Upon hearing these words, Wei Yun's expression darkened visibly. Chu Yu coughed lightly and deftly shifted the topic: "May I ask where Magistrate Gu's confidence comes from, that you can surely persuade Shen You to surrender?"
"Shen You is a good man."
Gu Chusheng didn’t press the previous topic either. He took up Chu Yu’s question calmly: "He wants to do everything well, to be a loyal and righteous man, which is why he hasn’t betrayed Zhao Yue. But deep down, he knows right from wrong. He admires the Sixth Madam and feels ashamed toward the Wei family." Gu Chusheng raised his hand and placed it over his chest solemnly. "His conscience is troubled."
Wei Yun nodded. "I understand. Magistrate Gu’s meaning is clear to me. Rest assured," he said gravely, "I will wait until after May."
Gu Chusheng seemed to exhale in relief. He bowed respectfully. "Gu thanks the Marquis."
With that, he rose and took his leave.
After he left, Chu Yu looked up at Wei Yun. "Why did you ask those questions?"
"I thought you understood my meaning."
Wei Yun met her gaze. "I don’t want the Wei family to repeat the mistakes of the past. If I am to support an emperor, I want that person to be from the Wei family."
"A child isn’t something you can just summon at will."
Chu Yu frowned. Wei Yun chuckled lightly. "Who’s to say whether a child is real or not? As long as you agree," he reached out, placing his hand gently over Chu Yu’s abdomen, "we can send any child to the palace first. Once you conceive and give birth, we can swap them back. Wouldn’t that work?"
"Wei Yun..." Chu Yu’s lips trembled slightly. "I won’t let my child enter the palace."
Wei Yun looked at her. Chu Yu stood up, her body shaking faintly, but she clenched her teeth and spoke firmly. "I want my child to live a good life. Do you know what a good life means? It means growing up like an ordinary person, by their parents’ side, carefree, with their biggest worry being unfinished homework—not trapped in the depths of the palace, wearing the title of 'Ten Thousand Years' as a puppet!"
Wei Yun remained silent. Chu Yu straightened her back. "I will never allow you to use my child as your pawn."
Hearing this, Wei Yun smiled bitterly. "I was just speaking hypothetically. It’s all up to you."
As he spoke, he reached out and embraced Chu Yu gently. "I just want to give our child the best of everything, A Yu. The feeling of helplessness is too bitter. I don’t want to experience it a second time, nor do I want our child to endure it."
His words were calm, but Chu Yu froze. When she realized what he meant, her heart ached suddenly.
He had been helpless for five years.
Five years ago, he went to White Emperor Valley to collect his father and brothers’ bodies, powerless before their deaths.
Later, imprisoned in the heavenly prison, he watched his family kneel in the wind and rain, powerless again.
Then, when he schemed to kill the emperor and avenge his family, only to uncover the truth, he was still powerless.
He had endured for five years, waiting until today.
He, too, was once a child from an ordinary family. Joy and innocence in this world aren’t determined by one’s birth—sometimes, it’s simply fate.
Suddenly, Chu Yu understood why he wanted their child to become the most revered person in the world. She held him tightly, her voice hoarse. "Xiao Qi... it’s my fault."
I failed to protect you when you were young.Thinking back to how her own handwriting had once been as messy as a dog's paw and was now strong and elegant, and how the once talkative boy had grown into a towering man, Chu Yu held him tightly, unable to utter a single word of reproach.
After embracing for a while, Chu Yu remembered that Wei Yun still had work to attend to that day, so she got up to leave. She went through all the preparations needed for the next day, and as she finished, Changyue approached and said, "Madam, the old madam asks for you."
"Hmm?" Chu Yu was puzzled. "What does the old madam want me for?"
"Second Madam said the old madam is in high spirits today."
Chu Yu frowned slightly, vaguely guessing the reason. She smoothed her sleeves, steadied herself, and quickly went to Liu Xueyang's room. Liu Xueyang was holding up a painting, laughing and chatting with Jiang Chun beside her. She looked exceptionally lively, more cheerful than she had been in a long time, while Jiang Chun knelt nearby, her smile somewhat forced.
As Chu Yu entered the room and greeted Liu Xueyang, the latter beckoned her over, saying, "A Yu, come take a look at this girl. What do you think?"
Hearing this, Chu Yu understood Liu Xueyang's intention. Jiang Chun glanced at her as she stepped forward to examine the painting. Liu Xueyang continued, "This girl is Wei Qingping. I heard you went to receive her today. Is she really as beautiful as in this painting?"
"Even more so."
Chu Yu had prepared herself beforehand and answered calmly. Liu Xueyang exclaimed in delight, "Then she must indeed be a beauty, perhaps even on par with our A Yu."
