Chu Yu didn't speak. She stared blankly at the sword blocking her path, her mind in a daze.
She herself didn't know how things had escalated to this point. Lowering her gaze and clutching the blanket, her heart was filled with unease.
Wei Yun waited quietly, his expression calm as still water. After a long while, Chu Yu grasped the blanket and said hesitantly, "This matter was never your intention..."
"It was my intention."
Wei Yun interrupted her. He half-knelt down, looking up at her: "Don't you know whether I have feelings for you or not?"
Chu Yu met his steady gaze—the young man's eyes were pure and resolute, without any hesitation or wavering. He reached out to cup her face gently, saying softly, "A Yu, you like me. You already told me last night."
Chu Yu's heart trembled violently, as if the most hidden part of her had been exposed. She turned her head away, watching the falling maple leaves outside. Wei Yun straightened up, sat by the bed, and pulled Chu Yu into his embrace, holding her close.
Early autumn carried a slight chill, yet his entire body radiated warmth, almost scorching. His hand traced her smooth back as he murmured tenderly, "A Yu, don't be afraid. As long as you like me, I'll bear everything for you, shield you from everything. Don't be afraid."
Chu Yu remained silent, gripping the blanket tightly, feeling a lump form in her throat.
This man was too good—so good it felt like a dream. She feared that one day she would wake up, and it would be better never to have dreamed at all.
And if the dream ended, it would simply be over. But if she were to be with Wei Yun and they were to part one day, she would sacrifice not only her own reputation but also Wei Yun's, the Wei family's, and this warm home she had painstakingly built—a place she could never return to.
Yet now that things had reached this point, there was no way she could avoid Wei Yun. Either she could have him for a time, or she would never have him at all.
At this thought, her heart wavered. For a fleeting moment, she felt as impulsive as a teenager. Raising her hand, she lightly embraced him and said hoarsely, "Then... promise me one thing."
"Tell me." Wei Yun's voice trembled slightly. Chu Yu closed her eyes. "Don't tell anyone about our relationship. Let's take it slow."
This was a crucial time for Wei Yun—no unexpected factors should interfere.
Wei Yun paused, then realized, "So... you're agreeing to be with me?"
A faint blush colored Chu Yu's cheeks as she nodded.
Wei Yun burst into laughter, lifting Chu Yu up and spinning around the room in joy. Chu Yu, startled, clung to him and urged, "Put me down!"
Wei Yun set her back on the bed, rolling onto her as he exclaimed happily, "A Yu, I've waited so long for this day."
Chu Yu turned her face away. "Hurry up and get off me. What kind of behavior is this?"
"I will," Wei Yun said with a bright smile. "But first, tell me—when can I marry you?"
Chu Yu pressed her lips together. "I don't know."
Wei Yun raised an eyebrow. Chu Yu spoke calmly, "Xiao Qi, I won't lie to you. I like you, but this affection isn't that deep yet. There are knots in my heart I need to untie step by step. When we truly love each other, when it's time to marry—it will happen naturally. When we reach that point, then we'll marry."Wei Yun didn't speak. He gazed at her quietly as Chu Yu lifted her eyes to meet his gaze: "I won't lie to you—my affection only goes this far. I'm afraid of seeing Mother-in-law angry, afraid of worrying my parents, and also afraid of—"
"Alright, alright," Wei Yun chuckled. "I know you're afraid of many things. If you don't want to say it, then don't."
He lowered his head, resting against her chest as he listened to the sound of her heartbeat, speaking slowly: "Sometimes I feel like you're a little kitten who's lost all fear of heaven and earth. After being hurt, you've been hiding under the bed, refusing to come out. I want to pull you out, to cherish and pamper you properly, but you just won't let me. I want to spoil you like before, letting you whip anyone who displeases you. Why won't you trust me? Why stubbornly refuse to come out?"
Chu Yu was amused by this analogy, her lips curving into a smile as she remained silent. Wei Yun raised his head to look at her face, almost coquettishly saying, "But since you've made me suffer such a loss, you have to promise me one thing."
"How have I made you suffer?" Chu Yu was torn between laughter and exasperation. Wei Yun gave her a sidelong glance, his phoenix eyes shimmering with mischief: "You've taken my body but refuse to take responsibility—isn't that me suffering a loss?"
"You—"
Chu Yu raised her hand to push him away, but he caught it firmly, looking at her seriously.
"I mean it," he said, gazing at her intently. "Every day, like me a little more, alright?"
Chu Yu was taken aback. Meeting his gentle gaze, she finally lowered her eyes after a long pause and said, "Alright."
Wei Yun didn't speak further. Holding her hand, he kissed her palm before standing up. "Shall I take you to freshen up?"
Chu Yu nodded, her face flushed. Wei Yun carried her to the bathing pool, helped her wash, then dressed her and carried her back to bed. "Rest well today. I'll handle the rest."
"What do you plan to do?" Chu Yu frowned. Wei Yun smiled. "Everything else is already arranged, but a rebellion needs a justification. Now that I'm back, Zhao Yue will surely want to harm me. I'll just wait for him to make his move."
