Hearing this, Wei Yun didn't hesitate for a moment. He mounted his horse, turned it around, and was about to charge toward the palace. Chu Jin hurriedly called out to him, "Marquis, fetch a hound. I've placed a special scent on my sister."
Wei Yun nodded. Shen Wushuang quickly went to the backyard, had someone bring the smallest hound, and stuffed a pile of medicine bottles into Wei Yun's hands, saying, "You know how to use these. Take them!"
Wei Yun acknowledged with a word of thanks, lifted the small hound into his arms, and turned to rush toward the palace.
Chu Jin followed closely behind Wei Yun, quickly briefing him on the situation. When they reached the Palace Gates, Wei Yun calmly said, "Don't follow me. Go to Wei Manor and wait for news. If I don't return by dawn, have my second sister-in-law gather everyone immediately and take your Chu family to find Chu Linyang."
Chu Jin was taken aback. She wanted to insist on going with him but knew deep down that Wei Yun was right. If Chu Yu could be rescued, Wei Yun alone was enough. If she couldn't, adding herself to the mix would be pointless.
Without further hesitation, she gritted her teeth and said, "I'll go back and wait for you!"
With that, Chu Jin turned her horse around and rode off with Han Min.
Wei Yun arrived at the Palace Gates, tossed his token to the guard, and said coldly, "Marquis of National Stability, Wei Yun, has returned to the capital for the palace banquet."
The guard was momentarily stunned before hastily bowing. "Please wait, Marquis. I must report your arrival."
Wei Yun frowned. "I was invited to tonight's banquet. Why must I wait for a report just to enter?"
As the guard opened his mouth to explain, Wei Yun let out an angry laugh. "I see now. This isn't about reporting—it's about humiliating me. I've been away from Hua Jing for four years, and now even a lowly guard like you dares to slight me! Fine, I'll go straight to His Majesty and ask whether this obstruction is by his order or yours!"
"Marquis, forgive me—"
Wei Yun, a man forged on the battlefield, exuded an aura of bloodlust as he spoke. With a flick of his whip, he spurred his horse forward, shouting, "Out of my way!"
The whip sent the guard stumbling aside as Wei Yun charged into the palace with the hound in tow. He quickly dismounted, leaping through the courtyards to the spot where Chu Jin had last seen Chu Yu. Setting the hound down, he let it sniff the scent Chu Jin had given him, then patted its head and commanded, "Find her."
The well-trained hound immediately dashed in one direction, and Wei Yun followed closely behind.
Meanwhile, the guard rushed to Zhao Yue's chambers and requested an audience. The Eldest Princess was massaging Zhao Yue's temples when the announcement came. She shot a glance at her attendant, who went to the door and whispered, "His Majesty is preparing to rest. What urgent matter brings you here?"
"Apologies for the disturbance, but Marquis of National Stability Wei Yun has returned and forced his way through the Palace Gates."
The attendant paused, then nodded. "You may leave."
Returning inside, she glanced at The Eldest Princess and said, "The guard reports that a lord has come—"
Before she could finish, The Eldest Princess cut her off. "No matter who it is, send them away! This is a precious moment between His Majesty and me." Leaning close to Zhao Yue's ear, she murmured, "Isn't that right, Your Majesty?"Zhao Yue's mind stirred, and without another thought, he flipped over to pin down The Eldest Princess, laughing as he said, "Yes, Your Highness is absolutely right."
With Zhao Yue thus delayed, Wei Yun followed the little dog straight to the dungeon. The dog stopped in front of a fake mountain and barked furiously. Wei Yun rushed inside, quickly searching around until he finally found a protruding spot. Pressing it, he saw a large door open and immediately jumped down, only to be met with a spear thrusting toward him. Wei Yun bent to dodge, then looked up to see over a dozen men charging at him.
Wei Yun swung his sword horizontally, engaging in a fierce battle against the dozen men. In moments, he had slain them all, leaving only one trembling man standing before him. Wei Yun pointed his sword at him and commanded, "Open the door."
The guard, terrified out of his wits, fumbled for the keys under Wei Yun's direction and unlocked the gate.
