Chu Yu waited until the next day when someone from the palace came to fetch her. She changed into a luxurious purple outer robe embroidered with magnolias, styled her hair in a married woman's hairstyle, and boarded the palanquin sent from the palace. The palanquin swayed gently as it moved, and when it arrived at the Palace Gates, Chu Yu saw Gu Chusheng standing there, tall and imposing in his crimson official robes. As her palanquin came to a stop, Gu Chusheng halted as well. When Chu Yu stepped down, he bowed slightly, and she placed her hand on his outstretched palm.
In the past, she had always kept a respectful distance from Gu Chusheng, but given today's circumstances, the closer she was to him, the better. Extending her hand like this was a deliberate show for Zhao Yue and all the watchful eyes in the shadows. Even if they harbored reservations about Gu Chusheng, they would at least restrain themselves somewhat.
Sure enough, the moment she reached out her hand, the surrounding onlookers cast strange glances their way. Chu Yu remained expressionless. Gu Chusheng lowered his gaze, not daring to look at the delicate, jade-like hand resting in his palm. Suppressing his emotions, he whispered, "I’ve arranged everything in the palace. Don’t wander off alone—I’ll keep an eye on you at all times."
Chu Yu nodded without a word. Gu Chusheng gently closed his hand, enveloping her soft fingers in his.
Chu Yu lifted her eyes to meet his, her expression cold. Gu Chusheng forced a difficult smile. "After doing so much for you, can’t I at least take a little interest?"
Though his words were bold, the moment they met Chu Yu’s gaze, his heart trembled uncontrollably. He was terrified of her icy stare, feeling as though even one more word from her would shatter him completely.
But today, Chu Yu had no intention of making him retreat. She remained silent, offering only a faint smile before turning her head away.
The smile carried a hint of mockery. Gu Chusheng tightened his grip on her hand and turned to lead her into the palace.
"Tomorrow, I will come to propose marriage. You don’t need to prepare much—I’ll handle everything."
At this, Chu Yu finally spoke. "Who gave you permission to propose?"
Gu Chusheng turned to look at her, his eyes filled with bitterness. "A Yu, now that you’ve already lowered your head, why bother speaking in circles? In Hua Jing, the only one who can help you and the Wei family is me."
Chu Yu fell silent. After a long pause, her voice drifted faintly. "Gu Chusheng, do you know? You don’t actually love me. You’re just obsessed because you’ve never had me."
Just as in their past life, he had been obsessed with Chu Jin. After her rebirth and experiencing love, she had gradually come to understand that the Gu Chusheng of those years hadn’t truly loved Chu Jin either. It had merely been a fixation from his youth—something he had clung to for so long that the moment he returned to Hua Jing, he had immediately married her.
In this life, since he had never possessed her, he was fixated on her. If he ever did, perhaps all these troubles would cease to exist.
Chu Yu glanced at Gu Chusheng. The man looked back at her with a faint smile, his expression tinged with desolation and weariness.
"A Yu, whether I love you or not—I know better than anyone."
Chu Yu said no more. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if Gu Chusheng had also returned from rebirth. But the thought struck her as absurd. Gu Chusheng had despised her all her life—even at her death, he had never spared her a single kind word. If he truly had been reborn, he would surely flee as far from her as possible, never entangling himself with her again.
Being relentlessly pursued by her past self was, after all, hardly a pleasant experience.The two walked hand in hand into the grand hall, ignoring all the gazes directed their way. Gu Chusheng instructed someone to merge his small table with Chu Yu's. Chu Yu's expression remained indifferent as whispers circulated around them. No sooner had they taken their seats than a woman dressed in plain gauze and wearing a veil approached their table. Chu Yu looked up to see Chu Jin's tightly furrowed brows.
Behind her stood a young boy, about fourteen or fifteen years old, with his hair tied up neatly, dressed in a fitted outfit that gave him a clean and efficient appearance.
