curtain to see that Chu Yu had already passed out. Her brows were furrowed as if enduring something. Wei Yun pressed his lips together, adjusted her clothes, and covered her with a blanket before sitting at the bedside and telling the physician, “Come and examine her.”
The physician nodded, stepped forward, checked Chu Yu’s pulse, and quickly wrote a prescription.
The medicine prepared by Shen Wushuang came in handy. Wei Yun assisted the physician in bandaging Chu Yu’s wounds and administering the medicine. Then he sat at the bedside, motionless, watching her.
Her features had opened up considerably. When she left, her face still held a girlish innocence, with rounded, full contours, carrying a hint of cuteness. However, three years had passed, and she had lost a lot of weight. Her features had spread out, becoming sharp and beautiful. Even with her eyes tightly closed, one could sense the charm in her upturned eyes and brows.
Looking at her features, he felt as if he were in a dream. He carefully reached out his hand to touch her brow.
Her warmth transmitted through his fingertips as if pulling him out of the dream. The joyful sensation made his hand tremble slightly. He eagerly sought to confirm her presence, smoothing out her furrowed brow, brushing past her quivering eyelashes, touching her high bridge of the nose, and finally resting on her soft lips.
He had touched them before.
Three years ago, when the lanterns of Sha City rose into the sky, surrounded by prayers and chants, he had mustered the greatest courage of his life and gently kissed her.
Young and naive then, not understanding much, he had lightly and nervously pressed his lips to hers, then hastily retreated.
Yet that butterfly-light, dragonfly-swift kiss had appeared repeatedly in his dreams.
Now, as he silently gazed at her, his finger touching those soft yet slightly chapped lips, he finally confirmed that after three years, he had seen her again.
A knock came from outside the door. Wei Yun frowned, stood up, and went outside.
“Master,” Wei Qian spoke in a low voice, “That person came to the door earlier, sensed something was amiss, and has now fled. It rained heavily today, so his scent has faded, and the hounds can’t track him.”
Wei Qian and Wei Shen were personal guards Wei Yun had newly trained in Bai City, helping Wei Qiu share some duties. He had only brought them back this time to avoid encountering old acquaintances. After all, they were secretly returning to Hua Capital, and the fewer people alerted, the better.
Hearing Wei Qian’s words, Wei Yun frowned and said in a suppressed, displeased tone, “How did he discover it?”
“I’m afraid when that lady entered earlier, she disturbed something, and he realized someone had entered his room.”
Wei Yun was silent for a moment, seeming to ponder, then spoke, “Immediately go to all the major gates of Hua Capital and keep watch. If you see him, apprehend him on the spot and bring him away.”
Wei Qian acknowledged and turned to leave, but suddenly remembered something and stopped, asking respectfully, “Master, who is that lady?”
Wei Yun had never been a warmhearted person, especially at such a crucial moment. That woman had disrupted their plans and let the person escape. Not pursuing the matter was one thing, but to treat her so well and even call a physician to tend to her wounds? So Wei Qian felt that this woman must have an extraordinary relationship with Wei Yun.
Wei Yun wasn’t surprised by Wei Qian’s perception. He glanced at Wei Qian with some displeasure and said, “My sister-in-law.”
Wei Qian was slightly taken aback, taking a moment to react, “The First Madam?”
Wei Yun nodded, and Wei Qian was somewhat surprised, “How did the First Madam come to be injured here?”
However, after asking, Wei Qian also knew that with Chu Yu still recovering, Wei Yun probably didn’t know either. He mentally readjusted Chu Yu’s position and nodded, saying, “This servant understands. Then will the Master return to Hua Capital with the First Madam tomorrow?”
Wei Yun didn’t speak. He silently pondered for a long time before slowly nodding, seemingly with great solemnity.
Wei Qian immediately said, “Then this servant will make preparations now.”
After Wei Qian left, Wei Yun returned to the room, sat at Chu Yu’s bedside for a long time, then finally sighed softly and turned to the small couch beside, curling up to sleep.
The next morning, Chu Yu woke up late. When she awoke, Wei Yun was just bringing in some porridge.
The aroma of the porridge filled the air as he approached her, gently placing the porridge on the small table by her hand. He spoke steadily, “Let me help you sit up.”
“No—”
Before she could finish, he had already reached out, supporting Chu Yu to sit up.
His palm was thin but steady, with distinct knuckles, carrying a man’s burning temperature. As it touched Chu Yu, she suddenly tensed up.
He placed pillows behind her, bending over and coming close to her. His unique scent enveloped her, causing Chu Yu to hold her breath and awkwardly retreat a bit.
Wei Yun noticed her shrinking back and looked up, seeing Chu Yu’s slightly reddened face.
