Fight For Love

Hearing this, the Eldest Princess gave Chu Yu a measured glance.

Naturally, the Eldest Princess knew the reason for Chu Yu’s visit. She had allowed her in precisely because she had already made up her mind. As they strolled through the courtyard, she said slowly, “It’s good that Madam Wei can see things clearly. After all, life is long. The scene you made at the gates of Wei Manor has earned you a fine reputation. You needn’t worry about the future—with your virtue and beauty, the road ahead won’t be too difficult.”

When mentioning a woman’s virtue and beauty, the “road” naturally referred to marriage and children. Chu Yu understood that the Eldest Princess wasn’t merely comforting her but also subtly warning her. She had already involved herself enough in the Wei family’s affairs. Having gained some benefit, it was best to know when to stop.

From Grand Tutor Xie’s attitude, it was clear that Your Majesty was still hesitating. For the Eldest Princess, fanning the flames and offering advice to a wavering emperor wouldn’t be difficult. Yet her hesitation stemmed from the fact that this matter implicated the Crown Prince.

Her only daughter was currently in marriage negotiations with the Crown Prince—she couldn’t afford to oppose him. But the gift Chu Yu had brought was simply too tempting to resist. Torn between reluctance and desire, she had no choice but to meet with Chu Yu to see if she had any other requests. As long as it didn’t conflict with her future son-in-law, everything could be discussed.

For example—finding her a good husband.

As she tried to persuade Chu Yu, the latter merely smiled and said, “I already have A Jun—that’s enough for me. I don’t think much about anything else. The Wei family still has Young Master Wei Yun and five children. Wei Yun is only fourteen—I can’t rest easy, nor can I afford to think of much else.”

Chu Yu sighed. “I won’t beat around the bush with Your Highness. You must understand my meaning. If you agree, the things A Yu has promised will be delivered to your residence immediately. If not, so be it—such is the Wei family’s fate.”

The Eldest Princess looked troubled and was about to speak when Chu Yu raised a hand to stop her. “Your Highness need not answer me now. Take your time to think it over.” Then, fixing her with a solemn gaze, she added, “Think carefully, think thoroughly. When you’ve decided, summon me again.”

The Eldest Princess was momentarily stunned by Chu Yu’s gravity. Seizing the opportunity, Chu Yu took her leave and returned home.

Having accomplished most of what she had set out to do, her mood was considerably lighter. Just as she was preparing to visit Wei Yun in the heavenly prison once more, a servant announced the arrival of her mother and Chu Jin.

Chu Yu frowned. Based on her memories of her mother, this visit was unlikely to be a pleasant one.

Yet since they were already here, it would be unreasonable to turn them away. She had no choice but to invite them in.

Xie Yun hurried in with Chu Jin in tow. Chu Yu rose to greet them, smiling as she took Xie Yun’s hand. “Mother, what brings you here?”

Xie Yun was taken aback. In her memory, this daughter of hers had always been impulsive—laughing heartily like a boy when happy, flying into a rage or scolding people when displeased, even lashing out with a whip in moments of anger. But now, Chu Yu carried herself like a true noble lady. Though not particularly happy, she could still rise with a smile, take her hand, and calmly ask—Mother, what brings you here?Noticing her daughter's transformation, Xie Yun's eyes reddened instantly. She grasped Chu Yu's hand, wanting to say something but finding herself speechless. After a long while, she only managed to utter hoarsely, "You've suffered..."

Chu Yu remained silent.

She had initially received Xie Yun with impatience, yet the moment those words were spoken, she suddenly realized—

This Xie Yun wasn't the Xie Yun from her past life.

None of those events had happened yet. Xie Yun hadn't hurt her for Chu Jin's sake. At this moment, she was still her mother.

Perhaps in her heart Xie Yun still favored Chu Jin more, but she still loved and cared for Chu Yu more than most would. She would even go through fire and water for her—unless it meant sacrificing Chu Jin.

To punish someone for things that hadn't occurred yet would be too cruel to this version of Xie Yun.

Chu Yu gazed at Xie Yun before lowering her eyes and shaking her head after a pause.

"It wasn't suffering. It was what needed to be done."

"My child has such misfortune..." Xie Yun burst into tears, her heart aching. "I wanted to visit you long ago, but your father stopped me, saying I'd only cause trouble. What kind of reasoning is that? Since when is a mother's visit 'causing trouble'? I just wanted to see you—how could that be troublesome?"