"You want him to force your hand?"
"Exactly," Wei Yun nodded. "Being forced to rebel is different from initiating it myself—in the eyes of the people, these are two entirely different matters."
"But what if Zhao Yue panics and seals the city to kill you? What then?"
"I've stationed five thousand troops outside. When the time comes, they'll feign an attack on the city. We'll coordinate from within and without, evacuating everyone who needs to be taken away."
After all, the Wei family couldn't leave the city now. To empty Wei Manor entirely, this was the only way.
Chu Yu nodded, then asked, "What's your plan for now?"
"Today, I'll first contact my allies. I have people in the court—once arrangements are made, we'll take them with us when we leave. Tomorrow," Wei Yun said coldly, "I'll go to Shuntian Prefecture to beat the drum and demand justice."
Chu Yu understood his meaning. Wei Yun intended to demand justice, starting with the incident at White Emperor Valley, to expose Zhao Yue's atrocities. Shuntian Prefecture wouldn't dare accept the case, and when Zhao Yue sent men to arrest Wei Yun, his own forces would then launch a rescue mission under the pretext of saving their lord. Once Wei Yun was freed and draped in imperial yellow, his rebellion would be unstained—he would have been forced to act, forced to rebel, forced to claim the throne.
After grasping Wei Yun's plan, Chu Yu nodded. "Then go quickly to contact your people. I'll make arrangements for a theatrical troupe to perform near Shuntian Prefecture tomorrow.""Theater troupe?" Wei Yun was taken aback. After a moment's hesitation, Chu Yu cautiously suggested, "Then perhaps I could organize a courtesan exhibition? That would draw even more spectators."
Hearing this, Wei Yun burst into laughter. "I never imagined your business ventures had expanded to such realms over the years."
"Marquis," Chu Yu sighed, "Life in the marquis's household is difficult, and making money isn't easy."
"Indeed," Wei Yun nodded, then bent down and playfully collapsed into Chu Yu's arms, blinking mischievously. "From now on, this marquis will rely on this handsome face and let my wife support me."
"Go out and attend to your proper duties!" Chu Yu pushed him away. Wei Yun whined and coquetted for a while before finally leaving.
After Wei Yun left, Chu Yu rested briefly before struggling out of bed and summoning Changyue and Wanyue.
The moment they entered, Changyue and Wanyue knelt. With tears in her eyes, Changyue said, "We have failed in our duties, allowing you to suffer humiliation, Madam."
"Don't speak nonsense," Chu Yu cast a cold glance at her. Wanyue, more composed, kowtowed and asked, "Madam, would you like the contraceptive medicine?"
After a brief hesitation, Chu Yu finally nodded. "Go fetch it."
Changyue rose to retrieve the medicine, while Wanyue lifted her head and asked, "Madam, what should we do now?"
"Keep this matter confidential," Chu Yu said calmly. "As for the matters between the Marquis and me, do not interfere."
Wanyue understood and softly acknowledged.
Meanwhile, Wei Yun stepped out of the room in high spirits, his steps light and his face radiant with a smile. Even the guards he encountered were greeted cheerfully with a "Good morning."
Wei Yun's face was usually expressionless, so his sudden cheerfulness startled the guards, who trembled and dared not speak further. As he turned the corner, Wei Yun saw Shen Wushuang waiting by the gate with his dog. Spotting Wei Yun, Shen Wushuang remarked sourly, "The Marquis looks radiant with peach-blossom cheeks and spring-like eyes. It seems the effects of 'Spring Fragrance Depletion' last night were quite delightful."
Hearing this, Wei Yun coughed lightly and approached Shen Wushuang. "Brother Shen, don't be upset. I'll help you pursue your beloved when I return."
"Shut up!" Shen Wushuang glared at him. "Mind your own business!"
Then, as if recalling something, Shen Wushuang chuckled. "Speaking of trouble, just as I was taking the dog for a walk outside the manor and buying a bowl of tofu pudding, I saw a procession carrying betrothal gifts heading toward Wei Manor. The line was long—clearly a labor of love. You know..."
Before Shen Wushuang could finish, the steward hurried in, looking anxious. "Marquis, the Gu family has come to propose marriage. The Dowager has already gone to receive them and requests your presence."
At this, Shen Wushuang's expression changed. He glanced at Wei Yun's face, but Wei Yun remained composed and nodded calmly. "I'll go at once."
With that, Wei Yun strode toward the main hall.
In the center of the hall, a woman was speaking with Liu Xueyang. The woman appeared kind and sighed as she said, "You know our Chusheng—his affection for Madam Wei is no secret; all of Hua Jing knows. He's nearly twenty-two now and doesn't even have a concubine. For Madam Wei, one could say he's remained chaste..."