She turned her head to one side, her eyes seemingly filled with autumn waters, her reddened cheeks like colorful clouds, carrying the unique spring charm of a young woman.
This was the first time she had shown such an expression to him.
In the past, Chu Yu had always been a goddess for him to look up to. She seemed to always be looking down at him, viewing him with the gaze of an elder. Even in moments of shyness, she was composed, graceful, and calm.
However, this time, it was the first time he felt that the person before him was truly his peer. She wasn’t his elder, nor did she need his reverence. She could even become flustered because of his actions.
Wei Yun’s throat tightened, and he felt an urge to swallow something. But he restrained himself, quickly stuffing the pillow behind Chu Yu, helping her lean back, then retreating to the side, pretending to be calm as he explained, “You’re not able to move easily. It was impolite of me.”
His voice was very pleasant.
Chu Yu pondered as she looked up at him.
He was still wearing a mask, beneath which were thin, delicate lips with a natural cherry color, looking extremely beautiful. His chin seemed as if it had been drawn with a brush, with smooth and beautiful lines. Just looking at this chin and lips made one think that the person behind the mask must be an extremely handsome young man.
Chu Yu’s thoughts stirred, feeling that this person was somewhat familiar, but she couldn’t remember exactly who he resembled.
Seeing Chu Yu staring at him, Wei Yun couldn’t help but lower his eyes and said softly, “Let me help you wash up first.”
Hearing this, Chu Yu felt a bit awkward, “Don’t you have any female attendants here?”
Wei Yun paused for a moment, then shook his head.
“I’m out on business, so there are no female attendants.”
Chu Yu wasn’t surprised. From how he had acted last night, she knew he wasn’t here for sightseeing. She didn’t dare inquire too much and just nodded, saying, “Thank you for saving me, Young Master, but you can let the servants do these things. There’s no need for you to lower yourself.”
Wei Yun didn’t speak. He turned around and only said, “Drink the porridge first, before it gets cold.”
Chu Yu hurriedly thanked him and managed to hold the bowl herself, drinking a few mouthfuls before noticing something unusual.
The porridge had cooked egg yolk added to it, mashed, and mixed in. She had always loved drinking porridge this way. How could she coincidentally encounter a bowl of porridge she liked to drink in this remote place?
She became wary, and after finishing the porridge, someone brought up washing utensils. She took a cloth from the person’s hand to wipe her face while inquiring, “May I ask about your master…”
Before she could finish speaking, she stopped and looked up, only to find it was still that person, standing beside her holding the washing utensils.
He held the things openly, seemingly not finding anything inappropriate about a master bringing water for someone else.
Chu Yu finally furrowed her brow. Suppressing the sense of incongruity in her heart, she finally said, “Young Master, do you and I have some connection?”
Hearing this, Wei Yun’s heart skipped a beat, but he still pretended to be calm and said, “Madam is precious, I wouldn’t dare to disturb you.”
As he said this, Wei Yun felt himself trapped in a subtle emotion.
He didn’t want her to know who he was.
He felt that at this moment, under the mask, quietly talking to her like this felt very good.
Because at this moment, she wasn’t his elder, and he could converse with her equally, as a man.
Hearing this, Chu Yu smiled lightly.
“You and I are meeting for the first time, how do you know I’m a madam, and that I’m precious?”
As she spoke, Chu Yu rinsed her mouth and brushed her teeth, then raised her head and looked directly at him. He handed the utensils to Wei Qian standing nearby, then retreated to a table on the side, respectfully kneeling down and calmly saying, “If Madam has any questions, please feel free to ask.”
Chu Yu narrowed her eyes and said coldly, “Who are you?”
Wei Yun was silent for a moment, then finally spoke slowly, “I am Gong Sun Zhan.”
Hearing this name, Chu Yu was slightly taken aback.
She had heard of Gong Sun Zhan. He was Wei Yun’s chief strategist, a prominent figure cultivated in the Northern Frontier, occasionally mentioned in family letters in the past.
In her previous life, Gong Sun Zhan had always stayed behind Wei Yun, and she had never met him. However, she had heard Gu Chusheng say that the decisions made by Gong Sun Zhan were essentially decisions made by Wei Yun, showing the important position this person held on Wei Yun’s side.
Although she had heard this name many times, this was the first time they had met.
She quickly adjusted the weight of this person in her mind and promptly asked, “You are Gong Sun Zhan, under the Marquis Zhenguo?”
Wei Yun nodded. The two guards kneeling behind Wei Yun maintained straight faces, not daring to say a word.
