Wei Yun listened to Gu Chusheng’s words for a long time without speaking. Gu Chusheng stepped forward and continued: “Su Cha is arrogant, cruel, and likes to listen to slander. I’ll tie you up and offer you to him, then negotiate. Before reinforcements arrive, we’ll try to keep him stable and prevent a massacre.”
Wei Yun said nothing. Gu Chusheng grew anxious: “No one else is suitable for this task, only I am. Everyone knows I’m not a good person to begin with…”
“But what about afterward?” Wei Yun suddenly spoke. Gu Chusheng was taken aback. Wei Yun looked at him steadily: “Huajing will be reclaimed sooner or later. When that time comes, as a surrendered official, do you know what you’ll face? You’ll face the historians’ abuse, and be reviled for generations. People will treat you more cruelly than they would the Beidi. They’ll insult you, humiliate you, even kill you.”
As Gu Chusheng listened to this, his gaze gradually steadied. When Wei Yun finished, Gu Chusheng turned to look at the iron cavalry waiting outside and smiled: “So what? Someone has to do this. I can’t watch Gao Wen and the others lead all these citizens to their deaths. They may fulfill their duty of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, but what about the common people?”
“I admire their integrity,” Gu Chusheng said calmly, looking back. “But Wei Yun, I’ve been through too much. I can’t afford their faith and persistence. For me, I just want people to live well, and to save as much as possible. When I was in Qingzhou, I watched many people die before me. I can’t control natural disasters, but at least this time, I must stop this man-made calamity.”
“You think the same as I do. When you said to surrender at that moment, wasn’t that what you meant?” Gu Chusheng smiled. “But Wei Yun, you are Wei Yun. How can you surrender? If I surrender, that’s expected. But if you surrender, it means the Great Chu is finished for this world and these people.”
“If the man known as the War God of Great Chu, the Seventh Young Master Wei of Jiangbei, surrenders, how many people do you think will still have the will to fight? How many can hold out without surrendering?”
Wei Yun quietly looked at Gu Chusheng. After a long while, he raised his hand. Gu Chusheng’s hand fell on Wei Yun’s raised palm as he heard him say, “Gu Chusheng, I don’t know if it’s too late to make you my brother at this moment.”
In two lifetimes among civil officials, this was the first time Gu Chusheng had heard such words. After a moment, he smiled and raised his hand to grasp Wei Yun’s: “It’s not too late.”
“Gu Chusheng,” Wei Yun laughed heartily, “Next spring, I’ll invite you for a drink.”
Gu Chusheng responded, “Alright.”
“Next spring, we’ll drink together.”
The two discussed for a while, with Wei Yun briefly deploying subsequent matters to Gu Chusheng.
“The Beidi suffer from cold and haven’t experienced much luxury. When the time comes, use all your flattering skills to confuse their minds. They often use hawks to send messages, training them with a special incense. You can have someone use this incense outside the city to lure down the hawks and alter their message content, making them think Zhao Yue wants them to wait for news.”
“The Beidi like to drink and are generous. Have a few talkative soldiers specifically befriend the soldiers guarding the city gates. When reinforcements come, it’s best to replace the gate guards with our people. If you can’t replace them, secretly deploy troops to kill them directly.”
“The Beidi are not good at street fighting. Once reinforcements enter the city, they’ll surely scatter. You must have the civilians prepared. If they encounter Beidi soldiers, they shouldn’t be afraid. In street battles, the Beidi may not be stronger than ordinary civilians.”
…
Wei Yun spoke very quickly. He was very familiar with the Beidi. Gu Chusheng quickly noted everything down. Soon, the sound of war drums came from nearby. Gu Chusheng’s expression turned cold. He patted Wei Yun’s shoulder and said, “I’m going down.”
Wei Yun responded. Gu Chusheng hurried down from the city wall. Outside came the sound of killing. Wei Yun, holding his long spear, waited quietly on the city wall.
Gu Chusheng ran to the bottom of the city wall. Gao Wen led several hundred officials, holding their tablets, waiting with stiff necks for the moment the city would fall.
Gu Chusheng rushed down, shouting to the guards defending the city: “Open the gate!”
“What?” The guards were stunned.
Gu Chusheng roared, “Open the gate, surrender to the Beidi!”
“Gu Chusheng?!” Hearing this, Gao Wen stood up abruptly, shouting angrily, “You scoundrel, what are you saying?!”
“I said,” Gu Chusheng turned around, staring fiercely at Gao Wen, “Open the gate, surrender to the Beidi.”
“Nonsense!” Gao Wen rushed forward with his tablet raised, about to strike. Gu Chusheng grabbed his hand, his expression sorrowful: “Lord Gao, the city can’t be held!”
As he spoke, he turned his head and instructed those nearby: “Call all the civilians out. Those who want to live, kneel here!”
No one nearby dared to move. Gu Chusheng closed his eyes briefly, then opened them and looked steadily at Gao Wen, saying, “Lord Gao, even if we fight to the last, we still can’t avoid the city falling. Do you know what happens after the city falls? The Beidi never spared women and children in cities that resisted. Don’t you know that?!”
“So what!” Gao Wen shouted, “We will live and die with Huajing!”
“Did you ask the civilians if they want to die?!”
“Lord Gao,” Gu Chusheng gritted his teeth, “I don’t fear death. Which of the Great Chu officials here fears death? If we feared death, couldn’t we have left with the Princess just now?! But if we die, does it have any meaning?! Only the living have a future. If we surrender today, when Wei Yun’s army comes to rescue Huajing later, we can coordinate from within. That’s the right path! If you lead everyone to die today, does that death have any value?”
“We are officials, supported by the people. To live and die for the country is our responsibility. But the country is not just one city or one emperor. The millions of common people, that’s the country! Now the people are still alive, the country has not yet perished. If we don’t protect them well, what’s the point of seeking death?”
These words made many people look bewildered. Gu Chusheng let go of Gao Wen and turned to face everyone, shouting, “Why do we serve as officials? Isn’t it to seek a prosperous and peaceful world, to let people live in peace and contentment?! But what are you doing now? For the sake of your integrity, for your names to be recorded in history, you’re dragging everyone to die with you!”
“When you die, your name might be recorded in the history books, but what about the millions of civilians in this city? They’re sacrificing their lives to fulfill your sense of righteousness, but have you asked if they want to die?!”
Civilians began to come out of their houses, summoned by the soldiers.
The city gate was repeatedly battered. Outside, the sound of killing was like hell. Gu Chusheng stared fiercely at the stunned officials present and said through gritted teeth, “Who gave you the right to lead all the civilians to their deaths? Do you want to die?”
As he spoke, Gu Chusheng raised his head to look at those civilians who showed fear on their faces, and raised his voice: “Who among you wants to die?!”
“I… I don’t want to…” Finally, a child timidly raised his hand. His mother looked terrified and quickly covered his mouth. But the child could no longer control himself and burst into loud tears. The woman quickly knelt on the ground, desperately pleading, “My lord, please spare him. He’s just a child, he doesn’t understand!”
“I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die. Why die if we can live? I’m scared…” The child’s voice kept echoing.
Gu Chusheng walked over and half-squatted down, staring at the child: “Child, tell me, if today you have to kneel to the Beidi and call them ‘Your Majesty’, does that mean you’re no longer a Great Chu person?”
“Why wouldn’t I be a Great Chu person?” The child looked confused.
Gu Chusheng smiled. He stood up, stroking the child’s head, and said to everyone: “What if we surrender today? If we surrender, are we no longer Great Chu people?!”
No one spoke. Gu Chusheng suddenly drew his sword from beside him, pointing it at the officials, and said in a low voice: “Let me make it clear today. Whoever doesn’t surrender is treating others’ lives as worthless. Then don’t blame me for treating their lives as worthless. I’ll ask one last time—”
Gu Chusheng suddenly raised his voice: “Surrender or not?!”
No one spoke. Gu Chusheng turned around and raised his hand: “Come with me to raise the surrender flag!”
The soldiers looked at each other. A big man gritted his teeth and suddenly said: “Lord Gu is right. Where there’s life, there’s hope! I’ll go with Lord Gu!”
Once someone took the lead, many soldiers followed Gu Chusheng up. Gu Chusheng rushed up to the wall, hurriedly coming to the military flag. Some soldiers exclaimed in shock: “Lord Gu, what are you doing?!”
“Surrender!” Gu Chusheng took out the white flag from where it was hidden, hung it up, and raised the white flag. He turned his head and shouted: “Emperor Su Cha! We are willing to surrender!”
As this shout rang out, the people around looked at each other. The sound of gongs and drums arose, and everyone gradually stopped fighting. Gu Chusheng led people to Wei Yun’s side. He quietly looked at Wei Yun and said coldly: “Tie him up.”
No one dared to come forward. Gu Chusheng gritted his teeth and dragged the rope himself, swiftly tying Wei Yun up.
Wei Yun didn’t resist. As Gu Chusheng tied his hands, Gu Chusheng led Wei Yun down from the wall. Everyone watched as this usually noble young man dragged the Great Chu’s most trusted minister to the city gate and shouted: “Open the gate!”
The city gate slowly opened wide. Gu Chusheng and Wei Yun, one in red and one in white, stood at the front. Wei Yun still had blood on him but his expression was extremely calm. Gu Chusheng’s expression was steady as he watched the iron cavalry appear outside the city gate. Su Cha sat on his warhorse. The moment Gu Chusheng saw Su Cha, he immediately performed a deep bow, respectfully kneeling, bowing his head deeply, and shouting in an extremely excited voice: “This slave Gu Chusheng welcomes Your Majesty to enter the capital!”
Such a fawning attitude stunned even the Beidi people, while the officials behind Gu Chusheng couldn’t help but clench their fists.
After being stunned for a moment, Su Cha burst into laughter: “I’ve always heard that the Great Chu people have great integrity. I didn’t expect to find such a spineless one. Gu Chusheng, why are you so happy about me entering Huajing?”
“Your Majesty is the son of heaven’s mandate, a wise ruler,” Gu Chusheng raised his head, smiling, his eyes full of admiration. “We have suffered under Zhao Yue’s oppression and have long yearned for Your Majesty to enter the capital! From now on, we are subjects of the Beidi, and under the protection of a sage ruler, we will surely have a bright future! Long live Your Majesty!”
“Oh, you say I’m your sage ruler?” Su Cha raised his head to look at the standing crowd, his eyes filled with malice. “I don’t think the people behind you think so, do they?”
“Your Majesty,” Gu Chusheng said with a smile, “They are waiting for you to agree to become your subjects. You’ve come to Huajing, which means you’ve rescued us from danger. We are willing to be your slaves and servants, all loyal to Your Majesty!”
Su Cha was silent, staring at Gu Chusheng. After a moment, he smiled, dismounted, and someone quickly brought him a chair. After Su Cha sat down, he patted his left leg and said with a smile: “We Beidi are always magnanimous. If you’re willing to surrender, I can give you this opportunity. But I don’t know how sincere your words about being slaves and servants are. I wonder if Grand Scholar Gu would be willing to come over and polish my shoes for me?”