"Each has her own merits," Jiang Chun quickly interjected, trying to divert the conversation. "It's getting late, Mother. Aren't you tired? Perhaps—"
"Not at all," Liu Xueyang brushed off Jiang Chun's attempt to assist her and turned back to Chu Yu. "What about the princess's temperament? Is she spoiled?"
"Not at all. The princess is simply unskilled in social graces, but she is kind-hearted and widely praised."
"Good, good," Liu Xueyang nodded repeatedly. "I’ve also heard people call her a 'bodhisattva'—truly benevolent. With Wei Wang commanding a powerful army and Princess Qingping being both beautiful and virtuous, she would be a fine match for our Xiao Qi."
Liu Xueyang asked a few more questions about Wei Qingping, and Chu Yu knelt beside her, answering each one. Pleased, Liu Xueyang said, "I heard today that when Xiao Qi was injured in the past, it was Princess Qingping who saved him. She even went alone to Tianshan to gather herbs for him. For a young lady to brave Tianshan alone—what devotion! All these years, Xiao Qi has never shown interest in any other girl. Today, he even went to receive her personally, didn’t he?"
"Mother, where are you going with this?" Jiang Chun said with a laugh. "Wei Wang is of noble status. Xiao Qi went to receive the king, not the princess."
"It’s all the same," Liu Xueyang waved her hand dismissively and continued to Chu Yu, "Tomorrow, all our close acquaintances will be here. Keep an eye out for Xiao Qi. He’s already reached the age of twenty. His brothers were all betrothed by his age. A Jun was engaged to you when he was just thirteen, and you were still a four-year-old toddler. He even carried you back then—do you remember?""I don't remember," Chu Yu shook her head with a smile. Liu Xueyang sighed, "What a pity. You were so fond of A Jun back then. When he was about to leave, you clung to him and cried. But Xiao Qi was also attached to you—he was only three at the time. When you cried, he cried too, giving A Jun quite the headache..."
Liu Xueyang reminisced about their childhood, her face filled with nostalgia. Chu Yu listened quietly until Liu Xueyang grew tired. After helping her settle down to sleep, Chu Yu left with Jiang Chun.
Once outside, Jiang Chun sighed, "Don't take Mother's words to heart. There's nothing between Xiao Qi and Princess Qingping—don't jump to conclusions."
"Mmm."
"Mother now thinks Xiao Qi's status has changed. She probably believes he's going to become emperor..."
"I know."
"A Yu," Jiang Chun said worriedly, "Don't be upset."
"I'm not upset." Chu Yu smiled and patted Jiang Chun's hand. "Don't worry. I was prepared for Mother to say these things. Since I chose this path, I've already thought it through."
Jiang Chun pursed her lips before finally asking, "A Yu, why don't you like Gu Chusheng?"
Chu Yu didn't answer immediately. After a moment, she chuckled instead, "Then why don't you like Song Shilan?"
Jiang Chun was taken aback. Chu Yu took her hand and said softly, "I understand your concern. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
"Go get some rest."
With a gentle smile, Chu Yu patted her shoulder before leaving.
Back in her room, she lay down on the bed, which felt unusually empty. Wei Yun was preparing for tomorrow's Bestowal of Kingship Ceremony and likely wouldn't come tonight.
Chu Yu felt utterly exhausted. As she closed her eyes, her sleep was restless, filled with dreams. When she awoke to the sound of commotion outside, she sat up and called out, "What time is it?"
"Madam, it's mao shi (5-7 AM). The Marquis has already begun preparations."
Chu Yu squinted, pushing herself up. "I'll go see."
After washing up, she arrived at Wei Yun's quarters to find him already dressed in his ceremonial robes. Today's event combined the Bestowal of Kingship Ceremony with his capping ceremony, differing from ordinary capping rites. The focus was on showcasing Wei Yun's power to all attendees, ensuring they wouldn't be intimidated by Zhao Yue's influence. Most preliminary rituals were omitted, leaving only the "crowning" to be performed before the crowd.
Wei Yun's attire was magnificent—a black wide-sleeved silk outer robe with gold Cloud Pattern trim, embroidered on the back with the sun, moon, and stars. The wide sleeves bore twelve divine beasts, and a red Bixi (knee covering) hung down his front, adorned with a Vermilion Bird spreading its wings to hold a pearl in its beak.
Many surrounded Wei Yun. Without father or elder brothers, Chu Linyang and Song Shilan had been invited to stand in as his brothers. Liu Xueyang stood behind him, tearfully saying something while Wei Yun sat before a mirror, responding with a smile.
Chu Yu watched quietly for a while but didn't enter. He already had plenty of company—no need for her to intrude.
After washing and dressing in her own quarters, Chu Yu donned the Queen's ceremonial robe and golden crown. When the time came, she boarded a sedan chair to the parade ground.
