Fight For Love

Yan Yunlang was originally a notorious playboy in Kun Province.

Born into the prestigious Yan family of Bai Province as the legitimate eldest son, he was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting from a young age. At sixteen, he achieved the rare feat of topping the imperial examinations at all three levels, and by twenty-three, he had become the Prefect of Bai Province—a resume that could hardly be more impressive. Yet despite his talents, this man had little interest in an official career. He performed his duties adequately but never went beyond them, while his attentions were lavished entirely on women. Yan Yunlang was most famous for his saying: "Family matters, state affairs, the world's concerns—none compare to the beauty of women." He adored all lovely ladies and treated every woman he knew, young or old, with utmost consideration. Despite his notorious reputation, no woman ever disliked him, for though Yan Yunlang was a flirt, he was never vulgar. He cared only for a woman's heart and rarely took liberties with anyone.

When the invitation from Wei Manor arrived, Yan Yunlang was just returning on horseback from Flower Street, his azure robe fluttering in the wind. Women cheered and tossed their handkerchiefs at him. Yan Yunlang raised a hand, caught the most beautiful one, and brought it lightly to his nose, inhaling its fragrance. He then lifted his gaze to the woman, his eyes shimmering with such tender affection that she flushed crimson on the spot. Yan Yunlang laughed heartily but didn’t linger, spurring his horse back to the Yan residence.

No sooner had he stepped inside than his father, Yan Zhangxiu, rushed out in agitation. "Where have you been, reeking of rouge again?! Little ancestor, do you not realize the times we’re in? The Prince of Wei now controls Bai Province—you’re no longer the local overlord. Can’t you rein it in a little lately?"

"Father, you jest," Yan Yunlang replied with a smile as he strode inside. Letting the maids help him out of his clothes, he continued leisurely, "I serve under the prince now, and as long as I do my job well, why should he care how many women I fancy?"

"Normally, he wouldn’t! But today, an invitation from Wei Manor has arrived!"

"Oh?"

Yan Yunlang stepped into the bath, separated by a screen, and asked indifferently, "What’s the occasion?"

"Do you remember Lady Wei Chushi, the principal wife of the Wei household?"

At this, Yan Yunlang froze. He had never met Chu Yu, yet his admiration for her had never waned. Years ago, when Bai Province fell and he, as its Prefect, was forced to flee with the people, they were trapped in Remote City. He had been ready to take his own life in loyalty to the fallen state when he suddenly heard the news—Chu Yu, a woman, had defended Phoenix Mausoleum. Inspired, he gritted his teeth and held Remote City. Since then, he had longed to meet her, but Chu Yu was of noble status, residing far away in Hua Jing. As the Prefect of Bai Province, he couldn’t enter the capital without the emperor’s permission, so the meeting never happened. Hearing her name now, he suppressed his emotions and asked, "Why bring her up, Father?"

"That Lady Wei Chushi—she’s nearly twenty-two now and has been widowed all this time. Rumor has it she holds an extremely high position in Wei Manor. If we could arrange a marriage with her, wouldn’t our ties to the Wei family grow even stronger? So I spent a fortune bribing the Wei family’s servants to help pave the way. Now the Dowager of Wei has sent us an invitation—don’t you see what this means?"

Yan Yunlang said nothing, silently drying himself with a towel. Seeing his silence, Yan Zhangxiu pressed on, "Don’t turn your nose up at her for being remarried. Don’t say I don’t care for you—I’ve made inquiries. The Wei heir died on their wedding night, so she’s still untouched—"

"Enough of this nonsense!"Yan Yunlang's handkerchief flew out from behind the screen and smacked Yan Zhangxiu in the face: "A woman like her shouldn't be insulted like this."

Yan Zhangxiu was stunned by the hit, then started jumping and cursing: "You little bastard, how dare you hit your own father!"

"If I'm a little bastard," Yan Yunlang drawled, "then what does that make you, Father?"