Chu Yu recognized him as Han Min, the boy Chu Jin had rescued in Phoenix Tomb City years ago. Now that they had returned to Hua Jing, Han Xiu continued to develop weapons under her command, while Han Min followed Chu Jin as her attendant. It was said that Han Xiu had repeatedly come to the Chu family to demand his return, but Han Min insisted on staying by Chu Jin's side as a guard rather than going back. Left with no choice, Han Xiu ended up spending every New Year with Han Min, Chu Jin, and the rest of the Chu family.
"Sister," Chu Jin spoke, her eyes filled with concern. Chu Yu was momentarily taken aback before smiling. "What are you doing here?"
After her disfigurement, Chu Jin rarely went out, let alone attended such a grand palace banquet. Chu Yu's heart stirred, and she guessed Chu Jin's purpose for coming. Warmth flickered in her eyes as she said, "Go back and enjoy yourself. I can take care of myself."
"Sister," Chu Jin sighed softly. "Let me sit with you."
At this, Gu Chusheng finally looked up. His gaze swept over Chu Jin dismissively—to him, she was nothing more than an ant. In his past life, when Chu Jin had fought with Gu Yanqing's wife over household authority, her daughter-in-law gathered evidence and exposed every misdeed she had ever committed, submitting it to the authorities. The ensuing court scandal tarnished his reputation, so he divorced her and sent her back to the Chu family. But by then, the Chu family was already in ruins. After Chu Linyang died in battle, the family never recovered. Twenty years later, only the incompetent Chu Linxi struggled to keep it afloat. Shortly after Chu Jin returned, she was driven out by Chu Linxi's wife, Yao Tao, and left to wander destitute.
When he saw her again, she was covered in filth, her appearance utterly degraded. He merely lifted the curtain of his sedan chair for a glance before moving on without a word.
Three years before his death, he heard of her demise—she had taken her own life with the golden hairpin she had kept since her youth, dying in her dilapidated home.
Back then, he wondered if Chu Jin had felt any regret before her death, if she had ever thought of the sister who had given her everything.
If she had been so heartless in his past life, what difference would it make now? But since Chu Yu was close to Chu Jin in this life, Gu Chusheng gave a slight concession. "Chu Erxiaojie," he said coolly, "your seat is over there."
"Lord Gu," Chu Jin clenched her fists discreetly. "My sister is, after all, the Wei family's first lady now. You—"
"She will soon be the Gu family's first lady."
Gu Chusheng disliked that title. He looked at her calmly and said, "You may continue to call her sister."
"Step back," Chu Yu interjected, not wanting the two to argue further. She turned to Han Min. "Take the second young lady away."
Han Min hesitated but finally spoke. "Sister..."
Before he could finish, Chu Jin stepped forward and sat down beside Chu Yu, her expression composed. "I'll stay with my sister."
Chu Yu frowned. "Don't be ridiculous! What about your reputation?!"Chu Jin lowered her eyes and spoke hoarsely, "What use is reputation to me now, in my current state? I've heard about the Wei family's situation. Today's palace banquet is likely a trap. If I stay here..."
"Since you know it's a trap, what can you do even if you stay?" Chu Yu sighed helplessly. "Go back."
"I can't rest easy," Chu Jin shook her head. "With me here, there's at least one more person to watch over things."
Seeing she couldn't dissuade her, Chu Yu turned to Gu Chusheng. "Let her sit at my table."
Gu Chusheng glanced at Chu Jin, meeting her cold stare. Knowing how much Chu Yu doted on her sister, he relented, "Fine. Your brother-in-law will indulge you this once."
"You—" Chu Jin stepped forward angrily but was immediately pulled back by Chu Yu. Without changing her expression, Chu Yu stood up with her sister and led her to sit at her own designated seat. Once seated, Chu Jin gripped Chu Yu's hand tightly, trembling slightly, unwilling to let go.