Hearing this, everyone gritted their teeth. However, Gu Chusheng’s expression remained unchanged. The smile on his face even grew broader. He quickly kowtowed and said: “This is this slave’s honor!”
As he was about to stand up, Su Cha immediately said: “Crawl over.”
Gu Chusheng stiffened for a moment. Wei Yun’s gaze fell on Gu Chusheng. He saw this usually proud man, under everyone’s gaze, smile and crawl step by step to Su Cha’s feet, using his official robe to polish Su Cha’s shoes.
Wei Yun closed his eyes, unable to bear watching anymore. Su Cha burst into laughter, while among the civilians, some reddened their eyes, watching Gu Chusheng polish shoes at that man’s feet.
“Good, very good,” Su Cha kicked Gu Chusheng away. “The Great Chu people indeed have their ways. You’ve served this king very pleasantly! Then I’ll give you a chance. Those who kneel will live, those who stand…”
Su Cha didn’t finish, but everyone already understood. In the silence, Gu Chusheng shouted: “Kneel! Everyone kneel!”
With this shout, starting with the civilians, one after another, like a wave, they knelt.
After all the civilians had knelt, some officials also began to kneel. Finally, in the vast crowd of people, only Wei Yun remained standing. His white clothes were stained with blood, and he stood among the crowd, graceful and elegant.
His hands were tied with hemp rope, but his face was as calm as water, showing fearlessness of life and death, and an indomitable spirit, as if no one could do anything to him.
Everyone’s gaze fell on him. Su Cha sneered: “What’s this? Does Prince Wei not want to live?”
Wei Yun didn’t look at him, silently gazing beyond the city gate as if he hadn’t heard a word.
Enraged by Wei Yun’s attitude, Su Cha swiftly drew his blade and held it to Wei Yun’s throat. “You think I won’t kill you?!”
“Then do it,” Wei Yun said, his eyes meeting Su Cha’s. “Go ahead.”
“Your Majesty!” Gu Chusheng rushed forward anxiously. “You’ve fallen into a trap!”
Su Cha turned to look at Gu Chusheng, who sighed, “Your Majesty, dying is easy. Prince Wei is begging you to kill him.”
Su Cha paused, glancing between Wei Yun and Gu Chusheng. After a moment, he laughed. “You’re right. Death is easy, but living,” Su Cha patted Wei Yun’s face, “that’s the real challenge.”
“Indeed,” Gu Chusheng stepped forward, following Su Cha and fawning, “In this servant’s opinion, Your Majesty needn’t kill Prince Wei. You should keep him alive and torment him bit by bit.”
“Exactly!” Su Cha roared with laughter. He turned to Wei Yun, “I won’t kill you, Wei Yun.” He sneered, “I’ll make you live, live well. I’ll humiliate you, torture you, and show you what all your years of faith and protection have amounted to – nothing but trash!”
Su Cha approached Wei Yun, suddenly grabbing his hair and speaking coldly, “I’ll make you beg me on your knees, living like a dog.”
With that, he viciously kicked Wei Yun’s leg, shouting, “Kneel!”
Wei Yun stumbled but didn’t kneel. Su Cha stepped back, looking at the gathered citizens of Da Chu. He spoke coldly, “Make him kneel! Grab those children and women!”
Su Cha pointed at a row of citizens. Northern Di soldiers rushed forward, seizing the nearest women and children, and dragging them over to form a line. Su Cha sat down, resting his chin on his hand as he addressed Wei Yun, “If he doesn’t kneel in a quarter hour, I’ll start counting. For each count, I’ll kill one person.”
Hearing this, the children and women began to cry. Panic spread through the crowd, with many kowtowing, begging both Su Cha and Wei Yun.
Su Cha calmly watched Wei Yun. “What’s this, Prince Wei? Is your pride worth more than these lives?”
Wei Yun said nothing, closing his eyes.
The families of the women and children rushed forward, surrounding Wei Yun. They wept, kowtowed, and tugged at his clothes.
“General Wei, please, we beg you.”
“Young Master, I used to sell you flowers. My son is only seven…”
“Prince Wei, Lord Wei…”
The voices around him cut like blades, but Wei Yun still stood tall, unbowed.
“Wei Yun!” Someone finally cried out sharply, “In your heart, are lives worth less than your pride?”
Hearing this, Wei Yun trembled. He slowly opened his eyes and said with difficulty, “I’m sorry…”
But he couldn’t kneel.
All of Chang’an had already knelt, so he couldn’t.
He was different from these commoners, different from ordinary officials. He was Da Chu’s integrity, Da Chu’s backbone. If he knelt, there would be no more battles to fight.
Everyone fears death; there’s no shame in that. But if soldiers on the battlefield feared death, who would protect the land behind them?
So everyone else could kneel, but he couldn’t.
Even if it meant death, Wei Yun had to show the world that he hadn’t surrendered, that Da Chu hadn’t lost.
“Hmm, only half the time remains,” Su Cha reminded the citizens begging Wei Yun on the ground. “It seems you can’t persuade your General Wei. Of course, how could someone of such integrity care about the lives of mere commoners like you?”
These words inflamed the kneeling people. A frail man suddenly stood up.
“Prince Wei,” he gritted his teeth, “my wife and child are there. I’m sorry.”
Wei Yun heard this and opened his eyes, quietly looking at the man.
The man seemed ill, very thin. Wei Yun’s expression was calm with a hint of apology. He said nothing, but his eyes seemed to hold forgiveness.
The man couldn’t bear to look at Wei Yun anymore. He rushed forward, kicking Wei Yun’s leg, shouting, “Kneel!”
Wei Yun gritted his teeth and didn’t move. Others gradually joined this violence.
They dragged him, kicked him, beat him.
Time and again, they forced him to the ground, and time and again, Wei Yun stood back up.
As time grew short, the people’s actions became more frenzied. Cries, curses, and countless voices blended, leaving Wei Yun’s ears ringing.
He felt rain on his face as he was pushed to the ground. Blood flowed from his forehead. He curled up, using his hands to protect himself. These people were quite weak compared to him, but he didn’t fight back. He tried to protect himself, resisting their pulling.
He vaguely heard someone crying out.
“Kneel!”
“Wei Yun, kneel!”
His body trembled slightly. For a moment, he seemed to return to his childhood. Back then, his brother, his father, and even his uncles all stood before him, swords drawn and spears ready.
“The Wei family has never had deserters, nor have we ever surrendered.”
“We Wei serve the country and the people. To die wrapped in horsehide on the battlefield is no regret.”
“Everyone has their duty. Born to the Wei family, one must protect the nation.”
Many voices intertwined in his ears. Amidst the clash of weapons and a surge of hot blood, intense pain spread through his body. Yet he vaguely felt as if someone was embracing him, accompanying him.
That familiar feeling seemed to be from many years ago.
That year when he walked out of the palace gates, she knelt before them, with hundreds of memorial tablets behind her. The heavy rain soaked her clothes, but her expression remained calm and resolute. At that moment, as he quietly watched her, he felt as if someone had raised a canopy for him, sheltering him from the wind and rain.
From then on, she accompanied him, always appearing at his most difficult moments. In Fengling City, he held her tightly; in the Northern Di territory, she carried him across the desert; after their return, she joined him in rebellion…
She said, “I’ll accompany you on this path.”
This path, no matter how difficult, no matter how many curse them, no matter how many bones pile up, I’ll be with you.
He remembered those times, remembered their countless embraces. These warmest moments of his life converged at this moment, becoming a thin yet resilient light against the overwhelming darkness.
“Nine hundred li of Heguan…”
The citizens grabbed him, and he murmured.
“Twelve beacon towers…”
“Lift him! Force his legs down!”
“Rather break bones to make blades…”
“Hold him down! Push his head down!”
“White horses turn to green moss…”
“Your Majesty!” A large man threw himself at Su Cha’s feet, tearfully saying, “He’s kneeling! He’s kneeling!”
Su Cha said nothing. Everyone quietly watched the man who seemed to have lost his senses, covered in blood.
It appeared his bones had been broken, forcing him into a twisted kneeling position before Su Cha. Yet no one present felt this kneeling was humiliation or submission.
Though he knelt, everyone sensed that in his heart, this man had never truly knelt.
Even betrayed by the subjects he protected, even with his leg bones forcibly broken, it seemed nothing could diminish his spirit.
Su Cha quietly looked at him, suddenly losing interest.
He waved his hand irritably and stood up, saying, “Enough, drag him away. Don’t let him die.”
Turning to Gu Chusheng, he said, “Gu Chusheng, why don’t I make you Prime Minister, and I’ll try being the Emperor of Da Chu?”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Gu Chusheng hastily knelt again, fawning, “Your Majesty’s bearing is majestic, combining the boldness of the North with the refinement of the South. Whether in Northern Di or Da Chu, Your Majesty is truly the lord of all under heaven!”
This flattery greatly pleased Su Cha. Laughing heartily, he led Gu Chusheng away.
As Su Cha left, the citizens holding Wei Yun down rushed to their families. Wei Yun lay on the ground, slightly opening his eyes as raindrops fell into them.
“A Yu…” he murmured.
A Yu, you’ve left the city. You should be… safe, right?
Chu Yu followed the Princess out of the city. As soon as they reached the army, Zhang Hui led his troops forward, respectfully addressing them before the imperial carriage, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, shall we retreat to Yun City first?”
Yun City was Zhao Yue’s closest governed area to Chang’an. The Princess, combing Zhao Yue’s hair, calmly replied, “Very well.”
The army quickly headed towards Yun City. In the carriage, Chu Yu gradually calmed down. She hugged herself, shivering. After a moment, she took a deep breath, wiped her tears, and lifted the curtain. Looking at Chang Yue and Wan Yue sitting outside the carriage, she calmly asked, “Where are we going?”
Wan Yue lowered her voice, “Zhang Hui said we’re going to Yun City.”
“Go down and say I request an audience with Imperial Consort Mei.”
Chu Yu gave the order, and Chang Yue responded, immediately descending from the carriage to relay the message. After a short while, a maid came to escort Chu Yu to the imperial carriage.
As Chu Yu boarded, the Princess seemed to be contemplating something while Zhao Yue rested his head on her lap as she combed his hair.
Chu Yu approached her and spoke in a low voice, “Princess, I can’t fall into Zhang Hui’s hands.”
“I know,” the Princess looked up at her, her eyes cold. “We need to leave.”
“What’s your plan, Princess?”
“I have someone among Zhang Hui’s men,” the Princess said slowly. “I’ve already asked. Tonight at the Hour of the Ox, when we make camp to rest, he’ll be on guard duty. That’s when we’ll escape.”
“What about Zhao Yue?”
Chu Yu glanced at Zhao Yue. The Princess pursed her lips, then decisively said, “Kill him!”
