Fight For Love

Extra Chapter 2: Zhao Shun

Zhao Shun was an emperor whose life was fraught with hardships.

He lost his father at birth and his mother at the age of three. Thus, from a young age, he was raised by his adoptive father Wei Jun and Wei Jun's wife, Chu Yu.

His mother passed away so early that he had almost no memory of her. From the time he began to form memories, Wei Jun and Chu Yu were the ones by his side. In private, he always referred to them as Father and Mother, as if they were his biological parents.

If they were ordinary people, they might have felt reserved about this form of address. However, Wei Jun and Chu Yu accepted it with ease. They even brought their own children into the palace to play with him, telling him that these were his younger siblings.

Thus, even though Zhao Shun lost his parents at a very young age, he never felt like an orphan. Every Spring Festival, he would spend it with Wei Jun's family, and often, Gu Chusheng would also bring his own child along.

Gu Chusheng's child was named Gu Yanqing, who was only a few months older than him. During these New Year banquets, the two of them often took on the role of older brothers, looking after Wei Yan and Wei Wan.

Wei Yan was stubborn and mischievous, while Wei Wan was a gentle little girl. At every banquet, Wei Yan would always find ways to tease Wei Wan. When Gu Yanqing saw this, he would get upset and end up fighting with Wei Yan. At that time, the two were evenly matched, and Wei Yan would angrily shout at Gu Yanqing, "She's my sister! What's it to you?"

Gu Yanqing's face would turn red with frustration. After thinking for a while, he finally said, "Well, if I marry her in the future, then it will be my business, won't it?"

Wei Yan was stunned by Gu Yanqing's determination to meddle. After a long pause, he finally said, "You're shameless!"

Zhao Shun found this strange, so he asked Gu Yanqing, "Why would marrying Wei Wan make it your business to interfere in her affairs?"

Gu Yanqing, blushing, replied, "If I marry her, she'll be called Gu Wei-shi in the future, and she and I will be family. Of course, I can meddle in her affairs."

This statement gave Zhao Shun a great revelation. As he grew older, Zhao Shun gradually began to realize that no matter how well Wei Jun and Chu Yu treated him, he was ultimately an outsider. Even their kindness toward him might only be because he was the emperor of this country, or perhaps because he had no parents, since Wei Jun and Chu Yu were very, very good people.

Zhao Shun came to understand this truth when he was eight years old.

That day, a new eunuch was assigned to serve him in the palace. This eunuch was a young boy who treated him very well. One night, as the boy stood guard by his side, Zhao Shun couldn't help but ask him, "Why are you so good to me?"

The boy chuckled lightly and said, "Because you are Your Majesty."

Zhao Shun was puzzled and continued, "Do others treat me well because I am Your Majesty too?"

The boy nodded without hesitation and said, "Of course. You are Your Majesty. Everyone in the world must treat you well."

Being the emperor seemed like a very fortunate thing because everyone in the world had to treat him well. However, that night, Zhao Shun felt somewhat troubled. He suddenly realized that Wei Jun and Chu Yu's kindness toward him might be influenced by some peculiar factors.

So he asked Wei Yan and Wei Wan, "Why do Father and Mother treat you so well?"

The two answered matter-of-factly, "Because we are their children."Zhao Shun pondered for a moment and finally understood the reason for his unhappiness.

The relationship between parents and children is unchangeable, yet one day he might no longer be the emperor. When he was no longer the emperor, would Chu Yu and Wei Jin still treat him this well?

The young boy brooded over this for a long time. Until one day when he was eight years old, he heard Gu Yanqing's idea, and his face lit up with a smile as he said, "I understand now. If I marry Wei Wan, then I'll be part of the family with Father and Mother too, right?"

Gu Yanqing nodded foolishly, thought for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Do you want to marry Wei Wan too?"

Zhao Shun thought it over and then said, "Then can I marry Wei Yan instead?"

Gu Yanqing was stunned by Zhao Shun's idea. He gave Zhao Shun a meaningful look and finally said, "Your Majesty, do you know what it means to marry someone?"

Zhao Shun shook his head: "I don't know."

Gu Yanqing laughed and told him, "Then why don't you go talk to Prince Wei and tell him you want to marry Wei Yan. I'll marry Wei Wan, and you marry Wei Yan. Then all of us will be one family from now on."

