Fight For Love

The Song Family sent this invitation, yet Wei Yun felt his heart tremble. He couldn't shake the feeling that this Divorce Letter would bring trouble, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what kind. In the end, he could only let it be.

After resting at home for a day, two days later, Wei Yun took Chu Yu and Jiang Chun with him to the Duke Protector's residence. Although the invitation was only addressed to Wei Yun and Chu Yu, Chu Yu wanted to bring Jiang Chun along to lift her spirits, so they went together.

The Song Family was similar to the Wei family—both were founding military families of merit. The Duke Protector, Song Zhao, had been close friends with Wei Yun's grandfather, having campaigned together in the south and north, sharing a bond of camaraderie.

However, by Wei Zhong's generation, the Song descendants had adopted the frivolous customs of Hua Jing, becoming adept at political maneuvering while losing their edge in battlefield affairs. Seeing this, the Wei family sent their sons to the border regions at the age of eight or nine, where they learned horseback riding and archery, growing up amidst military campaigns under their family's guidance.

Over time, the two families maintained only a superficial connection through the Duke Protector, with little else in common.

Still, out of respect for the Duke Protector, Wei Yun had to uphold appearances. He instructed the steward to prepare generous gifts and changed into formal attire before setting out with Chu Yu and Jiang Chun.

As they were still in mourning, their clothing couldn't be too ostentatious. All three wore plain garments: Wei Yun in wide-sleeved robes with cloud-patterned hems and a Jade Crown, while Chu Yu and Jiang Chun wore pure white brocade gowns with golden cloud patterns, adorned with jade hairpins and pearl earrings. Their dignified and graceful appearance ensured they wouldn't dampen the festivities at the Duke Protector's banquet.

Upon arriving at the Duke Protector's residence, the three were led by servants into the inner courtyard. Chu Yu and Jiang Chun headed toward the women's quarters, while Wei Yun was guided to the men's section.

The women's banquet was set up in a waterside pavilion. By the time Chu Yu and Jiang Chun arrived, many noblewomen from various families were already present. Jiang Chun, who rarely attended such gatherings, couldn't help but feel nervous. Chu Yu patted her hand reassuringly and said, "Don't be too tense. Just treat it like chatting with Xie Jiu and the others before."

Jiang Chun nodded softly and whispered, "I'm just afraid of embarrassing the Wei Manor."

"What's there to fear?" Chu Yu smiled, glancing around. "The Wei Manor's dignity lies in doing nothing unreasonable. As long as we're in the right, our dignity remains intact."

As they spoke, Chu Yu heard an excited cry: "Sister!"

Turning, she saw Chu Jin standing at the entrance of the pavilion, her face alight with joy as she rushed forward, eagerly grasping Chu Yu's hands. "Sister, you've finally come! I was afraid you wouldn't show up today."

Chu Jin's overly affectionate demeanor sent shivers down Chu Yu's spine. She looked up and immediately understood why—Madam Song, the Duke Protector's wife, was supporting the elderly Lady Song as they approached. Madam Song nodded at Chu Yu and said evenly, "Miss Chu."

Hearing this address, both Jiang Chun and Chu Yu were taken aback. Realizing her mistake, Madam Song frowned slightly and hesitated. "You..." She seemed unsure how to address Chu Yu and finally asked, "You haven't returned to the Chu residence?"

Chu Yu understood—Madam Song must have learned about Wei Yun signing the Divorce Letter.

With a faintly mocking glance at Chu Jin, she replied, "Madam, who told you I'd returned to the Chu residence?"Madam Song choked back her words, subtly glancing in Chu Jin's direction. Chu Jin stood behind Madam Song, eyes lowered and silent.

She probably didn’t know how to handle such a situation either, but she had always been good at feigning composure, so she intended to muddle through like this.