Chu Yu patted her hand gently.
"Ah Jin," she said calmly, "Don't be afraid. Your sister is here."
Chu Jin closed her eyes and, after a long moment, finally steadied herself.
After a while, Zhao Yue entered with The Eldest Princess. Everyone rose to greet them. After Zhao Yue delivered his opening remarks from the dais, the guests took their seats, and the banquet officially began.
Not long after it started, Zhao Yue and The Eldest Princess left, leaving the officials to mingle freely. Chu Jin and Chu Yu remained seated, not touching their drinks. Chu Yu appeared composed, seemingly engaged in conversation with her sister. At first, Chu Jin's responses were stiff, but she soon relaxed.
After some time, Chu Yu noticed a palace maid approaching her. The maid served The Eldest Princess and usually acted as her messenger. The maid spoke urgently in a hushed voice, "Madam, The Eldest Princess requests your presence immediately. It's urgent."
Chu Yu frowned, her first instinct telling her this might be a trap. She remained unmoved. The maid grew more anxious. "Madam, something has truly happened to the Princess!"
"What could possibly happen to her?"
Chu Yu looked up at the maid. "Tell the Princess I'll visit her tomorrow."
"There may not be time," the maid whispered. "The Princess said she knows you're in danger now, but she's obtained something that must leave the palace today. It's extremely important—about the Wei family and White Emperor Valley..."
At these words, Chu Yu's heart lurched.
She realized what The Eldest Princess must have found—evidence of Zhao Yue's involvement in the Wei family's White Emperor Valley incident.
She studied the maid carefully, confirming she was indeed one of The Eldest Princess's attendants. After a moment's thought, Chu Yu said, "I'll go to Phoenix Perch Palace. Lead the way."
With that, she stood and motioned for Chu Jin and Han Min to follow. As they walked toward Phoenix Perch Palace, Chu Yu's tension eased slightly. The maid walked ahead, recounting how The Eldest Princess had discovered the evidence.
"Just now, Your Majesty was drunk and collapsed on the bed. A letter fell from his sleeve, and inside it was—"
Before she could finish, Chu Yu sensed something amiss.
Someone like Zhao Yue—how could he possibly make such a mistake? And for The Eldest Princess to find it just now, of all times...Chu Yu's face paled drastically. Without hesitation, she grabbed Chu Jin and turned to flee, but it was already too late. Over a dozen assassins emerged from the shadows, and the air filled with a hazy, yellowish smoke. The female official collapsed abruptly. Chu Jin immediately shouted to Han Min, "Retreat!"
Both held their breath as Han Min scooped Chu Jin up and vaulted onto the rooftop, while Chu Yu dashed in the opposite direction. The assassins' target was Chu Yu alone—under strict orders, none pursued Chu Jin, all charging after Chu Yu instead.
Holding her breath, Chu Yu swallowed a pill and sprinted toward the main hall.
But Zhao Yue had anticipated her capabilities. These dozen assassins were his most elite. Against one, Chu Yu might barely hold her own, but overwhelmed by their coordinated assault, she found herself trapped, unable to move an inch.
Unable to escape the toxic smoke, the effects of her medicine waned. Her sword hand grew weak, her vision blurred. A sudden kick to her legs sent her sprawling, and the assassins swarmed, pinning her down. Immobilized, she faintly heard a eunuch announce, "Your Majesty, the Grand Physician can't hold on any longer."
Gasping heavily, Chu Yu struggled to lift her head and saw Zhao Yue standing amidst the crowd, watching her coldly.
"Drug her," Zhao Yue commanded indifferently. "Lock her in the dungeon."
Clenching her teeth, Chu Yu tried to rise but lacked the strength. As her eyes closed, she felt someone force a pill into her mouth. The echoing sounds of stone doors opening and shutting surrounded her until she was brought into a brightly lit chamber. Two maids shackled her wrists and ankles with iron chains before stripping her clothes.