Zhao Shun nodded and ran up to Wei Jin, saying seriously, "Father, I'd like to ask you for something."

Wei Jin looked at Zhao Shun and inquired, "What is it?"

Zhao Shun was his most beloved son. Because he had sent Zhao Shun to the palace, Wei Jin had always felt extremely guilty toward this eldest son. Generally speaking, he would agree to any request Zhao Shun made. But this time, Zhao Shun's request shocked him. Zhao Shun said earnestly, "Father, I want to marry Wei Yan. Gu Yanqing will marry Wei Wan. That way, we'll always be one family."

Wei Jin didn't speak. After a moment, he looked up and glared angrily at Gu Chusheng: "What kind of nonsense have you been teaching your son?!"

Gu Chusheng, drinking wine, turned to look at Wei Jin and said gently, "I've been teaching him the Four Books and Five Classics, the words of sages. Is there a problem with that?"

Then Gu Chusheng laughed heartily: "What, has your son been tricked by Yanqing again?"

What Wei Jin had never wanted to admit was that both his eldest and second sons seemed to lack Gu Yanqing's cunning and were always being deceived by him. He took a deep breath and turned to Wei Wan, saying, "Wan'er, our family is counting on you."

Wei Wan smiled sweetly and said, "Don't worry, Father. I understand."

With that, Wei Wan stood up and gently waved to Gu Yanqing, saying, "Brother Yanqing, come here. I have something good to show you."

Gu Yanqing, called over by Wei Wan, happily followed her out of the main hall.

After the two children had left, Wei Jin turned to look at Zhao Shun. Zhao Shun watched Wei Jin with eager eyes. Wei Jin didn't know what to say for a while. After a long pause, he finally asked, "Why did you suddenly get such an idea?"

"Because I want to be part of the family with you."

The child spoke bluntly: "They told me that you're good to me because I'm the emperor. What should I do if one day I'm no longer the emperor? So if I'm part of your family, then you'll always, always be good to me."

These words stunned all the adults present. Chu Yu felt heartache and turned away, unable to bear looking at Zhao Shun any longer. Wei Jin looked at Zhao Shun, his eyes also filled with bitterness. After a long while, he sighed and said, "Silly child, you've always been part of our family."Speaking, Wei Jin embraced him, patting his back as he said, "Shun'er, you will always be our child. Your mother and I treat you well not because you're the emperor, but because we are truly family."

"Will Father and Mother always treat me this well?"

Zhao Shun asked with some apprehension. Chu Yu spoke up gently, "Yes."

Her voice was slightly hoarse but very earnest: "Always."

Zhao Shun opened his mouth to say more when Gu Yanqing's scream came from outside. Gu Chusheng frowned and stood up to go out. Wei Jin said cheerfully, "What is Minister Gu going out for? Our Wan'er is just a girl - what could she possibly do to Young Master Gu?"

Hearing this, Gu Chusheng felt too embarrassed to go out after all. After all, if someone as gentle as Wei Wan could actually do something to Gu Yanqing, it would be Gu Yanqing who should feel ashamed.

Shortly after, Wei Wan returned leading Gu Yanqing, whose face had turned somewhat pale. Gu Chusheng quickly asked, "Yanqing, what happened?"

Gu Yanqing shook his head: "Father, it's nothing."

Since Gu Yanqing refused to speak, the adults couldn't press further. Meanwhile, Wei Jin happily approached Wei Wan and whispered, "How did you deal with him?"

Wei Wan smiled gently and took out a small snake from her sleeve.

This time even Wei Jin's expression turned somewhat uneasy. However, he had long known about his daughter's hobby of keeping snakes and couldn't stop her - after all, he fully supported all his daughter's interests.

After the banquet ended that night, as Wei Jin and Chu Yu lay in bed, neither could sleep. After a long while, Chu Yu suddenly said, "I want to tell him the truth."

Wei Jin felt apprehensive: "Now?"

"Shun'er already understands many things," Chu Yu sighed. "If we don't tell him the truth, he'll keep worrying and feeling unsettled. We've already wronged him by sending him to the palace. If we continue hiding this from him now, making him feel different from his siblings, that would be too unfair to him."

"But he's so young," Wei Jin frowned. "Can he understand what we're saying? Even if he understands, what if he can't keep the secret and tells everyone?"

Chu Yu pressed her lips together. After a long time, she finally said, "Then let's wait until he's older."