"You... you..."

Yan Zhangxiu couldn't catch his breath for a moment. However, having always doted on Yan Yunlang, after struggling for a while, he only managed to say: "Behave properly tomorrow!"

This time Yan Yunlang obediently agreed, which actually made Yan Zhangxiu somewhat suspicious. But it was good that his son was being proper. He glanced at the screen and left.

The next day, Yan Yunlang changed into a purple formal robe and wore a jade crown. Paired with his naturally handsome features, he looked every bit the likable noble young master.

He followed Yan Zhangxiu through the gates and was led by servants into the main hall. Liu Xueyang sat in the seat of honor, chatting with Gui Momo. Yan Yunlang abandoned his usual rakish demeanor and respectfully paid his respects to Liu Xueyang.

Though not as strikingly handsome as Gu Chusheng, he was still quite presentable. His upright posture and smiling eyes naturally endeared him to elders. Seeing he wasn't frivolous, Liu Xueyang was extremely pleased and sent someone to summon Chu Yu.

When Chu Yu heard Liu Xueyang wanted her to receive guests, she wasn't surprised. As the first lady of Wei Manor, it was usually her duty to receive important visitors. After inquiring about the guests, she found it strange: "Why would the old madam suddenly invite them? Are the Yan and Wei families old acquaintances?"

No one could answer this, so Chu Yu had to go herself. The weather being pleasant, she wore a white underrobe with a blue embroidered outer robe featuring white flowers, draped in a fox fur coat. Her hair was simply tied up as she arrived at the hall.

Yan Yunlang was chatting happily with Liu Xueyang. He always knew how to engage with women, young or old. Just as he was sharing amusing stories from Kun Province, a woman's voice called: "Mother-in-law."

The voice was steady and warm. Yan Yunlang looked up to see a woman stepping through the doorway.

Her hands were tucked in her sleeves, her bearing as clear and bright as the moon. Yan Yunlang had never seen such unpretentious grace in any woman before. Yet as she walked in, each step was perfectly measured, her long skirt rippling with movements that embodied the most refined gait of Hua Jing nobility—elegant and flawless.

Bright as the moon, straight as pine, steps like treading on lotus, sleeves carrying fragrant breeze.

Watching her approach, Yan Yunlang recalled the image of her he'd conjured years ago when defending Remote City and hearing tales about her.

He suddenly realized this woman far surpassed his imagination.

Adjusting his breath subtly, he saw Chu Yu glance his way. She smiled lightly and bowed to him and Yan Zhangxiu: "Lord Yan, Young Master Yan."

Since this was a private gathering, Chu Yu didn't use official titles.

Yan Zhangxiu and Yan Yunlang returned the courtesy, then Chu Yu took her seat.

Chu Yu didn't speak rashly, but Yan Yunlang was eloquent. Not wanting to embarrass anyone, Chu Yu soon found the atmosphere becoming lively. She hadn't expected Yan Yunlang to be so straightforward and found him rather endearing.Liu Xueyang noticed the two chatting amiably and said to Chu Yu, "You young people must be bored sitting here. A Yu, why not take Young Master Yan for a stroll in the garden?"

Since Chu Yu was enjoying her conversation with Yan Yunlang, she readily agreed, "Please, Young Master Yan."

Yan Yunlang rose with a smile. Without the elders present, their conversation quickly drifted to more casual topics. Yan Yunlang was exceptionally skilled at pleasing women and soon found subjects that interested Chu Yu, engaging her with questions as they walked.

Meanwhile, Wei Yun entered the residence. As soon as he reached the gate, Wei Xia's informant within the household approached and whispered, "Your Highness, the Madam has taken Young Master Yan to the rear garden."

Wei Yun's expression remained unchanged as he turned toward the garden. When he found them, they were standing by the waterside pavilion. Chu Yu was describing the scene of Sky Lanterns being released in Northern Di Sand City to Yan Yunlang. As Wei Yun walked along the corridor, he overheard her wistful tone: "The sight was truly breathtaking..."

