Chu Yu gazed at her quietly.
When she first met Xie Jiu, she hadn’t particularly liked her. But now, as she looked at Xie Jiu, a myriad of emotions surged within her.
In her past life, Xie Jiu had left in haste—perhaps because she knew that the longer she stayed, the more she would have to face the blood-soaked reality, and the more her heart would ache.
One cannot judge a person’s character without deeper acquaintance.
Chu Yu watched as Xie Jiu silently observed Wei Ya for a while before slowly turning her head. "Do you know that the Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince are currently vying for the throne?"
The Crown Prince’s mother was from the Yao Family, while the Sixth Prince was born to a noblewoman of the prestigious Wang Clan.
Chu Yu didn’t understand why Xie Jiu suddenly brought this up, but she knew Xie Jiu well enough to realize she wouldn’t speak without reason. So she remained silent, listening patiently.
Xie Jiu’s hand brushed over the coffin as she spoke calmly, "His Majesty elevated the Yao Family as new nobility, made a Yao woman his empress, and her son the Crown Prince—all to maintain balance. The Sixth Prince represents the aristocratic clans, while the Yao Family serves as the emperor’s blade. But is it fitting to entrust the dignity of a nation to a mere blade?"
"This question," Chu Yu mused, "must be on the minds of all the court officials."
"Then the Crown Prince must think so as well." Xie Jiu lowered her eyes. "Two years ago, when the Wang and Yao Clans fought over the Hexi Lands, His Majesty sought advice from your father-in-law. The Crown Prince came to Wei Manor that very night, and it seemed they had a fierce argument before he left in haste."
"Later, the Hexi Lands were granted to the Wang Clan." Chu Yu seemed to grasp something. Xie Jiu nodded, her gaze turning cold. "This time, the Crown Prince is the supervising commander, and Yao Yong is also on the battlefield. If the Crown Prince is behind this, have you considered how to respond?"
Chu Yu said nothing.
In her past life, the one who ultimately ascended the throne was neither the Crown Prince nor the Sixth Prince, but the Thirteenth Prince, who was only two years old at the time.
Back then, after the Sixth Prince took the throne, Wei Yun led his men straight into the imperial palace. With Gu Chusheng’s assistance from within, they slew the Sixth Prince and installed the empress’s youngest son as emperor. From then on, Gu Chusheng and Wei Yun—one wielding the pen, the other the sword—engaged in a battle of wits and strength until her death.
She didn’t know what happened after she died, but she did know that long before her death, the Crown Prince had already perished. And his demise was inextricably linked to one person—
The Eldest Princess, Li Chunhua.
She had already paid her respects to this woman today. As the elder sister of the current emperor, Li Chunhua had grown up alongside him, sharing an extraordinary bond. No one in the world understood the emperor’s mind better than she. Widowed young with only a daughter to her name, she had taken to keeping numerous male concubines, living a life of indulgence.
In her past life, Li Chunhua had betrothed her only daughter, Li Yuewan, to the Crown Prince, demanding his undivided loyalty. The Crown Prince agreed but continued his affairs in secret. When Li Yuewan discovered this during her pregnancy, the shock induced premature labor, and she died in childbirth. Enraged, Li Chunhua then threw her support behind the Sixth Prince, dedicating herself to opposing the Crown Prince.
Now, the Crown Prince had just become engaged to Li Yuewan, and Li Chunhua remained unaware of his indiscretions. But what if she found out?
Chu Yu pondered—given Li Chunhua’s fierce devotion to her daughter, would she let the matter slide if she learned of the Crown Prince’s behavior?
Everyone needs an outlet for their anger, and anger must have a pretext. If the Wei family’s affairs were to fall into Li Chunhua’s hands at this moment, everything would fall neatly into place.
Having sorted out her thoughts, Chu Yu exhaled softly and said to Xie Jiu, "I understand now. Thank you."Xie Jiu could tell from Chu Yu's expression that she had found a solution. She nodded without saying much, her gaze lingering on Wei Ya's coffin. After a long silence, she spoke hoarsely, "I'm leaving, and I won't return. While you were alive, I did my best to treat you well. Now that you're gone, I have no regrets. In the next life..."
She clenched her fists, trembling slightly, "Let us be husband and wife again."
With that, she turned abruptly and walked out.
She was born cold and selfish—Xie Jiu told herself—doing everything for Wei Ya was already the most she could give.
Watching Xie Jiu's retreating figure, Chu Yu couldn't help but call out, "Xie Jiu!"