Chu Yu didn't respond. She had already dismissed all the servants, leaving only Changyue and Wanyue in the room. Familiar with Xie Yun's temperament, they calmly served tea and listened as Xie Yun lectured Chu Yu.

Chu Jin sat quietly to the side, sipping her tea serenely. Though her pleased expression was faintly visible between her brows, she maintained her usual composure—one wouldn't notice anything amiss unless looking closely.

Chu Yu listened as Xie Yun complained about how Chu Jianchang had obstructed her until her head throbbed. Just as she was about to change the subject, Xie Yun spoke up:

"I told your father to find a way into the heavenly prison to request a Divorce Letter for you, but he refused. So I paid a hefty sum to enter the prison myself and plead on your behalf. I thought he'd be unwilling, but to my surprise, the moment I finished speaking, he asked for paper and brush and signed the Divorce Letter without another word. Look..."

As she spoke, Xie Yun pulled a Divorce Letter from her sleeve, presenting it like a treasure. "See how much your mother cares for you? Not even the other girls from the Xie or Yao families have someone fighting this hard for them. They're all waiting for Wei Yun to be released before making their move. But I've already secured the Divorce Letter—you can leave Wei Manor anytime. Why not go today?"

Her tone grew noticeably lighter as she spoke. Chu Yu said nothing, taking the Divorce Letter from Xie Yun's hands and lowering her gaze to the handwriting on the first page.

The script was steadier now, already bearing traces of Wei Yun's future calligraphic style. Holding the letter, Chu Yu listened as Xie Yun continued:

"Everyone in Hua Jing knows you married into the family but lost your husband before the marriage could be consummated. After your scene at Wei Manor's gates, I initially blamed you—but then I heard Grand Tutor Xie publicly praised you for your 'loyalty and righteousness.' Many noble ladies have since approached me, openly or subtly, inquiring about your plans. Even if you leave the Wei family now, remarrying won't be an issue. I've already settled your sister's marriage arrangements. Leave the Wei family quickly now, and I'll find you a good match. Then I can rest easy."

Hearing this, Chu Yu lifted her eyes to look at Xie Yun.The gaze was as cold and sharp as a sword, its intensity so piercing that even someone as slow as Xie Yun noticed it. She involuntarily stopped speaking and hesitantly asked, "What's wrong?"

Chu Yu didn’t argue with her. She knew Xie Yun’s temperament well—arguing with her was like discussing ice with a summer insect, utterly pointless and a waste of time.

She tucked away the Divorce Letter and smiled faintly. "Mother, why did you suddenly think of asking for this Divorce Letter?"

"It was all thanks to A-Jin's reminder," Xie Yun quickly credited Chu Jin. Chu Jin stiffened slightly under Chu Yu’s knowing, amused glance as Xie Yun continued cheerfully, "I was worried about you but didn’t know what to do. I wanted to call you back home, but I feared it might seem too callous. A-Jin was the one who told me that the young madams of the Wei family are all secretly making plans now. The mother of that Yao girl has already started looking for another match. Our family, at least, is being considerate."

Chu Yu listened quietly, her gaze lingering on Chu Jin, who grew visibly tense and remained silent. Xie Yun chattered on beside her, "Now that A-Jin’s engagement with the Song Family is settled—"

"The Song Family?" Chu Yu turned to Xie Yun in surprise. "Song Tao, the eldest son of the Duke Protector’s household?"

"How did you know?" Xie Yun was astonished. "Did your father mention this to you?"

"I guessed." Chu Yu frowned. "Wasn’t she supposed to be engaged to Gu Chusheng? Why has it changed to Song Tao?"

"That Gu Chusheng!" Xie Yun’s voice rose in anger at the mention of him. "We were willing to marry into his family as a favor to him, yet he rejected the proposal!"

"Mother..." Chu Jin interjected awkwardly, "Let’s not talk about this."

"Why did he reject it?" Chu Yu absentmindedly traced the Divorce Letter in her sleeve and took a sip of tea. Xie Yun opened her mouth to speak but then waved her hand dismissively. "Never mind, never mind. If he refused, then so be it. Song Shizi is far better anyway. Our A-Jin has always been fortunate—she doesn’t need to fuss over such trivial matters."

Chu Yu chuckled lightly and nodded. "Indeed, she’s fortunate."

