Liu Xueyang covered her mouth, not daring to make a sound. Wei Yun noticed someone in the neighboring room but paid it no mind.
Those who could reach the top floor of the Listening Rain Pavilion were naturally high-ranking nobles—they knew better than he did what should and shouldn’t be said.
Wei Yun kept his gaze fixed on Yan Yunlang, who, after a moment of shock, slowly regained his composure.
In truth, Wei Yun’s words had long given hints, and Yan Yunlang had already pieced some of it together. He just hadn’t expected Wei Yun to admit it so openly. He couldn’t help but laugh. “Your Highness is truly bold.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
Wei Yun chuckled lightly. Yan Yunlang picked up a cup from the side and took a sip. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll spread this?”
“A clever man like Prefect Yan surely wouldn’t do such a thing.”
Wei Yun sat down, his tone indifferent. Yan Yunlang raised an eyebrow. “What if I did?”
“If you told others,” Wei Yun smiled faintly, “then I’d simply marry her sooner. That I love her—sooner or later, everyone will know.”
“You probably wish the whole world knew already, don’t you?”
Yan Yunlang laughed outright, and Wei Yun didn’t deny it.
Privately, of course, he wished the entire world knew. But for now, it wasn’t the right time, and Chu Yu might not want this revealed yet. So he endured. However, faced with provocation from someone like Yan Yunlang, he naturally wouldn’t back down.
Yan Yunlang sighed, now understanding the situation. “Will you marry her in the future?”
“Without a doubt.”
“Then, the rumors and gossip…”
“I love her. I pursued her relentlessly. What does that have to do with her?” Wei Yun lifted his eyes to meet Yan Yunlang’s. “My sister-in-law is a woman of integrity. All of this is my selfish desire. People should pity her for being deceived by me—what else is there to say?”
Yan Yunlang gave a bitter smile. “Your Highness, in this world, the filth is always thrown at women.”
Wei Yun fell silent. He didn’t know how to respond. What Yan Yunlang said—how could he not know it? But was he supposed to hide his relationship with Chu Yu forever just because of what the world might say?
After a long pause, he finally spoke. “What the world says, I can’t control. But if anyone dares to humiliate her to her face, I’ll kill them.”
“She’ll never hear these words from you in her lifetime.”
Yan Yunlang smiled without replying. Wei Yun sheathed his blade and said calmly, “Enough has been said. You likely understand my stance now. Yan Yunlang, if you truly take her away—” Wei Yun’s gaze turned icy. “The hatred of stealing a man’s wife—are you sure you want that?”
Seeing Wei Yun’s expression, Yan Yunlang hesitated for a moment before finally raising his hands in a respectful salute. “Your Highness exaggerates. I was merely jesting. I will not disturb the First Madam again in the future.”
Wei Yun smiled faintly. “Prefect Yan is wise. Wei thanks you for your understanding.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Wei Yun left first, leaving Yan Yunlang alone in the room, watching the dancers perform.
Yan Yunlang took a sip of wine and sighed.
It was a pity—truly a pity. But when it came to Chu Yu, it was only regret. To truly oppose Wei Yun for her sake—that was something he had no interest in.
Meanwhile, after descending the stairs, Wei Yun glanced back at the private room on the top floor of the Listening Rain Pavilion. Lowering his voice, he said to Wei Qiu, “Find out who was in the room next to us.”
Wei Qiu acknowledged the order and went upstairs.Liu Xueyang sat in the room, unable to regain her composure for a long time. It wasn't until Wei Ying, who was by her side, spoke up that she snapped out of it: "Madam, the prince might have noticed something. Wei Qiu is leading people our way."
Wei Ying was the most outstanding figure among the previous generation of the Wei family's Covert Guards. In fact, Wei Qiu and Wei Xia would have to address him as their master. After the death of the former Marquis of National Stability, Wei Zhong, Wei Ying had stayed in the Wei household on the late marquis's orders, specifically to take commands from Liu Xueyang. Hearing Wei Ying's words, Liu Xueyang panicked slightly before hurriedly saying, "Cover this up! Xiao Qi must not know I was here!"
