These words made Wei Yun laugh. He cleared his throat and then said, "Alright, I won’t waste time with idle talk, Sister-in-law. There’s something I’d like to ask you."
"Hmm?"
"Would you say you are familiar with Gu Chusheng?"
Hearing this, Chu Yu remained silent. She glanced at the sky before replying, "The night is cold and the dew heavy. Why don’t we move to the study to talk?"
Wei Yun nodded, and the two walked toward the study together. Chu Yu looked to the side and slowly asked, "Why do you ask?"
"I intend to form an alliance with him."
Wei Yun pondered before continuing, "But before that, I need to understand your relationship with him. If he has ever wronged you, then I’ll seek someone else."
Chu Yu didn’t respond immediately, considering the implications of Wei Yun’s words.
Currently, Gu Chusheng was evacuating civilians at the frontlines, showcasing his remarkable talent—an achievement that would surely earn him great merit. It was no surprise that Wei Yun had taken notice of Gu Chusheng’s abilities.
And—Gu Chusheng was indeed an exceptionally capable man.
Lowering her gaze, Chu Yu carefully replied, "What brought this idea to mind?"
"Yao Yong abandoned the city. He should have been held accountable."
Chu Yu nodded in understanding. The two entered the study and knelt at the table. Wanyue served tea and pastries, and Wei Yun poured tea for Chu Yu.
Under the lamplight, the young man’s expression was calm and gentle, carrying a composed dignity not often seen in him. The tea shimmered in the light, and Chu Yu’s gaze unconsciously lingered on it as she listened to Wei Yun’s voice: "Yet in his battle report, he concealed the truth, writing that he fled only after evacuating the civilians, erasing Gu Chusheng’s contributions entirely. If Gu Chusheng were to learn of this, would he bear resentment?"
Hearing this question, Chu Yu understood—Wei Yun was seeking her insight.
Though Chu Yu had not confirmed her familiarity with Gu Chusheng, Wei Yun had already made it clear that he knew she must be well-acquainted with him.
It wasn’t hard to deduce—how could a woman who had once eloped with a man not know him intimately?
In truth, if Chu Yu were truly fifteen, she might not have been able to answer this question. Fortunately, this was the Chu Yu who had spent twelve years as Madam Gu. Calmly, she replied, "Resentment is unlikely. He has always believed human nature is inherently selfish. Perhaps he anticipated this outcome long ago."
"Oh?"
Wei Yun seemed puzzled. "Knowing his contributions might be stolen, he still risked his life to evacuate the civilians. Is he truly such a righteous man?"
Righteous, my foot!
The scathing retort burned on Chu Yu’s tongue. She forced herself to remain silent until she regained her composure before slowly saying, "He has always been self-serving, far from a righteous or loyal man. Don’t idealize him too much. But he is ambitious and willing to gamble. Given his intellect, his desperate efforts to save the people of Bai City might have been... a calculated move, waiting for someone in Hua Jing to take notice."
"Please elaborate, Sister-in-law," Wei Yun urged, his eyes alight with interest. From his expression, Chu Yu could almost tell that, barring any major issues, Wei Yun would likely ally with Gu Chusheng.
Just as it had been in her past life—the civil strategist Gu and the military commander Wei, these two had formed the most unshakable defense of Great Chu.
Countless bitter words rose to her lips. She wanted to say how terrible Gu Chusheng was, how unworthy, how in this lifetime, she never wanted anyone close to her—or herself—to have any ties to him.However, under Wei Yun's gaze, she couldn't help but fall silent. In Wei Yun's early life, Gu Chusheng had played a crucial role. Back when Great Chu had been brought to its knees by Yao Yong's misrule, if not for Gu Chusheng stabilizing the rear, she couldn't be certain whether Wei Yun would have had the chance to shine so brilliantly.
Was there another Gu Chusheng in this world?
Chu Yu wasn't sure.
But should she really help Gu Chusheng form an alliance with Wei Yun and watch him stride down that broad, prosperous path?
Chu Yu didn't know that either.
She had thought that in this second life, she had let go of all her love and hatred for Gu Chusheng. Yet when paving the way for him with her own hands, she couldn't help feeling a twinge of unwillingness.
Her prolonged silence prompted Wei Yun to ask again, "Sister-in-law?"
Chu Yu looked at him, her emotions turbulent beneath the surface. Sensing something amiss, Wei Yun inquired with concern, "Is there some unresolved grievance between you and him?"
His eyes held worry, and beneath that worry was unmistakable protectiveness. As Chu Yu quietly studied him, Wei Yun frowned. "Did he wrong you in the past?"
Hearing this, Chu Yu knew that a single "yes" from her would instantly change Wei Yun's attitude toward Gu Chusheng. Such kindness made it impossible for her to harm others for personal reasons. She exhaled slowly and answered, "No."
Enough—this was another lifetime.
In this life, Gu Chusheng had done nothing wrong. He hadn't hurt her; he was still that proud, pure-hearted youth she had admired in her younger days.
Gradually, Chu Yu's heart settled. She continued, "He never wronged me. I was the one who admired him, and he didn't reciprocate. That wasn't his fault."
"He has always been skilled in strategy. He must know Yao Yong won't report his merits. And with your return to the capital, he's also aware that the Wei family's case is closely tied to Yao Yong. His actions aren't primarily about claiming credit or protecting the people—it's a setup to make the person he wants to meet come to him."
"Who is that person?"
Though Wei Yun already had an answer in mind, he sought confirmation. Chu Yu, putting herself in Gu Chusheng's shoes and retracing his thought process, met Wei Yun's gaze and slowly uttered a single word—
"You."
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