Chu Yu quietly looked at the Princess, who seemed to know what she was thinking. She raised her eyes to meet Chu Yu’s, calmly saying, “Since he already planned to let the Northern Di into Chang’an to resolve his own predicament, I fear his current state isn’t genuine. Zhang Hui using such great effort to retrieve him in this condition must have other intentions. Even if I wanted to keep him, I wouldn’t dare.”
“If the Princess can make this decision,” Chu Yu nodded, “that’s for the best.”
The two discussed their escape plans for a while before Zhang Hui appeared outside the imperial carriage. “Your Highness, please take care of yourself. Shouldn’t you rest now?”
“Thank you, Eunuch Zhang,” the Princess replied calmly. “I’ll send Miss Chu back to her carriage now.”
Chu Yu returned to her carriage. When night fell and the army made camp, Chu Yu shared a tent with Wan Yue and Chang Yue. After packing their belongings, they quietly waited for the Hour of the Ox.
Shortly after the Princess settled in, Zhang Hui entered her tent.
The Princess, not daring to leave Zhao Yue’s side, calmly asked while guarding his body, “What brings Eunuch Zhang here so late at night?”
“His Majesty’s health is poor. This servant has come to deliver medicine.”
Hearing Zhang Hui’s words, the Princess’s gaze fell on the bowl of medicine in his hand.
Her expression remained calm, but at this moment she was certain that all of this had indeed been arranged by Zhao Yue.
Holding Zhao Yue, she displayed a wary expression. “Whose prescription is this? What is it for?”
Seeing the Princess’s demeanor, Zhang Hui was silent for a moment. Holding the medicine bowl, he slowly began, “Actually, this servant has never liked Your Highness.”
The Princess was taken aback as Zhang Hui continued, “From the time His Majesty was still the Crown Prince, this servant felt that for His Majesty, Your Highness was a disaster waiting to happen.”
“Why are you telling me this?” The Princess frowned.
Zhang Hui looked at her quietly. “The truth is, I know His Majesty isn’t a good emperor. But to be fair, His Majesty is a good husband. His Majesty may have failed the world, but he never failed you. So, Princess,” Zhang Hui sighed lightly, “anyone else can betray His Majesty, but you can’t.”
The Princess said nothing. After a moment, she gave a bitter smile. “Eunuch Zhang worries too much. His Majesty is my heaven. As a treacherous favored consort like myself,” the Princess raised her hand, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, “with His Majesty gone, who else could I rely on?”
Zhang Hui fell silent. After a long while, he stepped forward and respectfully said, “Please, Princess, give His Majesty the medicine.”
The Princess looked at the medicine. She didn’t want to administer it, but at this moment, she couldn’t let Zhang Hui see through her. So she took the bowl and fed the medicine to Zhao Yue. After doing so, the Princess glanced at Zhang Hui and said flatly, “I need to attend to His Majesty as he rests. You may leave.”
Zhang Hui observed Zhao Yue for a moment before respectfully withdrawing.
After he left, the Princess had the maids extinguish the lights, then lay down with Zhao Yue, silently counting the time.
She heard the sound of guards changing shifts outside. She got up and said to the maid outside, “Haitang, go bring the sweet soup I had you prepare earlier to Miss Chu. That will help her sleep.”
According to the plan, using the pretext of delivering sweet soup, once the soup was delivered, Chu Yu would know everything was ready. At that time, Chu Yu would go to steal horses, and they would meet in front of the camp.
As the servant’s footsteps faded away, the Princess Consort immediately got out of bed. After changing into light, comfortable clothes, she simply tied up her hair, fastened a sword and dagger to her waist, and also took some medicine bottles.
Just as she was preparing everything, she suddenly heard a weak call: “Sister?”
The Princess Consort whirled around to see Zhao Yue propping himself up in bed. She immediately pounced on him, pressing a blade to his throat, and said coldly: “Don’t make a sound.”
Zhao Yue’s expression turned cold. Though he was clearly still weak, his gaze held an unrelenting calmness: “What are you trying to do?”
Commotion erupted outside. The Princess Consort grabbed a rope from behind her and swiftly tied Zhao Yue’s hands. She then ran to the door and discovered that Chu Yu’s people had alerted the soldiers.
After all, stealing horses was bound to cause a disturbance and had awakened people. The Princess Consort thought for a moment, then grabbed Zhao Yue, holding a knife to his throat, and dragged him outside.
Zhao Yue had just woken up and couldn’t quite grasp the situation. He remained silent, quickly assessing the current circumstances in his mind. As he was led out bound, the Princess Consort shouted loudly: “Everyone stop!”
Seeing Chu Yu and the others surrounded by people, Zhao Yue immediately understood how far the plan had progressed.
“Mei Fei,” he said calmly, “I know you want to let Chu Yu escape. Release me, and I’ll let her go.”
“Your Majesty,” the Princess Consort laughed lightly, “You think I would believe you?”
“When have I ever lied to you?”
“Haven’t you lied to me enough?”
This silenced Zhao Yue. The Princess Consort held him hostage as they moved forward. Zhang Hui anxiously stepped forward: “Your Majesty!”
Zhao Yue raised his hand to stop Zhang Hui’s actions, calmly saying: “Don’t make trouble. Be careful of the child.”
The Princess Consort said nothing. She forced Zhao Yue to walk to the horse, coldly ordering: “Get on.”
Zhao Yue remained silent. With the Princess Consort’s sword at his waist, he obediently mounted the horse. The Princess Consort swung up behind him and shouted to Chu Yu: “Go!”
“Tell me what you want to do,” Zhao Yue spoke calmly. “This isn’t good for the child.”
“Shut up!”
The Princess Consort slapped him across the face, angrily saying: “Who gave you permission to speak?!”
Zhao Yue pressed his lips together. The Princess Consort held him in her arms as she frantically spurred the horse. Zhao Yue silently broke the bones in his hand, noiselessly freeing it from the rope.
He had always been a ruthless person, cruel to others and even more so to himself. Even with such intense pain, his expression remained unchanged.
He was still weak at that moment and couldn’t put up much resistance, so he pondered how to control the situation.
Seeing them ride away, Zhang Hui couldn’t bear it. He led the pursuing troops to charge after them, gritting his teeth and glaring fiercely at the Princess Consort.
“General, I knew that woman was no good!” an officer shouted angrily. “Watch me cut her down!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the officer drew his bow and fired an arrow straight at the Princess Consort!
Zhang Hui cried out in horror: “Stop!”
It was too late. The arrow hurtled towards the Princess Consort. She only knew some basic martial arts and had no time to dodge. Chu Yu heard the sound of the arrow and turned back in shock: “Your Highness!”
However, in that instant, Zhao Yue, who was in front of the Princess Consort, suddenly grabbed her in an embrace and turned, falling to the side.
The arrow struck Zhao Yue’s flesh with a thud. Zhao Yue looked up at her with a pale face: “Are you alright?”
The Princess Consort had no time to speak. She grabbed Zhao Yue, hoisted him onto her back, and remounted the horse.
Now that they dared to shoot arrows even with Zhao Yue present, once they lost Zhao Yue as their protection, they feared they truly wouldn’t be able to escape.
Zhao Yue was already weak, and now wounded by the arrow and jostled by the horse, he felt his internal organs churning in pain. He had no strength left and could only reach out, struggling to hold onto the Princess Consort. He said with difficulty: “Ride into the dense forest. I can’t go on. Zhang Hui won’t let you go.”
He had no time to ask her why she was running or what exactly had happened. He just felt that embracing this person, with the biting wind rushing past, gave him a sense of fleeing to the ends of the earth.
He felt his body growing cold and inexplicably had a sense of impending doom. He wanted to hold on tighter but feared hurting the child in her womb. However, just as this thought occurred to him, he suddenly realized something was amiss.
A child of over six months… why was the Princess Consort’s abdomen so flat?
He abruptly became aware of something and frantically grasped her shoulder, asking wildly: “Where’s the child?!”
“What?”
The Princess Consort rode through the forest as Zhao Yue angrily demanded: “Where’s the child? Did someone harm you? Who harmed you?!”
The Princess Consort was stunned for a moment. This time she finally understood what Zhao Yue meant. She glanced at him and saw his face was deathly pale, his body soaked in blood. She suddenly felt a sense of panic. She didn’t dare look at him and turned her head away, somewhat flustered.
“Who harmed you…”
Zhao Yue lay on her back, breathing heavily: “Don’t be afraid. Tell me. I’ll kill them. No one can harm you…”
He repeated this over and over, his voice growing weaker and weaker.
The Princess Consort felt somewhat bewildered. She sensed something and finally spoke: “Ah Yue, there is no child.”
The person on her back froze. The Princess Consort continued: “Actually…”
“Shut up…” Zhao Yue began to tremble violently. The Princess Consort knew that someone as intelligent as him only needed a few clues to grasp the whole picture. Yet she wanted to tell him.
She didn’t know if this was for revenge or something else, but she desperately wanted to tell him everything.
“There is no child,” she said with a laugh. “It was all a lie.”
“Shut up! Shut up!” Zhao Yue roared. “There is a child! You do have one!”
“I don’t,” the Princess Consort said calmly. “It was just to stabilize the situation while poisoning you. After your death, I would have found some child to claim as yours.”
Zhao Yue was stunned. The Princess Consort continued: “I administered the poison. I set the trap. Your greatest enemy was never Gu Chusheng or Wei Yun, but me.”
“Why…” Zhao Yue’s voice was hoarse. “Why would you do this to me…”
“Zhao Yue,” the Princess Consort blinked, feeling her eyes grow moist, “I’m not someone who would give up everything for love. After you killed my brother and my husband, sent away my daughter, and destroyed my country, did you think I would still forgive you?”
“Didn’t you forgive me before?” Zhao Yue asked hoarsely. “After I killed Mei Hanxue…”
“I didn’t know it was you who killed him then.”
The Princess Consort spoke calmly, and Zhao Yue fell silent.
She smiled: “Zhao Yue if you could have controlled your desires, we wouldn’t have come to this.”
“Control desires…” Zhao Yue felt somewhat dizzy. He slowly closed his eyes. “Then I would have gotten nothing. I would have had to watch you marry someone else, see my family destroyed, be left with nothing, be your lover, watch you flirt with other men, and be unable to do anything…”
“Do you know why I became emperor?”
“I wanted revenge. I wanted to obtain everything I desired. I never again wanted to experience the humiliation of the past.”
The Princess Consort was stunned. For a moment, an image of Zhao Yue as a child flashed through her mind. Back then, he had been quiet and naive, kind almost to the point of oddity.
He would carefully return ants to their homes one by one and stop her from accidentally stepping on insects.
“But I never had any other lovers. It was all just for show.”
The Princess Consort spoke in a daze: “I liked you, but I was so much older than you. I was afraid you wouldn’t like me, so I always pretended I was just looking after you like a little brother. But actually, I liked you. After you came to the Princess’s Manor and I fell for you, I never touched anyone else.”
