Chu Yu remained silent, standing quietly by his side.
Sensing the warmth beside him, Wei Yun gradually calmed down.
He felt as though a monstrous beast had been planted in his heart—gnashing its teeth, roaring, restless and eager to break free. Yet the warmth beside him served as a constant reminder, pulling him back from the darkness.
Slowly, he regained his composure. Glancing at the night outside, he turned to Chu Yu and said, "Sister-in-law, you should rest. It’s already late."
Chu Yu acknowledged with a sound and walked toward the door. Pausing at the threshold, she turned back to look. The young man sat in his wheelchair, gazing up at the moonlight. His plain white robes shimmered under the silver glow, making him appear like an immortal who had descended to the mortal world—utterly out of place.
Chu Yu had always known Wei Yun was handsome. Even back when he was called the Living Yama, the line of women who admired him stretched from Hua Jing to Kunyang and beyond. Yet she had never imagined that even in his youth, he had already been so striking.
Returning to her room, Chu Yu tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Her thoughts drifted to the Wei Manor of her past life.
In that life, she had fled her wedding to seek out Gu Chusheng during the Wei family’s peak. When she later heard of their downfall, she hadn’t known the details. At the time, the Great Chu was in turmoil, and Kunyang—where she was stationed—was a crucial supply route and the second line of defense against the Northern Di after the fall of Bai City. Thus, before she could do anything for the Wei family, she was immediately dispatched to the battlefield.
A month later, Wei Yun was sent to the frontlines to rebuild the Guardian Army. For two full years, he fought against the Northern Di.
During those two years, Gu Chusheng flawlessly managed the logistics, supplies, and military provisions behind the scenes, providing Wei Yun with the strongest support. Meanwhile, Wei Yun fought his way straight to the heart of the Northern Di, razing their imperial court and finally avenging his blood feud.
After the war, Wei Yun and Gu Chusheng returned to the capital together, ushering in an era where civil and military power were perfectly balanced. It was only then that Chu Yu could finally step back and reflect on the Wei family—but by then, there was little she could do for them. Under Wei Yun’s leadership, the Wei family had already been restored to glory. Anything she said now would only seem like opportunism.
Not having helped the Wei family in their time of need had been a lingering regret in Chu Yu’s heart. But in that past life, she had drowned in love and slowly worn herself down, and over time, that regret had faded.
Yet now, thinking back, Chu Yu couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow. How much suffering must Wei Yun have endured back then?
Without knowing him, one could only admire him as a hero. But once you knew him—once you recognized him as a living, breathing person—it was impossible not to ache for him.
Lost in these thoughts, Chu Yu finally drifted off in the early hours of the morning. The next day, Jiang Chun arrived at her quarters at dawn, sending someone to announce her presence. After freshening up, Chu Yu stepped out and saw Jiang Chun waiting for her. She smiled and greeted her, "What brings you here so early today?"
"The five young masters have returned. They rose early for martial arts training, and I accompanied them for their morning drills before coming here."
Jiang Chun stood up to welcome Chu Yu. As they sat down to breakfast together, Chu Yu served her some dishes and asked, "Is this about the five young masters?""That's true," Jiang Chun took a sip of goat's milk, pressed a handkerchief to her lips, and explained: "Now that their mothers have all passed, it's just the two of us looking after them. I was thinking, since you're already busy managing the household affairs, social engagements, and financial matters—which are troublesome enough—why not leave these five young masters to me? After all, I'm already Lingchun's mother and often think of him. Taking care of a few more wouldn't be a problem."
"That works," Chu Yu nodded, then remembered Liu Xueyang was now at home and asked further, "Have you discussed this with Mother-in-law?"
"I have."
Jiang Chun had always been clever. Even when handling tasks under Liang Shi's supervision, she managed steadily. Now facing the more careless Liu Xueyang, she was even more at ease.
"Mother-in-law said her health isn't good, and she already gave you the household seal when she left. From now on, you'll manage the family affairs, and she told me to consult you."
Liu Xueyang had said the same to Chu Yu when she returned, and now repeating it to Jiang Chun likely meant her mind was made up. Chu Yu didn't decline—with so many household matters, it really wasn't suitable for Liu Xueyang, whose health was already poor. She nodded and said, "Very well. From now on, the five young masters will be under your care. Except for major matters like schooling, you can decide on your own."
"That's actually why I came to see you," Jiang Chun said with concern in her eyes. "The Wei family has always prioritized martial arts; literature and scholarship were just for leisure, never forced—being literate was enough. But now... I don’t want Lingchun to follow in Second Brother's footsteps."
At the mention of Wei Shu, Jiang Chun's eyes grew moist. She quickly dabbed them with her handkerchief and smiled awkwardly. "Forgive me."
Chu Yu pretended not to notice her distress and simply said, "I'll discuss this with Xiao Qi. But children have their own temperaments—there's no need to force them into anything. Let’s arrange martial arts in the mornings and studies in the afternoons. After they turn ten, we’ll see their aptitudes. Those who love learning won’t be stopped, and those who want to be generals won’t be held back. Even if one day they wish to become carpenters, that’d be perfectly normal."