Chu Yu had no intention of deliberately provoking her either. She smiled without saying much, and after exchanging a few words with Madam Song, the latter led the others away, leaving Chu Jin to entertain Chu Yu—clearly already treating Chu Jin as half a daughter-in-law.

Chu Jin led Chu Yu on a stroll through the garden. Jiang Chun, sensing something amiss between the sisters, quickly excused herself. Chu Yu and Chu Jin walked along the corridor circling the lake, with Chu Jin maintaining her gentle demeanor, smiling as she introduced every flower and tree in the estate—clearly having visited many times to know them so well.

Chu Yu listened quietly, her mind blank. Since her rebirth, she had been like a tightly drawn bowstring, only relaxing in recent days. The Song Family was wealthy and powerful, their gardens exquisitely built, almost replicating the delicate elegance of Jiangnan’s water towns. Strolling along the corridor, listening to Chu Jin’s unhurried explanations, Chu Yu felt unusually at ease.

Chu Jin, noticing her sister’s calm demeanor, couldn’t help but glance at her again. After holding back for a long time, she finally said, “Aren’t you going to ask me anything, Sister?”

Hearing this, Chu Yu snapped out of her thoughts, realizing Chu Jin was finally getting to the point.

Truthfully, Chu Jin had never been one to hold back her words. As Chu Yu reflected on her sister’s past life, she realized what a shoddily crafted woman she had been.

A shoddily crafted image of a talented lady, greedy for immediate wealth and status, willing to do anything for it. Vain, fond of flaunting, not particularly cunning, but certainly scheming.

How had she lost to such a woman in her past life?

Leaning against the corridor, Chu Yu quietly studied Chu Jin, recalling her past life. When those frenzied, desperate memories surfaced, she suddenly realized—while she now saw Chu Jin as short-sighted and graceless, hadn’t she herself lost her way in her past life?

Seeing the young Chu Jin waiting silently for her answer, it finally struck her—that past life was truly gone, nothing more than a bygone era.

So she smiled gently and said, “If you have something to say, say it. If not, I won’t ask.”

Chu Jin hadn’t expected such a response. She froze for a moment, her eyes flickering with confusion.

Chu Yu observed her and added, “You seem to have more questions for me?”

Chu Jin remained silent for a while before finally saying, “Sister… do you still think of Brother Gu?”

At the mention of Gu Chusheng’s name, Chu Yu felt a momentary daze. She looked at Chu Jin curiously. “Why do you ask?”

“Brother Gu is in Kunyang County now, with no news. Aren’t you the least bit worried?”

Chu Jin’s eyes held reproach. In the past, such words from Chu Jin would have made Chu Yu start questioning herself. Or perhaps, even without prompting, she would already have been fretting over Gu Chusheng. But now, Chu Yu no longer cared for him. She chuckled lightly.

“Gu Chusheng and I have no ties. As his former fiancée, if you’re not worried, why should I be?”Chu Jin's expression stiffened upon hearing this. After a moment, she sighed and said, "Sister, you've truly changed so much."

"Hmm?"

Chu Yu looked up, somewhat puzzled by Chu Jin's remark. Chu Jin continued, "Back when you married into the Wei Manor, just two days before the wedding, you were still desperately seeking out Brother Gu, writing letters begging him to elope with you. Why did you change so completely overnight?"

Hearing Chu Jin bring this up, Chu Yu couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Her transformation had indeed been too abrupt, raising suspicions. As she pondered how to explain, Chu Jin pressed further, "Sister, can you tell me honestly what made you change your mind so suddenly and decide to marry into the Wei family?"

"Well..."

Chu Yu thought for a moment before slowly fabricating a reason: "At that time, Young Master Wei secretly sent me a letter through someone. From his words, I could see his character was as pure as jade, far superior to Gu Chusheng's. After much deliberation, I realized Gu Chusheng was nothing more than a pretty face—"

Before she could finish, a soft chuckle came from nearby. Instinctively, Chu Yu's eyes turned cold as she flicked a leaf toward the sound and snapped, "Who's there?"