When Zhao Shun turned ten, Gu Chusheng began teaching him to handle government affairs. Although he was Wei Jin's son, he wasn't like Wei Jin who got headaches at the sight of books. On the contrary, he loved reading and seemed more similar to Gu Chusheng. As his Grand Tutor, Gu Chusheng often discussed statecraft with Zhao Shun. By age ten, Zhao Shun could already debate with ministers in court and express his opinions.

Once when Wei Jin saw him stump Gu Chusheng with questions, he felt very pleased. Returning home, he told Chu Yu, "I think the child has grown up. Should we tell him the truth?"

Chu Yu nodded.

And so, on the night of Zhao Shun's tenth birthday, he received the biggest gift of his life.Wei Jin and Chu Yu remained alone in Zhao Shun's bedchamber, recounting the entire sequence of past events from beginning to end. Worried that Zhao Shun might not understand, Wei Jin spoke slowly and simply, while Chu Yu supplemented beside him. They explained everything in the most elementary terms. Zhao Shun listened quietly all along. After a long while, when Wei Jin felt his mouth had gone dry and drank a few sips of water, he finally said, "Shun'er, do you understand? If not, we can explain it again."

Zhao Shun smiled faintly, lifted his head, looked at Chu Yu and Wei Jin, and said earnestly, "So, I am your biological child, is that right?"

"Yes," Chu Yu nodded, reaching out to hold his hand, and said seriously, "You are our biological child. That's why all these years, we've cared for you just like we cared for Wei Yan and Wei Wan."

"I understand," Zhao Shun nodded, then continued, "So I actually have another choice—I don't necessarily have to be the emperor, right?"

"Right."

Chu Yu looked at him intently: "If you don't want to be the emperor, we'll find another way."

"But if I don't become the emperor and someone else takes the throne, will they spare my life?"

"Don't worry about that," Chu Yu immediately responded. "Your father and I will find a way."

"What way is there?" Zhao Shun smiled. "Not to mention whether he would spare me—he might not even spare Father. With Father's power and influence, if I weren't his biological child, raised by you both, even as the emperor, I wouldn't know what I might think or do. If even I might think that way, how much more so others?"

"Don't worry about us," Wei Jin pressed his lips together. "Your mother and I have been through storms and hardships. This matter isn't unsolvable in our eyes. Your own feelings are what matter most."

Zhao Shun lowered his head and said nothing. After a long time, he finally spoke: "Grand Tutor Gu has always told me that everyone has inherent responsibilities. I am the emperor; my duty is to govern this country and protect the common people. Now you're telling me I don't have to be the emperor. Then what could I do instead?"

"These years, I've lived happily and never felt unhappy. Being able to contribute to this world has always felt like a great honor to me."

"Are you sure?" Chu Yu grew somewhat anxious. "You mustn't overthink things for your father and me. Just consider whether you like it or not. All the hardships your father and I have endured over the years were only in the hope that you and your siblings could live well."

Zhao Shun thought for a moment and finally said, "Isn't there still many years to come? Let me think it over a bit more. When I reach the age of capping, I'll give you my answer."

Zhao Shun's words were remarkably mature, entirely unlike a ten-year-old child. Yet Chu Yu and Wei Jin accepted his perspective. After some thought, Wei Jin finally said, "Then go out more and see more of the world. If, after witnessing the vastness of this world, you still choose to return here, your father will always support you."

"Can I?" Zhao Shun was surprised. "Can I leave the palace freely?"

"Yes," Wei Jin replied without hesitation. "Your father will arrange everything for you behind the scenes."

As the two walked out, Chu Yu finally said, "You're allowing him to go out. What if something happens?""In the past, with war and chaos everywhere, I roamed all over," Wei Jin laughed. "Why didn't you ever ask what would happen if something befell me?"

"So I was always thinking of you," Chu Yu instinctively replied. Both were stunned for a moment, then Wei Jin pressed his lips together, suppressing a smile as he reached out to hold her hand. "In my youth, I truly made you worry," he said with a chuckle.

"Why let him travel and see the world?" Chu Yu changed the subject, not wanting to dwell on this. "Couldn't he figure things out himself in the deep palace?"

"When I was young, I liked you, but everyone told me that affection spoken before seeing the world was too fragile. They said that one day, after seeing the world, I might leave you. Gu Chusheng called my feelings shallow, and my second sister-in-law said the same, so I went out. I traveled the world and finally confirmed that it's you alone I love."