The grounds had been fully prepared, with guests ushered to their seats. Chu Yu ascended to the elevated platform—Wei Yun's place was at the center, while hers and Liu Xueyang's positions were slightly higher and set further back.A beaded curtain hung between their seats. As Chu Yu entered, Liu Xueyang greeted her with a smile, "I saw you arrive this morning. Why didn’t you come in?"
"I heard Xiao Qi’s place was lively, so I went to take a look. Once I understood what the excitement was about, I didn’t want to intrude."
Chu Yu chuckled, picking up a cup of tea as she exchanged pleasantries with Liu Xueyang. "Have you had breakfast yet, Mother?"
"I had some porridge," Liu Xueyang replied casually. Soon after, the sound of drums echoed, signaling the official start of the ceremony.
The drumbeats grew rapid and intense, causing the ground to tremble slightly. Thousands of soldiers marched in perfect formation from the far end of the training grounds, their steps synchronized without a single misstep—infantry, cavalry, archers—each unit entering in turn amidst the rhythmic beats and the soldiers’ resounding chants, forming a complete army.
Liu Xueyang watched quietly before sighing. "His coming-of-age ceremony shouldn’t have involved such martial displays. But with so many guests invited under this pretext, his intentions must go beyond mere celebration."
"Exactly," Chu Yu replied calmly. "Right now, everyone is watching the Marquis and the one in Hua Jing. The Marquis needs to reassure the world. To form alliances, he must first show his strength."
"And what does your brother think?" Liu Xueyang asked, her gaze fixed on the infantry performing drills below, her tone seemingly casual.
Chu Yu was taken aback. Liu Xueyang had never been one to meddle in such matters, yet today she posed the question outright. After a brief pause, Chu Yu slowly understood—Liu Xueyang was likely uneasy about her.
Suppressing a bitter smile, Chu Yu answered truthfully, "My mother and sister-in-law are both from the Xie Family. Since Zhao Yue’s greatest support now comes from the Xies, my brother is unlikely to take sides."
Caught between his wife and mother’s maternal family on one side and his sister’s marital ties on the other, Chu Linyang’s most probable choice was neutrality.
Liu Xueyang frowned slightly before sighing again. "Everyone has their own burdens to bear."
As they spoke, the soldiers formed precise formations at the command, then knelt in unison. In the ensuing silence, Wei Yun ascended the platform, kneeling solemnly on a cushion. Tao Quan stood behind him, holding a golden crown. Wei Yun’s expression was grave, his back straight as a rod.
He had fully matured into a young man, his features sharp and resolute, the softness of his youth entirely gone. He resembled a finely forged blade, gleaming under the morning sun, radiating an unyielding brilliance capable of piercing the deepest darkness.
All eyes were on him as the officiant stepped forward, inviting Liu Xueyang to preside. Supported by attendants, she approached Wei Yun.
"This should have been your father’s duty," Tao Quan stood behind Liu Xueyang as she spoke. Though her voice was usually delicate, it now carried clearly and steadily, infused with warmth. "But with your father and brothers gone, I must stand in their place. On this day of your coming of age, I ask only one thing of you. Do you know what it is, my son?"
Wei Yun lifted his head, meeting his mother’s tear-filled gaze, and answered earnestly, "Please enlighten me, Mother."
"Uphold the legacy of the Wei family," Liu Xueyang raised her voice suddenly, her tone ringing out, "and restore the golden age of Great Chu!"Having spoken, Liu Xueyang abruptly turned to face the crowd: "Since the founding of our Great Chu, through four emperors, our Wei family has been the sword in the emperor's hand, the wall of the Northern Border, defending against foreign enemies, expanding territories, securing thousands of miles of our Great Chu's land, ensuring the people live without worry."
"Yet in recent years, countless people have been displaced; corpses pile up on the roads, their origins unknown. I still remember when Hua Jing was a dreamlike hometown, Great Chu was the kingdom above all kingdoms, where no bones were left on the roads, no houses stood empty on the streets. But what of now?"
"The Moon Tower is adorned with gold and jade, the palace revels in song and dance, yet beneath the imperial city, heavy taxes oppress the people, making life unbearable. Even if our Wei family guards the Northern Border and reclaims the land, Great Chu is no longer the Great Chu of old. Hua Jing is no dreamlike hometown, Great Chu is no kingdom above all kingdoms."
"Now in my twilight years, having lived through countless trials, with my husband and sons fallen in battle, yet this is not what grieves me most. What pains me most is seeing the brave sons of our Great Chu stand by helplessly as traitors rise to power and the kingdom crumbles!"