Wei Ying acknowledged her order calmly. "Please move to the inner chamber, madam."
Liu Xueyang rose with Gui Momo and entered the inner chamber. Wei Ying, along with two other Covert Guards, took out the poison they had prepared in advance and poured it into wine. When Wei Qiu knocked on the door, a Covert Guard disguised as a servant opened it.
Wei Qiu looked up to see two wealthy merchants sitting inside, who glanced at him in surprise. He quickly scanned the room and said, "My apologies, wrong room."
With that, Wei Qiu went downstairs and sought out the owner of the Listening Rain Pavilion to inquire about the occupants. It turned out the room had been reserved by a wealthy merchant surnamed Lu from the eastern part of the city.
After verifying all the information and confirming it was accurate, Wei Qiu returned to report to Wei Yun. Wei Yun nodded and didn't pursue the matter further.
If it was just ordinary merchants having tea, not to mention the soundproofing of the Listening Rain Pavilion should prevent eavesdropping, even if they had overheard something, it wouldn't matter.
Only after Wei Yun had completely left did Wei Ying send someone to check the surroundings before escorting Liu Xueyang back home. Liu Xueyang sat stiffly in the carriage, desperately trying to process what Wei Yun had just said. It wasn't until they arrived home and Gui Momo was combing her hair that she slowly came to her senses and asked with difficulty, "Xiao Qi... likes A Yu?"
Gui Momo's hand trembled slightly, but she quickly steadied herself.
Having come from the countryside, such matters weren't uncommon where she was from. In poor families, it wasn't unusual for several brothers to share one wife, let alone for a younger brother to continue living with his sister-in-law after his elder brother's death to save on betrothal gifts. Gui Momo was far calmer than Liu Xueyang, but unable to gauge her mistress's thoughts, she could only say, "From what the prince said, it seems so."
"Then they... they..."
Liu Xueyang grew agitated, but the words stuck in her throat.
Was it just feelings, or had something already happened between them?
Liu Xueyang couldn't be sure. After a long silence, she finally regained her composure.
Wei Yun had said he liked her, which meant things might not have progressed yet. As long as nothing had started, there was still room for change.
Feelings couldn't be stopped. If Wei Yun liked her, as long as Chu Yu didn't respond, the affection of youth could remain buried in his heart, unknown to anyone—that would be enough.
Having reasoned this through, Liu Xueyang looked out the window and said slowly, "Xiao Qi is leaving for the campaign tomorrow, isn't he?"
"Yes," Gui Momo replied, uncertain of Liu Xueyang's current thoughts. Hesitantly, she added, "Would madam like to visit the prince?"
Liu Xueyang nodded and went to find Wei Yun.
At that moment, Wei Yun was in his study, discussing the details of the next day's campaign with his men. Chu Yu listened nearby, counting the days.
The era was too far removed now, and she couldn't quite remember the exact date of the earthquake. But with the month approaching, Chu Yu couldn't help but feel tense.But the war could not be rushed. Though anxious in her heart, she dared not push Wei Yun too much and silently sat to the side, listening as he discussed the battle plans with Qin Shiyue and the others, occasionally interjecting a word or two.
As they were talking, word came from outside that Liu Xueyang had arrived. Chu Yu and Wei Yun exchanged glances, unsure why Liu Xueyang had come at this time, but they respectfully invited her in nonetheless.
Once inside, Liu Xueyang’s gaze swept over Chu Yu. In the past, she had known that Chu Yu and Wei Yun often discussed matters together and had never thought much of it. But today, seeing them together, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease. Liu Xueyang was not one to hide her thoughts, and the change in her expression was immediately noticed by Chu Yu and Wei Yun. Wei Yun helped Liu Xueyang into the room and asked with a smile, "Mother, what brings you here?"
"You’re setting off for battle tomorrow. I came to see you."
