Wei Qiu pushed Wei Yun out of the manor gate, where they immediately spotted a carriage hidden in the alley outside Wei Manor. As Wei Yun emerged, the coachman dismounted and bowed to him with a gesture of invitation.
The man carried a Xiuchun saber, dressed in luxurious black brocade, with a jade plaque hanging from his waist inscribed with the character "Jin." This was the standard attire of the Imperial Guards, the emperor's closest confidants.
Recognizing the attire, Wei Yun coughed violently twice and struggled to rise to greet the man. But as soon as he stood, another fit of coughing overtook him. The man quickly stepped forward and pressed Wei Yun down, saying, "Seventh Young Master, there’s no need for formalities. I am Imperial Guard Commander Chen Chun, sent by His Majesty to invite you to the palace for a discussion."
As Chen Chun spoke, Wei Yun’s coughing gradually subsided. After finally catching his breath, he said weakly, "I apologize for my condition, Commander Chen. Since it is His Majesty’s command, let us depart quickly."
With that, Wei Yun leaned on Wei Qiu for support and was helped into the carriage.
Moments later, Chen Chun also boarded, and the carriage began moving with a rhythmic clatter. Wei Yun sat across from Chen Chun, silent, occasionally coughing, appearing extremely frail.
Chen Chun frowned hesitantly and asked, "Seventh Young Master’s injuries..."
The incident of Wei Yun being imprisoned in the heavenly prison was known to nearly all court officials. The emperor had been furious, severely punishing all those who had harmed Wei Yun, with Chen Chun personally overseeing the executions. Thus, he was well aware of Wei Yun’s injuries.
Hearing the question, Wei Yun forced a weak smile. "The external wounds have mostly healed, but my vitality was damaged. My constitution is weak now."
Chen Chun’s frown deepened. Wei Yun glanced at him and asked between labored breaths, "Commander Chen, do you know why His Majesty has summoned me?"
"I do not," Chen Chun answered firmly.
Wei Yun knew he wouldn’t get any information from Chen Chun, so he continued feigning illness while pondering recent events.
When he had left the frontlines, though the Guardian Army had been annihilated at White Emperor Valley, they had also dealt a heavy blow to the Northern Di. Currently, the Northern Border was primarily defended by the Yao Family. The emperor summoning him urgently in the middle of the night could only mean something had changed at the front.
His father and brothers had died on the battlefield, and he knew their deaths weren’t merely the result of being surrounded. Yao Yong had undoubtedly played a crucial role. With Yao Yong now controlling the entire Northern Border, Wei Yun had no intention of returning to the frontlines to meet his death.
Steeling himself, Wei Yun pretended to be weak and leaned against the carriage to rest. After a while, Chen Chun announced, "Young Master, we’ve arrived."
Wei Yun opened his eyes, feigning confusion before quickly regaining his composure. With Wei Xia and Wei Qiu supporting him, he stepped out of the carriage.
The carriage had stopped directly in front of the imperial study. As Wei Yun descended, he heard the emperor’s voice from inside: "Xiao Qi, come in directly."
At the sound, Wei Yun erupted into violent coughing—so harsh it sounded as though his lungs were tearing. Once the fit passed, he straightened his posture, adjusted his robes, and entered the study.
The emperor had already heard Wei Yun’s coughing from inside. When he looked up, he saw a pale young man in plain robes step into the hall and kneel respectfully.
He appeared frail and thin, already wrapped in a fox fur cloak before winter had even arrived, clutching a hand warmer as if extremely sensitive to the cold.Emperor Chunde's breath hitched. He remembered clearly how lively this young man had once been, able to walk outside in just a thin layer of clothing even during the coldest winter months.
Guilt welled up in his heart, bringing a look of pity to the emperor's face. He hurriedly motioned for Wei Yun to sit and asked anxiously, "How did it come to this? Are you still unwell? I'll summon the imperial physician at once."
"It's nothing serious..." Wei Yun smiled reassuringly. "Your Majesty need not worry. I'm merely weak and have been recuperating lately."