"Listening to Madam's description, Yunlang can't help but feel a stirring in his heart," Yan Yunlang laughed. "If I ever have the chance to visit Northern Di, might I trouble Madam to act as my guide?"

Just as Chu Yu was about to respond, Wei Yun lifted the curtain and entered. Both Yan Yunlang and Chu Yu turned to see him standing at the doorway with a displeased expression. Yan Yunlang recovered first, offering a courteous bow. "Your Highness."

Wei Yun gave him a cool glance and nodded before walking over to Chu Yu. His tone was indifferent as he said, "I've also witnessed the Sky Lantern Festival in Northern Di. If the Prefect has any questions, he may come to me directly. I can even arrange for a Northern Di guide to accompany him."

Yan Yunlang stared at Wei Yun standing protectively behind Chu Yu, momentarily bewildered.

There was something off about their dynamic, though he couldn't quite place it. Fortunately, he was always quick with words and replied smoothly, "That would be ideal. I hope Your Highness won't find me bothersome when the time comes."

"No trouble at all," Wei Yun replied coldly. Then, his voice softened unexpectedly as he looked down at Chu Yu. "Where’s your hand warmer? Why didn’t you bring it out with you?"

With Yan Yunlang still present, Wei Yun’s sudden intimacy made Chu Yu cough lightly in response. "It’s fine. The weather is pleasant today."

She then turned to Yan Yunlang. "Young Master Yan, it’s rather chilly. Perhaps we should head back now?"

"Of course," Yan Yunlang agreed, his gaze lingering on Chu Yu’s delicate frame with gentle concern. "Most ladies are sensitive to the cold. Madam must take good care of yourself."

"Wasn’t it to accompany you on this garden tour?" Wei Yun retorted sharply.

Yan Yunlang couldn’t help but glance at Wei Yun again, finding the prince unusually prickly today. He sighed inwardly before turning back to Chu Yu with tender affection. "Thank you for your trouble today, Madam."

Chu Yu smiled at him. She had never met a man whose eyes always seemed to shimmer with emotion, as if he held deep affection for everyone he met. She mused that this must be what they called a naturally amorous gaze and couldn’t help but study him a moment longer. Silently, Wei Yun rested his hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist, saying nothing.

Wei Yun’s arrival cast an unspoken tension over the gathering. At first, Yan Yunlang tried to maintain conversation with Chu Yu, but soon even that dwindled. The group returned to the main hall in silence, the earlier liveliness entirely gone.Upon entering the main hall, Liu Xueyang was surprised to see Wei Yun and couldn't help but ask, "Why has Your Highness returned?"

Seeing Liu Xueyang, Wei Yun smiled and stepped forward respectfully, saying, "I heard Mother was hosting a banquet. Thinking it might be inappropriate with only female guests in attendance, I hurried back to help entertain."

His words nearly made Liu Xueyang and Yan Zhangxiu choke with frustration. The Wei and Yan families were not old acquaintances, so Liu Xueyang's banquet was indeed somewhat unconventional. However, after years of war, many formalities had long been abandoned. Moreover, Liu Xueyang had intended to play matchmaker, so she had overlooked such proprieties. Now, with Wei Yun bluntly pointing it out, Chu Yu was taken aback—his words suggested the Wei family was not familiar with the Yan family at all.

Chu Yu glanced at Liu Xueyang's expression and quickly grasped the situation. She then looked up at Yan Yunlang, only to find him sipping tea. Noticing her gaze, he turned and arched his brows slightly.

Chu Yu was momentarily stunned, suddenly finding this young master rather intriguing.

After Wei Yun's remark, Liu Xueyang could only awkwardly reply, "Well, since you're here, why don't you chat with Lord Yan for a while..."

Wei Yun smiled in agreement and moved to sit at the table beside Chu Yu, initiating a conversation with Yan Yunlang.