Hearing this, Chu Yu's ears turned red. She turned her head away, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "It's been so many years. Why bring this up now?"

Wei Jin laughed. "That's why I hope Shun'er can do the same. He isn't making this decision blindly. He has traveled, seen, and thought carefully, knowing what he must lose and what he must give up before making his final choice."

Chu Yu sighed. After a long while, she finally said, "Then let him go."

Zhao Shun first left the palace at age 13. Wei Jin assigned Wei Yan, Wei Wan, and Gu Yanqing to accompany him, along with Qin Shiyue and Wei Qingping, ensuring nothing would go wrong.

That year, there was a drought. Zhao Shun went to the disaster area, where the scorching sun stretched for miles. He led his people across cracked earth, his feet blistered, and saw the vacant-eyed commoners. In that moment, he felt so strongly that he must become a good emperor and help them.

After that, Zhao Shun often went out. Sometimes he visited gambling dens, other times teahouses, and at age 16, he even went to brothels and taverns with Wei Yan and Gu Yanqing.

The three youths grew rapidly, becoming tall and graceful, handsome and elegant. Wherever they went, they received many handkerchiefs, becoming renowned young nobles in the capital.

Zhao Shun loved this feeling. He enjoyed seeing the peaceful and prosperous age, and he loved seeing smiles on everyone's faces. Each time he left the palace and received praise from the people, hearing them call him a good emperor, endless joy would surge in his heart.

He and Gu Yanqing often discussed policies to benefit the people, while Wei Yan immersed himself in military strategy, spending his free time in army camps sparring with others.

By the time Zhao Shun was 20, the three youths had accumulated numerous achievements. Gu Yanqing had entered officialdom early and was already a fourth-rank Director of the Ministry of Gold. He seemed to follow Gu Chusheng's path, starting in the Ministry of Revenue and destined to become an important court minister. Wei Yan had gone to the border at 17 and become a famous general. Wei Wan was known for her beauty and delicate appearance, well-educated and reasonable, with her poetry renowned throughout the land. Yet she never married. It was said that men who met her through arranged meetings—if they were handsome—would return gracefully praising, "Miss Wei is truly peerless in talent and beauty."Those she disliked always returned terrified and in a sorry state, though no one knew what they experienced."

This was the most prosperous era of Great Chu. Twenty years after Wei Jin pacified the four directions and Gu Chusheng implemented restorative policies, Great Chu reached unprecedented heights.On the eve of Zhao Shun's coronation ceremony, Wei Yu and Chu Yu decided to seek his final answer.

Gu Chusheng learned of their intentions and hurried to wait for them at the palace gate. When Wei Yu and Chu Yu appeared, Gu Chusheng rushed forward and said, "You should turn back."

Wei Yu and Chu Yu frowned but remained silent. The two sides stood in a stalemate until Gu Chusheng sighed and said, "I hope Shun'er can remain as emperor."

Wei Yu furrowed his brows. Chu Yu turned to look at the palace guards, raised her hand, and gestured for everyone to disperse. Gu Chusheng whispered, "Wei Yu, how many years have we waited for an emperor like this? If Shun'er doesn't become emperor, who else could do a better job than him?"

"But this must be his choice. I promised him he has the right to choose," Chu Yu frowned. "Twenty years ago, to stabilize the situation, for the country, and for the people, I sent him into the palace. Now, with peace throughout the land, you're saying that because he has done so well, he doesn't even have the right to choose?"

"A Yu, I understand how you feel," Gu Chusheng said anxiously. "But have you considered what will happen if Shun'er doesn't become emperor? What should we do then? We cannot put our personal desires above the welfare of the people!"

"That is our responsibility to bear."

Chu Yu spoke earnestly, "How can we let the next generation sacrifice for our duties? Now, the Great Chu is prosperous and peaceful, far from the turmoil of the past. Even without Shun'er, the sky won't fall!"

With these words, Chu Yu pushed Gu Chusheng aside and strode directly into the palace. Gu Chusheng hurried after her, but Wei Yu raised his hand to stop him.

"Do you think the same way?" Gu Chusheng stared at Wei Yu. "I thought you were a reasonable man."