Hearing this, Emperor Chunde gazed at Wei Yun, wanting to say something but holding back. Noticing the emperor's expression, Wei Yun coughed lightly, catching his breath before asking with concern, "Your Majesty summoned me to the palace late at night—has there been a change on the front lines?"
"Yes," the emperor replied, his expression cooling at the mention of the front. "Right now, the front is being held solely by General Yao Yong. But last night, Bai City fell."
"Bai City has fallen?" Wei Yun was surprised, though the answer wasn't entirely unexpected. The Wei family had always been the first line of defense on the front, while Yao Yong had only ever fought minor, opportunistic battles. His current position was more a result of political maneuvering. Pushing an incompetent fool to the front lines would naturally lead to the loss of key cities—it was only to be expected.
Though Wei Yun had already reasoned this out, his face still showed shock and concern as he asked, "General Yao had ninety thousand troops in Bai City, and before I left, another hundred thousand were transferred from Liangzhou. How could Bai City have fallen? What were our losses?"
"Our losses were minimal," the emperor said grimly. "Yao Yong abandoned the city immediately to preserve his forces..."
At this, Wei Yun's expression darkened abruptly. He cut in sharply, "Did he evacuate the civilians?"
Before the Wei family ever abandoned a city, they would always evacuate the civilians first. Otherwise, they would fight to the last soldier rather than retreat. The common people were defenseless, and the Northern Di bore a deep-seated hatred for the Great Chu. Most cities lost to them suffered massacres. That was why Wei Yun's first question upon hearing of Yao Yong's retreat was about the civilians.
Yet even as he asked, Wei Yun already knew the answer.
Yao Yong would never evacuate the civilians.
That simply wasn't the kind of man he was.
But as Wei Yun waited for the emperor's response, he heard instead: "He had already evacuated the civilians before leaving. There was no harm done."
Wei Yun was taken aback. To mask his reaction, he broke into another fit of coughing, his mind racing to analyze the situation.
Based on his understanding of Yao Yong, the man would never do such a thing. But Yao Yong was notorious for claiming others' merits—this time, he must have stolen credit from another general.
Disgust churned in Wei Yun's stomach, though his expression remained neutral. Seeing his violent coughing, Emperor Chunde hastily called for the imperial physician, but Wei Yun waved him off, slowly steadying his breath before asking, "Then what does Your Majesty plan to do now?"
"Yao Yong is too mediocre. On the battlefield, sometimes a young man's vigor is needed." The emperor sighed, clearly dissatisfied with Yao Yong's retreat. He looked up at Wei Yun and began, "You—"
"Your Majesty, Wei Yun volunteers—" The moment the emperor's gaze landed on him, Wei Yun stepped forward and knelt, ready to pledge his loyalty. But his words were cut short as he was seized by another bout of coughing.Seeing Wei Yun curled up on the ground, coughing and prostrating himself, Emperor Chunde couldn't bring himself to continue. He stepped forward and personally helped Wei Yun up. Between coughs, Wei Yun said, "This subject requests... to go... cough... to the frontlines... cough..."
"Enough," Emperor Chunde sighed, looking at Wei Yun's condition. "In your state, there's no need to push yourself. Rest and recover first..." After a moment's hesitation, he added, "Recommend some people to me."
Wei Yun remained silent, using his coughs to mask his contemplation as he pondered the urgency behind the emperor's request.
Currently, there were only five or six military families in the court that could be deployed. Chu Jianchang had been guarding the southwest for years, and with the Northern Di's fierce offensive, the southern kingdom of Nanyue was likely to stir. Chu Jianchang couldn't be moved. As for the remaining families—the Song, Yao, Wang, and Xie—the Wang and Xie families weren't traditional military clans. Their generals were mostly stationed inland with little combat experience. The Yao family was already on the battlefield, while the Song family had been resting in Hua Jing for too long, their edge long dulled.