However, no one was in the mood to talk to Wei Yun today. After just a few words, Yan Zhangxiu excused himself and led Yan Yunlang away.

Wei Yun personally escorted the Yan father and son out, observing all the proper courtesies. When he returned to the hall, Chu Yu had already left, leaving only Liu Xueyang behind. Slamming the table in anger, Liu Xueyang scolded, "You foolish child! You nearly ruined your sister-in-law's prospects!"

Wei Yun's expression cooled as he sat beside Liu Xueyang and calmly asked, "What prospects, Mother? I'm afraid I don't understand."

"You're usually so clever—how can you not see it? Why do you think I invited the Yan father and son today? It was to introduce them to your sister-in-law!"

"Introduce?" Wei Yun scoffed. "To Yan Yunlang, of all people?"

"What do you mean, 'of all people'? Yan Yunlang is from a noble family, intelligent, ambitious, handsome, and his temperament suits your sister-in-law. Tell me, what's wrong with him?"

"With his reputation as a rake, I would never let my sister-in-law marry him!"

"Always so picky! You're always so picky! Then find someone better! Back then, I suggested Gu Chusheng, but you said his status was too low. Now he's a Grand Secretary in the cabinet, and you still don't approve. Tell me, who do you approve of? How old is your sister-in-law now? In a few more years, childbirth will become dangerous for her. I've been asking you to look for someone all these years, and you've brought me nothing! Do you intend for her to remain a widow forever?"

Wei Yun pressed his lips together and remained silent. Tears welled in Liu Xueyang's eyes as she said, "Xiao Qi, I know you favored your brother, but we mustn't be ungrateful. A Yu has been good to the Wei family. You can't possibly wish for her to live out her days in widowhood."

"Mother, that's not what I meant..." Hearing Liu Xueyang's sobs and recognizing her good intentions, Wei Yun softened and sighed helplessly. "But we mustn't act rashly out of desperation. I am looking for someone suitable for Sister-in-law. Please don't make haphazard choices—Yan Yunlang is clearly no good. You can't push her into a pit of fire.""What do you mean pushing him into a pit of fire? What man in this world doesn't have some romantic escapades? Yunlang has never caused any scandals—compared to those spoiled young masters, he's practically a model of self-restraint. You think everyone's like you, guarding your purity like some maiden. Oh, don't even mention your sister-in-law, let's talk about you instead..."

The topic shifted to Wei Yun, who endured another round of lecturing from Liu Xueyang. Wei Yun listened numbly, realizing just how terrifying Liu Xueyang's scolding skills had become over the years.

By the time he returned to his room at night, Wei Yun was utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally. He collapsed onto the bed, completely drained. Chu Yu lay on her side, propping her head up with one hand, and couldn't help but laugh. "What's with that look of utter despair? Did Mother scold you again?"

"A woman obsessed with matchmaking is terrifying," Wei Yun grumbled as he turned and pulled her into his arms. "We need to find something to keep Mother busy so she stops fixating on our marriage."

"She's old—what else is she supposed to think about?"

Chu Yu gently stroked his hair, soothing him. Wei Yun fell silent for a moment, seeming displeased. Chu Yu glanced down at him. "What's wrong? Upset about Mother's scolding?"

"I heard," Wei Yun hesitated before finally speaking, "you had a pleasant chat with Yan Yunlang today."

"Mhm." Chu Yu recalled the young nobleman from earlier and smiled. "He's quite the character."

Wei Yun didn't respond, only tightening his arms around her. Chu Yu blinked. "Hmm?"

Wei Yun buried his face against her chest and muttered, "Am I bad at talking?"

"What do you mean?" Chu Yu was puzzled.

"I feel," Wei Yun admitted reluctantly, "like I'm not as good at making you happy as he is."

Hearing this, Chu Yu chuckled softly. "What nonsense are you spouting? Your Wei family is known for its uprightness, and you're the smoothest talker of them all."