"What... are you doing...?" Chu Yu rasped, sensing something amiss.
The maids efficiently wiped her body and applied an unknown ointment with a faint floral scent—its mere fragrance stirred unsettling waves within her. Clad only in a sheer gauze robe, her hair cascaded freely, the fabric shimmering like flowing water under the lamplight.
Heat surged from her abdomen, her mouth parched. Experienced in such matters, she recognized the signs immediately. Fists clenched, she regulated her breathing, realizing Zhao Yue's vile intentions. Humiliation clenched her jaw.
Fear coiled within her—she prayed no one would come. Desperation mounting, she instinctively pressed her thighs together, rubbing subtly. Then, hurried footsteps echoed outside before the stone door burst open.
"A Yu—" Gu Chusheng's voice cut off abruptly as he froze in the doorway, staring at Chu Yu chained to the wall.
The woman wore a plain white gauze robe, her waterfall of hair adorned with a single white flower trembling precariously with each movement. Beads of sweat traced her flushed cheeks, rolling down into the pronounced curves beneath. Her glazed eyes flickered between lucidity and delirium, like dewdrops trembling on a lotus at dawn—fragile, ready to shatter at a touch.
Gu Chusheng's mind exploded—a flood of memories crashing over him in an instant.He had possessed this person, many years ago. From youth until the end of his life, he had been infatuated with this person's body, yet in his younger days, he had never been willing to admit it. Every time passion clouded his mind, he would grit his teeth and feign clarity.
Yet that intoxicating sensation had lingered in his memories. Now, as past events surged forth, mingling with the sight of the person before him, ripe for the taking, countless desires arose.
Seeing Gu Chusheng's stunned expression, Chu Yu closed her eyes in disarray and called out hoarsely, "Gu Chusheng!"
Gu Chusheng jolted awake. He stumbled back in panic, and at that moment, the stone door slammed shut with a thunderous crash. Gu Chusheng whirled around and heard Zhao Yue's laughter from outside.
"Chusheng, such a fine night and beautiful scenery—don't waste this rare opportunity with a beauty."
"Zhao Yue!" Gu Chusheng roared in fury. "Let me out!"
"Why come out now?"
A strange fragrance began to permeate the air. Gu Chusheng could clearly sense the restlessness stirring within his body. He kept his back to Chu Yu, not daring to look at her, as Zhao Yue's amused voice continued, "Haven't you always wanted Madam Wei? Now you can have her."
"Zhao Yue, I am not you." Gu Chusheng pressed his hand against the cold wall, breathing heavily. "Though I may be despicable, I am not so vile as this. You got The Eldest Princess—are you happy?"
Silence stretched outside. After a long pause, Zhao Yue finally spoke slowly, "Then let me see how noble and unshaken Master Gu's character truly is."
Gu Chusheng shut his eyes in anguish. He sat cross-legged, turning his back to Chu Yu, and said in a raspy voice, "My men will come looking for me once they realize I'm missing. I won't touch you. You don't need to worry."
Chu Yu said nothing. She lifted her gaze to study him.
He was leaner than Wei Yun, with a scholarly air. Yet whether in the past or now, he remained the people's greatest hope.
If Wei Yun had used his flesh and blood to build the Great Wall of the Northern Border, then Gu Chusheng had used himself to hold up half the sky for the people. Wei Yun had given the nation peace and strength, while Gu Chusheng had given it clarity and prosperity.
She stared at his back, her expression complex. After a long while, she finally spoke. "Why?"
Desire swirled chaotically in Gu Chusheng's mind. He braced himself against the wall, panting slightly. When he heard the question from behind, his thoughts were in disarray. "A Yu, I know in your heart, I am shameless... ruthless and cruel. But even I have my limits... I want you to be safe. I want you by my side. I’ve tried countless times to let go, but I can’t. I want to destroy everyone who takes you away from me, but I... I don’t want to destroy you."
