When Chu Yu mentioned Wei Jun’s name, she sensed an immediate shift in the atmosphere.
Wei Yun stood up and moved to sit at the far end of the carriage. Chu Yu was puzzled about this person’s relationship with Wei Jun but felt it wasn’t appropriate to ask directly. Instead, she turned her attention back to Wei Yun, inquiring about various matters regarding his time at the border.
Chu Yu’s concern seemed to slightly adjust Wei Yun’s mood. He slowly recounted affairs at the border as the carriage moved unhurriedly forward. After an indeterminate amount of time, the carriage came to a stop.
Wei Yun heard Wei Qian negotiating with the guards outside. He quietly moved to Chu Yu’s side, letting her head rest on his shoulder and placing his hand on her shoulder.
Outside, the guards confirmed the official documents with Wei Qian, then lifted the curtain to verify the people inside the carriage. Chu Yu turned her face slightly, half-burying it in Wei Yun’s shoulder, appearing to be in a light sleep.
The soldier frowned at Chu Yu’s appearance and gruffly said, “You, why are you wearing a mask? Take it off so we can see!”
Wei Yun remained silent. Chu Yu heard the sound of fabric rustling as if he was removing the mask. She secretly raised her eyes, following the line of his jaw upwards, and saw that beneath the white jade mask, his face was covered in raised scars as if burned by flames. It was a shocking sight.
The soldier drew in a sharp breath and hurriedly waved his hand, “Put it back on quickly, it’s terrifying.”
“My apologies for disturbing you, sir,” Wei Yun said as he put the mask back on. The soldier’s gaze fell on Chu Yu, and he frowned, “This woman’s documents…”
Before he could finish, the sound of horse hooves approached from outside. The soldier seemed to forget about them, hastily dropping the curtain and turning to the side. Then came the sound of greetings from outside, “Greetings, Lord Gu.”
“Rise. I’m looking for someone,” Gu Chusheng’s voice came from outside, tinged with urgency. Chu Yu’s mind raced, realizing that Gu Chusheng must have learned something.
She stirred slightly against Wei Yun’s shoulder. Immediately, the hand on her shoulder tightened. He pressed down on her body, gripping her hand, and calmly said, “Madam, please remain calm.”
As he spoke, Gu Chusheng abruptly lifted the curtain and looked inside. Wei Yun was holding Chu Yu’s hand, seemingly whispering something to her. Hearing the curtain being lifted, he turned his head composedly, meeting Gu Chusheng’s sharp gaze.
Gu Chusheng quickly scanned Wei Yun’s face before his gaze landed on Chu Yu. The moment he saw her, his brow furrowed. He seemed about to say something but restrained himself, slamming the curtain shut and saying, “Hurry up and go in, don’t block the people behind.”
“Lord Gu…” the guard hesitated, “That woman says she lost her documents, it’s a bit suspicious…”
“Isn’t her husband’s enough?” Gu Chusheng gave the guard a cold look, “Let them through. Don’t block my esteemed guest’s way.”
The guard dared not say more, hurriedly bowing and letting them pass.
The carriage entered the city and traveled for a long time. When Chu Yu felt safe, she tried to sit up but found that “Gong Sun Zhan” was still firmly holding her down.
Chu Yu frowned, voicing her displeasure, “Mr. Gong Sun.”
Only then did Wei Yun come to his senses, realizing what he had done. He quickly released her and retreated in confusion, saying, “My apologies, I was lost in thought.”
“It’s alright,” Chu Yu smiled, sitting up straight and leaning against the carriage wall, “What was Mr. Gong Sun thinking about just now?”
“That person just now, was he the current Minister of Rites, Gu Chusheng?” Wei Yun asked flatly. He had learned of Gu Chusheng’s promotion to Minister of Rites while still in the north.
Chu Yu nodded, “Indeed.”
“Accomplished at a young age,” Wei Yun’s expression revealed neither joy nor anger, “Before thirty, he’s likely to enter the Cabinet.”
“With his abilities, it’s only a matter of a few years,” Chu Yu knew Gu Chusheng’s capabilities. Even though this life was different from her previous one, for someone like Gu Chusheng, entering the Cabinet was only a matter of time, regardless of who was in power.
Hearing Chu Yu’s praise, Wei Yun’s expression shifted slightly, “The First Madam seems to have a good relationship with him?”