Fortunate enough to be widowed twice in two lifetimes.

Song Shizi had always been deeply infatuated with Chu Jin. In her past life, he had pursued her relentlessly, and after her widowhood, Chu Jin had intended to marry him. But after the Wei family’s downfall, the Song Family was sent to the frontlines. Song Tao had gone to earn military merits, but without the Wei family, the frontlines collapsed like scattered sand. Within half a month, the Song Family was annihilated, and the Northern Di forces advanced toward Hua Jing. With no one left to defend the court, Wei Yun was finally given the chance to step forward.

Chu Yu didn’t elaborate further. Though she was curious about why Gu Chusheng had called off the engagement, it ultimately had little to do with her.

She had always been this way—when she loved someone, she loved with her whole heart.

When she let go, she let go completely.

The name "Gu Chusheng" might still pluck at her heartstrings out of long-ingrained habit, but that was all it would ever be.

With that, Chu Yu said, "Mother, I have other matters to attend to. You should head back first."

"Aren’t you coming with me?" Xie Yun asked nervously.

Chu Yu smiled. "I’ve already taken the Divorce Letter. I can leave whenever I wish, but leaving now would damage my reputation. Kicking someone when they’re down isn’t a good look. I’ll stay a little longer before I go. Mother, you should return first."

Xie Yun hesitated but eventually nodded, remembering Grand Tutor Xie’s praise for Chu Yu and its potential benefits.Chu Yu escorted Xie Yun out, with Xie Yun leading the way while Chu Yu and Chu Jin walked side by side behind. Chu Jin sighed, her face full of sincerity as she said, "Sister, are you refusing to go back because you're worried about remarrying?"

Chu Yu glanced at Chu Jin, who chuckled lightly. "Sister, don't worry. Even if no one else wants you, that seventh-rank magistrate Gu Chusheng from faraway Kunyang County is still waiting for you. Though he can't compare to noble families like the Wei or Song families, Gu Chusheng is dignified and handsome, a true talent. He wouldn't disgrace you. Endure a few years of hardship, and perhaps fortune will turn in your favor?"

Chu Jin emphasized the words "seventh-rank magistrate," and Chu Yu immediately understood her implication.

She smiled gently. "Ah Jin, are you still resentful about me marrying into a noble family?"

"The Wei family is all dead—what noble family are you talking about?!"

Chu Jin's expression darkened. Chu Yu tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and chuckled softly. "Even if the Wei family is reduced to just Wei Yun, they still outshine the Song family."

By then, the three had reached the gate. Chu Yu raised her hand and said to Chu Jin, "The threshold is high, sister. Be careful not to trip."

Chu Jin finally couldn't hold back and sneered, "Just you wait, sister."

Chu Yu nodded. "Yes, I'll wait." Then she took Chu Jin's hand and said earnestly, "Hurry and marry Song Shizi. Otherwise, once this opportunity passes, it'll be gone. What a pity."

"Don't you tell me what to do!" Chu Jin gritted her teeth. Xie Yun had already boarded the carriage by then and turned back to see Chu Yu and Chu Jin still talking. She couldn't help but remark, "You sisters are so close, reluctant to let go."

The words nearly made both of them sick, but they forced themselves to maintain the facade of loving sisters. To avoid further discomfort, Chu Yu quickly released Chu Jin's hand and gestured. "Sister, please go."

Her expression—clearly conveying "hurry up and leave, I won't see you off"—infuriated Chu Jin, who flicked her sleeve and stormed toward the carriage. Xie Yun frowned. "Why are you treating your sister like that?"

Only then did Chu Jin realize she had lost her composure. She opened her mouth but couldn't explain.

Chu Yu watched the Chu family carriage disappear into the distance before her expression turned cold. She ordered a carriage prepared and went straight to the heavenly prison.

The Chu family held considerable influence in the military, and Xie Yun's ability to see Wei Yun was due to Chu Jianchang's connections. Similarly, Chu Yu's access to Wei Yun, aside from bribing officials, was also because of Chu Jianchang.

When Chu Yu entered the heavenly prison, Wei Yun was lying down to rest. Thanks to her efforts, he hadn't suffered too much, though he still bore some injuries. Hearing someone enter, he abruptly opened his eyes. Seeing Chu Yu, he froze momentarily before hurriedly pulling at his clothes to cover his wounds. But as soon as he raised his hand, Chu Yu said coldly, "Don't bother. You can't hide them."