“Did the little…” The words “little seven” almost slipped out, but Chu Yu suddenly remembered that in front of others, she had to maintain Wei Yun’s dignity. So she quickly changed her words and said, “Did the Marquis send you here? What for?”
“Su Cha sent a letter to Hua Capital, and the Marquis sent us to intercept it.”
Wei Yun lied smoothly, and Chu Yu frowned, “Why didn’t he tell me about this?”
However, after saying this, Chu Yu suddenly remembered that, over these years, Wei Yun hadn’t spoken much to her at all.
It would be a lie to say she wasn’t disappointed, but she couldn’t find any reason to blame him. He had fulfilled his responsibilities and maintained proper etiquette. But sometimes, when people give too much, they expect too much in return, leading to discontent.
Fortunately, Chu Yu suppressed that discontent. She smiled with difficulty and said, “That’s true. It’s normal for him not to tell me about your important matters. Have you caught the person?”
“Not yet,” Wei Yun briefly described. “He has now fled to Hua Capital. I’ve sent people to watch the city gates. We might need to go to Hua Capital, and we’ll need Madam’s help then.”
Chu Yu nodded. If Su Cha had sent a letter to Hua Capital, it might contain evidence of Zhao Yue’s collusion with the Northern Di. However, she still had some doubts. She looked up at Gong Sun Zhan and asked, “Master Gong Sun, we’ve never met before. How did you recognize me?”
Wei Yun was silent for a moment. After a long while, he slowly said, “The Marquis has a portrait of the First Madam hanging in his room.”
“Then the porridge this morning, does Master Gong Sun also like to drink porridge this way?”
Wei Yun found an extremely versatile reason: “The Marquis told me about it.”
Hearing this, Chu Yu was a bit confused: “He told you so much?”
Wei Yun slowly clenched his fist in his sleeve, his voice trembling slightly: “The Marquis, he misses you very much.”
At these words, Chu Yu was stunned. Seeing Chu Yu’s dazed expression, Wei Yun stared at her, suppressing the surging desire to express himself. His gaze fell on her, crushing those thousands of words, piecing them together again into simple words.
“He misses you terribly.”
Chu Yu finally reacted, slowly smiling.
Her voice was calm, like pear blossoms carried by the spring breeze to the warm spring lake surface, beautiful and gentle.
“I miss him too.”
Hearing this, Wei Yun felt something painfully blocking his throat. He lowered his eyes as the woman in front of him asked curiously, “Then why doesn’t he write to me? I’ve written him many letters, but he rarely replies.”
“When the Marquis replies to your letters, if he writes too much, he wants to come home.”
Wei Yun’s eyes were a bit sore: “So he doesn’t write, wanting to wait until the war is over. He’ll return and tell you in person.”
These words made all the displeasure and unease in Chu Yu’s heart settle. She couldn’t help but smile, only saying lightly, “I see.”
Wei Yun lowered his head, adjusting his state for a moment before standing up and handing over his token. He calmly said, “This is the token the Marquis gave me when I left. He said it could serve as proof.”
Chu Yu looked at the token, carefully examining its authenticity before finally feeling at ease.
She looked up at Wei Yun and smiled, “Since we’re returning to the capital, why don’t we go back together? It’s convenient for you to enter the city and take me back.”
“You’re leaving the city can’t be known?”
Wei Yun frowned, and Chu Yu’s eyes carried a hint of coldness: “Of course.”
Not only because she didn’t want Zhao Yue to know about her involvement with the Wang family, but also because she was originally Zhao Yue’s chess piece to threaten Wei Yun. If Zhao Yue knew she could leave the city whenever she wanted, he would certainly guard her more strictly.
She briefly told Wei Yun about what had happened. Wei Yun listened with a deeply furrowed brow but said nothing.
By the time Chu Yu finished speaking, Wei Qian had also packed the luggage. Wei Yun stepped forward and calmly said, “You’re injured. I’ll claim you’re my wife, entering the capital to seek medical treatment.”
Chu Yu nodded, and Wei Yun looked into her eyes: “Then, Madam, may I be presumptuous?”
Chu Yu had long been prepared to disguise herself as a sickly wife. Wei Yun asking so solemnly made her feel a bit awkward. She nodded hesitantly, and Wei Yun took a large cloak from Wei Xia’s hands and draped it over her, then bent down and carefully tied the knot in front of her.
He was neither too close nor too far, not impolite, but certainly not cold either.
Chu Yu turned her head to the side, not knowing why, but she didn’t dare to look back at this person.
After tying the knot, Wei Yun picked her up horizontally in his arms and carried her to the carriage.
It was only about ten breaths of time, but as Chu Yu buried her face in his embrace, she felt it was particularly long.