"You're right," Jiang Chun sighed. "It’s all fate."
After discussing the children, Chu Yu stood and went with Jiang Chun to the rear courtyard to see the young masters.
The eldest of the five was Jiang Chun’s son, Wei Lingchun, only six years old, standing in the courtyard waving a small wooden sword up and down.
Zhang Han, Xie Jiu, and Yao Jue’s children—Wei Lingshu, Wei Lingmo, and Wei Linghan—were all born around the same year and were just four. They trailed behind Wei Lingchun, completely carefree, roughhousing without a worry.
The youngest, Wei Lingdong, born to Wang Lan, was only two. Wang Lan, now heavily pregnant, sat on the veranda watching the maids teach him to walk. The child struggled to crawl toward her, and Wang Lan giggled at the sight.
Chu Yu and Jiang Chun stood in the shadows of the veranda, watching the autumn sunlight gently bathe the scene. Chu Yu couldn’t help but murmur, "Do they know about their parents?"
"They do," Jiang Chun sighed. "But aside from Lingchun, who’s a little more aware, the others don’t really understand. They still think their parents will return someday to play with them.""Lingchun..." Chu Yu pursed her lips, but Jiang Chun's eyes shone with relief: "He cried in my arms all night. After I promised not to abandon him, he hugged me and said not to be afraid—that he'd grow stronger than his father and protect me someday."
Hearing this, Chu Yu watched the exhausted child in the courtyard who still diligently swung his wooden sword under his teacher's guidance, feeling deeply moved.
"Such willingness to let go," she murmured.
Jiang Chun understood her meaning and sighed. "Each has their own path. They're still young and will remarry eventually. You know Zhang Han and Wang Lan's temperaments—easily swayed, doing whatever their families say. Wang Lan is one thing, but Zhang Han's family has already arranged her future. A minor official who admired her before her marriage has spent his entire fortune for her hand. Her family means well."
Chu Yu nodded as Jiang Chun continued, "Xie Jiu and Yao Jue... they were already famed throughout Hua Jing before marrying. Both are shrewd planners. Xie Jiu told me she'd intended to leave long ago, but the longer she stays, the harder it becomes to go."
"People always compromise with themselves. Given time, she might think staying to raise the children isn't so bad. But she and Yao Jue dreamed of rising above others since youth—how could they tolerate such retreat? With the Wei family stabilized now, they've no reason to stay. Wait a few more years, and bearing new children would be difficult."
They had married into the Wei family seeing how even its lesser sons earned military honors, commanding respect and wielding great power.
Though moved by sentiment, reason remained. After that night's banquet, all emotions were sealed away.
Some pursue fame, some love, some power, some wealth.
Each life has its own pursuit.
Chu Yu nodded without further questions, watching the children until a figure in white entered the courtyard.
Spotting him, the children rushed over cheering, "Uncle Xiao Qi! Uncle's here!"
"Xiao Qi always played with them, bringing sweets each visit," Jiang Chun chuckled. "They adore... Hm?"
Her words trailed off in confusion. Wei Yun stood empty-handed this time, drawing disappointed looks. He seemed to say something, patting Wei Lingmo who clung to his leg.
Wei Lingchun, holding his wooden sword, spoke to him. Wei Yun raised an eyebrow, then nodded and dispersed the children. Taking up a practice sword, he assumed a casual en garde stance—flawless defense.
Jiang Chun gasped anxiously as Lingchun charged. Wei Yun deflected him effortlessly.
Unyielding, Lingchun attacked again and again. Wei Yun alternately let him strike and offered corrections, each parry steadying the boy's grip, sharpening his thrusts.Jiang Chun knew Wei Yun was teaching Wei Lingchun, but seeing the latter in such a state pained her heart. Unable to bear it, she excused herself from Chu Yu and hurried away—out of sight, out of mind.
Chu Yu leaned lazily against a pillar in the corridor, watching as Wei Yun repeatedly knocked Wei Lingchun down. Unconsciously, a smile began to form on Wei Yun’s face as this went on.
He hadn’t smiled like this in a long time. Since returning from the frontlines, he had smiled before, but each time, his smile had been laced with too many things—gentle yet bitter, carrying the weight of sudden maturity.
Yet under the afternoon sun, as he watched Wei Lingchun rise again and again, Wei Yun slowly unfurled a smile like a child’s—pure, clear, brimming with youthful energy.
After countless attempts, Wei Lingchun finally collapsed to the ground, unable to get up. Wei Yun leaned against a tree, sword in hand, and chuckled, “Lingchun, you’re no good. Come on, stand up! Didn’t you say you’d hit me today? Come at me.”
His voice was loud enough for Chu Yu to hear nearby, and for some reason, it made her fingers itch.
So she stepped out of the shadows and called out with a smile, “Let me take Lingchun’s place.”
Startled, Wei Yun turned and saw Chu Yu emerge from the darkness. She handed her outer robe to Wanyue, tied her hair up high with a ribbon, then picked up a sword from the weapon rack and stood before Wei Yun.