Liu Xueyang’s eyes lingered on Wei Yun, scrutinizing him for a moment before saying, "Don’t be reckless on the battlefield. Victory or defeat is in the hands of fate—don’t force it too much."
"I understand, Mother."
Wei Yun knelt opposite Liu Xueyang, while Chu Yu stepped forward to pour tea. The others exchanged glances and quietly left the room.
Liu Xueyang glanced at Chu Yu and said stiffly, "Is A Yu going as well this time?"
Chu Yu was taken aback, a flicker of worry passing through her heart. Liu Xueyang had never involved herself in such matters before—why was she asking now?
Yet she kept her composure and smiled. "I am the Left Vanguard for His Highness."
"I see..." Liu Xueyang murmured, hesitating. Wei Yun noticed she had more to say and asked, "Mother, do you have something on your mind?"
"I... I just feel that since we’ve only just arrived at Bailing, and with A Yu away, the household is in disarray. I’m uneasy..."
She wanted Chu Yu to stay.
Chu Yu caught the implication, and so did Wei Yun. He frowned slightly. "Isn’t Second Sister-in-law managing the household affairs?"
"Your second sister-in-law only handles minor matters. The important household duties still fall to A Yu..." Liu Xueyang stumbled over her words, her tone uneasy. "I haven’t been feeling well lately, and A Chun has been attending to me. I’m afraid she won’t have much time to spare..."
At this, Wei Yun fell silent, clearly displeased. Chu Yu smiled and looked at Wei Yun. "Since Mother isn’t feeling well, I’ll stay and attend to her. Your Highness, perhaps we could transfer Qian Yong in my place?"
If Liu Xueyang hadn’t been intent on keeping her, she would have realized she was disrupting Wei Yun’s plans and relented.
But Liu Xueyang didn’t relent, and Chu Yu’s heart sank further.
Wei Yun remained silent, seemingly deep in thought. Chu Yu knew he didn’t want to leave her behind, especially with Liu Xueyang acting so out of character.
Yet if Wei Yun defied Liu Xueyang, it would only lead to more conflict. After a moment’s consideration, Chu Yu smiled and said, "Your Highness, I’ve also thought the battlefield would be too harsh. I wasn’t keen on going in the first place. Now that Mother has given me this excuse, it works out perfectly."
"Sister-in-law..."
Wei Yun frowned, his tone disapproving. Chu Yu raised a hand to stop him. "Let it be settled then. I’ll stay to attend to Mother, and Qian Yong can take my place. I’ll ensure the provisions are accounted for, and once you’re at the front, I’ll have Qian Yong deliver them."Wei Yun pressed his lips together. Since Chu Yu had already spoken like this, it would be odd if he still insisted. Liu Xueyang stole a glance at Chu Yu's expression and, seeing no anger on her face, felt slightly relieved.
"I have nothing else to do, so I'll take my leave first."
After a moment of silence, Liu Xueyang also found the situation awkward. She stood up but couldn't help looking at Chu Yu again. Understanding her meaning, Chu Yu rose and gently supported Liu Xueyang, saying kindly, "Mother, let me escort you back."
Liu Xueyang patted Chu Yu's hand as if in gratitude. As Chu Yu helped her out, the winter chill had turned the rain into icy pellets that clattered noisily against the umbrella.
Walking along the corridor, Chu Yu kept her eyes lowered. After a long while, Liu Xueyang finally spoke, "A Yu, in my heart, you've always been a good child."
"I've always regretted that such a fine girl like you married into our family, yet A Jun had no fortune to enjoy it... All these years, I've treated you as my own daughter," Liu Xueyang held her hand, her voice trembling as if on the verge of tears. Chu Yu looked up to see Liu Xueyang's reddened eyes, quietly sobbing, "All these years, you've helped Xiao Qi, helped the Wei family. If Xiao Qi had an elder sister, she would likely be just like you."
Elder sister.