Zhao Yue was stunned. He wanted to respond, but he no longer had the strength.
He couldn’t describe what he was feeling. He just felt countless emotions welling up inside him.
Did he regret it?
Was he in pain?
He didn’t know. He just felt that if he had another chance… if only he could have one more chance…
His silence frightened the Princess Consort. She frantically spurred the horse onward, beginning to speak of the past. She talked about his faults, how terrible he was, but the person behind her gave no response.
She carried him on her back, following Chu Yu through the dense forest. When dawn broke, Chu Yu finally stopped and turned to say: “Let’s rest for a while.”
At this moment, she froze. The Princess Consort sat on the horse with Zhao Yue behind her, his chin resting in the crook of her neck, his arms tightly wrapped around her waist.
His blood had stained her entire body. Her expression was calm, but her face was streaked with tears.
Hearing Chu Yu’s words, she replied very calmly: “Alright.”
With that, she dismounted, and Zhao Yue fell directly onto the horse.
She didn’t look back, walking forward with the horse’s reins in hand.
Chu Yu hesitated, then asked uncertainly: “Your Highness, what should we do with Zhao Yue?”
The Princess Consort stopped in her tracks. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but couldn’t utter a word.
She stood there, not daring to look back. After a long while, Chu Yu finally heard her voice, as if she had struggled for a long time to squeeze out the words.
“Bury him.”
After saying this, the Princess Consort walked forward. She straightened her back, walking very proudly as if she didn’t care at all.
Chu Yu sighed and turned to Chang Yue beside him: “Bury him.”
While the Princess Consort and Chu Yu rested, Chang Yue and Wan Yue dug a hole with their swords and buried Zhao Yue. After burying him, Chu Yu brought water to the Princess Consort and asked hesitantly: “Should we erect a tombstone?”
The Princess Consort said nothing. After a moment, she smiled bitterly: “For someone like him, if there were a tombstone, his remains might not be left in peace.”
“Let it be,” the Princess Consort’s gaze fell on the distance. “Being able to rest on the earth is good enough.”
Everyone rested for a while before setting off again.
Seven days later, the group finally arrived at Bai Ling.
They first sent a message to Tao Quan. When she arrived at Bai Ling and had just dismounted from the carriage, she saw Tao Quan leading Shen You, Qin Shiyue, Liu Xueyang bringing Wang Lan, and the six young masters standing at the entrance waiting for her. As soon as she appeared, everyone knelt and called out: “Welcome back, Madam!”
Chu Yu was stunned for a moment. After a while, she smiled and raised her hand: “Rise.”
Seeing that she didn’t refuse, everyone let out a sigh of relief. Chu Yu led the Princess Consort down, and after everyone paid their respects again, they entered the city.
Upon entering the city, Chu Yu shared a carriage with Liu Xueyang and Wang Lan. Wang Lan carefully told Chu Yu about Jiang Chun’s situation. Chu Yu listened in silence and finally asked: “So now, she’s in Taiping City?”
“Mm,” Wang Lan sighed, “We don’t even know if she’s alive or dead.”
Chu Yu remained silent. The atmosphere grew somewhat awkward. After a long while, Liu Xueyang slowly spoke up: “Ah Yu…”
Chu Yu looked up at her. Liu Xueyang seemed to have aged considerably. She gazed at Chu Yu quietly, hesitating before saying: “In the past, I was narrow-minded. I wronged you. If I apologize to you now, could you… possibly let bygones be bygones?”
Chu Yu was surprised that Liu Xueyang would express her attitude so directly. After a moment of stunned silence, she didn’t beat around the bush and replied frankly: “Right now, the most important thing is for Little Seven to return. After everything we’ve been through, these other matters aren’t really important anymore.”
Liu Xueyang’s eyes reddened at these words. She nodded repeatedly: “Little Seven is the most important.”
Upon entering the manor, Chu Yu bid farewell to Liu Xueyang and the others, then summoned Tao Quan and the rest to understand the situation.
“Currently, Prince Chu is held up by the Chen kingdom, but he should be able to win this battle within seven days. However, there are 100,000 troops in Huajing. I’m afraid Prince Chu’s forces alone won’t be enough to match them.”
“Do we have any extra forces on our side?”
“No,” Shen You frowned, “It’s already a struggle to have nearly 100,000 Northern Di troops pressing on the border. Not to mention the 60,000 Yanzhou troops under Zhao Yue entangled with General Qin. We simply don’t have any extra forces to fight in Huajing. If this drags on any longer…”
Shen You glanced at Tao Quan: “With the plague situation, we might not be able to hold out.”
“Has the cure for the plague been found yet?”
“Princess Qingping says it’s almost ready, but there’s still one crucial ingredient that hasn’t been figured out.”
Chu Yu nodded. She thought for a moment, then stood up and said: “Let me think about this for a while. Everyone should rest first. We’ll discuss further tomorrow.”
Everyone acknowledged and left. Tao Quan glanced at Chu Yu’s belly and asked worriedly: “Is the little heir… doing alright?”
“He’s doing well.”
Hearing the inquiry about the child, Chu Yu unconsciously placed her hand on her belly and said with a smile: “He hasn’t given me too much trouble.”
Tao Quan let out a sigh of relief: “The Prince has been eagerly awaiting his birth. When he’s born, the Prince will surely be overjoyed, right?”
Chu Yu pressed her lips together and stood up, supported by Wan Yue. After chatting idly with Tao Quan for a while, she left.
She first went to Han Xiu’s armory. On the way there, she was deep in thought.
The core of this current situation lay with Song Shilan. If the Song family sent troops, things would be much easier. But for Song Shilan to send troops, they first needed to solve the plague issue and ensure Song Shilan’s survival.
And this plague…
Chu Yu furrowed her brow.
In her previous life, there was also a plague after the earthquake. At that time, it seemed Wei Qingping had found the cure.
There was indeed a very special ingredient in that cure. Back then, because it could treat the plague, it had sold out completely. She remembered that the ingredient was very common. At the time, she had wanted to use that medicine, but when she went to Jishi Hall to get it, she was told it was out of stock. Thinking about this, she stopped the carriage and leaned out to say: “Go to the pharmacy.”
At the pharmacy, Chu Yu began scanning the medicine cabinets. She went through the names one by one.
What time was it back then?
At that time, she seemed to be pregnant with Gu Yanqing. She had to drink pregnancy-stabilizing medicine every day, and because her constitution tended towards yin, many of the medicines she used were quite special. She beckoned the pharmacy’s doctor over, described her condition from that time, and asked the doctor to write prescriptions.
The doctor wrote one prescription after another, and Chu Yu scanned through them.
She had an impression.
She had an impression.
She desperately tried to recall, scanning back and forth more than a dozen times. Finally, she saw a familiar name.
That name corresponded with the missing medicine in her memory. Chu Yu suddenly stood up and said urgently: “Go, tell Princess Qingping to try adding baizhi into the mix!”
Although this world has changed a lot, disasters and plagues shouldn’t have fundamentally changed just because of their presence.
After finding the medicine, Chu Yu rested for a night and then hurried to Han Xiu’s armory early the next morning.
If Wei Qingping could have the prescription as planned and could keep Song Shilan alive, then the Song family could send troops. With the Song family’s forces combined with Chu Lingyang’s, taking Huajing wouldn’t be difficult.
But if Song Shilan died, then she would have to find a way for the Wei family to fight against greater numbers, preserve their strength as much as possible, and then join forces with Chu Lingyang to attack Huajing. Only then would they have a fifty-fifty chance of victory.
As for how to preserve their forces, the key lay in how many weapons Han Xiu had produced so far.
Chu Yu was planning the subsequent troop deployments when she finally arrived at the armory.
It was wartime, and Han Xiu was busy running around. When Chu Yu arrived, he hurriedly came out from the smelting room and bowed: “Madam.”
“I’ve come to check on the current inventory of weapons.”
Chu Yu followed Han Xiu inside. Han Xiu reported on the improved arrows, crossbows, armor, and other equipment. Finally, he opened the door to a secret room, allowing Chu Yu to see the quantity of gunpowder. Standing by the door, he said somewhat embarrassedly: “Gunpowder is expensive to produce and takes a long time. After you used it all up last time, we’ve only managed to prepare this much. But they’ve all been improved and are much more powerful than before.”
“How much more powerful?”
“Let me give you an example. With the same amount of gunpowder,” Han Xiu gestured, “the old version set off in snowy mountains would just create a few craters. Now, it not only creates craters but can also trigger an avalanche.”
Chu Yu had been looking at the gunpowder, but upon hearing Han Xiu’s words, something flashed through her mind. She raised her head and frowned: “What did you just say?”
“A-Avalanche?”
Han Xiu was somewhat confused. Chu Yu was stunned for a moment, then suddenly reacted.
“That’s it!”
She hurriedly said: “Are you sure this can cause an avalanche?”
Han Xiu found it puzzling. Chu Yu quickly dragged him out and led him to a map. She pointed to an area: “This place, do you recognize it?”
Han Xiu looked carefully, then said casually: “Snow Ridge, I know it.”
“Can this place be blown up?”
Seeing Chu Yu ask so seriously, Han Xiu didn’t dare answer rashly. He raised his hand and said: “Wait a moment, let me calculate first.”
With that, Han Xiu turned and left, bringing back another person. The two calculated for a long time, then nodded: “If we use it all, yes, we can.”
Chu Yu clapped her hands: “Good!”
Then she said: “Prepare these things in the coming days. I might need to use them at any time.”
After giving these instructions, Chu Yu hurried back to the Wei manor, called everyone over, and calmly said: “I have a plan.”
Everyone waited for Chu Yu to speak. Chu Yu walked to the sand table and gestured as she explained: “Currently, Shen You has 80,000 troops, and Shi Yue has 50,000. We still need to try to send forces to Huajing. If we continue fighting in a deadlock like now, we have no chance of victory. I want to take a risky move. I propose we transfer 60,000 troops from Shen You’s forces to Kunzhou to help Shi Yue encircle and annihilate Zhao Yue’s 60,000 troops. At that time, Shi Yue will have a total of 110,000 troops, nearly double Zhao Yue’s numbers. Even after a hard battle, we should still have half left. Then we can join forces with my brother’s troops and directly take back Huajing.”
“What about Baizhou?”
Shen You frowned. Chu Yu calmly said: “We’ll immediately send a message to borrow 20,000 troops from Tu Suo. Shen You, you’ll have 40,000 troops in Baizhou. Use a small portion of your troops to lure the Northern Di people to Snow Ridge. I’ll have gunpowder buried there in advance. When the gunpowder is detonated, it will trigger an avalanche. Snow Ridge is long and narrow at both ends. Have Tu Suo’s people ambush at the exit leading to Northern Di, and your remaining troops ambush at the exit leading to Da Chu. After experiencing the avalanche, even if they survive, their morale will be in chaos. Kill them one by one as they come out until they’re completely wiped out.”