As the doors opened one by one, Wei Yun proceeded cautiously, his heart in turmoil. He feared what unbearable sight might greet him when the final door opened. To him, Chu Yu was the softest spot in his heart—any touch or harm inflicted upon her would bring him tenfold, a hundredfold pain.
Yet he couldn't retreat now. Step by step, he advanced to the deepest part of the dungeon until, at last, he saw a stone door swing open with a thunderous crash. Inside, white gauze and red robes were tangled together—Chu Yu's clothes had slipped to her shoulders as Gu Chusheng clung to her from behind.
The sound of the door bursting open brought a rare moment of clarity to both Gu Chusheng and Chu Yu.
Wei Yun took in the scene before him, his heart shattering. Sword in hand, he charged forward with a roar: "Gu Chusheng!!"
"Xiao Qi!"
The rush of cold air brought a sudden clarity to Chu Yu's muddled mind. She cried out, stopping Wei Yun in his tracks. Gu Chusheng hid behind her as Chu Yu rasped, "He didn't touch me..."
Wei Yun's sword trembled slightly in his grip. He didn't dare think too much. Pressing his lips together, he raised his sword and severed the chains binding Chu Yu's wrists and ankles. Without hesitation, he scooped her up into his arms, suppressing his fury as he turned to Gu Chusheng and asked, "Will you stay here, or should I take you out?"
Gu Chusheng, head bowed and body hunched, trembled as he gritted out, "Out!"
Wei Yun assessed their conditions and frowned before tossing a bottle of medicine to Gu Chusheng. "Take this first."
Then he lowered his head to feed a pill to Chu Yu in his arms. Without another glance at Gu Chusheng, he strode out, carrying Chu Yu. Gu Chusheng, struggling to endure, leaned against the wall to stand before staggering after Wei Yun.
Wei Yun's medicine took effect quickly, allowing Gu Chusheng to quicken his pace and catch up to Wei Yun, who was carrying Chu Yu. Together, they hurried out of the dungeon.
Chu Yu, cradled in Wei Yun's arms, was far more affected by the drug than Gu Chusheng. Wei Yun's medicine could only preserve the last shreds of her rationality, allowing her to recognize who was holding her.
But once she recognized him, it became even harder to restrain herself. Breathing in Wei Yu's scent, her mind replayed memories of the past—especially in Shacheng, when she had given him medicinal baths, massaged him, and wiped his body...
She had touched every inch of him, watched him grow from a boy into a man.
Chu Yu clenched her teeth, eyes tightly shut, gripping the fabric over Wei Yun's chest as her entire body trembled faintly.Wei Yun didn't notice her unusual state. He and Gu Chusheng carefully avoided the soldiers and arrived where Gu Chusheng's men were waiting. Gu Chusheng had arranged a carriage to leave the palace. Wei Yun picked up the little dog and carried Chu Yu into the carriage, then looked up at Gu Chusheng, who was sweating profusely, and said, "I'll remember this favor."
Gu Chusheng, supported by his men, weakly raised his head and gritted his teeth. "Get lost!" he spat out.
Wei Yun remained silent. He helped Chu Yu into the carriage, and the carriage clattered away, driven by Gu Chusheng's men and bearing his token, allowing them to pass unimpeded.
The carriage was fully equipped. Wei Yun took out a coat for Chu Yu to wear and wrung a cloth from the nearby water basin, intending to use cold water to soothe her discomfort.
But when he turned back, he saw Chu Yu clutching her clothes tightly around her nearly bare body, trembling violently. Her bitten lower lip was bleeding. Wei Yun panicked and grabbed her chin, shouting angrily, "Let go!"
With her jaw held firmly, Chu Yu had no choice but to release her teeth, parting her soft pink lips slightly. She knew how wretched she must look and closed her eyes in shame, unable to bear the sight.
Without the pain to distract her, her breathing grew even more erratic. Wei Yun watched as she kept her eyes closed, lips slightly parted, and an inexplicable fragrance began to permeate the air. He felt his thoughts drifting uncontrollably, his breathing growing heavier. Clenching the cloth in his hand, he dared not move.
Chu Yu lifted her trembling arms and wrapped them around his neck, sitting on his lap as she pleaded tearfully, "A-Yun..."