Chu Yu's eyelashes fluttered slightly as she grasped the implication in Liu Xueyang's words. She remained silent, and Liu Xueyang, thinking she didn't understand, continued, "I've always wanted to find you a good match, a marriage you'd be happy with, one that would secure your future. I'm old now. In this life, I have nothing left except Xiao Qi. I have no other wishes—just to see you and Xiao Qi find your own happiness, to see you married and him wed, living stable lives without straying onto the wrong path. A Yu, the elderly have walked many roads and seen many things. Some paths must not be taken—they lead to sheer cliffs. Do you understand?"
Chu Yu parted her lips slightly.
For a moment, she almost wanted to ask—what was the sheer cliff?
Was it the gossip of others, or their alienation?
But she couldn't ask. She could only pretend not to understand, smiling as she escorted Liu Xueyang into her room and said gently, "Mother, why are you thinking so much today?"
"Don't dwell on it." Chu Yu patted her hand, comforting her with a smile. "Your health is weak, and overthinking will only tire you. Rest well."
With that, Chu Yu took her leave and headed alone to Wei Qingping's courtyard.
Wei Qingping was reading a book. A parrot she kept in her courtyard squawked as soon as Chu Yu entered, "A beauty has arrived! A beauty has arrived!"
Chu Yu laughed at the words. She strode into the room, spun around, and plopped onto the floor, grabbing the teapot to pour herself a cup.
Wei Qingping frowned, lifting her gaze from the book to say coolly, "What do you want?"
After spending so much time together, she knew Chu Yu's temperament well. This posture clearly meant Chu Yu was up to something.
Chu Yu grabbed a handful of melon seeds, leaning lazily against the table as she cracked them open. "Qingping, are we sisters or not?"
Wei Qingping was taken aback but nodded honestly.
Chu Yu sighed, raising her head with a troubled expression. "I've done something wrong. When the time comes and I have to flee, you'll have to help me.""What did you do wrong?"
Wei Qingping was puzzled. Chu Yu looked so serious, as if she had committed some grave sin. Wei Qingping couldn’t help but feel a little nervous and frowned. "If it's something heinous, I won’t stand by you."
"I slept with a man."
Chu Yu spoke, and Wei Qingping was stunned. She knew about Chu Yu and Wei Yun’s relationship. Given Wei Yun’s temper, sleeping with another man under his nose…
Wei Qingping’s heart sank. This was bad. But she told herself that, at such a critical moment, as a friend, she couldn’t back down. So she said, "I’ll help you talk to Wei Yun—"
"He’s my brother-in-law."
Wei Qingping: "..."
Wasn’t that Wei Yun?
She let out a sigh of relief, thinking Chu Yu was just teasing her, and said, "What’s the big deal about that…"
Chu Yu sighed and looked up at Wei Qingping with a mournful expression. "His mother found out."
Wei Qingping: "..."
A moment later, Wei Qingping stood up and said calmly, "I’ll pack my things now. You should hurry too. We’ll leave the city tonight. Forget everything else—let’s just run first."
Chu Yu clapped her hands, brushing off the melon seeds.
"Don’t be in such a rush to run."
She said leisurely, "It’s all just speculation. We can wait until my mother-in-law comes knocking before fleeing."
Wei Qingping: "..."
Author’s Note: [Mini Theater]
Chu Yu: "I slept with Wei Yun, and his mom found out."
Wei Qingping: "Listen to me, sis. Run first, think later."
Chu Yu: "Why should I run?"
Wei Qingping: "What do you think his mom will think when she finds out you slept with her precious, flawless son?"
Chu Yu: "Her prized jade cabbage… got trampled by a pig?"
Wei Qingping: "See? Still running?"
Chu Yu: "I want to sleep with him one more night…"
Wei Qingping: "If you die, it’ll be entirely your own fault."
Chu Yu: "To die under the peony is to be a ghost of romance."
Wei Yun: "Sister-in-law called me a peony ><"
Gu Chusheng: "Hmph. She once praised me as 'peerless beauty.'"
Chu Yu: "...I was young and foolish. Let’s not bring that up."
OpenNovel