Wei Yun frowned, not entirely convinced she was complimenting him. But Chu Yu suddenly caught on and hugged him. "Are you jealous?"

Wei Yun stayed silent. Chu Yu withdrew her arms and snuggled under the covers, slipping a hand into his clothes with a playful grin. "Really jealous?"

"Be serious."

Wei Yun caught her hand and said earnestly, "Promise me you'll stay away from him from now on."

"Why so petty?"

Her hand restrained, Chu Yu lifted a foot to tease him instead. Wei Yun flushed and whispered, "Stop fooling around. I'm being serious."

Seeing Wei Yun was about to get angry, Chu Yu finally relented. "Alright, alright, I was just teasing. Don't worry—even if you hadn't said anything, I would've kept my distance from him."

Hearing this, Wei Yun finally relaxed. He released her hand and placed it back where it had been.

"Good," he murmured before kissing her lips, his voice husky. "Now you can stop being serious."

Chu Yu: "..."

She should've known. Who was he trying to fool?

Wei Yun had been thoroughly worn out by Liu Xueyang's scolding during the day, so he didn't get too carried away that night. Afterward, he quickly fell asleep.

The two retired early, but around midnight, Chu Yu faintly heard the sound of a pigeon. Groggily opening her eyes, she spotted one perched on the windowsill, a Scented Note tied to its leg.Chu Yu found the pigeon rather peculiar. She stood up and removed the page bookmark, upon which the pigeon flapped its wings and flew away. Lowering her gaze, Chu Yu discovered it was a love poem—exceptionally eloquent with beautifully penned characters. The signature was a small swallow, also exquisitely drawn.

The scent on the Scented Note was unique, clearly specially blended with genuine thought put into it. Chu Yu bent her head to inhale the fragrance and couldn’t help but smile.

Having lived two lifetimes, this was the first time someone had pursued her like this. Just then, Wei Yun noticed Chu Yu hadn’t returned to bed and looked up to see her smiling down at a piece of paper.

Wei Yun was instantly wide awake. He hurried over to stand behind her, his gaze landing on what she held, unable to suppress his urgency as he demanded, “What is this?”

Then he saw the love poem and the swallow signature.

Now, Wei Yun grew calm. Chu Yu glanced up at him, meeting his icy stare, and quickly waved her hands. “It’s nothing to do with me. A pigeon just delivered it.”

“I know.”

Wei Yun sneered. “That bastard really lives up to his reputation.”

“Forget about him,” Wei Yun said, scooping Chu Yu up into his arms. “It’s cold outside. Let’s go back to sleep.”

Chu Yu murmured an agreement and, without another thought, fell asleep. Once she was asleep, Wei Yun lay awake, but in the end, he couldn’t resist. He got up and tossed the letter into the charcoal fire to burn.

Even after burning it, he still felt a twinge of resentment. Glancing at Chu Yu’s peaceful sleeping face, he couldn’t bear to wake her, so he turned away and decided to give her the silent treatment for the night.

Chu Yu, deep in slumber, remained blissfully unaware of the cold war Wei Yun had initiated. By the time she woke the next morning, Wei Yun had already unilaterally called it off.

Wei Yun reflected that this was probably the most impressive cold war he’d ever waged since getting together with Chu Yu.

He tallied it up—it had lasted a full three hours!

Author’s Note:

Wei Yun: I launched a terrible war last night. I decided to give you the silent treatment—I wouldn’t speak a word to you, wouldn’t acknowledge you. You’d live your life, I’d live mine.

Chu Yu: What? I didn’t even know this happened.

Wei Yun: You were asleep.

Chu Yu: When did this war start?

Wei Yun: After you fell asleep.

Chu Yu: When did it end?

Wei Yun: Before you woke up.

Chu Yu: …

Was there any point, buddy?

Wei Yun: QAQ What else can I do except indulge in a little fantasy?