The leaf sliced through the branches, revealing a glimpse of blue-green robes behind them. Then someone lifted the branches, exposing a wine table behind them, and called out helplessly, "Sister-in-law."

Chu Yu froze, only now realizing that behind the dense foliage, Wei Yun and a group of young men were gathered for a banquet. They were all elegantly dressed youths, few in number but clearly from prominent families—likely acquaintances who had found a secluded spot in the Song residence to catch up.

The Song estate's garden was ingeniously designed, with rocks and foliage visually separating spaces. Unfamiliar with the layout, one would never guess such hidden gatherings could exist within its small courtyards.

Chu Yu turned her gaze to Chu Jin. She had deliberately led her here by the lake, knowing full well that Wei Yun and the others were feasting nearby. Bringing up the past was merely a ploy to expose Chu Yu's attempted elopement with Gu Chusheng before her marriage in front of everyone—and to coax her into admitting it.

Truthfully, Chu Yu wasn't ashamed of this. She never denied what she had done, nor would she erase the love she once held. If she had acted, she was prepared to face the consequences without evasion. Yet Chu Jin's scheming still angered her deeply.

Fortunately, she had just claimed she married into the Wei family out of admiration for Wei Jun. Had she misspoken, what would Wei Yun, listening nearby, have thought?

Countless thoughts raced through Chu Yu's mind, but Chu Jin, upon seeing Wei Yun, hastily bowed to the group and said, "Forgive our intrusion, young masters. We shall take our leave at once—"

"Why the hurry?" A voice emerged from the crowd. Chu Yu looked up to see a young man in blue robes, appearing only three or four years older than Wei Yun. Though handsome, his dissipated air made him unlikable. He stepped forward, pushing aside the branches, and leered at Chu Yu. "Come, come, Miss Chu, join us over here."

"Who are you?" Chu Yu frowned.

The man smiled. "I am Song Wenchang."

Song Wenchang—the very Song Shizi betrothed to Chu Jin.Chu Yu looked at Song Wenchang's mocking expression and realized that the Song family had deliberately invited her today—likely because Song Wenchang wanted to vent his anger on behalf of Chu Jin.

Frowning, Chu Yu considered that the Wei Manor should avoid unnecessary trouble at this time and decided to swallow her pride. She spoke up, "As a woman of the Wei family, it is improper for me to linger here. I shall take my leave."

"Why so reserved, Miss Chu?"

Song Wenchang smirked. "Wei Yun has already given you the Divorce Letter. It's time for you to seek another husband. You were once a bold woman who would throw caution to the wind for love, and now—"

"Did you see it?"

Before Song Wenchang could finish, a cold, youthful voice cut him off. Everyone turned toward the sound and saw Wei Yun seated in a wheelchair, staring silently at Song Wenchang.

His expression was icy.

Truthfully, Wei Yun's demeanor was always stern except when facing his own family. But at this moment, the coldness in his gaze was different—like a starving wolf locking onto its prey, ready to pounce at any second.

Song Wenchang suddenly felt a pang of unease, but when his eyes landed on Wei Yun's wheelchair, his confidence returned somewhat. He forced a smile. "See what? Xiao Qi, are you still protecting her? She was about to marry your elder brother when—"

"I mean the Divorce Letter."

Wei Yun pushed his wheelchair forward toward Chu Yu. A young man in blue robes nearby hurried over to help him navigate around the branches and onto the jade-paved path, bringing him to Chu Yu's side.

At Wei Yun's words, Song Wenchang finally understood. He instinctively glanced at Chu Jin—this was information she had shared with the Song family when discussing their marriage alliance. Back then, the Wei family had not yet been released from confinement, and Lady Song had been concerned about Chu Yu's ties to the Wei family. Chu Jin had personally shown her the Divorce Letter to dispel those worries.