Chu Yu wasn’t sure how to respond. Over the years, Gu Chusheng had helped her greatly, although she had always refused. She wasn’t one to be ungrateful. She sighed, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness, “He has helped the Wei family a lot.”
Wei Yun said nothing, turning his head to look outside.
Through the swaying curtains, he could see that Huajing had changed a lot since he left. When he departed, it was wartime, many people had fled, the streets were full of refugees, half the shops were closed, and it looked very desolate. Now, however, the streets were bustling with activity, quite lively.
Seeing Wei Yun looking outside, Chu Yu noticed a gradual warmth in his eyes. Somehow, she seemed to sense the softness in his heart, and couldn’t help but smile, “Now that Great Chu has turned defeat into victory and the people are at peace, Huajing has regained its former prosperity. Has Mr. Gong Sun been to Huajing before?”
“I have,” Wei Yun’s voice was calm. Chu Yu continued, “When?”
“I left Huajing three years ago.”
Hearing this, Chu Yu’s eyes filled with nostalgia, “Our Marquis also left three years ago. Counting now, it will be four years in another month.”
Wei Yun lowered his eyes, responding with a low sound.
Chu Yu continued, “Compared to three years ago, what does Mr. Gong Sun think of Huajing now?”
Hearing this, Wei Yun’s gaze fixed on the bustling, clamorous street outside. He spoke slowly and solemnly, word by word, “It does not disappoint the border soldiers.”
Chu Yu had thought that this person would describe to her in detail the changes in Huajing from his memory. However, she didn’t expect Wei Yun to say such a thing.
These words lightly touched her heart, increasing her fondness for this person.
She liked men like this.
Such a person, she felt, carried both integrity and gentleness, supporting Great Chu and its people, worthy of her admiration.
She thought for a moment before asking, “May I ask Mr. Gong Sun’s age?”
Wei Yun pressed his lips together.
He almost reported his actual age, but before speaking, he stopped himself due to a slight reluctance.
He didn’t like others treating him as a child, so he slowly spoke a lie, “Twenty-four.”
Hearing this, Chu Yu nodded, “That’s a good age. Mr. Gong Sun still has much room for improvement.”
Wei Yun: “…”
If he had known, he would have said thirty.
“The First Madam thinks twenty-four is still young. At what age does the First Madam consider a man to be mature and steady?” Wei Yun couldn’t help but ask, his courage seemingly bolstered by the mask.
Chu Yu, always open-minded, didn’t find Wei Yun’s question inappropriate. Instead, she thought about it seriously.
Finally, she said, “Well, at least thirty-five or thirty-six, I suppose?”
She had died in her thirties, so a mature and steady man should naturally be older than her.
Hearing this, Wei Yun felt a slight tightness in his chest, “If the First Madam were to remarry, does she prefer older men?”
Chu Yu didn’t think much of it, following Wei Yun’s line of thought, she pondered seriously, “Hmm, if I were to remarry, I should find someone ten or more years older than me, right?”
“That much older,” Wei Yun took a sip of tea, saying flatly, “Doesn’t the First Madam worry about spending ten or more years alone?”
This comment was rather inappropriate, but Chu Yu didn’t notice. Instead, she answered seriously, “I think when men grow older, they become more mature and caring.”
“That has nothing to do with age,” Wei Yun said decisively, “It’s about the person.”
Hearing Wei Yun’s words, Chu Yu thought for a moment and felt that it seemed to make sense.
For example, Gu Chusheng seemed to be more caring when he was younger than he was later.
Seeing that she had fallen silent, Wei Yun finally had space to calm down. He realized what he had said and felt somewhat regretful.
He pressed his lips tightly, not knowing how to remedy the situation, and remained silent. However, Chu Yu was seriously considering his words. She nodded and said to him, “You’re right. For example, our Marquis, although young, was more sensible and steady than many others, and knew how to care for people. Whoever marries him in the future will surely live a good life.”
Hearing this, Wei Yun’s ears reddened for some reason.
After Chu Yu finished speaking, she waited for a while. Seeing that Wei Yun didn’t respond, she asked curiously, “Mr. Gong Sun?”
“Mm,” Wei Yun knew he had to say something, so he thickened his skin and nodded, “You’re right, the young Marquis is a steady person.”