As she spoke, Wei Yun entered. Everyone stood and bowed to him. Wei Yun bowed respectfully to Liu Xueyang and Gu Mu, introduced himself, and then took a seat beside Liu Xueyang.Madam Gu was also surprised to see Wei Yun and then said, "So the young marquis is here as well. That's perfect. I was just discussing Madam Wei's marriage with your mother. I wonder what the young marquis thinks of this?"
Hearing this, Wei Yun gave a faint smile and turned to Liu Xueyang, "Then, what does my sister-in-law think?"
"We asked your sister-in-law before, and she said she wasn't willing. But—"
"But Madam Wei is already nearly twenty-one years old," Madam Gu quickly interjected. "Elder Madam, I've spoken honestly. Though Madam Wei holds a first-rank imperial title, with noble status and impeccable virtue, she is still a widow and somewhat older. Our Chusheng is young and already the Minister of Rites, and he's practically guaranteed a position as a Grand Secretary in the Cabinet. He's likely to be promoted next month. If we miss this chance—"
"Get out."
Before she could finish, Wei Yun spoke calmly. Everyone froze. Madam Gu stared at Wei Yun in disbelief, about to retort, when Wei Yun lifted his teacup and glanced at the people around him, his tone indifferent. "What? Don’t you understand human speech?"
The crowd exchanged uneasy looks. Wei Yun glanced at the guards beside him, who in unison drew their swords, the cold glint startling even Liu Xueyang into exclaiming, "My son, what are you doing?"
"The Madam of our Wei Manor does not need to remarry."
Wei Yun stood up, his voice steady and solemn. "She holds a first-rank imperial title and is the Madam of our Wei Manor. How dare a gossip like you speak of her like this? She simply doesn’t wish to marry. But if she did, your Gu family—descendants of a disgraced official, commoners who clawed their way back into court, and once servants of our Wei Manor—how could Gu Chusheng, a mere Minister of Rites, ever be worthy? Even if he became the Chief Grand Secretary, he would still have been our slave!"
Madam Gu’s face twisted in fury. She stood up, trembling uncontrollably. She wanted to curse, but the sight of the gleaming blades forced her to swallow her rage and force a smile. "Marquis, such words are unbecoming. Our Gu family was once a noble house, though we fell on hard times—"
"And fall you did."
Wei Yun’s expression remained indifferent. "Moreover, compared to our Wei family’s standing, Gu Chusheng is unworthy."
Madam Gu let out a bitter laugh. "Fine, fine! It seems our Gu family is beneath you. Let’s see how long your Wei Manor’s glory lasts!"
With that, she stood and snapped, "Let’s go!"
"Wait." Wei Yun stopped her, pointing at the gifts on the floor. "Take these things back with you."
Madam Gu raised her hand, gritting her teeth. "Take them away!"
Once they had left, Liu Xueyang stood up anxiously. "Xiao Qi, what kind of talk was that? Insulting Gu Chusheng like this—who would dare propose to A Yu now? You... you’ve ruined her chances!"
Wei Yun didn’t respond. He patted Liu Xueyang’s shoulder and said lightly, "Mother, don’t worry. I’ll find a better man for my sister-in-law than Gu Chusheng."
Liu Xueyang frowned. "In all of Hua Jing, who is better than Gu Chusheng besides you?"
Wei Yun smiled but didn’t elaborate. He turned to a nearby attendant and said, "Lend me your blade."
The guard was puzzled but handed over his sword.
"Mother," Wei Yun said calmly, holding the blade, "I have some matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave for now."Liu Xueyang stared blankly as Wei Yun walked out with his sword, taking a long moment to snap out of it before asking those nearby, "What is he going to do?"
Everyone shook their heads in ignorance, except for Shen Wushuang, who rushed in anxiously and asked, "I heard the Marquis took his sword and left?"
When everyone nodded, Shen Wushuang slapped his thigh in distress and exclaimed, "I must go after him!"
With that, Shen Wushuang also hurried out.
By then, Wei Yun was already galloping on horseback toward the Gu residence, sword in hand. He moved swiftly—so swiftly that before the Gu family could even bring back the betrothal gifts, he had already arrived.
Upon reaching the Gu residence's gates, he knocked. The moment the door was cracked open a sliver, Wei Yun kicked it wide, barged inside, and strode straight toward the main hall.
The Gu family guards were alarmed and swarmed around, yet none dared approach. Wei Yun walked into the hall with his sword, his gaze fixed on the plaque above that read "Supreme Virtue Resembles Water." Calmly, he announced, "Inform your master that Wei Yun, Marquis of National Stability, has come to pay a visit."
Author's Note: It suddenly occurred to me yesterday that this story is essentially about—
A once-ferocious little kitten who, after getting hurt, hid under the couch, only to be dragged out by its owner, cradled, pampered, and loved until it could be a little tiger again. Right now, this is Wei Yun pulling her out from under the couch... Of course, a cat being dragged out alive would struggle a bit.
Just thinking about it makes me go, "Ah, so sweet!!"
Also, sorry for rubbing my hands together like a fly...
With so much sweetness lately, why not drop by my column and bookmark me?
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