"Don’t be afraid," he swallowed hard, unsure if he was speaking to her or himself, his consciousness nearly slipping. "Don’t be afraid."
Chu Yu listened to his words, her own thoughts struggling to form.
The pain in her palm could no longer keep her lucid. She felt as if the air itself was saturated with Gu Chusheng's presence. In a moment of weakness, she thought—just let it be.
It wasn’t as if it hadn’t happened before. Why should she care?
But the moment this thought crossed her mind, Wei Yun’s eyes flashed before her.
Those eyes, from childhood to now, had always been clear and resolute, as if watching her through time.
She remembered the last time he left, standing under the moonlight, calling out to her: "Sister-in-law!"
He had said gently, "Wait for me to return."
Chu Yu closed her eyes, curling in on herself slightly. She would wait for him to return... She had to wait for him to return.Gu Chusheng had somehow moved in front of her at some point. Trembling, he reached out and pulled her into his embrace.
"I just want to hold you."
His voice was hoarse: "I won't do anything. I'm just... in too much pain. Let me hold you. It won't be long now... someone will come soon..."
Chu Yu panted softly. The touch of Gu Chusheng's hands sent shivers through her, involuntarily reminding her of that time in the desert city when she had wiped Wei Yun's body clean—the young man's slender legs, his calloused hands. His hands were beautiful, with distinct knuckles.
It was as if he were right here, brushing against her body. In her dazed state, she called out hoarsely: "Wei Yun..."
Gu Chusheng's hands froze momentarily. That name snapped him back to some semblance of rationality. He jerked his head up, his voice trembling: "What did you say?"
Chu Yu called that name again: "Wei Yun..."
Over and over, as if it were some force sustaining her. Tears streamed down her face as she closed her eyes, repeating: "Wei Yun..."
Gu Chusheng trembled uncontrollably.
How could it be him... How could it really be him?
Desire and agony poured over him like a torrent. Frantically, he tightened his embrace, his voice rough: "Stop calling his name..."
"Wei Yun..."
"Stop it!"
"Wei Yun..."
Finally, Gu Chusheng broke. Tears welled in his eyes as he roared: "Stop! Look at me! Look at me!"
He gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. With the last shred of his rationality, he struggled to speak: "Look at me, Chu Yu... I'm right here. I love you now. I finally love you. Look at me, please?"
Chu Yu's expression was distant. In her haze, she saw the courtyard from years past—Wei Yun sitting on the veranda, watching her perform spear dances before she knelt before him on one knee, looking up.
The young Wei Yun, clad in white with a jade crown, gazed down at her. After a long pause, he smiled faintly, a hint of shyness in his expression.
She couldn't help but smile too.
"Wei Yun."
In the end, she still didn't change what she called him. Once this path was taken, there was no turning back.
Meanwhile, Chu Jin was sprinting toward Wei Manor. Han Min chased after her, frantic: "Sister, even if we go to Wei Manor, what can we do? There's no one left there now!"
"We'll figure it out when we get there!" Chu Jin gritted her teeth.
No sooner had she spoken than she spotted a group of riders galloping toward Wei Manor. From a distance, she could see the leader—a man in white robes with a jade crown, a long sword at his waist. His features were strikingly handsome, yet carried a resolute toughness rarely seen in Hua Jing.
As the young man dismounted, Chu Jin arrived at the gates of Wei Manor. There was something familiar about his face, reminiscent of the Wei Yun she had once seen in Phoenix Tomb City. Frowning, she ventured: "And you are...?"
Wei Yun glanced at her and immediately recognized Chu Jin. Calmly, he replied: "Wei Yun."
Chu Jin's face lit up with relief. "Come with me to the palace, quickly! My sister is in trouble!"
Author's Note:
Wei Yun: Always arriving just in time to ensure Gu the Dog can't succeed.
Gu Chusheng: I wasn't planning to succeed anyway!!
OpenNovel