Everyone was stunned as they listened. Qin Shiyue was the first to speak: “Won’t all the people going to Snow Ridge die?”
Chu Yu didn’t speak. She lowered her eyes and continued: “So you need to minimize the number of people going to Snow Ridge as much as possible.”
“Without someone of sufficient importance, the Northern Di army won’t take the bait.”
Qin Shiyue frowned. He looked at Chu Yu quietly: “Madam, is there no other way?”
“If there were another way,” Chu Yu looked up at him, “Would I have mentioned this plan?”
The room fell silent again. Qin Shiyue was frowning when suddenly, a calm voice spoke up: “I’ll go.”
Chu Yu looked up. Shen You, standing to the side, had a very calm expression: “The Northern Di hate me, this ‘traitor,’ to the bone, and I know them well. When the time comes, I can lead a small team pretending to be defeated, luring them into Snow Ridge.”
Chu Yu looked at him quietly. Qin Shiyue spoke: “Brother Shen…”
“I have nothing,” Shen You said calmly. “No parents, no siblings, no wife or children. I’m alone with no attachments. It’s most suitable for me to go.”
“But…”
“Alright.”
Chu Yu made the decision. She lowered her eyes and calmly said: “You alone won’t be enough. Do we have any Northern Di spies under surveillance in our army?”
“There’s one we’ve been watching.”
Tao Quan spoke up. Chu Yu nodded: “Deliberately leak a message to them, saying that Shen You plans to divide his forces into two routes – 60,000 troops on the front and 40,000 troops from behind. Say that Shen You will ambush them from Plum Forest. The Northern Di army will go to Plum Forest to intercept Shen You. Plum Forest is very close to Snow Ridge. Shen You, you’ll lure them to Snow Ridge from there and then detonate the gunpowder.”
Shen You nodded: “Understood.”
“Let’s set it for half a month from now.”
Chu Yu said calmly: “Tomorrow, move the troops to Kunzhou. Keep the movement quiet, don’t let anyone discover it. Half a month later, Shen You will act immediately. Shi Yue will simultaneously encircle and annihilate Zhao’s army. The battle lines will proceed simultaneously, ensuring that Su Cha won’t be able to react in time when we encircle Huajing.”
“Yes.”
Everyone acknowledged the orders. Chu Yu felt somewhat tired and waved her hand: “Go on, get some rest first.”
With that, Chu Yu stood up, supporting her belly.
That evening, everyone went to make their preparations.
Qin Shiyue sat in his study, copying Wei Qingping’s handwriting character by character.
In the past, Wei Qingping always complained that his handwriting was ugly and that he was dull. When she complained, he felt quite unhappy. But now, as he copied Wei Qingping’s characters, he felt that even her scolding was wonderful. If she came back, he would be willing to be scolded by her for a lifetime.
If she came back, even if the Wei King would beat him to death, he would still go to propose marriage.
Thinking this, his handwriting trembled. Qin Shiyue raised his head and looked into the distance.
Wei Qingping.
He silently recited that name in his heart, thinking that they would all live well.
A hundred miles away, Wei Qingping was observing a patient who had just taken the new medicine.
In the morning, she received a message from Chu Yu and immediately tried this method. By now, the patient had shown clear signs of improvement. She stood up and said urgently: “Quickly, take the prescription to Taiping City!”
Chu Yu’s letter had already described the current situation. Song Shilan was crucial to this battle, so rescuing him was the top priority, no matter what.
As the pigeon fluttered towards Taiping City, Shen You continued to stand at Wang Lan’s doorway.
He always stood at Wang Lan’s door before each campaign. In the past, he would stand there for a night and leave without speaking a word. However, on this night, he stood at the door and called out softly, “Wang Lan.”
Wang Lan sat inside, embroidering flowers. When she heard Shen You speak, her hand trembled. The needle pricked her index finger, and she quickly sucked on it. Then she heard Shen You’s voice from outside, “I’m heading to the battlefield.”
Wang Lan lowered her eyes.
“I know you don’t want to see me. To be honest, I don’t know what to do if I see you either.”
“I’ve been thinking about how I could be with you in this lifetime. But no matter how I think about it, it seems that what I did wrong can’t be undone. When a person makes a mistake, it’s a mistake for life. Whether intentional or not, it can never be washed clean in this lifetime.”
Wang Lan listened to his words quietly, her whole being slumping. Shen You sat on the doorstep of her courtyard, his voice tinged with a smile, “Actually, the happiest time in my life was when we first met. I thought you were such an adorable girl back then.”
Shen You chuckled softly, talking about their past.
They had very few moments together. Over the years, it was mostly one waiting outside the door, and the other waiting inside. There was a long river between them that they could never cross.
“Do you remember when you gave me a warm jade? I thought you were really rich. I had never met a girl who could casually give away warm jade before.”
“Wang Lan,” as daylight broke, Shen You sighed, “Don’t you wish none of that had ever happened?”
Either there should be no grievances and entanglements, or there should be no love and hate.
Wang Lan didn’t speak. She had grown accustomed to waiting silently with him for dawn inside the door all these years.
Shen You sighed. He stood up and said gently, “Wang Lan, take care.”
Wang Lan was stunned.
This was the first time he had told her to take care.
In the past, he always said, “See you again.”
But she didn’t know the difference between these two phrases. She just sat dazedly at the stone table for a long time before finally standing up.
White Ridge was not far from the border. Shen You reached White City in a day and began to organize the troops.
At this time, Jiang Chun received the prescription written by Wei Qingping in Taiping City. She hurriedly had someone prepare the medicine and rushed to Song Shilan’s door.
Song Shilan had locked himself in his room for three days.
His condition had begun to worsen, and he now refused to let Jiang Chun come near him. He stayed in his room, taking medicine and food through a small window.
Jiang Chun, holding the medicine and prescription, knocked on Song Shilan’s door, “Shilan, Wei Qingping has given us the prescription. You can be saved now. Open the door, please open the door!”
Song Shilan was startled in his room.
He was in a miserable state, his body covered in festering sores.
He didn’t want Jiang Chun to see him like this. In recent days, he had seen too many people die, their faces contorted in agony. He sensed that he was about to reach this stage, and he didn’t want Jiang Chun to see it. He hoped that in Jiang Chun’s memory, he would always be that elegant young man who joked with her.
Now, suddenly hearing these words, he felt a sense of unreality. He coughed lightly and said to her, “Put the medicine on the small window.”
Jiang Chun knew that such a proud person would never let her see him in his current state, although she had secretly looked several times already.
She first went to brew the medicine for him, then brought it to his window.
She secretly hid in a corner and saw a hand covered in sores reach out and take the medicine.
She began to brew medicine for him every day, and he drank it every day. The medicine took effect quickly. Almost from the first day, Song Shilan felt his strength returning. His voice also became clearer, and he spoke softly with Jiang Chun through the door about the future.
“I want to lay a red carpet from Qiongzhou to White Ridge to welcome you.”
“Isn’t that too much?” Jiang Chun sat at the door, pursing her lips, “Isn’t it too extravagant and wasteful?”
“How could it be…”
By the fourth day, Song Shilan’s fever, cough, and diarrhea had stopped, and all his wounds began to scab over.
He finally walked out of the room. The sun was bright that day, with not a cloud in the sky. Jiang Chun stood at the door, smiling.
This was the same day that Shen You began his battle with the Northern Di, and also the day Qin Shiyue engaged in battle with the Zhao army.
At this time, Su Cha had been coaxed into submission by Gu Chusheng. Gu Chusheng took him to indulge in the brothels and gambling houses of Huajing. The king from Northern Di, seeing such a flourishing capital for the first time, was utterly unable to resist. The entire Northern Di army was in a state of nightly revelry, and Gu Chusheng was their best guide.
He quickly established good relations with the Northern Di and gained Su Cha’s trust. While everyone else lived in constant fear, Gu Chusheng was like a fish in water. He quickly connected with Chu Yu and briefed her on the situation in Huajing. Then he said, “I will protect Wei Yun. Feel free to attack the city.”
On the day Chu Yu received Gu Chusheng’s message, she sat quietly in the courtyard.
Beside her was a pile of letters and reports from all over, containing the latest news. Everything had been arranged, just waiting for all events to unfold naturally.
She sat in the courtyard, and the whole of Da Chu was filled with battle cries.
Shen You led his troops into Snow Ridge, Qin Shiyue led her army in a desperate fight against the Zhao army, and Song Shilan and Jiang Chun rushed into the Qiongzhou Prince’s mansion, pinning Song Si to the ground.
“Why didn’t you listen to brother and cooperate well with Viscount Wei?” Song Shilan held his sword over Song Si’s head, speaking gently, “Brother isn’t dead yet.”
Then the pre-planted explosives in Snow Ridge suddenly detonated, and the snow on the mountain came crashing down. Shen You rolled into a corner, clutching his chest tightly. There lay the warm jade that Wang Lan had given him years ago, the only thing Wang Lan had ever given him in his life.
The massive avalanche caused tremors even in White City. Wang Lan’s heart began to race inexplicably. She straightened up and rushed out of the courtyard to find Chu Yu, “Ayu, what happened?”
Chu Yu was drinking tea. She paused for a moment, then slowly said, “Shen You detonated explosives in Snow Ridge. I suppose he perished along with the Northern Di army.”
Hearing this, Wang Lan’s eyes widened. A moment later, she rushed out without hesitation. Chu Yu only heard a “bang,” followed by anxious voices from outside, “Sixth Madam…”
Wang Lan rushed to Snow Ridge, which was perpetually covered in snow. By the time she arrived, nearly a day had passed. The battle was over, and the snow had buried everyone. Arms stuck out from the snow, looking terrifying.
Wang Lan stood in the snow, calling out Shen You’s name loudly.
“Shen You!”
“Shen You!”
She called out while crying, the entire Snow Ridge eerily quiet. She searched for traces on the ground, and when she reached the detonation point of the explosives, she suddenly saw a piece of cloth.
She recognized it as the color of Shen You’s military uniform. As a general, he had a distinctive uniform. Wang Lan froze for a moment, then quickly crouched down and began desperately digging through the snow.
The snow froze her hands red, and weapons cut her fingers. Blood mixed with the snow. Then she began to see hair, and soon the person’s face was revealed.
He was in a unique space, with snow piled above him, as if he were in a cocoon that protected him in the middle. Wang Lan didn’t dare stop, even though her hands were covered in blood. She continued to dig him out earnestly.
When she finally dug him out, her hands were shaking constantly. She dragged him out and carried him on her back, taking one step at a time.
She felt the warmth from his chest and heard his faint heartbeat.
“Shen You,” she had never done such work in her life, and each step was extremely difficult. But she still gritted her teeth and moved forward step by step, “This time, you’re clean.”
Her voice was hoarse, “Open your eyes. Open your eyes. This time, we’ll pretend all the past never happened. We’ll live well together, as long as you come back to life, okay?”