The hesitation in Song Wenchang's expression did not escape Wei Yun and Chu Yu. Wei Yun positioned himself protectively in front of Chu Yu, idly twisting the ring on his finger as he fixed Song Wenchang with a piercing stare. Slowly, he said, "I never wrote that Divorce Letter. Chu Yu is now the matriarch of the Wei family, managing the affairs of Wei Manor. How dare you spread such slanderous rumors?"

His voice rose, anger flashing across his face. Song Wenchang wanted to argue but faltered, realizing he had no ground to stand on. Instead, he blurted, "Fine, let’s set aside the Divorce Letter. But her elopement with Gu Chusheng—that’s true, isn’t it?"

The moment those words left his mouth, the crowd's gazes turned scrutinizing. Wei Yun let out a cold laugh. "What business is it of yours whether my sister-in-law eloped or not?"

Song Wenchang stiffened, and Wei Yun continued, "Our family was fully aware of my sister-in-law's past before the marriage. My elder brother even wrote a letter—I delivered it myself—to formalize this union. If our family has no objections, who are you to pass judgment?"

"With the frontlines in crisis and the fate of our nation hanging in the balance, you, the heir of the Duke Protector, spend your days obsessing over women’s affairs. Has the Song family been so steeped in perfumed decadence that you’ve lost all sense of duty and backbone?"

The weight of his words silenced the room. Song Wenchang realized he had overstepped but still clung to his resentment. Just as he was about to speak again, Chu Jin interjected hoarsely, "Enough, Young Master Song."Everyone turned to look at the sound and saw Chu Jin with reddened eyes, her face full of grievance as she said, "A-Jin knows Shizi did this for my sake... Shizi's care, A-Jin remembers it in my heart. But as for the matter between me and my sister... forget it."

Her words were evasive, inviting speculation. The crowd quickly understood the reason for Song Wenchang's earlier outburst—there was indeed a cause-and-effect here.

She had given Song Wenchang a way out, and he seized it, stiffly replying, "Enough. Now that you are betrothed to me and she is married, such matters won’t happen again. I won’t pursue it further."

With that, Song Wenchang waved his hand dismissively. "You may leave—"

"What won’t you pursue?"

Wei Yun’s cold voice cut him off. While Song Wenchang had been given an out, Wei Yun had no intention of granting him that courtesy.

His icy gaze fixed on Chu Jin. "You are my sister-in-law’s younger sister?"

"This humble girl is Chu Jin."

"Speak clearly," Wei Yun demanded sternly. "What happened between my sister-in-law and you that Song Shizi felt the need to stand up for you?"

"Just trivial family matters," Chu Jin sighed. "Private affairs between sisters, not worth mentioning to outsiders."

"If it’s not worth mentioning to outsiders, then why did you and Song Shizi humiliate my sister-in-law in front of so many people?!" Wei Yun’s voice suddenly rose. "She is now the First Madam of Wei Manor. Do you take the Wei family for easy prey?! Either don’t provoke us, but since you’ve done so today, you will explain yourself clearly. If my sister-in-law truly wronged you, the Wei family will compensate you. But if you cannot justify your actions today, I will take it as slander against her reputation. I, Wei Yun, repay kindness with kindness and grudges with grudges. This matter will not be dropped so easily!"

Chu Jin seemed terrified by Wei Yun’s intensity, her eyes brimming with tears as she shrank back in fear. Song Wenchang’s anger flared, and he stepped forward, shielding Chu Jin as he snapped, "Speak if you must, but why shout at her?!"

Wei Yun remained unmoved, his gaze locked on Chu Jin. "Cry all you want. Do you think tears will erase your insinuations and insults? You strike others, then cry when they retaliate—do you think tears will stop me from striking back? I’ll say this now: if you have reason, speak it. The Wei family is not unreasonable. But if you have none, don’t blame me for being merciless."

"What will you do if you’re merciless?!"