Wei Yu smiled somewhat sheepishly and said, "Brother Gu, in our household, my wife has the final say. If you can stop her, I definitely won't follow her."

"If I could stop her, why would I waste time here with you?!" Gu Chusheng fumed.

"I knew it," Wei Yu sighed. "You're just picking on the easy target. If you can't stop her, neither can I."

After saying this, Wei Yu released his hand, turned, and hurried after Chu Yu, calling out loudly, "Wife, wait for me!"

Gu Chusheng gritted his teeth and finally chased after them, shouting, "Slow down!"

The three of them arrived at Zhao Shun's bedchamber. Zhao Shun, dressed in casual attire, was practicing calligraphy. When Chu Yu and Wei Yu entered, Zhao Shun seemed to have expected them and showed no surprise. He looked up and said respectfully, "Father, Mother."

Then he noticed Gu Chusheng, who had followed them in, panting. He paused for a moment but still bowed and said, "Grand Tutor."

Wei Yu nodded and gestured for the others to leave. Zhao Shun stepped forward and personally poured tea for the three of them.

"I won't beat around the bush," Wei Yu said bluntly. "We came tonight to ask for your final answer."

"I understand." Zhao Shun smiled. Gu Chusheng grew anxious, stood up, and said, "Shun'er..."

Before he could finish, Chu Yu slammed the table, glared at him, and snapped coldly, "Shut up!"

At these words, Gu Chusheng momentarily lost his nerve. Everyone knew that Chancellor Gu had never feared anyone in his life—except for Chu Yu.Zhao Shun sensed the tension among the three of them and smiled gently. "Grand Tutor need not worry. After my capping ceremony tomorrow, I shall be considered an adult. I will still require the guidance of the Grand Tutor, my father, and my mother in court affairs."

Hearing this, all three were taken aback. Gu Chusheng asked in surprise, "Your Majesty means you intend to remain in the palace permanently?"

"Whether I remain in the palace permanently or not, I cannot say. But I will continue to be emperor."

"Why?" Chu Yu frowned. "If this is for our sake..."

"No," Zhao Shun spoke decisively, his gaze warm as he looked at Chu Yu. "Over these years, I've traveled to many places, following the footsteps of my father and mother throughout Great Chu. From the common people, I've heard stories of your past. I've come to understand how present-day Great Chu came to be, and I've realized what today's prosperity is built upon. As the child of Wei Qilang and General Bei Feng, I may have inherently inherited my parents' character. Like you, I don't want the people to suffer or others to face hardship. Seeing others find happiness through my efforts brings me joy; witnessing this nation thrive and prosper makes me feel my blood boiling with passion, making me believe my life is worthwhile."

"I've also fantasized about what it would be like if I weren't emperor someday. But when I walk the streets as an ordinary nobleman, when I find myself powerless to do what I wish, when helping someone requires tremendous effort—that's when I think being emperor is better."

"I'm grateful you've given me this opportunity to have a choice. Now, I choose to stay here."

"This decision wasn't made rashly," Zhao Shun said with solemnity yet a smile. "I've traveled many roads and met many people before ultimately deciding that I particularly want to remain here."

Wei Yu remained silent, quietly observing Zhao Shun.

In truth, Zhao Shun's features now clearly revealed contours resembling Wei Yu's. For a moment, Wei Yu felt as if Zhao Shun were his twenty-year-old self, kneeling properly before him, speaking earnestly and clearly—

I stay here for the people, for family, and for myself.

Hearing this, Gu Chusheng finally set his heart at ease.

The three of them gazed at Zhao Shun, realizing that in the blink of twenty years, this child had truly grown up completely.

After exchanging a few more words with Zhao Shun, the three finally left his bedchamber. As they walked along the corridor, Gu Chusheng suddenly paused, looking up at the starry sky.

"I've noticed," Gu Chusheng said with a hint of laughter, "the stars seem unchanged compared to twenty years ago, yet we've grown old."

"Indeed," Chu Yu sighed. "They've all grown up."

"Our era has ended."

Wei Yu spoke. Chu Yu and Gu Chusheng turned to look at him, and after a moment, the three exchanged smiles.

Their time had ended, yet that passion, that glory, would remain eternally recorded in history, preserved through time.

Whether it was Gu Chusheng with his mixed legacy among later generations, Wei Yu revered as a hero, or Chu Yu living on in legendary tales—none of them had failed to live up to their lives.