Xie Jiu paused and turned around. Moonlight bathed her plain white silhouette as Chu Yu, with her hands tucked into her sleeves, smiled softly, "Miss, you are truly beautiful."
Xie Jiu was momentarily stunned before she laughed through her tears.
"Yes," she replied clearly, "My husband used to say the same."
"Take care," Chu Yu nodded, her eyes filled with sincerity. Xie Jiu chuckled lightly, "Don't worry, I will surely live a better life than you."
"That remains to be seen," Chu Yu leaned against the corridor pillar with a roguish charm, her eyes brimming with tenderness like some young nobleman. "Believe it or not, in this lifetime, both of us will live well."
Xie Jiu didn't respond, silently studying Chu Yu.
This woman's comfort was gentle and wordless, yet full of strength. Xie Jiu, being someone acutely sensitive to others' malice and even more so to their kindness, nodded and simply said, "Thank you."
Chu Yu kept vigil for half the night. The next morning, as soon as she opened her eyes, she swiftly summoned her people.
Chu Yu still remembered the lover who had caused Li Yuewan's difficult childbirth at the Crown Prince's behest—it was impossible to forget. Not only had Gu Chusheng tasked her with investigating the matter, but the lover's identity was also shockingly scandalous. The lover was none other than the Crown Prince's cousin, the daughter of Qinghe King—Yunlan County Princess, who was twelve years his senior and had long been widowed.
The Crown Prince had been involved with Yunlan County Princess since he was sixteen, and this illicit affair had lasted a full decade, a testament to their deep affection. Calculating the timeline, Chu Yu realized this was the seventh year of their relationship. After a moment's thought, she called for the steward.
"Does the Wei family own a small estate near Yunlan County Princess's residence?" she inquired.
The steward was momentarily taken aback but quickly replied, "Yes, but it's quite remote, located in the outskirts..."
Chu Yu nodded, unsurprised, and instructed, "Fetch some incense pellets from the treasury. Build a fire by the wall closest to the princess's residence and burn the pellets continuously, day and night."
Though puzzled, the steward nodded solemnly, "Understood."
"Also, find a beggar to deliver a letter to the Crown Prince's residence. Don't reveal your identity—just have him deliver it."
With that, Chu Yu fetched paper and brush, imitating Yunlan County Princess's handwriting to compose a love poem:
"One mountain, two mountains,
Mountains high and waters wide, yet you're not here,
My longing reddens the maple leaves."
During her years married to Gu Chusheng, Chu Yu had learned many skills, one of which was forging others' handwriting.
She had the letter delivered to the Crown Prince's residence by the beggar. Upon hearing it was sent by a beautiful woman, the Crown Prince's attendants promptly presented it to him.Chu Yu, having perfumed herself with incense pellets and brought a large quantity of gold and silver, once again visited the residence of The Eldest Princess.
Enticed by the wealth, Li Chunhua finally granted Chu Yu an audience.
Dressed in plain attire, Chu Yu bowed gracefully to Li Chunhua. The scent of the incense was potent, and Li Chunhua immediately noticed it, smiling as she remarked, "What fragrance is this on the Young Madam Wei? It’s quite distinctive."
"It’s Ten-Day Fragrance," Chu Yu replied, rising to her feet. She presented the gifts with both hands, approaching Li Chunhua with a smile. "This incense has an intense aroma that lingers for ten days once applied. It’s specially made in Wei Manor. We don’t use it often, but recently, I’ve been renovating the suburban villa into a family shrine, so I had the incense burned there first. I must have carried some of the scent with me inadvertently—forgive my impropriety, Your Highness."
Li Chunhua, pleased by the silver, was gracious and didn’t press further. She merely commented, "The suburban villa—isn’t that the one next to Yunlan County Princess’s estate? The spring banquet a few years back was hosted there."
As she spoke, she seemed reluctant to dwell on matters concerning the Wei family and continued, "Yunlan has never been fond of strong scents. With you perfuming the place like this, she must be quite vexed."
"Not necessarily," Chu Yu replied, her eyes curving into crescents. "All women adore beautiful things. The County Princess might even take a liking to this incense."
"In fact, she asked me for a few pellets—perhaps she intends to use them later."
Supporting Li Chunhua’s arm as if discussing something trivial, Chu Yu added, "Who knows? Maybe Yunlan County Princess is searching for a husband. After all, not everyone can remain a widow forever."
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