Song Wenchang was now fully enraged. "Even if Chu Jin were in the wrong, what could you possibly do? Do you still think the Wei family is what it once was?! If not for Your Majesty’s mercy, do you believe you’d even be standing here speaking? Your family lost seventy thousand troops—you should have been executed and your clan exterminated—"

"Shizi, mind your words!"

The young man who had been pushing Wei Yun’s wheelchair suddenly raised his voice. Song Wenchang turned to glare at him. "And who are you to speak?!"

The young man smiled faintly, his tone calm. "I may be insignificant, but in my humble opinion, the matter of White Emperor Valley remains unresolved. Regardless, the Wei family is a pillar of Great Chu’s nobility, and those who perished were heroes. Shizi should weigh his words carefully."

His expression then turned warning. "For your own sake—and for the Song family’s."Chu Yu looked up at the young man, whose attire was the most unassuming among the crowd—a plain blue robe over a white shirt, adorned with a hollowed-out jade crown. It was clear at a glance that his background was not particularly noble. He appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen, about the same age as Gu Chusheng, with delicate and refined features that carried a hint of heroic spirit. He should have been a jade-like young gentleman, but standing beside Wei Yun, he inevitably paled in comparison.

Chu Yu studied him for a while, feeling a sense of familiarity. After much thought, she finally remembered—this was Song Shilan, who later rose from his status as a common-born son to enter officialdom and ultimately inherited the title of Duke Protector, shouldering the responsibilities of the Song Family.

In her previous life, after Song Wenchang followed his father to the battlefield and died there, it was Song Shilan who stepped forward to request command. Song Shilan was quite talented and had a good relationship with Gu Chusheng. During her time in Kunyang County with Gu Chusheng, they had frequent interactions with Song Shilan. However, after moving to Hua Jing, Song Shilan refused to enter the capital, instead stationing his troops in Qiong and Hua Provinces, never returning.

Later, when Gu Chusheng and Wei Yun were locked in a fierce struggle for power, this young lord never took a side, spending his days wandering the mountains and rivers of Qiong Province, which became a celebrated tale.

In her previous life, it had been nearly a decade since she last saw Song Shilan, so Chu Yu hadn’t recognized him at first. It took her a while to recall, and she couldn’t help but steal a few more glances.

Prompted by Song Shilan, Song Wenchang finally regained some clarity and realized his words had been too harsh. He took a step back and said, “I spoke without thinking just now. I hope Young Marquis Wei can forgive me.”

Wei Yun looked at him calmly. “Aside from asking for my forgiveness, is there anything else?”

While Wei Yun and Song Wenchang were talking, Chu Yu stole a few glances at Song Shilan. Noticing her gaze, Song Shilan turned his head with a smile and looked back at her. Caught in the act of peeking, Chu Yu felt a bit embarrassed and quickly averted her eyes. Song Shilan, surprised by her reaction, paused for a moment before lowering his head with a chuckle.

This exchange didn’t escape Wei Yun’s notice. He glanced at Song Shilan but said nothing, continuing his conversation with Song Wenchang. “Regarding my sister-in-law’s matter, do you and Chu Jin have anything else to say?”

“Young Marquis, one should be merciful where possible,” Song Wenchang frowned. “I won’t argue with you further on this. Don’t push too hard.”

“So, when you can’t argue with reason, you resort to righteousness, is that it?” Wei Yun sneered. “Fine. Since you have no justification, then accept the punishment. Apologize to my sister-in-law!”

“Fine,” Song Wenchang trembled with anger. “I won’t argue with you. I’ll apologize—to this Madam Wei, who bullied her younger sister since childhood, deliberately seduced her sister’s fiancé, and eloped with him before the wedding…”

Before he could finish, Song Wenchang felt a chill at his neck, as if someone had grabbed his collar, lifting him off the ground and hurling him into the nearby lake.