"My son," Liu Xueyang closed her eyes, her voice hoarse, "the spines of all under heaven may break, but yours cannot. The heads of all under heaven may bow, but yours must not. Even if our Wei family is left with only you and us women, we shall not forsake a century of dignity, nor break the spine of four generations."
"Your child remembers."
Wei Yun lowered his head, his voice calm and composed, as if he had spoken these words countless times before.
Liu Xueyang lifted the golden crown and, with tears in her eyes, placed it upon his head.
This was her son.
Her only, her last son. She had watched him grow from an innocent child unaware of the world's ways to the man he was today. Though he had long faced storms and hardships, in Liu Xueyang's heart, it was only now that he had truly come of age.
As she placed the golden crown upon him, Wei Yun stood and turned to the crowd.
The rising sun bathed him in its light as he stood in his princely robes, the golden crown upon his head, as if bearing the flame of light itself, ready to ignite the darkness of the land in a single blaze.
"A foolish ruler reigns, yet the people are innocent. Wei Yun, bearing heaven's mandate, rises today, proclaiming himself king. May our Wei family forever be the sharp blade of Great Chu, protecting the people's peace and prosperity, ensuring an eternal golden age!"
"Peace and prosperity for the people, an eternal golden age!"
The Crest of the Wei Family, the Vermilion Bird encircling the character "Wei," slowly rose as the soldiers began to chant in unison.
Chu Yu listened as the voices below grew louder, surging like a tidal wave, threatening to envelop Wei Yun, herself, and this era.
"Peace and prosperity for the people, an eternal golden age!"
"Peace and prosperity for the people, an eternal golden age!"
Chu Yu quietly watched the young man's back as he stood at the forefront. The fierce wind billowed his wide sleeves, the tassels of his golden crown swaying wildly in the gale. He seemed alone, facing all the tempests of the world, yet he stood composed, without a trace of fear.
As she gazed at his figure, she suddenly longed to walk over, stand by his side, take his hand, and accompany him through storms and calm alike.
Yet she could only sit in this high place, among the elders, watching him silently alongside Liu Xueyang, in the role of an elder.
Suppressing her admiration and affection with calm, restraining her fervent desire to embrace him with reason.
Until he turned and his gaze met hers.
Just that brief glance through the swaying bead curtain, and she saw him standing in the sunlight—suddenly, she smiled.That was an angle difficult for the crowd to see, his smile directed right at her. It carried a youthful air, a hint of proud exuberance, utterly at odds with all his previous expressions.
In just a fleeting moment, he turned his head away again. Chu Yu sat behind the beaded curtain, gripping the armrest tightly, and for some reason, tears suddenly welled up in her eyes. She laughed through her tears, lifting a handkerchief to wipe them away. Wanyue beside her asked with concern, "Madam?"
Chu Yu waved her hand, signaling for her not to speak.
Wanyue pressed her lips together and said no more.
By the time the entire ceremony concluded and the crowd dispersed, Liu Xueyang, feeling unwell, was escorted away early by Jiang Chun.
Wei Yun came to the beaded curtain where Chu Yu sat. He lifted the strands of beads and saw her eyes, still glistening with moisture.
He couldn’t help but smile. "Why the tears?"
Chu Yu rose with a soft laugh, as if slightly embarrassed. "The wind blew dust into my eyes. I rubbed them too hard."
Wei Yun didn’t press further. With a smile, he stepped back and respectfully ushered her out.
Supported by Wanyue, she walked ahead while Wei Yun followed behind. He escorted her to a quieter spot and quietly took her hand.
Still dressed in his grand ceremonial robes, the warmth of his hand was as familiar as ever.
"A Yu," he said softly, "do you know what my courtesy name is?"
"Did Master Tao choose it?"
Chu Yu thought for a moment. "Why didn’t you mention it earlier?"
Wei Yun turned to her, smiling. "Master Tao didn’t choose it. I chose it myself."
Chu Yu looked up in confusion. Wei Yun paused, took her palm, and carefully traced the characters of his name onto her skin, stroke by stroke.
"Huai…" Chu Yu read the first character aloud, then watched as he wrote the second: "Yu…"
Chu Yu froze. Wei Yun closed his hand over hers, as if cradling that name within his grasp.
"A Yu," he said earnestly, "no matter how far I go in the future, before you, I will always be Seventh Master Wei—Wei Huaiyu."
Author's Note:
I researched so much for this coming-of-age ceremony…
And then I realized… Ah, it’s so complicated, and not at all grand. I must write a grander Bestowal of Kingship Ceremony!!!
As I wrote… First, let’s have a group dance, then a military parade—that’ll look impressive, and then…
Hmm… Something feels off. Hmm… Why does it kind of resemble the Olympics opening ceremony??
"Now marching toward us is the infantry formation…"
"……"
Never mind, I’ll just delete it.
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