Shen You didn’t respond, and Wang Lan gritted her teeth.
That day, as she walked step by step through the wind and snow carrying that man on her back, Wang Lan finally felt that in life, no hurdle can’t be overcome, no sin that can’t be redeemed.
What’s past is past.
Shen You’s victory report arrived in Chu Yu’s hands earlier. The Northern Di’s hundred thousand troops were annihilated in Snow Ridge. She let out a heavy sigh of relief. After a long while, she finally stood up and calmly said, “Notify the Imperial Princess to prepare. Get the carriage ready. We leave for Huajing tonight.”
Her body had begun to feel heavier, and there were many things to prepare. After a while, the Imperial Princess appeared urgently with her fake belly, unable to contain her excitement, “Has Huajing been saved?”
Chu Yu’s expression was calm as she nodded, “Now there’s no threat from the north. Qin Shiyue should have no great difficulty in eliminating the Zhao army with nearly double the military force. My brother sent me a message yesterday saying that Xining has launched a surprise attack on Chen Kingdom. He only left a portion of his forces at the border and is now heading towards Huajing. I have an agreement with him,” Chu Yu’s expression turned stern, “Three days from now, our two armies will converge and take Huajing together!”
“Excellent!”
The Imperial Princess clapped her hands joyfully and stood up, “Shall we set off then?”
Chu Yu agreed, and the two of them entered the carriage together.
Along the way, Chu Yu was somewhat drowsy. The Imperial Princess helped take care of her. Although it appeared to be two pregnant women, in reality, only Chu Yu was cause for concern.
Two days later, Chu Yu and the Imperial Princess arrived at Tianshou Pass. By this time, Qin Shiyue had already set up camp at Tianshou Pass, overlooking Huajing.
Chu Yu and the Imperial Princess stood at the city gate, looking at the brightly lit Huajing in the distance.
“What do you think,” the Imperial Princess felt the whistling wind, “they are doing right now?”
“The entire area has been surrounded,” Chu Yu’s voice was flat, “What else can they do besides guarding their positions?”
“This time, Northern Di came with all their national strength,” the Imperial Princess sighed, “I’m afraid there won’t be a Northern Di nation anymore after this, will there?”
“Indeed.”
Chu Yu’s voice scattered in the wind, “We’ve won.”
“After entering the capital tomorrow, what do you plan to do?”
The Imperial Princess turned to look at her, somewhat curious. Chu Yu was taken aback, but then smiled, “What can I do?”
Chu Yu raised her hand, one hand protecting her belly, the other tucking her hair behind her ear, “Bring him back. As long as he’s by my side, anything is fine.”
She didn’t mention a name, but the Imperial Princess already knew who she meant. She looked at Chu Yu silently, her gaze falling on Chu Yu’s belly.
“What about the child?”
Chu Yu fell silent. The Imperial Princess calmly said, “I need a child, you know.”
Chu Yu remained silent, and the Grand Princess sighed. She turned her gaze toward the distance. “I know you are unwilling to send this child into the palace. But to speak frankly, being a ruler and a subject is not the same. If I were to become Empress Dowager in the future, I would always be wary of Wei Yun in my heart. This blade is too sharp; do you understand?”
A person like Wei Yun, with his reputation, military power, and strength, would always be a source of concern for any emperor. As long as he lived, he would remain a blade that kept all rulers awake at night. The Wei family, once loyal and passionate, had such worries; how could they expect to rest easy with Wei Yun, who had rebelled twice?
“You say this to me,” Chu Yu said calmly, looking at the Grand Princess, “Are you not afraid that you won’t become the Empress Dowager?”
“Isn’t that a good thing?” The Grand Princess laughed. “Do you think I want to be one again?”
She sighed. “It’s just that I’ve come this far; I have no choice but to take on this role.”
Chu Yu pursed her lips, remaining silent. The Grand Princess continued, “I need a bargaining chip to ensure that Wei Yun will not rebel in the future. If I randomly choose a child, no matter which one, I will be afraid of whether Wei Yun will accept him. I know your thoughts, Chu Yu. You want your child to grow up safely, but do you think the Wei family didn’t think the same about Wei Yun back then?”
They wanted Wei Yun to grow up safely and happily, which is why the fourteen-year-old Wei Yun was as pure as a blank sheet of paper. The Wei family believed that as long as they remained loyal subjects and had no selfish desires, no one would harm them. But with power in hand, what could they do besides grasp even more power?
“The reason people desperately cling to power is actually to live better,” the Grand Princess said flatly. “Those who resent being born into royal families mostly have never suffered. They have not experienced the helplessness of the world; the less power one has, the less freedom one possess. If one could live without worries, I would never fight or compete in my life. But sometimes, fate is predetermined. Chu Yu, as long as you are Wei Yun’s child, you are destined from birth to find that so-called stability is merely an illusion. Are you not afraid he will become Wei Yun once again?”
Chu Yu listened to the Grand Princess’s words, remaining silent. After a long time, she gently smiled. “You just want to take this child from me, don’t you?”
“I can give him to you,” Chu Yu said calmly, “but I have a condition.”
“Hmm?”
“When he turns fifteen, he should have the opportunity to choose his own life. If he wants to be emperor, then he shall be; if he does not wish to be emperor,” Chu Yu looked up at her, “then you cannot force him.”
“Agreed,” the Grand Princess replied decisively.
Chu Yu lowered her gaze, her hand resting on her belly. “By then, although he will be in the palace, Xiao Qi and I will teach him ourselves. He is His Majesty, but he is also our child.”
“I understand,” the Grand Princess nodded. “By then, he will pay respects to Wei Yun as a second father, and you can visit the palace anytime.”
Chu Yu sighed. “Then it shall be so.”
All paths she offered this child, whether to become the revered emperor or an ordinary subject, she was willing to let him choose. She had once been furious when Wei Yun had this idea, but after walking so many roads and seeing so many people, where could true stability be found in this world? It was merely having another person support you, allowing you to live without storms. But they could not support this child for a lifetime; sooner or later, he would have to rise on his own. Rather than let him wallow in the mud, it was better to let him sit on the throne.
As the two gazed out from Tian Shou Pass toward Huajing, a grand feast was taking place within the city.
Gu Chusheng personally hosted this banquet, which featured the finest wines and the most beautiful women of Huajing. They employed every trick to entice the military officers, creating a scene reminiscent of King Zhou’s indulgent feasts, utterly extravagant.
Four days prior, Gu Chusheng had cut off all incoming information from outside Huajing. The Northern Di communicated using eagles, so Gu Chusheng had people ambush the outskirts of the city. Whenever they spotted an eagle, they would lure it down with specially prepared bait, then swap the messages to create an illusion of peace and prosperity.
As of today, the Northern Di army was still waiting for orders from the Zhao army, expecting to coordinate their efforts, completely unaware that they were already surrounded by Chu Yu and Chu Linyang’s forces.
Amidst the drunken revelry, Gu Chusheng quietly observed the crowd. A eunuch hurried in and whispered, “Sir, news from outside the palace: Miss Chu’s letter has arrived. The attack on the city will commence tomorrow morning.”
Gu Chusheng acknowledged with a nod, lifting his gaze. He quietly instructed, “Bring more wine.”
The Northern Di had specifically brought military doctors and poison testers; every jar of wine had to be tested individually, leaving no opportunity for poisoning. They could only focus on the purity of the wine itself.
The eunuch complied, and Gu Chusheng raised his cup, feigning drunkenness as he approached Su Cha, wearing a flattering smile. “Your Majesty, are you satisfied with today’s arrangements?”
Su Cha lay beneath a woman, who was moving atop him. He gasped, shouting, “What did you say? Speak closer to my ear!”
Recently, Gu Chusheng had been teaching Su Cha how to act as the emperor of “Da Chu.” Su Cha had learned to refer to himself as “I” and even donned the dragon robe and crown with a semblance of authority.
Gu Chusheng knelt beside Su Cha, leaning in to whisper, “Your Majesty, are you satisfied?”
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty,” the woman beside him chimed in, “Are you satisfied?”
Su Cha, captivated by the woman, nodded eagerly. “Good, I like it! Gu Chusheng, I want to promote you!”
“To serve Your Majesty is the fortune of a subject,” Gu Chusheng quickly replied. “Your Majesty, I have a slight headache. May I rest for a while?”
Su Cha was already impatient with Gu Chusheng’s conversation. He was wholly absorbed in his indulgence, nodding. “Go ahead.”
Gu Chusheng stood up, appearing as if he were drunk, swaying as he exited the main hall. Once outside, he immediately cooled his expression and calmly said, “Close the main hall. Send more wine and women inside. Tell Young Master Zhang not to hold back; let them indulge as much as possible. Don’t let these people stop.”
Young Master Zhang was known in Huajing as a debauched figure, famous for his extravagant lifestyle. Gu Chusheng was aware of his capabilities and had specifically invited him to entertain the Northern Di.
With endless fine wine, countless women, fresh amusements, and Gu Chusheng’s ceaseless flattery, the once lofty Da Chu was trampled underfoot. The Northern Di officials, under such stimulation, could hardly think of anything else.
As Gu Chusheng walked along the corridor, he whispered to those beside him, “Arrange everything. Tomorrow morning, have the guards at the city gate switch shifts with the Northern Di. If they refuse, have people ambush the city gate. When the Wei army arrives, open the gates. The common people should prepare their weapons, and the elderly, weak, women, and children should hide. Inform Lord Gao and the other officials to hide well; they must not be captured by the Northern Di as hostages.”
As he spoke, Gu Chusheng had two bottles of wine brought to him and headed toward the cell where Wei Yun was imprisoned.
The Northern Di guards, bored and drinking, were easily swayed when Gu Chusheng approached, offering them money and wine. Now a favored figure beside Su Cha, he was not easily offended, and after giving them gifts, they waved him in.
Gu Chusheng arrived at the cell and saw Wei Yun inside.
His body was battered, with many bones twisted in unnatural positions, making it impossible to tell if he was alive or dead. Gu Chusheng restrained himself and calmly called out, “Wei Yun.”
There was no response. Soon, the sound of soldiers arriving echoed outside. Gu Chusheng’s attendant rushed in, whispering, “Sir, the men have fallen.”
Gu Chusheng nodded, took the key from his attendant, unlocked the cell door, and began urgently slapping Wei Yun’s face. “Wei Yun! Wei Yun, wake up!”
Wei Yun groggily opened his eyes and saw Gu Chusheng.
“Not dead,” Gu Chusheng concluded. He stuffed a few pills into Wei Yun’s mouth, then began to tear off Wei Yun’s clothes, instructing his attendant to put them on. “You will pretend to be Prince Wei. When they strip the Northern Di soldiers, you will disguise yourself as one of them. Don’t let them discover the situation too early; it’s best to delay until morning. If things go awry, run quickly; saving your life is the most important.”
“Understood!”
The attendant replied, “Where will you go?”