That single address sent an electric current surging up from the base of his spine, leaving his entire body numb. He didn't dare move or speak, allowing her to cradle his face and lean in to kiss him.
Her tongue carried the bitter taste of medicine—soft and teasing. Wei Yun had no time to ponder what the bitterness was. He clenched his fists, summoning every ounce of his remaining willpower to resist responding.
She wasn't doing this willingly.
He repeated the warning to himself: he couldn't take advantage of her in this state.
Yet he couldn't bring himself to pull away from her sweet warmth. Reason and desire warred within him, leaving him powerless as she deepened the kiss. When she tried to go further, he gripped her hands and rasped, "Be good. Don't move."
Disguised as Gu Chusheng, they smoothly exited the palace. Halfway through their journey, the Wei family caught up and replaced the carriage driver.
By the time they reached Wei Manor, Wei Yun felt the last thread of his restraint fraying. Shen Wushuang was already waiting by the carriage and said calmly, "Marquis, it's time to disembark."
Wei Yun didn't respond. He closed his eyes, taking a long moment to steady his breathing before pulling Chu Yu down, wrapping her in clothes, and striding swiftly inside.
Shen Wushuang only needed one whiff of the scent lingering in the air before his expression darkened. He turned to the steward and ordered, "Clear everyone out. No one is to remain near the Marquis's quarters."
With that, he hurried after Wei Yun and said, "I suspect you've been poisoned. There's water prepared in your room. Take her inside first—I'll prepare the antidote."
Wei Yun was on the verge of losing his mind from the torment. Sweat dripped from his forehead as he forced his gaze away from Chu Yu and managed a strained "Mm" in response.Shen Wushuang escorted Wei Yun into the house before going to prepare the medicine. Wei Yun carried Chu Yu straight to the hot spring pool in his own room. He had now moved to the main residence of the Marquis's estate, and his bathing chamber housed a perfectly square hot spring pool. Water was channeled in from outside, filling the pool large enough for four or five people to bathe in simultaneously.
Wei Yun gently lowered Chu Yu into the water and turned to leave. But Chu Yu suddenly grabbed his hand, her voice hoarse as she pleaded, "Don't go."
Wei Yun stood with his back to her, his entire body trembling.
"Sister-in-law..."
Wei Yun struggled to speak: "I can't..."
Chu Yu's voice was choked with tears: "Don't leave..."
Wei Yun stiffened violently. In his entire life, nothing frightened him more than Chu Yu's tears.
Taking a deep breath, he returned to her side, forcing a strained smile: "Alright, I won't leave."
Yet his rationality was on the verge of collapse. Sitting in the pool, the water did nothing to cool his fevered thoughts. Chu Yu embraced him, gently kissing the droplets from his face, her voice husky as she whispered, "A Yun... do you know... I've been waiting for you..."
These words were like setting fire to gasoline-soaked grass. Wei Yun's mind buzzed, his heart pounding wildly. He lifted his gaze to meet hers, his voice equally rough: "Waiting for me... for what?"
But even as he asked, Wei Yun already knew the answer.
Before he left, she had told him that upon his return, she would give him the answer he sought.
Now, as she said she had been waiting for him—what else could it be for?
Unable to resist, he reached out and pulled her into his arms, his voice gravelly: "What were you waiting for me for?"
Chu Yu didn't answer. Instead, she kissed him, silencing any further questions. Wei Yun held her tightly, cautiously returning the kiss with his own.
The soft sensation shattered his remaining restraint. Overcome, he lifted her from the water in one swift motion, carrying her to the bed and pinning her beneath him.
"A Yu, I just need to ask you one thing," he said solemnly, gazing into her eyes. "Do you love me?"
Chu Yu remained silent, clinging to him with gritted teeth. Yet her tear-filled eyes bore into his, all her emotions compressed into that stubborn gaze, masking the tenderness beneath—as though speaking these words would be an unforgivable betrayal.
Wei Yun couldn't help but smile at her expression. But for some reason, that smile carried a tinge of bitterness.
He felt like a pilgrim who had trekked a thousand miles through the desert, finally granted divine mercy. For this, he had spent a lifetime—most of his years.