Wei Yun's hand stiffened, but he still adjusted his clothes, trying to appear composed. He sat up and smiled. "Sister-in-law, what brings you here?"

"Explain this to me."

Chu Yu pulled out the Divorce Letter, her eyes burning with suppressed anger. "Who told you to sign this? Who told you to write it?!"

Wei Yun stared at the letter, momentarily stunned.

He clasped his hands over his knees, gripping his clothes tightly, and said with difficulty, "Your mother came to plead—"

"But I didn't plead for it!"Chu Yu's chest heaved with anger as she clutched the Divorce Letter, pointing at Wei Yun and shouting, "If I hadn't kept this letter with me, do you realize there would be no ties left between me and the Wei family?!"

Hearing this, Wei Yun's heart trembled. Clenching his fists, he turned his head away with difficulty, his voice hoarse. "Having no ties with the Wei family now... might be for the best."

"Wei Yun!" Chu Yu raised her voice. "I've been running around day and night outside—are you blind?! If I wanted to leave Wei Manor, I would have gone long ago. Why would I wait until now?!"

Wei Yun remained silent. Chu Yu took a step forward, her voice urgent and furious. "You signed this thing so rashly—did you ever consider my feelings? What if I don’t want to leave? What if my family forces me to go? What if they pressure me to remarry? Did you even think about me when you signed this?!"

"It’s because I thought of you that I signed it."

Wei Yun struggled to contain his emotions, his voice strained. "I know you're a good girl. You always act so strong and mature, but in the end, you're only fifteen. I'm a man of the Wei family—I can't leave, I can't run. I have to bear these burdens, but you don’t have to. You're still young. You barely even met my elder brother once—you don’t have to waste your life here. Go back now. If something happens to the Wei family, you can still live well. If nothing happens, I’ll remember your kindness and take care of you forever. Though I gave you this Divorce Letter on my brother’s behalf, you will always be my sister-in-law."

Gradually, Wei Yun calmed down. He turned to look at Chu Yu, his gaze steady and earnest. "In the future, if I survive, I will restore Wei Manor to its former glory. For the rest of my life, I will honor you as my elder sister-in-law. If you remarry, Wei Manor will be your family’s support, standing behind you. If you have nowhere to go, I will welcome you back with respect—you will always be the young mistress of Wei Manor, and its honored lady."

His words were solemn. Under his gaze, Chu Yu was momentarily stunned.

His face was still youthful, but from his expression, she knew he wasn’t joking.

Wei Yun, the King Who Pacifies the North, was known throughout the land for his clear sense of justice and his unforgiving nature.

Now, he had thought everything through, planning out her entire life for her.

Chu Yu felt both amused and helpless. Her eyes lingered on Wei Yun, meeting his firm and clear gaze. Slowly, she realized that the reason she was still standing here now... was likely for the sake of that very look.

She had seen it in Wei Jun’s eyes, in the eyes of the Wei family when she, clad in wedding robes, had ridden out to intercept the Guardian Army.

Even if the Wei family was now reduced to just Wei Yun, that pure-hearted spirit unique to the Weis was still passed down like an unbroken flame.

Chu Yu pressed her lips together. Seeing the girl suppressing her anger, Wei Yun couldn’t help but smile, finally seeing a hint of youthful fire in her.

His voice softened. "Don’t be angry. If I’ve done something wrong, just tell me."

"I only want what’s best for you."

His tone carried a sigh. "But I don’t know what I should do, or what I can do. I don’t know how to handle this—teach me, won’t you?"Hearing Wei Yun speak like this, how could Chu Yu stay angry? Yet she was indeed upset by his casual signing of the Divorce Letter without even asking. She could only stiffen her expression and say, "I’ll keep this Divorce Letter you signed. If I ever want to leave, I’ll take it out myself. Until then, unless I say so, no one can force me out."

"I married your elder brother, I married into the Wei family—that was my own decision. I don’t regret it. In fact, I’m even somewhat grateful I came here, so this honorable household wouldn’t be trampled into the mud." Chu Yu looked at him earnestly, and Wei Yun felt a faint tremor in his heart as she declared firmly, "I chose to come here, and I’ll choose when to leave. Wei Yun, listen well—in this lifetime, unless I say the word, you have no right to sign this Divorce Letter for me."

"Not you, not anyone—no one but me!"