Going to the frontlines now wasn't just about fighting—it was also about keeping Yao Yong in check. Yao Yong was too timid. The battle at White City could have been fought, but he refused to engage in bloody combat. Yet what war didn't involve sacrifice? If they kept retreating, they might as well surrender outright. What was the point of fighting?
But aside from the Wei and Chu families, the others might not be much different from Yao Yong. After careful consideration, Wei Yun was the only viable option left.
Understanding the emperor's dilemma, Wei Yun took a shallow breath and said weakly, "Your Majesty asks this subject so suddenly, it's difficult to recommend a suitable candidate immediately. Perhaps grant this subject a few days to consider and then report back?"
"Very well," Emperor Chunde conceded helplessly. He couldn't very well send Wei Yun to the frontlines in this state—it would be no different from sending him to his death.
With a sigh, he said, "You may return. If you find a suitable candidate, inform me at once."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's understanding."
Wei Yun knelt and bowed, gasping as he said, "Once this subject recovers slightly, I will come at once to request permission to go to the frontlines and fight the enemy, to prove worthy of Your Majesty's grace!"
"Hmm," Emperor Chunde nodded absently. "You may go now."
Then, as an afterthought, he added, "Have the imperial physician examine you again."
Wei Yun nodded and had Wei Xia and Wei Qiu help him out. Outside, he found a physician trembling nervously. Wei Yun gave him a wan smile and said, "This humble one lacks the strength to linger in the palace and wishes to rest soon. Might the physician accompany me to Wei Manor for the examination?"
"At the marquis's command."
After Wei Zhong and Wei Jun's deaths, Wei Yun was the most logical heir. The imperial decree granting him the title had been issued the day he returned to the Wei family. Many still struggled to address him properly, but the physician was a stickler for protocol.
Wei Yun nodded and brought the physician into the carriage. He reclined inside and had the physician examine his pulse.
After a thorough check, the physician listed a series of old ailments but ultimately frowned. "However... it shouldn't be this severe."
Wei Yun said nothing, sipping his tea before replying coolly, "Physician, look again."
He didn't cough, his tone icy. "This humble one is clearly weak and sickly, unable to withstand even a common cold. How could I possibly be fine?"The imperial physician remained silent, staring into Wei Yun's eyes that held a terrifying bloodlust, though his face wore a faint, mocking smile. "Physician, the condition of physical weakness requires careful nurturing—it can be minor or severe. When it strikes, it's like a mountain collapsing, but with proper care, recovery can be swift. Wouldn't you agree?"
By now, the physician understood Wei Yun's implication. He dared not speak, trembling slightly.
Wei Yun propped his chin on his hand, watching him. "Even imperial physicians can misdiagnose. If I believe I'm physically weak, and you agree, then even if a hundred quacks claim otherwise, I can still drive them away. But if I am truly weak, and the physician insists I'm not—that would be a problem."
Cold sweat dripped from the physician's forehead. Wei Xia pushed a small box toward him, and Wei Yun tilted his chin slightly. "Physician, a humble gift—nothing to show my full respect."
The physician didn't dare move. Wei Yun reached over and opened the box himself. "This Marquis will open it for you."
Inside, neatly arranged in two rows, were golden ingots.
Wei Yun spoke gently, "Physician, you have two sons and two daughters, correct?"
At these words, the physician took a deep breath and looked up at him. His gaze held disapproval. After a long silence, the physician shook his head. "Take your gift back, Marquis. You do indeed suffer from physical weakness. I will report the truth. Please stop the carriage and let this old man leave."
Wei Yun nodded to the side, and the carriage halted. The physician picked up his medical kit and stepped down, head bowed. But halfway out, he suddenly turned back, his voice filled with anger. "I never imagined the Wei family would produce someone as scheming and cowardly as you! Marquis, you disgrace your family!"
Wei Yun's expression darkened instantly. The physician turned to leave, but Wei Yun suddenly called out to him.
"Old man." The physician froze mid-step, his body stiffening. Hearing Wei Yun's icy tone, he realized he had acted too rashly. But pride kept him from apologizing or turning back. Wei Yun watched his retreating figure for a long moment before finally chuckling. "Never mind. Go."