His vision blurred with unshed tears as he tremblingly cupped her face with one hand, the other slowly loosening her garments.
"A Yu," he murmured between kisses. "I love you too."
Chu Yu shuddered slightly as he moved with slow deliberation.
Amidst ragged breaths, Wei Yun asked hoarsely, "Does it hurt?"
Chu Yu bit her lip, refusing to answer. Wei Yun pressed apologetic kisses to her forehead, repeating, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."
Meanwhile, Shen Wushuang finally finished preparing the medicine and hurried over. But as soon as he reached the door, the sounds from within froze him in place.
His body stiffened before he muttered under his breath, "That bastard!"
With that, he turned on his heel and stormed off, still clutching the medicine bowl. Reaching the courtyard gate, he hesitated, then sat down in frustration, stewing in his own anger.The dog that had followed Wei Yun back from the palace lay lazily beside Shen Wushuang, raising its eyes to glance at him. Shen Wushuang snorted coldly and turned his head away.
For some reason, he felt like even the dog was mocking him.
The sounds from the room didn’t fade until just before dawn. Shen Wushuang took a sullen sip of medicine.
Damn, it was bitter.
By the time Chu Yu woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. The moment she stirred slightly, she sensed something amiss with her body. Her eyes flew open, landing on the jade-white chest of a young man. Struggling to lift her head, she was met with Wei Yun’s handsome face. Her body stiffened, not daring to move, as the events of the previous night exploded in her mind. Sensing her awakening, Wei Yun slowly opened his eyes. He looked down at Chu Yu’s stunned expression and, without a word, pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Chu Yu remained frozen in place as Wei Yun grabbed his clothes from the side, casually pulling them on before throwing off the covers and stepping out of bed barefoot.
Holding the blanket over most of her body, Chu Yu watched as Wei Yun walked to the nearby table, picked up a sword, and then returned to stand before her, placing the blade horizontally in front of her.
"This sword was a gift from my brother."
Wei Yun lifted his gaze to meet hers, his phoenix eyes filled with solemnity as he spoke calmly, "I don’t regret what happened today. Either you kill me, or you marry me."
With that, he pushed the sword slightly closer to her, his voice unwavering. "Madam Wei, choose."
Author’s Note: Because I’m particularly careless, even after checking, there are still mistakes. Feel free to DM me on Weibo to point out typos. Just screenshot the error, circle it, and send it to me.
For previous chapters, I won’t be fixing typos—only plot holes, character names, and place names. Otherwise, the workload would be too massive. For future updates, you can DM me on Weibo within 24 hours of the latest chapter’s release to report typos.
Weibo: Jinjiang Mo Shubai
Thank you, everyone.
[Bonus Scene: Wei Yun’s Domineering CEO Version]
Chu Yu woke up to find the sun already high in the sky. The moment she stirred slightly, she sensed something amiss with her body. Her eyes flew open, landing on the jade-white chest of a young man…
Chu Yu was horrified. She scrambled up, clutching the blanket to her chest. "Who are you?!"
Wei Yun opened his eyes and frowned. This woman had been so passionate last night, yet now she was pretending to be innocent—it annoyed him.
So he smirked coldly. "Woman, have you forgotten how you threw yourself into my arms last night?"
Chu Yu froze, then suddenly remembered…
Last night was supposed to be her engagement party with Gu Chusheng. Then Chu Jin had given her a drink…
Right, it was Chu Jin! Chu Jin had wanted to ruin her!
Feigning composure, she stood up, hastily dressed, and pulled out a thousand yuan from her wallet, slapping it onto the bedside table. "This is your payment. Take it and leave. Never come looking for me again!"
With that, Chu Yu strode out the door with her head held high. Wei Yun stared at the thousand yuan "payment" on the bedside table and smirked coldly. He picked up his phone and dialed his secretary. "Hey, find out who the woman was in Room 304 last night."
After hanging up, Wei Yun thought coldly yet longingly to himself.
Woman, I’m not done with you yet. You think you can just walk away?
You provoked me. Unless I tire of you, don’t even think about leaving!
OpenNovel