So the two continued to praise Wei Yun for a while. Wei Yun’s face under the mask grew redder and redder from the compliments. Finally, they arrived at the gate of the Wei mansion. Wei Qian went forward to knock on the main gate. The gatekeeper opened the door, and Wei Yun directly raised his token, lowering his voice as instructed by Chu Yu, “Escorting the First Madam back to the mansion.”
The gatekeeper’s expression immediately changed. After looking around, he opened the door and whispered, “Come in quickly.”
Wei Qian nodded and had someone inform Chu Yu and Wei Yun in the carriage. Wei Yun put a hat on Chu Yu and carried her down from the carriage, quickly entering the mansion.
Once inside, Wei Yun didn’t put her down, following Chu Yu’s instructions as they walked inward. After a short distance, they saw Jiang Chun approaching with Long Moon and Late Moon. Seeing Wei Yun carrying Chu Yu, she anxiously asked, “Is she alright?”
Wei Yun nodded, “The wounds have all been treated. She just needs to rest well.”
Jiang Chun was still quite worried and ordered someone to fetch a doctor. Then she led Wei Yun to Chu Yu’s room. After putting Chu Yu down, Wei Yun stood to the side. Jiang Chun exchanged a few words with Chu Yu, and after confirming that she was fine, finally remembered Wei Yun. She turned and asked, “May I ask the gentleman’s surname?”
Wei Yun repeated the story he had made up for Chu Yu. After hearing it, Jiang Chun hurriedly bowed to Wei Yun. Wei Yun stepped forward to support her, quickly saying, “Second Madam, there’s no need for such courtesy. I’m just following the Marquis’s orders, nothing special.”
Jiang Chun shook her head, saying earnestly, “You saved my sister-in-law. We should be grateful, both emotionally and rationally. If Mr. Gong Sun encounters any difficulties during your stay, you can tell me. I manage all affairs within the household, so please don’t hesitate.”
Wei Yun nodded, respectfully saying, “Thank you, Second Madam.”
Jiang Chun said nothing, looking Wei Yun up and down. Chu Yu, lying on the bed, felt somewhat drowsy. With no one talking to her, her consciousness began to scatter, and she fell into a hazy sleep.
Wei Yun turned his head to look at Chu Yu’s sleeping form. That glance seemed casual, but the intense affection and fondness were suppressed in his eyes. If one looked carefully, it could be seen.
Jiang Chun heard Chu Yu’s breathing gradually become steady. She was about to speak when Long Moon rushed in from outside, exclaiming loudly, “It’s not good! Lord Gu is at the door now. He wants to see the First Madam!”
“Stop him!”
Jiang Chun and Wei Yun spoke in unison, lowering their voices. Chu Yu opened her eyes hazily. Wei Yun and Jiang Chun glanced at Chu Yu before turning to leave.
As soon as they left the corridor, Jiang Chun immediately said, “No one can know about Chu Yu leaving the city…”
“He already knows,” Wei Yun said flatly. Jiang Chun’s face stiffened, but she still gritted her teeth, “Even if he knows, the less he knows, the better.”
Wei Yun nodded, quite agreeing with Jiang Chun’s words. At this moment, another servant rushed in, anxiously saying, “Second Madam, Lord Gu insists on seeing the First Madam before he leaves. He’s making a scene in the main hall.”
Jiang Chun frowned, her face showing bitterness.
Wei Yun appeared composed and gentle on the surface, but inside, he was already in turmoil. Seeing Jiang Chun’s dilemma, he directly said, “I’ll handle it.”
Without waiting for Jiang Chun’s agreement, he walked straight towards the main hall.
When he entered the main hall, Gu Chusheng was confronting the servants. The room was noisy. Gu Chusheng sat kneeling at the entrance, calmly pouring himself tea and slowly sipping it.
He sensed Wei Yun watching him. Gu Chusheng raised his eyes, silently meeting Wei Yun’s gaze.
He didn’t show any signs of backing down, just narrowed his eyes. Remembering this person’s interlocked fingers with Chu Yu in the carriage, he said coldly, “May I ask how to address you, sir?”
“How I’m addressed is not important,” Wei Yun spoke calmly, “You only need to know that I’m here for one thing.”
“Please enlighten me, sir,” Gu Chusheng asked respectfully. Wei Yun looked at him, his gaze steady and calm, far beyond what a young man should possess.
He folded his hands in his sleeves, staring at Gu Chusheng, and spoke each word clearly and forcefully.
“Get out!”