“I have my own plans.”
With that, Gu Chusheng dressed Wei Yun in the attendant’s clothes and carried him out.
When the city is attacked tomorrow, the Northern Di will surely use Wei Yun as a hostage. He needed to find a safe place for him tonight.
Gu Chusheng thought for a moment and remembered the dungeon where Zhao Yue had imprisoned Chu Yu. He hurried over, navigating through layers of mechanisms until he finally reached the dungeon. He rummaged through a box outside the cell, finding candles and fire sticks, then opened the dungeon door. Once inside, he lit the candle and turned around, stunned.
He saw a thin figure crouched in the corner, staring at him with wide eyes, like a small beast that had suffered great harm.
Gu Chusheng, carrying Wei Yun, locked eyes with the figure. He felt a strange familiarity in those eyes. After a long moment, he suddenly realized, “Shen Wushuang?!”
Shen Wushuang blinked, as if startled by the name.
Gu Chusheng set Wei Yun down and excitedly approached, grasping Shen Wushuang’s hand. “Shen Wushuang, it’s me, Gu Chusheng!”
“Gu… Chusheng…”
Shen Wushuang’s voice was hoarse and rough, as if he had suffered some injury. Gu Chusheng paused, then quickly reacted. “How did you end up here? Did Zhao Yue imprison you? What did he do to you?!”
At the mention of Zhao Yue’s name, Shen Wushuang’s expression shifted. Gu Chusheng could tell he had suffered greatly here. He looked at Shen Wushuang’s pale, cracked lips and the jars of medicinal wine behind him, realizing he had survived on these.
He stood up, stepped outside to pour a pot of tea, fetched some water, then returned to the dungeon. He first closed the stone door, secured the bars from the inside, then handed the water to Shen Wushuang, placing a few pills in his hand. “Drink this first. Once we get out, I’ll take you to eat something good.”
Afterward, he turned to Wei Yun, facing away from Shen Wushuang, and began to clean Wei Yun’s wounds.
He knew he had to rescue Wei Yun tonight, so he had prepared all the necessary supplies: medicine, bandages, and alcohol. He started cleaning Wei Yun’s wounds and applying medicine, saying, “I don’t know how you’re doing now. I hope you can help him; after all, I’m not a doctor.”
“Doctor…”
Upon hearing this word, Shen Wushuang seemed to recall something. He set down the teacup, stood up, and approached Wei Yun.
He appeared to know nothing but mechanically began to bandage Wei Yun’s wounds.
Gu Chusheng observed for a while, confirming that Shen Wushuang was not acting recklessly, and finally settled down to the side.
Before long, after the medicine took effect, Wei Yun slowly regained consciousness.
He blinked against the light, then turned his head to see Gu Chusheng beside him. “Brother Gu?”
After calling out, he realized there was another person present. He turned to see Shen Wushuang, momentarily stunned, then exclaimed in surprise, “Wushuang?!”
Shen Wushuang remained silent, staring blankly at him. Wei Yun struggled to prop himself up, fixing his gaze on Shen Wushuang. “Wushuang,” he softened his voice, “Bai Shang is still waiting for you to come home.”
Upon hearing Bai Shang’s name, Shen Wushuang finally moved his eyes.
Wei Yun noticed his reaction and continued, “Bai Shang is waiting for you. Your brother has already left. If you’re gone too, what will she do?”
Shen Wushuang slowly regained his senses, mechanically repeating the name.
“Bai Shang.”
After a night of madness, as the Morning Star rose, Chu Linyang’s troops finally arrived at Tian Shou Pass. When Chu Yu saw her brother, weary from travel, they exchanged a quiet glance. Chu Linyang’s gaze fell on Chu Yu’s belly, and he said calmly, “I will bring Wei Yun back safely. I will clear the way; you can follow after.”
“Alright.”
Chu Yu smiled. “Take care, Big Brother.”
Chu Linyang nodded, turned to greet Qin Shiyue, and the two armies merged, hastening toward Huajing.
Chu Yu donned her ceremonial attire, had a luxurious palanquin prepared, and sent someone to summon the Grand Princess.
The Grand Princess had also dressed in her palace attire befitting her status. After exchanging smiles, Chu Yu raised her hand and said gently, “Your Highness, please.”
As the first rays of morning sunlight broke through the clouds, Chu Linyang and Qin Shiyue’s forces reached the gates of Huajing. They split into two groups, encircling the four city gates.
The thunder of iron hooves startled the Northern Di soldiers from their dreams. The guards atop the city walls hurriedly rang the alarm bell, shouting, “Enemy attack! Enemy attack!”
The Northern Di officials, still recovering from their drunken stupor, barely had time to don their armor before hearing the soldiers cry out, “They are attacking the city! They are attacking the city!”
“Where is Wei Yun?!”
Su Cha, clad in armor, shouted angrily, “Hang Wei Yun and Gu Chusheng from the city walls!”
With that, Su Cha led his men out to engage in battle. However, at that moment, the men Gu Chusheng had stationed at the city walls had already rushed up to open the gates.
“Charge in!”
The soldiers of Da Chu roared, and Su Cha reached the city gate, raising his sword to confront them. “Let’s fight them! We’ll meet them outside the city!”
With Su Cha present, the Northern Di finally found their backbone and quickly regrouped. They were seasoned cavalrymen accustomed to fighting on the plains, not reliant on city fortifications. A hundred thousand troops surged out, entangling with the soldiers of Da Chu.
Thus, the area outside Huajing, once adorned with willows, transformed into a battlefield, the sounds of slaughter echoing through the air.
This was the first time the people of Huajing witnessed the brutality of war up close, and it was the first time they realized that the distant Bai City faced such ferocity every year. The century of peace in Huajing was built upon such blood and flesh.
As Chu Yu and the Grand Princess’s palanquin approached Tian Shou Pass, the battle was in a stalemate. The Northern Di soldiers fought fiercely, and the two armies were nearly equal in number. Moreover, the Chu army had just come from a fierce battle, so even though they had caught the Northern Di off guard, they soon became entangled in combat.
Chu Yu lifted the curtain and quietly observed the battlefield. After a moment, she beckoned Long Yue over and instructed, “Go organize the citizens in the city to join the fight.”
“Understood.”
Long Yue responded and then rode out alone, sword in hand, crossing the entire battlefield to reach Huajing. She shouted loudly, “I am a servant of the Wei family! My master requests all the elders: if you have the strength to fight, take up your swords and hoes, and join us in battle!”
After her shout, a burly man brandished a long knife and shouted, “I’ve wanted to kill the enemy for a long time!”
“Right!” Others echoed, “They’ve been bullying us for too long; it’s time they know our strength!”
The crowd was filled with righteous anger, and as more and more people joined, the outside had already turned into chaos. Long Yue, riding her horse and wielding her sword, led thousands of citizens as they charged out from the city gates.
Huajing had over a million inhabitants, and even if only a few youths rushed out, it created a dark mass. They joined the fray, fighting chaotically but gaining an absolute advantage in numbers. Two or three citizens supported each Chu soldier, and in an instant, the tide of battle turned.
Chu Yu watched from a distance, observing the soldiers and citizens fighting on the battlefield, unable to suppress a smile.
The sun fully rose in the east, casting light over all of Huajing. The iron cavalry thundered in from the direction of the rising sun. Chu Yu quickly turned around and saw a flag with the character “Song” fluttering up from the hilltop. Soon, two chestnut horses appeared in view, with Jiang Chun and Song Shilan riding side by side, leading their soldiers down the slope.
“Song Shilan has arrived.”
The Grand Princess’s voice trembled with barely contained excitement.
If the citizens’ participation had turned the tide of battle, then with Song Shilan’s army arriving, the outcome was already a crushing victory.
Chu Yu quietly watched Jiang Chun beside Song Shilan. Dressed in a long blue gown, she exuded a boldness not seen before. As if sensing Chu Yu’s gaze, Jiang Chun lifted her head.
Under the sunlight, Jiang Chun smiled brightly and nodded at Chu Yu.
Then, she and Song Shilan plunged into the fray.
“Can we enter the city now?”
The Grand Princess observed the battlefield. Chu Yu remained silent for a moment before calmly saying, “Let’s enter the city.”
After speaking, Chu Yu climbed into her palanquin, and the Grand Princess entered her phoenix palanquin.
Chu Yu’s palanquin followed closely behind the Grand Princess’s, the two luxurious carriages moving slowly toward the gates of Huajing amidst the cheers of the citizens.
Around them, blood and flesh flew, and beneath their carriages lay heaps of corpses. They walked over the path of bones and blood, their hearts growing cold as they finally reached the gates of Huajing.
Meanwhile, in the dungeon, Gu Chusheng listened to the cheers and shouts of the citizens outside. He stood up and said, “I’ll go take a look.”
With that, Gu Chusheng stepped outside. Before long, he returned, beaming, and opened the door. “A Yu has led the troops into the city! Wei Yun, come, I’ll carry you to see her.”
Hearing Chu Yu’s name, Wei Yun paused for a moment. Gu Chusheng lifted him onto his back and called to the dazed Shen Wushuang beside him, “Shen Wushuang, hurry! Let’s go!”
Shen Wushuang’s gaze fell on Wei Yun, and Wei Yun smiled. “Wushuang, let’s go.”
Shen Wushuang lowered his eyes, and Gu Chusheng cheerfully said, “Never mind, we’ll come back for you.”
With that, he dashed outside, but Shen Wushuang stood still for a moment before following him out.
Carried by Gu Chusheng, Wei Yun stepped out of the dungeon. As the light shone on him, he finally realized who he was going to meet.
Suddenly, he nervously grasped Gu Chusheng’s shoulder. “Brother Gu.”
“Hmm?”
“I can’t meet her like this.”
Gu Chusheng was taken aback, and Wei Yun smiled. “In our current state, how can we meet someone we care about?”
Gu Chusheng finally understood, thought for a moment, and laughed. “You’re right.”
With that, he carried Wei Yun and said, “Let’s change into some proper clothes first.”
The palace was already in chaos, with the Northern Di almost entirely out of the city. As Gu Chusheng poked his head out, he quickly found a eunuch and located a side hall, preparing some clothes for washing and dressing.
After the three of them quickly washed up in the side hall, they changed into splendid garments and adorned themselves with fragrant pouches and jade pendants. Gu Chusheng then found a wheelchair for Wei Yun and pushed him toward the palace gates.
News of Chu Yu and the Grand Princess entering the palace had already spread. Outside, the battle had been decided, and Chu Yu and the Grand Princess’s palanquins, surrounded by cheering citizens, made their way toward the palace.
Gu Chusheng led the palace officials and servants, standing behind the palace gates with Wei Yun. The gates slowly opened, and the faces of the people gradually emerged from the cracks, as if a scroll was being unfurled.