Wei Yun stared at the slender young woman before him, taking a long moment to react before stammering, “Uh, sister-in-law, maybe I should just surrender—”
Before he could finish, a voice rang out—“En garde!”—followed by a sword darting toward him like a white serpent. Wei Yun stumbled back in fright, not daring to retaliate.
Yet Chu Yu’s swordplay was fierce and relentless, the wind from her blade sending leaves swirling. The children nearby clapped and cheered as Wei Yun fled across the courtyard, chased by Chu Yu. Her lightness skill was no match for his, so all she heard was Wei Yun pleading while running, “Sister-in-law, I was wrong! I won’t bully Lingchun and the others anymore. Please, stop hitting me…”
Chu Yu was both exasperated and amused. After chasing him for a while, she finally grew exhausted. Leaning on her sword to catch her breath, she saw Wei Yun cautiously approach with a cup of tea, asking tentatively, “Sister-in-law, some water?”
Chu Yu glared at him, snatched the cup from his hand, and gulped it down. Then, arching a brow, she demanded, “You didn’t fight back at all—do you look down on me?”
“How could I?” Wei Yun grimaced. “I’m just terrified of you. I wouldn’t dare raise a hand against you, my lady!”
Chu Yu couldn’t help but burst into laughter at this. Only when she smiled did Wei Yun finally relax, quickly offering a handkerchief. “Sister-in-law, here, wipe your sweat. Tired from fighting?”
Chu Yu tossed the sword back onto the rack, took the damp cloth from him, and wiped her face as she walked inside. Wei Yun followed obediently behind. When she glanced at him, her lashes still glistening with sweat, her eyes seemed to shimmer like autumn waters—soft enough to melt one’s bones.
But Wei Yun didn’t yet understand what it meant to be stirred by such a gaze. When Chu Yu looked at him, he only felt something rush from his fingertips straight to his heart, leaving him momentarily dazed.He quickly lowered his head, not daring to look further as Chu Yu applied her makeup with the same vigor one might use to wipe a table. She asked slowly, "Xiao Qi, moving around a bit, do you feel happier now?"
"Mn," Wei Yun answered honestly. "Seeing children like Lingchun makes me feel full of vitality."
Chu Yu chuckled lightly, gazing at the distant clouds merging with the sky, suddenly brimming with boundless hope. "Things will get better eventually."
Wei Yun followed her gaze and responded softly, "Mn."
As they chatted and walked toward the dining hall, halfway there, they saw the steward approaching with a letter in hand. Upon seeing Chu Yu, the steward bowed with a smile and said, "Young Madam, Marquis, this is an invitation from the Song Family. The day after tomorrow is the Duke Protector's birthday, and the Song Family has specially invited the Marquis and Young Madam to attend."
Hearing this, Chu Yu felt suspicious.
Although Wei Yun had been released, the Wei family was indeed left with only him, a marquis without real power. Why would the Song Family invite them now?
More importantly, why did they specifically request her presence?
Not only Chu Yu, but Wei Yun also found it strange. He took the invitation and noticed it was divided into two parts—one for him and another specifically for Chu Yu. Frowning, he asked the steward, "Do you know why they specifically asked for the Young Madam to attend?"
"The messenger explained," the steward replied, having anticipated their question and already inquired with the Song Family's people. "Song Shizi is now engaged to Chu Erxiaojie, and since Young Madam is from the Chu family, they sent a separate invitation."
Hearing this, Wei Yun furrowed his brows. The steward also found it odd and added, "But it's strange—Young Madam is clearly the Wei family's Young Madam, how could she be considered part of the Chu family?"
Chu Yu didn't respond to the steward's remark and simply nodded. "We understand. You may leave."
The steward bowed and withdrew, leaving Chu Yu and Wei Yun alone in the corridor. Chu Yu leisurely tucked the invitation into her sleeve while Wei Yun guiltily lowered his head. Watching her adjust her sleeves, she looked up at him with a teasing smile. "Did you enjoy signing the Divorce Letter?"
"I was wrong."
Wei Yun wished he could kneel immediately to admit his mistake. "It's my fault. Sister-in-law, give me the Divorce Letter back, and I'll burn it right away. I'll go to the Chu family and explain everything to your uncle and aunt..."
"Give it back?" Chu Yu raised an eyebrow. "Something that's already in my hands, you think you can take back?" She abruptly flicked her sleeve and turned away. "Dream on!"
Wei Yun: "..."
His sister-in-law still had quite the temper.
No, she had always had quite the temper.
Author's Note: [Mini Theater]
(Years later)
Wei Yun: "I, Wei Yun, am the King Who Pacifies the North, feared by all under heaven, second only to one, above ten thousand! There is no person or thing in this world I fear!"
Chu Yu: "Wei Yun."
Wei Yun: "Sister-in-law, what are your orders?"
Chu Yu: "Kneel."
Wei Yun: "Yes, sister-in-law. Would you prefer me to kneel on a washboard or durian this time?"
Crowd: "Didn't you say there's no person or thing you fear?"
Wei Yun: "Didn't I say I'm second only to one?"
Crowd: "Damn, that 'one' isn't the emperor?!"
Wei Yun: "The emperor? Never feared him."
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