"But old man, I want you to understand—if I were Wei Xiao Qi, I would gladly shed my blood for the nation and its people without a second thought. But I am Wei Yun."
His eyes turned cold. "I am the Marquis of National Stability, Wei Yun."
As he spoke, he bore no resemblance to a mere teenager. Each word was enunciated with deliberate clarity, as if making a declaration.
The physician didn't respond. He stood with his back to Wei Yun before finally replying in a stiff voice, "Whether you are the Seventh Young Master of the Wei family or the Marquis of National Stability, I hope you remember this—you were raised under the Wei name." He turned to face him, speaking earnestly. "They are among the few in Great Chu who possess unyielding courage and integrity. I hope you do not tarnish it."
This time, Wei Yun said nothing. Staring into the old man's clear eyes, he found himself momentarily speechless.
Something surged in his chest, churning violently. He gripped the windowsill tightly, silent.
Upon returning home, Chu Yu rushed to meet him at the door, anxious. "What did His Majesty say?"
Wei Yun briefly recounted the events in the palace, and Chu Yu sighed in relief before asking, "Why are you so unwilling to go to the front lines?"
In her memory, the Wei Yun of the past had signed a life-or-death pledge, volunteering for the front lines to turn the tide of the collapsing nation, thereby securing his own standing. Yet now, he feigned illness to avoid going. What was he thinking?"The deaths of my father and brother are closely tied to Yao Yong," Wei Yun did not hide his thoughts. He handed the fox fur cloak to Wei Qiu, sat down, poured himself some tea, took a sip, and then spoke slowly, "Now that the frontlines are entirely under his control, if I go there, it would be like traveling thousands of miles just to deliver myself to death."
As he spoke these words, his eyes gleamed with a sharpness like a blade.
Chu Yu looked at his expression, pursed her lips, and changed the subject, "Then who do you plan to recommend to go?"
"Still thinking," Wei Yun frowned. "I need to find someone suitable."
Hearing his words, Chu Yu wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent.
In her past life, Wei Yun had thrived, proving that he was inherently a man of great capability. Therefore, unless she knew of future events in advance, she wouldn’t interfere with his choices.
The deaths of the Wei family had taught Chu Yu that what she thought she "knew" might be wrong. Knowing incorrect information was far more dangerous than knowing nothing at all.
After a moment’s thought, she nodded and said, "Then take your time to think. Call me if you need anything."
Wei Yun grunted in acknowledgment, sitting in place, holding his tea, lost in thought.
Chu Yu hesitated for a moment before turning to leave. Just as she reached the door, Wei Yun suddenly called out to her.
"Sister-in-law," he said somewhat blankly, "What if I become like a politician—unscrupulous?"
Hearing this question, Chu Yu turned to look at him. The young man seemed somewhat dejected. She thought for a while before answering slowly, "Water that’s too clear has no fish."
Wei Yun looked up at her, about to say something, but Chu Yu, as if anticipating his words, quickly added, "But you must also ensure that it is still water."
"Clarity and murkiness are a matter of degree, not of presence or absence. Xiao Qi, the reason your father and brother met their demise was precisely because they weren’t vigilant or sensitive enough toward the court. If they had even half the shrewdness you possess now, perhaps this wouldn’t have happened."
Wei Yun pressed his lips into a tight line upon hearing this. After struggling internally for a long time, he slowly raised his head and said, "I don’t care."
Chu Yu was puzzled, unable to comprehend what the person before her was thinking.
Wei Yun stared at her, his eyes alight with fire.
"Whether it tarnishes the Wei family’s reputation or sullies our traditions, I don’t care. I only regret not realizing this sooner. If I had awakened earlier, perhaps my father and brother wouldn’t have died. So I don’t care what I become—I only care about whether I can protect all of you and whether I can rise to the top."
"Sooner or later—"
Wei Yun clenched his fists, his eyes blazing. Sitting in his wheelchair, he trembled slightly, his voice hoarse as he declared, "I will make these people—pay in blood!"
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