Chu Yu and the Grand Princess stood side by side at the entrance, dressed in splendid garments, their backs straight, exuding elegance and beauty, like the beautiful mountains and rivers of Da Chu, gentle and noble. Behind them stood the bloodied soldiers: Qin Shiyue, Chu Linyang, Song Shilan, Jiang Chun, Long Yue, and Wan Yue…
These individuals stood in a line, their battle attire stained with blood, swords gleaming in their hands.
Further back were the soldiers, the citizens, and the masses, representing the rebirth and future of Da Chu.
Inside the palace, Wei Yun stood while Gu Chusheng sat. Wei Yun wore white garments and a jade crown, while Gu Chusheng donned a red robe and golden crown. Wei Yun looked terrifyingly thin; apart from his face, every exposed part of his body bore scars, revealing the cruel treatment he had endured.
They had traversed the most arduous paths, yet at this moment, they welcomed everyone’s arrival with composure.
Chu Yu’s gaze remained fixed on Wei Yun. His smile was gentle and peaceful, like a ray of spring sunshine spilling onto a windowsill in the afternoon, warming the peach blossoms.
The city gate emitted a deep rumble and finally swung open completely. The two groups of people gazed at each other in silence. After a moment, Gu Chusheng, suppressing his excitement, led everyone in a slow bow.
“I, Gu Chusheng,” he said, his voice choked with emotion, “humbly welcome Her Highness the Princess back to the capital!”
Gu Chusheng led the way, and everyone knelt in unison. The Grand Princess maintained a calm demeanor as she turned to look at Chu Yu, who was staring blankly at Wei Yun. She gave her a gentle push and said, “What are you afraid of?”
Chu Yu came back to her senses and managed a difficult smile. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she stepped forward and stopped in front of Wei Yun.
There were many things she wanted to say, but for a moment, she didn’t know where to begin. Wei Yun looked up at her and smiled softly.
“I knew you would come to get me.”
He spoke gently, “When you came to take me home at fourteen, look, today you’ve come again.”
Hearing this, Chu Yu could no longer hold back. She half-sank to the ground and hugged him tightly. All the fears she had harbored for so long erupted at that moment. She gritted her teeth, tears welling in her eyes, but she didn’t dare to make a sound.
Wei Yun raised his hand to stroke her hair, his eyes filled with tenderness.
“A Yu,” he said softly, “we can go home now.”
“Okay.”
Chu Yu’s voice was hoarse as she replied, “Let’s go home.”
From the age of fourteen to twenty-one, they supported each other, finding light in the darkness and swimming upstream in desperate times.
Through countless hardships, fire and sword, scorn from thousands, and mountains of bones, she accompanied him for a lifetime, and he protected her for eternity.
They had not failed this promise, nor this life.
In the autumn of the fifth year of Yuanhe, due to heavy taxes and constant warfare, the people were suffering. The Duke of the State, Wei Yun, was forced to take action and declared himself King Ping. He issued the “Ten Books of Inquiry” to hold the Emperor accountable, shaking the world and prompting the lords to respond.
In no time, the Song Clan of Qiongzhou, the Chu Clan of Luozhou, and the Wang Clan of Huazhou declared independence, with nearly a hundred rebels rising, plunging the world into chaos.
In the spring of the sixth year of Yuanhe, the Northern Di Kingdom and the Chen Kingdom joined forces to invade. A great plague struck Bai, Qiong, and Huazhou, while the Northern Di colluded with the traitor Zhao Yue, directly entering Huajing. The Grand Scholar Gu Chusheng betrayed the country and surrendered, offering up Huajing, while King Ping Wei Yun refused to yield, inspiring the world with his integrity.
Madam Wei, Chu Yu, took command on the battlefield while pregnant, directing General Shen You to lead the Northern Di forces into an avalanche using gunpowder, and ordered General Qin Shiyue to defeat Zhao’s army. Subsequently, she allied with the Chu Clan of Luozhou and the Song Clan of Qiongzhou, and the three armies captured Huazhou, escorting the Grand Princess into the capital. As the Grand Princess was the daughter of Emperor Chunde and pregnant with Zhao’s legitimate child, she was proclaimed Empress, with Wei and Gu assisting her in governing on behalf of the Emperor, changing the era name to Shunping.
In the first year of Shunping, June.
Wei Yun finally gathered enough dowry to propose. After the proposal, both families set the wedding date for June 16, the day they would marry.
That morning, Wei Yun had his hair styled and went to the Chu residence early. Chu Yu stood in front of the mirror, her belly already showing, and her wedding dress had been altered significantly. Chu Jin was behind her, helping her with her hair, while Xie Yun quietly cried behind her.
“I don’t know what kind of fate you have, but it’s so bitter. With such a big belly, I can’t imagine how much you’ll suffer after marrying…”
“Enough, Mother,” Chu Jin said impatiently. “Wei Yun is deeply in love with my sister; everyone in the world knows that. Please don’t say these meaningless things anymore.”
“Meaningless?” Xie Yun raised her head. “How can you say that to me? Look at your face and your reputation. What were you doing at Fengling back then? Who would want to marry you now? You wouldn’t want that young brat Han Min to marry you, would you? Oh, if he were willing, I’d be grateful! But even if you owe someone a favor, you can’t expect to give your whole life for it, can you?”
“Actually,” Han Min’s voice suddenly came from outside, cheerfully saying, “I don’t mind!”
“Get lost!”
Chu Jin threw the comb at him angrily. “What’s it to you? Go away!”
Han Min chuckled, waved his hand, and quickly retracted his head, pretending to disappear.
Xie Yun hadn’t expected Han Min to be outside, and for a moment, it was awkward. Chu Jin pinned a phoenix hairpin into Chu Yu’s hair just as they heard the maid greeting someone outside, and then Jiang Chun walked in.
Jiang Chun entered the room and looked Chu Yu up and down. Chu Yu smiled and asked, “What brings you here?”
“I came to see the bride.”
Jiang Chun replied candidly, “Originally, A Lan and Princess Wei wanted to come too, but they were afraid there would be too many people, so they didn’t.”
“How is Princess Wei?”
“She’s doing well,” Jiang Chun smiled. “As soon as the battle was over, Qin Shiyue, that fool, went to the Wei Wangfu and knelt at the door, asking to marry the princess. The princess panicked and ran from Baizhou to Qingzhou, and I heard she almost set the Wei Wangfu on fire. Then they got engaged over there.”
“Did she come today?”
“Yes.”
Chu Yu, whose belly had grown large and couldn’t move around much, realized that Jiang Chun had more news than she did, so she continued, “Is Shen You better?”
After being rescued from the snow-capped mountains by Wang Lan, Shen You was said to be unable to walk and had been bedridden ever since. Wang Lan went to take care of him every day, which seemed quite strange.
As Jiang Chun spoke, she smiled, “He’s been fine for a long time. He’s been sneaking around with Shen Wushuang to woo A Lan, but A Lan isn’t foolish; she’s known for a while but just hasn’t said anything. I estimate that in a little while, A Lan’s happy event will be near.”
“Is Shen Wushuang better?”
Chu Yu knew that Shen Wushuang had just been rescued. Jiang Chun sighed and nodded, “Bai Chang takes care of her every day, teaching her to read word by word. I heard that night something happened; Bai Chang cried all night in the room, then jumped into the river. Shen Wushuang pulled her out, and then they were fine.”
The phrase “then they were fine” carried a deep meaning, and Chu Yu understood that not only was Shen Wushuang better, but she might also be getting married soon.
Listening to Jiang Chun talk about everyone’s affairs, Chu Yu felt warmth in her heart.
Before long, a commotion erupted outside, and a maid rushed in, saying, “No, it’s bad! Young Master Han and Young Master Wei are fighting!”
Upon hearing this, everyone froze. Jiang Chun was the first to react, quickly asking, “Which Young Master from the Wei family?”
“The… the eldest son…”
Before she could finish, Jiang Chun dashed out. Chu Yu hurriedly led Chu Jin and the others to follow, only to see Wei Lingchun and Han Min fighting fiercely under the eaves.
Han Min was not as skilled as Wei Lingchun, but he was extremely adept with hidden weapons. Seeing that he was getting desperate, he rolled up his sleeve to use a hidden weapon. Chu Jin anxiously shouted, “Don’t do anything reckless!”
In that instant, a figure in red suddenly swept onto the eaves, grabbing both of them by their collars and throwing them apart. The young man, with a handsome face and a smile, said, “On my wedding day, why are you fighting?”
As he spoke, he turned to see Chu Yu watching the commotion. Dressed in a joyful robe and phoenix crown, she stood with her arms crossed, leaning against the door and looking up at the scene. The moment their eyes met, Chu Yu was momentarily stunned.
Time seemed to turn back, and in an instant, she felt as if she were seeing that young man in black from seven years ago, standing in the same spot, casting a cold glance her way.
The two of them quietly exchanged glances for a moment, both smiling. Wei Yun pressed his lips together, seemingly feeling a bit embarrassed, and then jumped down. Gu Chusheng looked at him coldly and said, “On a joyous day, jumping around like a monkey?”
Wei Yun smiled, feeling a bit shy, and said, “I… I didn’t think A Yu wouldn’t see me.”
Gu Chusheng scoffed lightly and turned to look at the Chu family.
This time, Wei Yun had brought him to play the role of a guest, and he had initially wanted to refuse. However, at the last moment, he suddenly felt that if it was a farewell, it should at least be thorough, clean, and without any grudges, a true goodbye to the past.
He stood behind Wei Yun, with Song Shilan, Shen You, Shen Wushuang, Qin Shiyue, and others behind him.
When the auspicious time arrived, firecrackers went off, the doors opened, and the bride, holding a red silk, was led out. Wei Yun felt a bit nervous as he stepped forward, holding one end of the red silk.
For a brief moment, he suddenly thought, if this were their first meeting, if he had been the one to propose to her back then, would this marriage have been better?
He had never called her “Miss Chu” in his life; it seemed they had always had heavy identities since their first meeting.
He suddenly wanted to call her “Miss Chu” so badly, wishing he could have met her when she was still a girl.
So, holding the red silk, he spoke gently.
“Miss Chu,” he said, “watch your step.”
Hearing this call, Chu Yu smiled softly.
She understood why he called her that. She bit her lip and replied tenderly, “Wei Yun, I think that being able to marry you after falling in love with you is the best thing ever.”
Wei Yun was momentarily taken aback; the word “love” diluted all bitterness and reluctance.
He quietly raised his head to look at everyone smiling at them. Shen You happily whistled, Gu Chusheng’s eyes were warm, and everyone expressed their blessings and joy in their way.
Every encounter is beautiful.
Meeting you in the best of times is wonderful.
Meeting the best version of you in time is even more fulfilling.
For Chu Yu, she felt grateful.
Grateful for having this relationship, delicate as the night rain nourishing early spring, yet free-spirited like a gentle breeze traveling a thousand miles.
With heaven and earth as their seat and mountains and rivers as their pillow, wherever you are, that is her endless future.
“Wei Yun,” she softly called, “hold my hand.”