The crowd gasped in shock, only to see Wei Yun, his face pale, gripping the armrest of his wheelchair for support with one hand while pressing the other to his chest, coughing violently.

Song Wenchang flailed in the water, while Chu Yu, flustered, helped Wei Yun sit down. She pulled a small bottle from her sleeve and said to the coughing Wei Yun, “Hold on, my lord! Why did you act so impulsively?”As she spoke, Chu Yu placed the small bottle under Wei Yun's nose. He inhaled the scent from it and gradually regained his breath. His coughing slowly subsided, and when he looked up, he met Chu Yu's reddened eyes. His heart skipped a beat, and he instantly panicked. Just as he was about to say something, he heard Chu Yu speak with a face full of grievance:

“If they want to slander me, let them. I don’t care if it’s once or twice. But why must you harm your own health over this, my lord? Your Majesty rejected your request to go to the front lines because he wants you to recover and serve the nation again. There’s no need to waste your energy on these petty, misguided fools!”

Her words, spoken through tears, left the onlookers confused. For a moment, no one could tell who was right or wrong between the sisters. However, Wei Yun felt relieved. Chu Yu was spouting blatant lies with her eyes wide open—she must have a plan. She hadn’t been frightened to tears by his condition.

He sighed, looking at Chu Yu's reddened eyes, and said slowly, "Sister-in-law, please don't cry. I'm fine."

With that, he raised his head and cupped his hands toward the crowd. "I'm feeling unwell and must take my leave now. Gentlemen, please continue your revelry and don't let my absence dampen your spirits."

No one dared to stop Wei Yun as he prepared to leave. At that moment, Song Wenchang was still floundering in the water, while Chu Jin anxiously directed people to rescue him. Seeing this, Song Shilan stepped forward and gestured for Wei Yun to proceed. "Allow me to escort the Young Marquis."

Wei Yun nodded, visibly exhausted, and glanced at a nearby maid. "Please ask the Second Madam of Wei Manor to meet me at the gate."

The maid acknowledged and left. Song Shilan led the way for Chu Yu and Wei Yun toward the exit. As Chu Yu pushed Wei Yun's wheelchair, she heard Song Shilan apologize to him. "My elder brother has always been impulsive. I hope the Young Marquis can forgive him."

"This matter is between me and the heir. It has nothing to do with the Song Family or Wei Manor. Second Young Master need not worry."

Wei Yun understood Song Shilan's implication and cut straight to the point. "You and the heir don’t get along, do you?"

"We usually manage," Song Shilan replied with a meaningful smile. "But when the Marquis is involved, things change."

Though winter had already set in, Song Shilan still carried a folding fan, giving him an air of refined elegance.

He used the fan to lift a drooping branch beside him and remarked casually, "I heard the Young Marquis entered the palace recently."

"You're well-informed, Second Young Master," Wei Yun said coldly. "For you to know about my late-night audience with His Majesty—such eavesdropping would cost you more heads than you have to spare."

"You overestimate me, Marquis," Song Shilan replied calmly. "I merely enjoy making acquaintances. Eavesdropping on His Majesty is far beyond my reach. I happened to know some people in the palace who mentioned your visit. And coincidentally, I also know a few from the frontlines who spoke of Yao Yong abandoning the city."

"Yao Yong abandoned the city?!"

Chu Yu couldn't help exclaiming, her first thought being the fate of the local civilians. Although Wei Yun had briefly mentioned his conversation with the emperor upon his return, he had only stated that Yao Yong was too weak on the frontlines—never mentioning the abandonment of the city. Thus, hearing this news shocked her deeply.

Wei Yun understood her concern and quickly added, "He evacuated the civilians before retreating—"

Before he could finish, Song Shilan let out a light chuckle.

"Since when did he care about that?" Song Shilan's tone dripped with scorn. "If not for that Kunyang Magistrate, Gu Chusheng, the people of Bai City would have long been slaughtered by the Northern Di."