His heartbeat was steady, one after another. She didn’t know if it was because the fur on the cloak was too warm, making her face feel hot.
Wei Yun placed her in the carriage, covered her with a blanket, and properly retreated to a distance, saying nothing more.
The two remained silent. A familiar fragrance permeated the air. After a long while, Chu Yu finally recognized why she found this scent familiar—it was the scent of a perfume balm she had once loved many years ago.
Chu Yu turned her head to look at Wei Yun and asked, “What fragrance pouch are you using?”
Wei Yun was slightly taken aback but quickly realized what she was asking about.
This was her favorite perfume balm from years ago. When he was in the Northern Frontier, he had changed his fragrance pouch to match that perfume’s scent and had used it for three years.
However, he quickly composed himself and slowly said, “I don’t know. The fragrance pouches are distributed uniformly by the mansion. I just chose a scent I liked.”
“What a coincidence,” Chu Yu smiled lightly, “I like this scent too.”
Wei Yun didn’t speak. He lowered his eyes and remained silent. Chu Yu wanted to learn more about Wei Yun from him, so she began to ask him questions intermittently.
Whatever she asked, he answered, without any concealment.
From this person’s mouth, she pieced together Wei Yun’s life in the Northern Frontier. After all, this person lived by Wei Yun’s side, unlike Chu Lin Yang and others who could only tell her about what battles Wei Yun had won or what reputation he had gained.
However, this person could talk about Wei Yun’s daily life. Although these were very ordinary and common things, for some reason, Chu Yu listened with great interest.
This person’s voice was even and steady, just like everything he had shown so far—his behavior, his heartbeat, his words—all gave Chu Yu an inexplicable sense of security.
As the carriage swayed, Chu Yu listened to Wei Yun talking about “Wei Yun’s” daily life while flipping through a book.
This person was too familiar.
She pondered, feeling that the sensation this person gave her must belong to someone in her memory.
She was a bit troubled. She looked up at Wei Yun, quietly observing him. Just then, something must have startled the horse in front. As the carriage shook, Chu Yu’s hand quickly slid across the book page. Blood droplets rapidly appeared, and before Chu Yu could react, her hand was grasped by someone.
He had somehow produced a bandage and was wrapping it around her finger, speaking in a calm voice tinged with concern, “Be careful.”
Chu Yu stared at him blankly. She didn’t know why, but suddenly an image of someone flashed in her mind.
That person had also once carefully protected her as if she were a delicate woman.
At that time, she was wearing a red veil, holding a red silk cloth, led forward by him.
She could see, but she still repeatedly heard him say, “Be careful.”
At that time, she had just returned and met such a person. In her heart, she had some expectations.
She had never been cherished in her life, and for the first time, she encountered such a person who was to be her future husband. Even though a lifetime had passed, she still fantasized like a young girl at that moment about what life might be like married to this person.
As Chu Yu watched Wei Yun bandage her wound, she finally realized something.
The person in front of her was incredibly similar to Wei Jun from years ago.
She stared at Wei Yun for too long, and Wei Yun noticed her gaze. He put away the bandaging tools and looked up at Chu Yu: “What is the First Madam looking at?”
His gaze was very calm, looking at her with a rare gentleness. But Chu Yu couldn’t tell if this tenderness was unique to her. She just felt that the look in this person’s eyes gave her the same feeling as Wei Jun from years ago.
Even though this person was now much calmer and more composed, that sense of being cherished and safe was the same.
She smiled gently.
“Forgive me for saying something presumptuous,” Chu Yu looked at Wei Yun, speaking frankly, “Seeing Master Gong Sun, I don’t know why, but I’m reminded of my late husband.”
Wei Yun’s movements paused slightly. He saw the nostalgia in Chu Yu’s eyes.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re very much like Young Master Wei Jun?”
These words seemed to stab into his heart, carving a long wound.
Wei Yun looked at Chu Yu. He locked all his emotions tightly in his heart, appearing calm on the surface, neither happy nor sad.
Chu Yu thought for a moment: “Do you know Young Master Wei Jun?”
Wei Yun’s expression remained unchanged. After a long while, he finally spoke slowly, his voice dry and hesitant.
“I know him.”
Not only did he know him, but they were so close.
In his youth, he had dreamed of becoming someone like his brother. When he grew up and heard someone say he was very much like his brother, he suddenly realized—
He didn’t want to be anyone else. He just wanted to be Wei Yun.
Wei Seventh Young Master, Wei Yun, should be uniquely loved.
Mini-scene
Wei Yun: After nearly 400,000 words of effort, I’ve finally caught up to my brother in my sister-in-law’s heart.
Wei Jun: Your brother will always be your brother.